The Cuckoo Tree

Went for dinner with my partner. Home cooked type of menu with hearty dishes. Think slow cooked meat and 2 veg. These dishes are absolutely brilliantly executed, super tasty and served with a friendly chat. I had the lemon meringue pie for desert Homemade and delicious. Well worth visiting.

Fantastic menu and our food excellent. I had lambs liver,mash, union and peas and my wife quiche of the day. The service fantastic. Will become regulars. Back again and fantastic every time

Thoroughly enjoyed our lunch here. The lovely garden seating is very tranquil, we all enjoyed our meals. Mom can't stop talking about how fresh and delicious her fish was. We had great conversation and fun interaction w Michelle. Wish we live nearby, we'd be here regularly!!

Such a lovely experience. Good food, friendly hosts! And an excellent fresh veggie juice. Can’t wait to be back ✨

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 If you're ever in Hermanus and looking for a vintage, cozy, and quiet lunch spot—look no further. I asked ChatGPT for just that, and it led us straight to this little gem. Spot on! From the moment my mom and I stepped inside, we were wrapped in the kind of warmth you don’t often find—like visiting an old friend’s home on a rainy day. The air smelled of freshly brewed coffee and something hearty and savoury from the kitchen—grilled onions, simmering sauces, and comfort in the making. Every corner seemed to tell a story. The iced cappuccino was rich, creamy, and comforting—the kind of drink you sip slowly, just to make it last. The burger? Homemade patty, thick and juicy, covered in your choice of fresh, flavourful sauce. Crispy-on-the-outside, fluffy-on-the-inside chips, and a salad that was anything but an afterthought—bursting with colour, crunch, and brightness. But then came dessert... and wow. We couldn’t choose just one, so we didn’t. We shared their famous lemon meringue, a gooey brownie, a generous scoop of ice cream and cream, and the most incredible warm roasted almond tart—sweet, nutty, and perfectly comforting. If nothing else, go for that tart. I promise it’ll stay with you long after the last bite. The owner and her mom (the chef!) made us feel right at home—welcoming, kind, and clearly proud of the experience they’ve created. Whether it’s a chilly, misty Hermanus afternoon or a golden sunny day, this place just works. Highly, highly recommend.

The food was good and the atmosphere is fantastic if you wish to get away from the Hermanus hustle and bustle. Marshal is an exemplary waiter, he ran back and forth for us even though we never intended to make him do so. The food is well priced and I would visit again. Only thing was the floor manager or owner never came past to check on us during the 1 and half hour visit but chose to go to all the other regular tables

The Cuckoo Tree is one of those rare Hermanus spots that instantly makes you feel welcome the moment you step through the door. Tucked just off the main road, it has the charm of an old family home mixed with the comforting buzz of a much-loved local eatery. Whether you’re popping in for breakfast, a leisurely lunch, or a slice of something sweet, it consistently delivers a warm, authentic experience. The first thing you notice is the atmosphere—relaxed, personal, and wonderfully unpretentious. There’s a genuine homeliness to the dining room: mismatched chairs, family photographs, and that unmistakable smell of real food being cooked with care. Service is friendly in a way that doesn’t feel put-on; the staff actually recognize returning customers, and the conversations feel human rather than scripted. It’s the sort of place where you can sit for ages without anyone rushing you, which fits perfectly with the slow, coastal pace of Hermanus. The food is undeniably the star. Their breakfasts are some of the best in town—freshly baked breads, perfectly poached eggs, generous portions, and ingredients that taste like they’ve been sourced just down the road. The lunch menu is classic comfort fare done incredibly well, with dishes that are hearty without being heavy. The chicken pie and quiches are must-tries, and the salads are surprisingly vibrant and fresh. And then there’s the baking—cakes that look homemade because they are homemade, with flavours that actually match their appearance. The lemon meringue and carrot cake deserve special mention. Value for money is excellent, especially considering the quality and portion sizes. In a town where many restaurants lean into a "tourist price tag," The Cuckoo Tree stays grounded, offering honest meals at prices that feel fair. It’s no surprise that it’s filled with a mix of locals and visitors throughout the day. If you’re in Hermanus and want a meal that feels like it’s been cooked with heart, The Cuckoo Tree is an absolute must. It’s warm, delicious, reliable, and refreshingly real—exactly what a family-run café should be. Highly recommended for anyone who appreciates good food served with sincerity.