Quayside Cabin

Authentic Harbour Dining Experience

Situated at the lower slipway in Hermanus New Harbour, Quayside Cabin offers an authentic seafood experience surrounded by the colorful bustle of working fishing boats. The rustic cabin-style restaurant delivers exactly what its setting promises – ocean-fresh seafood prepared simply and generously.

Specialty Seafood

The restaurant specializes in sustainably sourced fish, with a menu featuring everything from local favorites like:

• Line fish: Fresh catches prepared grilled or Hermanus-style
• Cape Malay Pickled Fish: A traditional South African delicacy
• Thai Black Mussels: A popular starter with Asian flavors
• Snoek Samoosas: A uniquely South African twist on the traditional samosa

The seafood platters are the standout offering – enormous portions designed for sharing that showcase multiple types of seafood at once. The 1.4-meter platter that serves six people has become something of a local legend.

Local's Tips

• Booking essential: With only 65 seats and its popularity with both locals and tourists, securing a table in advance is non-negotiable, especially during whale season
• BYO option: The first 750ml bottle of wine has no corkage fee (one bottle per table with main meal order)
• Portion awareness: The platters are genuinely massive – a platter "for two" can easily feed three or four people
• Harbour viewing: Visit during daytime hours to enjoy the active harbour atmosphere with fishing boats coming and going

Restaurant Atmosphere

The décor embraces nautical themes with maritime artifacts, creating a no-frills, authentic harbour atmosphere. The seafaring ambiance is completed by the sounds of gulls outside and views across the working harbour. It's particularly lively during lunchtime when the harbour is at its busiest.

For families visiting, there's a dedicated children's menu with smaller portions of seafood favorites, making it accessible for the little ones to enjoy fresh seafood in an environment where the bustle of a working harbor adds to the experience rather than detracts from it.

Established in 2003, the restaurant has become a fixture in the New Harbour area, beloved by locals who return regularly for consistent quality seafood in an unpretentious setting.