Bientang's Cave Seafood Restaurant is situated on the shores of Walker Bay and is an international award-winning restaurant in the heart of one of the best land-based whale-watching areas in the world. The restaurant, which spills out onto the rocks of Walker Bay, was created out of a traditional cave previously inhabited by a Koi Strandloper. The rustic charm and natural ambience of the cave and its surroundings delight all visitors, with many returning year after year.
Not only do you get to sample the delights of Bientang's Cave you also get the best seat in town during the winter and spring months to get up close and personal with the whales. Bientang's Cave provides a unique restaurant setting with a comfortable deck where you can sit and enjoy delicious food and drink some of the best wines that the Overberg has to offer while watching whales lazing in the ocean mere metres away. Imagine sipping on a glass of wine while watching whales lifting their entire bodies out of the water in massive, graceful leaps. It's no wonder that Hermanus is regarded as the World's Official Whale Watching Capital.
The most common whale species are southern right whales, followed by humpback whales and infrequently orcas. Common dolphin schools frequently pass by. Numerous bird species, including seagulls and cormorants, sunbathe on the rocks. If you're lucky, you could also get a glimpse of a penguin or herring gull.
Six months out of the year, Walker Bay is a marine reserve. The marine life also attracts other animals to the town. The unique Oyster Catcher that just nested in Bientang's Caves Piet Se Klip is the most intriguing. Little Pearl, the first hatchling recorded in Hermanus, has been a blessing. Additionally, octopuses in the waves may be observed being flicked by seals and otters.
Dassies playfully run down the restaurant's cliff walk while Jennets, who are more reserved, peer through the trees. With an abundance of sea and bird life as well as Dassies for company, this exquisite setting is heightened as you enjoy a variety of the Cape's best wines at Bientang's Cave, either on their own or to complement your meal. The restaurant boasts a Diners Club Diamond Award for its impeccable wine list.
While the restaurant is predominantly a seafood restaurant, it also caters for all dietary requirements. A complete a la carte menu with a wide selection of fish, beef, poultry, and vegetarian alternatives is available in addition to daily specials. Hot and cold platters, as well as scrumptious desserts, coffees, and beverages, are all available.
Reservations are always recommended at the restaurant due to its popularity and because of its distinctive setting, high calibre cuisine, and welcoming atmosphere that draw customers from across the world all year long. They do, however, offer a cocktail bar where patrons may have a drink while waiting for a table if they are just passing by and the aromas catch their attention.
Bientang's Cave is dedicated to responsible tourism and environmental protection. They are setting up Bientang's Whale Watch Centre and Research Facility to guarantee the existence and yearly return of these gorgeous beasts. Additionally, they take part in underwater sea debris clean-ups and do daily clean-ups that involve picking up litter and glass from vegetation and rocks.
A visit to these museums should be on your agenda if you want to learn more about the history of the whaling town. The Whale Museum has a whale skeleton and twice-daily audio-visual presentations of whales and dolphins. There are various exhibits in the Old Harbour Museum that describe the whaling industry. The De Wetshuis Photo Museum hosts an exhibition of photographs by T. D. Ravenscroft that documents Hermanus' history.
Other thrilling activities include abseiling, quad-riding, and shark cage diving in Walker Bay. Explore Hermanus' charming pathways and breathtaking cliff walkways while seeing the varied floral fynbos kingdom. A visit to the Fernkloof Nature Reserve is essential. Lazing on one of the town's immaculate Blue Flag beaches should be at the top of your list if you want to do nothing but relax in a beautiful location.
If you're in the market for a property in Hermanus get in touch with a property practitioner at Seeff today.