Perlemoen Restaurant

Waterfront Dining with Abalone Specialty

Perched at the edge of the historic Old Harbour in Hermanus, Perlemoen Restaurant has established itself as a seafood destination specializing in locally sourced abalone. Only opened since May 2022, the restaurant occupies a building that was formerly the first abalone hatchery in the area, where local vet Dr Pierre Hugo began experimenting with cultivating the shellfish in 1984.

The restaurant's setting is truly exceptional - tables sit mere meters from the water's edge, offering diners spectacular ocean views and occasional whale sightings during season. This proximity to the sea comes with a caveat: access requires navigating a series of stairs down to the restaurant, making it challenging for those with mobility issues.

Menu Highlights

True to its name ("perlemoen" is Afrikaans for abalone), the restaurant offers this prized shellfish prepared in various ways:

• Pan Fried Abalone with curried aioli
• Abalone Tataki with cucumber, garlic chips and onion ponzu
• Abalone Bake gratinated with cheese and bacon ciabatta crumb
• Abalone Alfredo - orzo pasta in a creamy abalone sauce

Beyond abalone, the menu features fresh seafood options including West Coast mussels, line fish, calamari, and a seafood platter for two. For non-seafood eaters, options include pork belly and vegetarian dishes.

Wine and Drinks

The wine list showcases local vineyards within a 15km radius of the restaurant, providing an authentic taste of the Hermanus wine region. Featured estates include Benguela Cove, Bouchard Finlayson, Hamilton Russell, and Creation. The Bouchard Finlayson Kaaimansgat Chardonnay comes highly recommended by locals.

Practical Tips

• Booking is essential, especially for dinner as the intimate space fills quickly
• Operating hours: Lunch Tuesday to Sunday (11:30-3pm), Dinner Wednesday to Saturday (5pm-8pm)
• Dress warmly if dining outside - the sea breeze can be chilly even on warm days
• Request the cave table for a unique dining experience (suitable for 2 people)
• Time your visit during whale season (June-November) for possible whale sightings from your table

The restaurant has received recognition as a "Hidden Gem" from La Liste global awards, putting it on the international culinary map despite its relatively short history.

Cultural Context

Abalone has historic significance in the area - the Old Harbour has been attracting visitors since the 1850s for its seafood abundance. Fishing boats once returned daily to this harbor with their catches, creating much excitement among onlookers. Today, Hermanus and the wider Overstrand area host several thriving abalone farms, continuing this maritime tradition in a more sustainable manner.

For visitors wanting to explore more of Hermanus, the restaurant serves as an excellent starting point, situated right on the cliff path that stretches along the coastline, perfect for pre- or post-meal strolls.