The Marine in Hermanus, one of South Africa’s most iconic seaside hotels, has unveiled the beautifully reimagined Pavilion Restaurant following an extensive refurbishment of the hotel’s ground-floor public spaces. It heralds a sophisticated new dining experience while remaining true to the timeless character that has defined The Marine for more than 120 years – combining elegant new interiors with an inspired new menu by Tronette Dippenaar, Group Executive Chef of the Liz McGrath Collection and Head Chef Oelof Vorster.
Designed by Dawn Dickerson and Carmel Naudé of HotCocoa Interiors and Design, the Pavilion Restaurant has been transformed with a refreshingly modern luxe brasserie-meets-greenhouse aesthetic, featuring a dramatic installation of 50 glass pendant lights suspended above lush botanical greenery as focal point. Inspired by the extraordinary fynbos landscape surrounding Hermanus, the interiors celebrate the natural beauty of Walker Bay through a calming palette of greens, textured finishes and bespoke artistic details, resulting in a space that feels both timeless and contemporary.
In the restaurant original black-and-white tiled flooring has been retained and complemented by green marble accents and timber tables with traditional turned legs, curved green velvet banquette seating and elegant upholstered chairs with artistic fynbos printed backs. Iconic arched windows present endless sea views on the one side, while the restaurant flows effortlessly onto the hotel’s sheltered courtyard and pool terrace on the opposite side, creating an inviting indoor-outdoor dining destination.
The reopening also introduces an exciting new menu brought to the table by Head Chef Oelof Vorster, whose ingredient-led approach showcases the finest seasonal produce from the Overberg and beyond. Since joining The Marine at the end of 2022, Vorster has established a distinctive culinary identity that combines classical technique with contemporary South African flavours, presented with understated elegance.
Armed with a diploma in Culinary Arts and Professional Cooking, Vorster brings a wealth of experience gained at some of South Africa’s most celebrated restaurants, including Le Chêne at Leeu Estate, Pierneef à La Motte, Le Petit Colombe and Jordan Restaurant, complemented by valuable international experience at Stora Hotellet Bryggan in Sweden.
Reflecting the hotel’s spectacular coastal setting, the new Pavilion menu places fresh local ingredients centre stage, celebrating bold flavours and refined presentation. Signature dishes include crisp Tempura Prawns, served with chilli aioli, rice noodles, soya reduction, pickled ginger, toasted sesame and vegetable julienne, alongside a fragrant Green Seafood Curry featuring line fish, prawns and mussels in a vibrant lemongrass and lime-infused curry, served with sticky fragrant rice and pickled onion. To end on a sweet note, the elegant Marine Pavlova combines tangy orange curd, silky white chocolate mousse, pistachio sponge, berry gel and strawberry ice cream in a beautifully balanced dessert that is as visually striking as it is delicious.
Honouring the rich culinary heritage of The Liz McGrath Collection, some of the late Mrs Liz McGrath’s much-loved signature recipes remain firmly on the menu by popular demand. Among the enduring favourites are her legendary Dalewood Huguenot Cheese Soufflé and the iconic Dark Chocolate Fondant astribute to the founder’s passion for gracious hospitality and exceptional food, seamlessly complementing Chef Oelof Vorster’s contemporary seasonal creations.
Whether starting the day with breakfast overlooking Walker Bay, enjoying a leisurely lunch served poolside or on the terrace, or settling in for an unforgettable dinner of beautifully crafted seasonal dishes, diners can expect cuisine that is refined yet approachable, celebrating the finest local ingredients and the flavours of the season. Open to both resident guests and non-resident diners by reservation, the Pavilion Restaurant offers one of Hermanus’ most memorable dining experiences.
The Pavilion Restaurant forms part of a wider refurbishment that includes the hotel’s reception, cocktail bar and connecting public spaces. While every area has been thoughtfully reimagined, no structural alterations were made to the historic building, preserving the architectural integrity and enduring charm of ‘the grand old lady of Hermanus’.
The Marine has been a defining feature of Hermanus since 1902 and has formed part of The Liz McGrath Collection since 1998. Together with its sister properties, The Cellars-Hohenort in Cape Town and The Plettenberg in Plettenberg Bay, the hotel is a proud member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World.
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