Eating out in Dwarskersbos

Located up the West Coast, past the West Coast National Park and the coastal town of Velddrif, lies Dwarskersbos, a quaint seaside community and the ultimate escape from anxiety-ridden city living. Here, the perpetual purr of the ocean waves and the caw of seagulls serve as the soundtrack to a perfectly relaxing holiday. And when you’re ready to emerge for a little something to eat and drink, here are some fine establishments to visit in and around the area. Because Dwarskersbos is so small, with limited options for dining out, we have taken the liberty of including restaurants and bars from the neighbouring much larger town of Velddrif, located a short 10 to 15-minutes’ drive away.

Russells on the Port

T: +27 (0) 22 783 0158 | www.russellsontheport.co.za

Nestled into the picturesque Port Owen Marina in Velddrif, a short drive from Dwarskersbos, you’ll find Russells on the Port, a sophisticated and intimate 90-seater restaurant. Head chef Charl Coetzee crafts globally influenced contemporary dishes that are inspired by the seasons and fresh, local produce. Think West Coast seafood, lamb rump, crispy pork belly, and locally sourced game.

Address: 1 Bronwen Avenue, Port Owen Marina, Velddrif

Charlie’s Brewhouse

T: +27 (0) 22 783 0448 | www.charliesbrew.co.za

From the same entrepreneur who brought Velddrif Russells on the Port comes this vivacious, family-friendly establishment with panoramic views of the Port Owen Marina. Here, Head Chef David produces a gastronomic fusion between British pub fare and the finest West Coast flavours, such as sea-fresh West Coast mussels, beer prawns, pulled pork sandwiches, burgers with juicy homemade patties, Eton mess, and silky-smooth homemade ice cream.

Address: 1 Marina Centre, Port Owen Drive

See Kaia Restaurant

T: +27 (0) 83 276 3115 or +27 (0) 71 742 8593 | Facebook Page

Step into what feels like your neighbour’s home and take a seat at a ramshackle table in a colourful lounge as this friendly couple whips up delicious, homemade meals. The Sea Kaia serves unpretentious, rustic cuisine like pizzas, burgers, toasted sandwiches, and breakfasts that will have you rolling out the door, all with a side of West Coast country hospitality at its best!

Please do note that the Sea Kaia is not licensed to serve alcohol.

Address: Hoofwegs (Main Road), next to the Dwarskersbos Beach Resort (Caravan Park)

Soetcase Coffee Shop

T: +27 (0) 83 229 4131 | Facebook Page

A combined arts & crafts store and coffee shop, Soetcase serves a lovely variety of breakfasts, light lunches, pizzas, milkshakes, sweet treats and snacks made with love, and of course coffee. While you wait for your meal, why not take a little meander around the arts and crafts shop? You might find the perfect birthday or anniversary gift!

Address: Pretkor Centre, 8A Main Road, Dwarskersbos

Die Vishuis Restaurant

T: +27 (0) 22 783 1183 or +27 (0) 82 450 5053 | www.dievishuis.co.za

Die Vishuis Restaurant is a typical West Coast jewel, where you can sit down to a scrumptious menu of fresh, local fish and seafood. The restaurant was once a real “vishuis” where fisherman used to salt the Harders (fish) they caught. Today, several features of the original property have been preserved to create a historic, quirky atmosphere with stunning wetland views of the Berg River and its birdlife.

Address: Bokkom Avenue, Velddrif

Teyana’s Restaurant & Pub

T: +27 (0) 22 783 2055 | Facebook Page

Tenyana’s Restaurant & Pub is a casual eatery located on the banks of the Berg River, affording guests beautiful river and wetland views. Immensely popular with locals, you can expect the full spectrum of breakfasts, lunches, dinners, coffees, and drinks with a cuisine focus on fresh, local seafood.

Address: Pelican Harbour, Voortrekker Road, Velddrif

Ek en Djy Vissery

T: +27 (0) 82 781 3878

To steep yourself in quintessential West Coast culture, you’ve simply got to stop in at Ek en Djy Vissery (“me and you fishery”) in Velddrif. This quirky and wholly charming fish shop sells everything from fresh daily caught fish, mussels, pickled fish, roll mops, dried fish (bokkoms), and sea salt to refreshments, Velddrif souvenirs, arts and crafts, and handmade baked treats and jams.

Address: Bokkom Avenue, Velddrif

Die Vis Vlekhuis

T: +27 (0) 71 917 4521 or +27 (0) 22 783 0553 | Facebook Page

Die Vis Vlekhuis is a well-known family restaurant and take away seafood spot located in Laaiplek Harbour. With sweeping Atlantic Ocean views, this landmark site serves delicious fresh fish and seafood, caught that very morning and prepared according to multi-generational recipes. If you’re not a seafood lover, there are the restaurant’s legendary ribs and chips to chow down on. There’s also a bar serving a variety of cocktails, ice cold beverages, beers, and wine.

Address: 43 De Villiers Street, Laaiplek, Velddrif

Lavender & Lime Coffee Shop & Nursery

T: +27 (0) 78 203 8374, | Facebook Page

Towards the back of this verdant heaven of flowers, herbs, succulents, and trees you’ll find a coffee shop that serves all-day breakfasts, light lunches, beverages, and absolutely gorgeous cakes. Lavender & Lime is widely known for its breakfasts and, while waiting for your food to arrive, why not take a picture underneath their enormous Bobbejaandruif Boom (Belhambra tree)? It’s the biggest and oldest one in the region!

Address: 135 Voortrekker Road, Velddrif