Cafè 1904 Restaurant

Housed in an 18th-century heritage building just 100m from the ocean in Hermanus, Café 1904 Restaurant offers more than its humble name suggests. The restaurant, which opened in April 2017, has evolved from a tiny 16-seater venue to a charming establishment that can host up to 100 guests between its indoor dining rooms and shaded terrace.

Atmosphere & Setting

The restaurant features three separate, elegantly decorated dining rooms within a restored historic fishing village home. Outside, a giant spider gum eucalyptus that dates back to the building's origins provides welcome shade for al fresco dining. The eclectic décor creates a warm, cozy ambiance that makes guests feel at home—a reflection of the owners' personal touch throughout the venue.

Cuisine

Café 1904 is particularly renowned for its seafood, with many considering it among the best in Hermanus. The menu showcases:

• Signature seafood dishes: Thai Kingklip, seafood curry, seafood platters, and perfectly prepared calamari
• Premium steaks: Aged sirloin, fillet medallions, and expertly grilled rump
• Slow-cooked classics: Oxtail, lamb shank, and traditional South African flavors
• Vegetarian options: Halloumi dishes and plant-based platters

Dishes are served with an array of complementary sauces, and the hand-cut chips receive consistent praise for being crisp outside and fluffy inside—a small detail that shows the kitchen's commitment to quality.

Local Tips

• Booking is essential, especially during whale season (June-November) when Hermanus fills with tourists
• Try the seafood platter if you're keen to sample a variety of locally sourced ocean fare
• The restaurant uses a unique chalkboard menu presentation system, so be prepared to make choices when the server presents options
• For a special occasion, consider pre-arranging a bespoke menu with the owners
• Arrive early to enjoy a pre-dinner stroll along the nearby coastal path where you might spot whales (in season)

Good To Know

The restaurant is closed on Mondays. Operating hours are Tuesday to Sunday with lunch from 12:00-15:00 and dinner from 17:00-22:30 (kitchen closes at 21:15). During some periods, they may only open for dinner on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

After dining, take a short walk to the Whale House Museum to learn more about the marine giants that have made Hermanus famous. The restaurant's name references 1904, when the town's harbor breakwater was raised—a symbol of growth mirroring the restaurant's own expansion.