13 November 2016
Harbour Rock Seagrill and Sushi Bar
New Harbour, Hermanus
Just what the name suggests: a casual seafood restaurant perched atop a rock overlooking the harbour 20 minutes on foot along the Cliff Path from downtown Hermanus. With splendid panoramic views and an extensive fish and seafood-based menu, this is a reliable all-day dining option for Hermanus.
We’re there at lunchtime on a Sunday and it’s not busy – we get in without booking, but can well imagine that it’s a popular spot for dinner during season. It’s light and bright, inviting on a sunny day (although a bit too windy and cool to sit outdoors), and smells enticingly like the sea – always a good sign in a seafood restaurant.
Service is informal, yet efficient, and our cute, smiling waitress explains the table-side blackboard menu knowledgeably, answering questions about ingredients and cooking methods with practiced ease. Ice cold Sauvignon Blanc is delivered promptly and glasses properly filled only one-third full – no eyelid batted at a request for plain tap water from the table.
Two of us cannot resist all-too-rare scallops, and they are delivered in plates of three, perfectly cooked (without coral attached as is the norm in this country), accompanied with diced peppers and sweet corn in a light dressing. Aside from some minor confusion about the status of the dish – starter or main, caused no doubt by the price and positioning on the menu, these are a light and delicious winner.
Grilled baby Kingklip is stunning, and fried calamari is similarly up to the best we’ve had – sweetly fresh, lightly battered and not a drop of grease to be found. Lots of lemon, spicy condiments delivered promptly on request and wine topped up at a friendly – not pushy – pace.
You won’t go back to Harbour Rock for the stunning creativity of preparation or presentation, but for good quality, fresh, wholesome fish and seafood (although there are pork, beef, lamb and poultry options as well) at reasonable prices. Efficient, pleasant service and a comprehensive, reasonably priced wine list are a bonus. We’ll be back – and you should go!
Booking info:
Contact
E-mail: harbourrock@hermanus.co.za
Telephone: +27 (0) 28 312 2920
Open
Breakfast:
Monday – Friday 09.00 to 11.30
Lunch:
Monday – Friday 11.30 to 16.00
Saturday & Sunday 12.30 to 15.00
Dinner:
Monday – Sunday 18.30 to 22.00
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