Damhuis Restaurant — Restaurant in Melkbosstrand

My recent visit to this restaurant left me deeply dissatisfied and disheartened.

Let me narrate my experience, one that diverged dramatically from my anticipated enjoyment. Ordinarily, I opt for the calamari starter, but on this particular occasion, I ventured to try the peri-peri chicken livers. The starter, I must concede, was nothing short of exceptional - an unequivocal triumph of culinary delight.

Yet, my optimism swiftly soured when I ordered the 1.2-kilogram ribs for my main course, a choice I had previously savored. My intent was to relish the leftovers over the following days. However, this time, my expectations were cruelly shattered. Following the enjoyment of my fries, I enthusiastically sampled a portion of the meat and cartilage, finding it relatively palatable. Nevertheless, my dining experience took a grim turn when my cousin commented on the portion size of their meals. A swift comparison unveiled a shocking discrepancy in the quantity of food presented. Closer examination revealed a plate predominantly laden with dry, unappetizing ends, while the succulent portions were conspicuous in their absence.

Summoning our server, Dumi, I vocalized my discontent. Dumi and his fellow staff members deserve praise for their prompt and commendable service. Regrettably, my dissatisfaction remained unresolved. To Dumi, I articulated my grievance, contending that my plate seemed to have been stocked with nothing but remnants. My request for redress was polite, leading to an understanding that I would retain the small, acceptable portion while the rest of the meal was to be returned to the kitchen.

Following an agonizing 20-minute interval, a towering manager approached our table, exuding an air of arrogance, and delivered a noticeably inadequate replacement meal without uttering a word or presenting himself professionally. This action was indefensible, given the context and my prior interaction with Dumi. Moreover, it was blatantly evident that this serving was even smaller than the initial portion Dumi had supplied. My frustration with the manager and his dearth of professionalism was unequivocal. I requested that my initial disappointment be packed for takeout.

The ensuing events were nothing short of reprehensible. Instead of addressing the issue with courtesy and professionalism, the manager opted to exhibit a flagrant lack of decorum. He failed to proffer alternative solutions, such as permitting me to select another dish or providing a full kilo-sized portion of ribs, given that I had already consumed the 200-gram piece proffered by Dumi. In any reputable establishment, especially when patrons are as generous as our party, the expectation is that every effort should be made to rectify any issues. Alas, this was not the case.

To be unequivocal, I have never encountered such abysmal service. Even fast-food establishments, often perceived as having more modest service standards, have eclipsed the level of disappointment I experienced at this restaurant. The depth of my dissatisfaction runs deep, leaving me feeling as though I had been swindled and conned. This subpar experience felt nothing short of a personal betrayal.

Our table collectively expended nearly R3,500.00 - R4,000.00 during our visit, all in anticipation of celebrating my father and his wife's marriage joyfully. My disbelief is difficult to put into words. The restaurant, once held in high regard, has ruthlessly crushed my expectations, serving an abysmal meal that has left me utterly disheartened. It is worth noting that I was not even provided with the manager's name, having to ascertain it from the staff as "Julio" or something similar.

In summary, I feel not only wronged but profoundly deceived by this establishment. At this point, I hold little hope that any action can rectify the situation. Such treatment from an establishment of this caliber was unimaginable. The enduring sense of the feeling of having been robbed are sentiments that I had never associated with this...

My friend and I decided to take a drive out to Melkbosstrand to enjoy the scenery but also the restaurants. We found ourselves at Damhuis. Looks inviting and the food looked amazing which made us even more thrilled to indulge.

We went in and were offered an available table outside because the restaurant was full which we thought was nice that they could accommodate us but was disgusted at the service that followed.

We had being sitting for sometime and not helped then when a waiter did come out to assist she went to the beautiful white couple sitting next to us. The waiter was beautiful and bubbly while my friend and I received a “have you been helped” by another waiter who had also come to us after some time.

Right there and then I felt like I was in the struggle of Apartheid and years of what one would think has been rectified was very evident in the treatment of the service today.

The waitress (white) went straight passed us (people of colour) to assist the white couple who had come after us. One would think greeting the tables as you enter would be common decency in the profession, taking note from the front house and asking the first table you see had they being served before moving on, would be a norm.However, clearly this is not the case at Damhuis. The manager was diplomatic while listening to my service experience regarding my friend and I being profiled and my suggestions of educating their staff to be mindful of all people irrespective of their skin colour but what upset us, is this shouldn’t be the case in the hospitality industry where a waitress or a waiter should be told to be hospitable to all...

I’ve never felt so uncomfortable in my life. Meeting extended family to commemorate a loved one, all having to make our way to meet at what was supposed to be a beautiful place, symbolizing Dutch heritage, overlooking the sea…The manager on arrival was so rude, saying we had booked for 11 and there were 15. No more chairs he said. This when not even one table in the area had other occupants and continued to be 50% empty the whole time we were there. Then told us kitchen closes at 11 for breakfast and it was now 10.45 and didn’t come back to take our order, so very upset that we missed the deadline after waving them down to take the order. When the drinks arrived an obnoxious waitress was barking “chocolate milkshake??? Knowing full well most of the people at the table were older and poor Oom was made to feel so bad that he didn’t hear her sooner as she slammed it down. On delivery of food an adamant reminder, that the table was booked for 12. Which at 11.55 had the other female “manager” or whoever she was coming and staring at our table clicking her pen… In pure principle, I would imagine hospitality should be key in any restaurant, but this was clearly not the case. It all made sense when I went to the loo which borders their kitchen and heard how badly the staff were spoken to after someone accidentally broke a glass. It was pure bullying…. I will NEVER set foot there again. What a waste because it’s really pretty, but...