De Vette Mossel Hermanus | Beach Seafood Restaurant Experience — Restaurant in Overstrand Local Municipality

De Vette Mossel Hermanus: A Seafood Symphony with Soul

As an Events Manager with nearly two decades of experience under my belt, I’ve seen the good, the great, and the gloriously unforgettable. De Vette Mossel Hermanus falls squarely into that last category—a venue that doesn’t just serve food, but serves up an experience with heart, humor, and heaps of hospitality.

We chose this gem for one of our conference dinners in Hermanus, and honestly, I can say it was the perfect choice! From the very first conversation to the final farewell, I had the pleasure of working directly with a dynamic duo behind the magic—Gustave and Charne du Bois. Owners who really pours back into their business. These two don’t just run a restaurant; they pour their passion into every potjie, every plate, and every guest interaction. It is very clear from the reviews, I am totally spot on!

Not Your Average Venue

Let’s set expectations: this isn’t a five-star, white-linen kind of place. It’s better. It’s barefoot luxury, where the sand is your carpet, the ocean your backdrop, and the vibe is pure coastal bliss. Over the course of 2–3 hours of dinner service time, we were treated to a multi-course seafood extravaganza, complete with a hearty meat pot and, at my request, a delicious chicken pot (added for a small fee and worth every cent) and of course catering to every dietary requirement and halaal meal. What was also a special surprise was the very humorous and entertaining introduction from Gustave to my guests. We all felt very welcome.

Award-Winning for a Reason:

At the entrance, I spotted a well-deserved accolade: Reviewers’ Choice Awards 2024 – Top 10 Restaurants in Southern Africa. And honestly? I’d bump them up to number one. Here’s why:

Location, Location, Lagoon: Set right on the edge of a tranquil lagoon off the South Atlantic, this is where you kick off your shoes, sip a cocktail, and let the sea breeze carry your worries away. Their motto? “Come have a great jol!” And they mean it.

People First, Always: Charne was my co-pilot from day one. From site inspection to the final toast, she was present, proactive, and passionate. No request was too big, no detail too small. She’s as comfortable handling corporate events as she is welcoming casual diners.

Food with Flair: Gustave, the culinary captain, ensured every dish was a hit. Think traditional South African flavors fused with the freshest seafood. The mussels? Out of this world. The potbrood? Warm, fluffy perfection. I can certainly tell you, and as Gustave said: "It creeps up on you and if you don't watch, you would fill up on just that", so divine it tasted.

Hands-On Hospitality: Both Gustave and Charne were on-site, sleeves rolled up, making sure everything ran smoothly. I love working with people who believe in what they do—and it shows.

Budget-Friendly Bar: The drinks were well-priced, the selection generous, and the service swift. A win all around.

Clean & Convenient: The bathrooms were spotless, and parking was a breeze— enough space for the 8 buses we had coming in.

Final Thoughts De Vette Mossel Hermanus is more than a restaurant—it’s a retreat. A place where you can unplug, unwind, and indulge. I give it a wholehearted thumbs up and wish Gustave and Charne all the best in their next...

De Vette Mossel is extremely well situated on the Bank of the Lagoon that flows into the ocean at Hermanus. The view from the outside seating is quite breathtaking and can be seen from some indoor seating as well. The decor is simple but effective, no frills, traditional beach/plaas restaurant with plenty of quirky Afrikaans sayings written all over. Some of it might be lost on the English or international patrons.

The food is quite impressive. We had a massive plate of mussel meat and shelled mussels dropped on us upon arrival, which we struggled to finish. This was my favourite part of the menu actually, as the mussel meat was wonderful prepared in onions, garlic, butter and some spices. Delicious. There's an unlimited amount of home made bread available along with the mussels and other dishes. The mains was served in segments too. The seafood pot, though reported to have every sort of delicacy in it, including salmon and butter fish, was somewhat bland. This could be a personal take, everyone else seemed to enjoy it, but as someone that often prepares the dish myself, I found it to be lacking. The accompanying vegetables, salad and bread was plentiful and tasty. The second round of mains was a pot of beef stew, which seemed to have been very flavourful. I didn't have any, as I had decided to eat the seafood dishes and not worry about the rest. Everyone else at my table had some and loved it. Desert was an assortment of fresh fruit, koeksister and boeretroos (pit boiled moer coffee), a lovely way to round off the meal.

My only complaint would be the bathrooms, which are not clean at all. It also doesn't seem to be checked regularly throughout the seating session, so it gets progressively worse as time goes on. Male bathrooms reeked of pee from outside and the ladies didn't have toiletpaper in all the bathrooms. The walls looked dirty as well.

Otherwise I would highly recommend the stop when passing through Hermanus. It was well...

Review: De Vette Mossel, Hermanus

If you’re looking for an unforgettable culinary experience in Hermanus, De Vette Mossel is the place to be. This seaside gem delivers a perfect blend of authentic South African flavors, warm hospitality, and breathtaking ocean views.

From the moment you arrive, the relaxed beachside atmosphere sets the tone for an exceptional dining adventure. The setting, with its rustic charm and fresh sea breeze, immediately transports you to a carefree coastal escape.

The food? Absolutely phenomenal! De Vette Mossel specializes in fresh, flavorful, and perfectly prepared seafood served in a buffet-style feast. Every course feels like a celebration of the ocean’s bounty. Highlights include the smoky snoek, the succulent prawns, and the perfectly spiced calamari. The mussels, cooked to perfection, are an absolute must-try! Everything is served hot and fresh, cooked right in front of you, ensuring a meal that’s as satisfying as it is authentic.

What truly sets De Vette Mossel apart is the communal dining experience. Sharing tables with fellow guests fosters a sense of camaraderie, and the friendly staff make everyone feel like family. They’re attentive, cheerful, and always ready to share a story or a recommendation.

The pricing is incredibly reasonable for the quality and variety offered. It’s not just a meal—it’s an experience, one that feels indulgent yet laid-back.

De Vette Mossel isn’t just about food; it’s about making memories. Whether you’re visiting with family, friends, or as a couple, this spot guarantees a unique experience that will leave you longing to return.

In short, De Vette Mossel in Hermanus is a must-visit for seafood lovers and anyone seeking an authentic South African dining experience. It’s the perfect combination of spectacular views, excellent service, and unbeatable cuisine. Five...