The Cuckoo Tree — Restaurant in Overstrand Local Municipality

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 If you're ever in Hermanus and looking for a vintage, cozy, and quiet lunch spot—look no further. I asked ChatGPT for just that, and it led us straight to this little gem. Spot on! From the moment my mom and I stepped inside, we were wrapped in the kind of warmth you don’t often find—like visiting an old friend’s home on a rainy day. The air smelled of freshly brewed coffee and something hearty and savoury from the kitchen—grilled onions, simmering sauces, and comfort in the making. Every corner seemed to tell a story. The iced cappuccino was rich, creamy, and comforting—the kind of drink you sip slowly, just to make it last. The burger? Homemade patty, thick and juicy, covered in your choice of fresh, flavourful sauce. Crispy-on-the-outside, fluffy-on-the-inside chips, and a salad that was anything but an afterthought—bursting with colour, crunch, and brightness. But then came dessert... and wow. We couldn’t choose just one, so we didn’t. We shared their famous lemon meringue, a gooey brownie, a generous scoop of ice cream and cream, and the most incredible warm roasted almond tart—sweet, nutty, and perfectly comforting. If nothing else, go for that tart. I promise it’ll stay with you long after the last bite. The owner and her mom (the chef!) made us feel right at home—welcoming, kind, and clearly proud of the experience they’ve created. Whether it’s a chilly, misty Hermanus afternoon or a golden sunny day, this place just works. Highly,...

I became suddenly unwell without any warning and ran to what I thought was the bathroom, to discover too late it was a storeroom. The waiters on duty could not have been kinder and showed immediate concern. I of course offered to clean up after myself but Joseph insisted he would do it. I gave him all the cash in my purse as thanks. Then the owner appeared - and without finding out any details - made a deliberately loud announcement about how unacceptable it was for them to have to clean up. I therefore explained I had offered to clean; I had given a generous tip; she merely repeated her loud statement, failing by to acknowledge any of what I had said. When I pointed out that I was a customer (an ill one!) and didn’t deserve to be talked to that way, I was told she was the owner, as if that justified her rudeness. Fortunately for her, the person I was with will return. I certainly will not. She deliberately shamed me, at a time when I already felt great shame. There is little more humiliating than being ill in public and instead of kindness, I was shamed. Kindness matters more than...

I had the Asian duck and my wife had the salmon, prawn and dill pasta. The duck was beautifully cooked. The stir fry veg and rice complimented the dish well, but there was nothing really holding it together as ASIAN. The flavors just weren't pronounced enough. TG it didn't have some sweet sauce on, but it really could have used 'something' Asian.. and the choice of Asian countries is so immense. Even a fusion Asian would have done.. 😅 The pasta was extremely tasty. Expected the dill in the sauce but got some strange little bowl of dill sauce on the side. Trouble with pasta dishes is that they're all just so samet after a few mouthfuls. Not dissing the CT here, just saying in general. Was a bit surprised that she ordered it anyway. Service was great, friendly and efficient and the setting and location outside in the courtyard was fabulous on a balmy summer eve... We'll definitely be back to try some...