Hermanus combines two things we love: the ocean on one side and the vineyards of the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley just outside town. It may be best known for whale watching, but there is plenty to discover in between — from specialty coffee and relaxed restaurants to some seriously interesting cool-climate wineries. After visiting twice, these are the places that stayed with us most.
Best Places to Eat & Drink in Hermanus
Pear Tree
Pear Tree sits right in the centre of Hermanus and has developed into a contemporary bistro with a more ambitious approach than its relaxed setting might suggest. The cooking focuses on seasonal ingredients and modern techniques, while still feeling accessible rather than overly formal. We particularly liked that there were plenty of vegetable-focused options alongside the more indulgent side of the menu.
Ficks
Few restaurants in Hermanus have a setting quite like Ficks. Built into the cliffs above the historic Fick’s Pool, its terraces look directly over the ocean and make it an ideal stop while exploring the coastline. The food is inspired by Spanish pinchos and designed for sharing, but for us the combination of the views, wine and relaxed atmosphere is what makes this place memorable.
Frances at Auberge
Frances is the daytime restaurant at Auberge Burgundy, close to Hermanus’ Old Harbour. The focus is on breakfast, brunch and lunch made with locally sourced ingredients, in a light and relaxed setting. We originally came here for breakfast and really liked that it felt thoughtful without becoming overly elaborate — exactly the kind of place that works well before a day exploring Hermanus.
Mikro Coffee Co.
Mikro was our favourite coffee stop in Hermanus and has since developed further as a small-batch specialty coffee roastery. The focus remains very much on coffee rather than an enormous café menu, which is exactly why we liked it. If good coffee matters to you while travelling, this is one of the first places we would put on the list.
HAME
HAME is a characterful address on Aberdeen Street combining coffee, freshly baked pastries and a broader café and restaurant concept. It has evolved since our visit, but baking is still very much part of what they do. We originally came for the croissants, pastries and bread, and it remains a nice independent stop away from the busier waterfront.
Best Wineries near Hermanus
Creation Wines
Creation is one of the estates that shows how closely wine and food can work together. Located high in the cool-climate Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge, the winery has made food pairing a fundamental part of the experience rather than an optional extra. During our visit we loved how much attention was given to fresh produce and the vegetarian offering. It is somewhere we would choose for a proper lunch and tasting rather than a quick glass of wine.
Ataraxia Wines
Ataraxia is memorable before you have even tasted the wine. The estate sits high in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, surrounded by mountains and vineyards, while tastings take place inside its distinctive chapel-like Wine Lounge. The winery is particularly associated with elegant cool-climate wines, and the quiet, dramatic setting made this one of the most distinctive tastings we had in the area.
