Not just a little café! Indulge in a culinary experience like no other at Café 1904, where every dish is a masterpiece. Savour the freshest seafood, perfectly grilled succulent steaks, and rich, slow-cooked traditional favorites, all crafted with passion and precision.

Welcome to Café 1904

Experience the warmth of local Hermanus hospitality in a charming, restored 18th-century fisherman's home.

The Essence of 1904

Built in the 18th century, our charming venue began as a humble home in Hermanus’ historic fishing village. Today, it stands as a cultural landmark, beautifully restored to welcome guests from near and far.

Our name, Café 1904, is inspired by the year the harbour breakwater was raised, a symbol of growth, strength, and stability in the face of the region's fierce waves. This ethos guides us as we build on a foundation of culinary excellence, expanding our capacity to welcome you inside and out on our shaded terrace.

A New Chapter, A Local Heart

We are delighted to introduce the new owners, Isabel and Chef Roelf Luus, Hermanus residents who bring a depth of local knowledge and a genuine passion for hospitality. Having successfully managed the beloved Eden Café, Isabel and Roelf are dedicated to ensuring that the quality and "pure art of food" you know and love continues, now paired with a promise of heartfelt, meticulous service.

Meet Isabel: Our General Manager, Isabel, is your host, dedicated to creating an enchanting and welcoming atmosphere for every guest.

Meet Chef Roelf: Our Head Chef, Roelf, maintains the tradition of dedication and soul in every dish, from preparation to plate.

Having successfully managed the beloved Eden Café, Isabel and Roelf are dedicated to ensuring that the quality and “pure art of food” you know and love continues, now paired with a promise of heartfelt, meticulous service.

Dining Under the Eucalyptus

Step out onto our enchanting terrace, where the shade of a magnificent giant spider gum eucalyptus—a sapling when this house was built—provides a welcoming canopy for lunch and dinner. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or enjoying a casual Sunday Lunch, our atmosphere is truly one-of-a-kind.

Step out onto our enchanting terrace, where the shade of a magnificent giant spider gum eucalyptus—a sapling when this house was built—provides a welcoming canopy for lunch and dinner.

Inside the Historic House

The restaurant's interior retains the heart and warmth of its residential past. Find a cozy sanctuary from the sea air as you settle in for a relaxed dining experience. With original architectural features, warm lighting, and a charming, intimate atmosphere—complete with a crackling fireplace on cooler evenings—the old house offers an intimate setting perfect for a romantic date night or a memorable gathering with friends.

Whether you’re craving bold flavors or comforting classics, Café 1904 promises an unforgettable dining experience that keeps you coming back for more. Book your table today and taste the extraordinary!

The Menu: Tried, True, and Timeless

We believe in not fixing what isn't broken. Our popular A la Carte lunch & dinner menu, and famous Sunday Lunch set menu, remain a testament to the pure art of food.

Enjoy a fully licensed dining experience where every ingredient is selected and prepared with dedication, ensuring the quality you expect from a Hermanus favourite.

Enjoy a fully licensed dining experience where every ingredient is selected and prepared with dedication, ensuring the quality you expect from a Hermanus favourite.

Trading Hours | Reservation Details

Café 1904 is a beloved spot for locals and for epicurean tourists, and we highly recommend making a booking, especially for our popular Sunday Lunch, but walk-ins are welcome at any available table.

Hours of Operation

  • Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday |Thursday | Friday | Saturday:

    • 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
    • Kitchen Closes: 9:00 PM
  • Sunday:

    • 12:00 PM - 9:00 PM
    • Kitchen Closes: 9:00 PM

Reservation

To make a reservation, please call us on +27 (0) 82 323 1452, any time between 09:00 and 20.00.

Address

82 Main Rd, Hermanus, 7200

Telephone

+27 (0) 82 323 1452

Email

reservations@cafe1904.co.za

Special Occasions

Our venue offers three elegant dining rooms, available individually or as a full-space booking for any celebration—birthdays, kitchen teas, baby showers, weddings, and more. Bespoke menus are available, and a special surprise awaits for anniversaries and birthdays. Contact Isabel to plan your unforgettable event!

🌟 What Our Guests Say

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The Potting Shed Accommodation profile picture
The Potting Shed Accommodation
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Great food, lovely staff and owners. Very central in Hermanus and close to whale watching.
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Ansley Africa profile picture
Ansley Africa
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Absolutely fantastic!! Highly recommended!!
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Ingrid Thoresen profile picture
Ingrid Thoresen
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Always a winner when we visit Hermanus! Service and food always excellent! Very cosy and quirky.
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أبو غان الظاهري profile picture
أبو غان الظاهري
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ال بنى نفسه نزل صياد تاريخي يعود للقرن الثا ن عشر، وت تر ي ه وتحويله إلى طع ع الحفاظ على طابعه التراثي. اس 1904 لا يشير إلى سنة بناء ال نزل، بل إلى عا 1904 الذي رُفع فيه حاجز يناء هير انوس (Harbour Breakwater)، وهو حدث تاريخي ه لل دينة لديه جلسات داخل ال نزل التاريخي ع دفأة في الشتاء جلسات خارجية تحت شجرة الكالبتوس الضخ ة التي ع رها ٢٠٠ سنة تعطي ال كان طابعًا يزًا توجد في طرفه العاب أطفال ال أكولات البحرية الطازجة الستيك ال شوي الأطباق الجنوب أفريقية التقليدية ال طهوة ببطء خيارات نباتية انصح بزيارته
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Joyce Viviers profile picture
Joyce Viviers
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The Sunday lunch was nice. Starter serving of Mussels (delicious) is to small Roast Potatoes were tasteless Sweet Potatoes were not peeled well, had black spots on, tasteless. Roast Lamb, Rice, Broccoli was nice
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Peyton Krzyzewski profile picture
Peyton Krzyzewski
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We were here on a windy, winter night. I think we were the only people in the restaurant, but the service was lovely, our food delicious, and the atmosphere cozy. They had a table set for us right next to the fire, which was lovely. Our server, Mona, was delightful. Highly recommend for a good comforting meal.
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Werner Terblanche profile picture
Werner Terblanche
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We have been here twice, about 4 months apart. The service was still great, food was still excellent, and the cozy atmosphere was perfect on a cold night. I would definitely recommend this if you feel like a cozy, hearty, missing-my-moms-food meal. 12/10 will go again!
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ZzeDD profile picture
ZzeDD
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The seafood was excellent! Our waitress, Mona, was absolutely lovely. The drinks and food arrived at our table in no time at all, and everything was to our complete satisfaction! The atmosphere was relaxed and not at all over the top. Our seats were comfortable and there was plenty of space at the table. We would definitely recommend it.
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