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.

“A standing ovation to the team at De Vette Mossel Hermanus for creating a truly unique experience with outstanding food and ambience. See you again when we’re back in Hermanus!”

The Story — Born on the Beach in 2004

De Vette Mossel’s story begins with one man’s love for the ocean:

• 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 — “Mossel friends” kept coming back
• 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: “the barefoot culinary ringmaster — funny, charismatic, and genuinely passionate”, entertaining guests with storytelling, jokes, and toasts that turn strangers into friends by dessert
• Charné: “the heart of the place — 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 — where the magic of the food is made
• Framed by the Hermanus mountains behind and the sparkling lagoon in front
• “Nestled between the sea and the mountains — right next to the water”
• An indigenous coastal forest nearby providing 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 prepared on open fires and served as a rolling buffet:

1. Potbrood (Pot Bread) Freshly baked over the fire, served with farm butter and sweet apricot jam (appelkooskonfyt). “Beware of the famous Potbrood! 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. “Best seafood pot and calamari ever.”

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 — “slides down your throat”), followed by strong traditional moerkoffie and rooibos tea with condensed milk — and the quintessentially South African finale: koeksisters.

A complimentary glass of good Cape wine is served on arrival.

Extras (ordered separately, 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:

• Capacity: Up to 140 guests
• Groups larger than 25 can book any day of the week
• 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”
• Work functions and year-end functions — “a relaxing and informal atmosphere where colleagues can interact and enjoy themselves”
• Birthday celebrations
• Corporate team-building events
• Complete event seafood experience included — the full rolling buffet format for all private events
• On-site beach bar 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:

• Grows some own vegetables using compost from the garden
• Avoids plastic straws — encourages suppliers to reduce plastic packaging
• Seafood sourced responsibly and sustainably
• Repurposes recycled materials (fishing nets, fluitjie reeds) in building construction
• Minimal water usage throughout
• All leftover food donated to families in serious need within the local Hermanus community
• Staff are drawn from the previously unemployed — trained and empowered as an integral part of the team

Practical Details

• Address: Prawn Flats Slipway, R43, Voëlklip, Hermanus, Western Cape, 7200
• Phone: +27 64 552 6627
• Email: dvmhermanus@gmail.com
• Website: devettemossel.co.za/hermanus
• Facebook: 100% recommend (311 reviews)
• Hosts: Gustave and Charné du Bois
• Capacity: 140 guests
• Open: Saturdays and Sundays (unless otherwise stipulated)
• Sittings: Lunch 12:00–15:00 | Dinner 18:30–midnight
• Drinks: Bring your own cooler box with drinks (corkage R120) — cash bar also available — card facilities provided — note: own drinks not allowed for company/year-end functions
• Wheelchair accessible: Yes — dedicated wheelchair ramp
• Kids: Play area on site (partially shaded, variety of activities)
• Booking: Essential — advance booking required to avoid disappointment
• Best for: Hermanus seafood dining, Cape Whale Coast experiences, beach weddings, year-end functions, group seafood feasts, family celebrations, bucket list dining experiences, open-fire cooking experiences

For bookings and enquiries, visit the official De Vette Mossel Hermanus website.

Also explore other popular seafood restaurants and event venues in Hermanus and the Overberg or browse Western Cape beach and outdoor event venues on Event Venues SA.