De Palm Bar — Restaurant in Saldanha Bay Local Municipality

A Disappointing Return Visit to De Palm Restaurant & Bar

After receiving stellar service and an incredible experience during our last West Coast trip, we could not wait to come back to De Palm Restaurant & Bar and share this amazing place with more of our friends. Sadly, our excitement quickly turned into disappointment.

We arrived earlier in the evening, hoping to enjoy a light dinner at the restaurant. Upon entering, we were greeted by empty doors and no staff in sight. After waiting a while, we seated ourselves and picked up menus from the front desk, thinking that might get someone’s attention. Eventually, a young lady—presumably the hostess—approached us, but not before finishing her very large beet in hand. She seemed unsure of what to do, rushing about rather than simply taking our order. Her overall presentation also came across as quite unprofessional for a restaurant setting.

Feeling unwelcome and a bit uncomfortable, we decided to skip dinner and head straight to the bar—hoping for a better experience there. Unfortunately, things didn’t improve. The bar was somewhat busy but nowhere near as packed as during our first visit. Still, the bartender was inattentive and unfriendly, prioritizing personal conversations over serving guests.

It’s honestly disheartening to see such a stark contrast between our first wonderful visit and this one. De Palm had truly impressed us before, but this time around, the service and atmosphere fell far below expectations. I sincerely hope management takes note, as this spot has so much potential when run with the same warmth and professionalism we experienced the first time

Response

Our very first visit to De Palm was just over a week ago, and we received stellar service all the way through — even though it was clearly a very busy evening at the bar. Mr Greg, who took such great care of us, went out of his way to explain the restaurant hours and why part of the premises was closed and locked up. He was so professional and welcoming that he honestly convinced us to come back earlier next time to try the restaurant — which we did on Saturday, 18 October.

Unfortunately, it seemed to be a completely different team on duty that evening, and it definitely showed. The service and overall atmosphere were not quite the same as our first amazing experience.

We truly hope our next visit will reflect the same great De Palm service we experienced from Greg and the team on our...

During our all-ladies weekend getaway to St Helena Bay, our Airbnb host suggested we visit De Palm Restaurant & Bar for a taste of the local nightlife — and what an amazing recommendation it turned out to be! We decided to pop in rather late, and although the restaurant had already closed for the evening, the bar was buzzing with great energy. At first, we were unsure if we should stay since it was so busy and space was limited, but then we were warmly welcomed by Mr. Greg, the General Manager, who immediately made us feel right at home. He went above and beyond to accommodate us, ensuring we were comfortable and taken care of even though ordering directly from the bar wasn’t possible at the time. We truly felt seen, valued, and most importantly, safe — something that really stood out to us as four ladies visiting for the first time. We ended up trying our luck on the slot machines next to the bar, and throughout the night, Mr. Greg checked in on us regularly, offering assistance and making sure we had everything we needed. It was incredible to see him single-handedly running the bar — cleaning, serving, taking orders, and managing everything effortlessly with such professionalism and friendliness. We ended up staying much longer than planned and absolutely loved every moment. De Palm Restaurant & Bar will definitely see us again on our next ladies’ weekend getaway! Highly recommended to anyone looking for a real West Coast good time! Well done to the team, and special thanks to Mr. Greg for making our first visit...

This establishment was once the centre point and pride of St Helena Bay. Sadly it has been mismanaged by the owners who simply have no idea of running this type of establishment where fights and disgusting drunkeness is apparently allowed, as long as the till is busy.

It's a place best avoided, especially from 7pm when a largely bad element arrives, drink, play pool and fight.

The owners simply don't have any idea. They condone this behaviour as far as many of us are fully aware.

Staff come and go on a regular basis.

Service is non - existent as well as the owners who think by hiding themselves all will be good.

The eating experience leaves a lot to be desired with myself twice finding hair in my food, which itself is not at all appetising, old chips heated up and of course food served cold.

I have instructed my daughter's and her many friends who who visit to go nowhere near the place where drunken behaviour is acted out in the parking lot, overflowing from what locals now refer to as a Shebeen.

I personally have witnessed Coke being snorted in the bathroom which is akin to a bathroom one would expect in prison.

I deeply offended the management when I asked for soap after using the bathroom.

If the bathroom looks like that, the kitchen leaves lots to be desired. I've personally been in the kitchen and I will never ever ever eat there again.

I would only rate this venue on the beautiful view.

These are my personal opinions shared by many decent locals.

It's a sad indictment of what once...