Profile
De Vette Mossel Hermanus is one of South Africa’s most celebrated, joyful, and genuinely unforgettable dining experiences — an open-fire beach seafood buffet at the Prawn Flats Slipway, R43, Voëlklip, Hermanus, Western Cape, 7200, situated directly on the Klein River Lagoon with its own private beach, majestic mountain backdrop, and a view that makes every meal feel like a celebration. With a 100% Facebook recommendation rate from 311 reviews and a reputation as a bucket list Hermanus experience, De Vette Mossel Hermanus invites guests to kick off their shoes, feel the sand beneath their feet, and feast for nearly 3 hours on 13 dishes across 7 courses — all prepared on crackling open fires right before your eyes, served in a rolling buffet that just keeps coming.
The Story — Born on the Beach in 2004
De Vette Mossel’s story begins with one man’s love for the ocean. In December 2004, founder Niël du Bois opened the first De Vette Mossel on a pristine dune at Groot Brak River near Mossel Bay — an open-air restaurant literally on a beach, where freshly caught seafood was prepared and enjoyed in gloriously informal surroundings, just like on the West Coast. The concept captured hearts immediately, and De Vette Mossel expanded to Harties (2012), Parys (2013), and Hermanus (December 2018).
The Hermanus branch is run by Gustave and Charné du Bois — local Hermanus residents who grew up with De Vette Mossel and bring genuine warmth, humour, and passion to every service. Gustave is the barefoot culinary ringmaster, entertaining guests with storytelling, jokes, and toasts that turn strangers into friends by dessert. Charné brings warmth and grace to the wild charm of the beach-side buffet.
The Location — Klein River Lagoon, Prawn Flats & Mountains
De Vette Mossel Hermanus sits in one of the most spectacular natural settings of any restaurant in South Africa. Right on the Klein River Lagoon at the Prawn Flats, around the corner from Grotto Beach, the restaurant’s tables are set directly on the sand — most seating under roof, all protected from wind and rain.
A large open fire pit at the heart of the dining area is where the magic of the food is made. Framed by the Hermanus mountains behind and the sparkling lagoon in front, the setting is nestled between the sea and the mountains, right next to the water. An indigenous coastal forest nearby provides beautiful photo backdrops.
To find De Vette Mossel Hermanus: Take the R43 through Hermanus towards Stanford. Just as you leave Voëlklip, turn right at the first turnoff marked “Prawn Flats” and follow the De Vette Mossel signs. Drop off guests at the door; park on the grass area at the top.
The Experience — 7 Courses, 13 Dishes, Nearly 3 Hours
This is not a restaurant meal — this is a South African seafood feast. All dishes are prepared on open fires and served as a rolling buffet. A complimentary glass of good Cape wine is served on arrival.
The Seven-Course Rolling Buffet
1. Potbrood (Pot Bread)
Freshly baked over the fire, served with farm butter and sweet apricot jam (appelkooskonfyt). Beware — it is impossible to resist, but be careful not to fill up before the seafood arrives.
2. Mussel Meat
Tender mussel meat sautéed with onions, heaps of garlic, and farm butter.
3. Mussels in Half Shell
Steamed with white wine and onions, served to the table.
4. West Coast Snoek-en-Patats
Snoek prepared West Coast style with sweet potato — proudly South African.
5. Signature Seafood Pot
Three types of fish, calamari strips, mussels, and prawn tails — served with savoury rice, garden salad, and a rich vegetable dish with milk and cheese.
6. Meat Potjie
A hearty meat potjie for those who prefer not to eat seafood, ensuring everyone is catered for.
7. Dessert & Closing Ceremony
Seasonal fresh fruit (watermelon and sweet melon), followed by strong traditional moerkoffie and rooibos tea with condensed milk — and the quintessentially South African finale: koeksisters.
Premium Extras (Ordered Separately)
Additional seafood can be ordered separately and is not part of the buffet:
- Calamari steak: R95 / 300g
- Catch of the day: R95 / 220g
- Whole prawns: R250 / 500g
- Kreef (West Coast Rock Lobster): R390 / 420g
- Perlemoen (Abalone): R150
Functions, Weddings & Year-End Events
De Vette Mossel Hermanus is available for private events and functions throughout the year, with capacity for up to 140 guests. Groups larger than 25 can book any day of the week.
The venue is ideal for beach weddings — say ‘I do’ with sand beneath your feet, salty air in your hair, and your nearest and dearest clinking glasses of local bubbly nearby. It’s also perfect for work functions and year-end functions in a relaxing and informal atmosphere where colleagues can interact and enjoy themselves, as well as birthday celebrations and corporate team-building events.
The complete event seafood experience is included — the full rolling buffet format for all private events. An on-site beach bar is stocked with Western Cape’s best local wines, craft beer, soft drinks, and bubbly.
Sustainability — Committed to People & Planet
De Vette Mossel Hermanus takes its environmental and community responsibilities seriously. The restaurant grows some of its own vegetables using compost from the garden, avoids plastic straws, and encourages suppliers to reduce plastic packaging. Seafood is sourced responsibly and sustainably, and recycled materials such as fishing nets and fluitjie reeds are repurposed in building construction. Water usage is kept minimal throughout operations.
All leftover food is donated to families in serious need within the local Hermanus community. Staff are drawn from the previously unemployed and are trained and empowered as an integral part of the team.
Booking, Operating Hours & Accessibility
De Vette Mossel Hermanus is open Saturdays and Sundays (unless otherwise stipulated), with two sittings available: Lunch 12:00–15:00 and Dinner 18:30–midnight. Advance booking is essential to avoid disappointment.
Guests may bring their own cooler box with drinks (corkage R120), though a cash bar is also available and card facilities are provided. Note that own drinks are not allowed for company or year-end functions.
The venue is wheelchair accessible with a dedicated wheelchair ramp. A play area on site (partially shaded, variety of activities) is available for kids.
Contact Information
For bookings and enquiries, contact De Vette Mossel Hermanus:
- Address: Prawn Flats Slipway, R43, Voëlklip, Hermanus, Western Cape, 7200
- Phone: +27 64 552 6627
- Email: dv*********@***il.com
- Website: devettemossel.co.za/hermanus
- Hosts: Gustave and Charné du Bois
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Where is De Vette Mossel Hermanus located?
A: De Vette Mossel Hermanus is located at Prawn Flats Slipway, R43, Voëlklip, Hermanus, Western Cape, 7200. It sits directly on the Klein River Lagoon with its own private beach. To find it, take the R43 through Hermanus towards Stanford, turn right at the first turnoff marked “Prawn Flats” as you leave Voëlklip, and follow the De Vette Mossel signs.
Q: How long does the De Vette Mossel dining experience last?
A: The dining experience lasts nearly 3 hours. Guests enjoy 13 dishes across 7 courses, all prepared on open fires and served as a rolling buffet. The experience includes a complimentary glass of Cape wine on arrival and ends with traditional moerkoffie, rooibos tea, and koeksisters.
Q: What are the operating hours and do I need to book in advance?
A: De Vette Mossel Hermanus is open Saturdays and Sundays (unless otherwise stipulated) with lunch from 12:00–15:00 and dinner from 18:30–midnight. Advance booking is essential to avoid disappointment. Groups larger than 25 can book any day of the week.
Q: Can I bring my own drinks to De Vette Mossel Hermanus?
A: Yes, guests may bring their own cooler box with drinks for a corkage fee of R120. A cash bar is also available on site with card facilities provided. Note that own drinks are not allowed for company or year-end functions.
Q: Is De Vette Mossel Hermanus suitable for functions and weddings?
A: Yes, the venue accommodates up to 140 guests for private events. It’s ideal for beach weddings, year-end functions, birthday celebrations, and corporate team-building events. The complete seafood buffet experience is included for all private events, and an on-site beach bar is stocked with local wines, craft beer, and bubbly.
Q: Is the venue wheelchair accessible and child-friendly?
A: Yes, De Vette Mossel Hermanus is wheelchair accessible with a dedicated wheelchair ramp. A play area on site (partially shaded with a variety of activities) is available for children.
Q: What dishes are included in the rolling buffet?
A: The 7-course rolling buffet includes potbrood with farm butter and apricot jam, mussel meat with garlic and butter, mussels in half shell with white wine, West Coast snoek-en-patats, signature seafood pot with three types of fish, meat potjie for non-seafood eaters, and dessert with fresh fruit, moerkoffie, rooibos tea, and koeksisters. A complimentary glass of Cape wine is served on arrival.
Q: Can I order additional seafood items beyond the buffet?
A: Yes, premium extras can be ordered separately including calamari steak (R95/300g), catch of the day (R95/220g), whole prawns (R250/500g), kreef or West Coast rock lobster (R390/420g), and perlemoen or abalone (R150). These items are not part of the standard buffet.
Explore more options at the Hermanus event venues directory and Western Cape event venue listings.
