The Cuckoo Tree

Tucked away on a quiet street in Hermanus, The Cuckoo Tree has established itself as a beloved local eatery known for its warm atmosphere and consistently excellent food. This family-run restaurant offers a tranquil retreat from the bustling waterfront areas that typically draw tourists.

Atmosphere & Setting

The restaurant features a charming outdoor courtyard with trees that locals fondly compare to "grandma's garden" - perfect for relaxed dining on sunny mornings. Inside, the establishment maintains an old-school dining approach with proper porcelain cups and traditional crockery, including Royal Dalton pieces, creating a homey yet refined experience.

Menu Highlights

• Breakfast favourites: The Eggs Benedict with smoked salmon and Banting breakfast options receive particular praise
• Seafood: The fried hake and calamari strips are prepared with exceptional care
• Signature dishes: The Asian duck and prawn stir fry often receive special mention
• Sweet treats: Don't leave without trying their lemon meringue pie, carrot cake or freshly baked scones

Local Tips

This spot is immensely popular with locals, which speaks volumes in a town filled with dining options. For the best experience:

• Arrive early, especially for breakfast, as tables fill quickly with regulars
• The garden area is particularly pleasant but note that part of the outdoor seating may permit smoking
• Their Ceylon tea served in proper teapots with covers is a special treat for tea lovers
• Budget around R100-150 per person for a satisfying breakfast or lunch

While many visitors focus exclusively on the waterfront restaurants with ocean views, The Cuckoo Tree demonstrates why it's worth exploring the quieter streets of Hermanus for an authentic dining experience at reasonable prices. The restaurant offers good parking and has recently added a new pedestrian access from the street.