Acclaimed chefs and restaurateurs Darren Badenhorst and Callan Austin are proud to unveil The Beach House, an iconic new addition to Yzerfontein’s culinary landscape.
Situated on the edge of the unparalleled 16-Mile Beach – the longest uninterrupted stretch of sand in the southern hemisphere – The Beach House brings an authentic West Coast experience, blending rustic coastal charm with a refined touch of seaside elegance. Both Badenhorst and Austin have left an indelible mark on South Africa’s fine dining scene, particularly with their groundbreaking restaurant DUSK in Stellenbosch. But with The Beach House, the duo return to their roots, reconnecting with the untamed beauty of South Africa’s coast line.
The restaurant is a tribute to the authenticity of the West Coast, celebrating the rugged landscape, rich heritage, and the region’s deep connection to the sea. Every element of The Beach House exudes West Coast soul. The restaurant is a reimagined version of an 80-year-old original beach house, thoughtfully redesigned by local designer Hayley Breytenbach. Her vision captures the essence of the West Coast’s raw beauty, drawing inspiration from Ralph Lauren’s iconic summer-by-the-sea style.
The result is a space that feels timeless yet elegant, with custom features like deep ‘Beach House Navy’ paint, handcrafted naval-themed balustrades, and antique maritime décor curated from local sources. Even the original Oregon Pine floors have been repurposed, grounding the restaurant in its heritage.
A mussel-clad gabion wall and Klompie brick pathway lead to an entrance that sets the tone for what lies ahead – a dining experience that feels as though it belongs to the landscape, crafted with the same care as the surrounding natural beauty. The Beach House isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a celebration of the West Coast’s unique culture, history and environment, destined to become a local icon.
At the helm of the kitchen is Jacques Grove, a seasoned chef whose experience spans top positions at the Chefs Warehouse group and stages at Michelin-starred institutions in London, including The Clove Club and The Ledbury.
At The Beach House, however, Grove focuses on what makes the West Coast truly special – its ingredients. The menu is approachable yet sophisticated, offering coastline cuisine prepared with world-class technique.
Imagine freshly harvested mussels, foraged beach herbs, and seafood caught daily by a local village fisherman, all brought together in dishes that speak to the heart of the West Coast.Signature offerings include the Baai Slaai, a foraged salad with dune spinach, sout slaai, and wood sorrel flowers, and the Whole Baked Line-Caught Fish, cooked over a wood-fired kaggel just as the local fishermen have done for generations.
Meat lovers will be equally thrilled with the 1.2kg Prime Rib on the bone à la Steak Florentine served with Café de Paris butter, while classics like Fish and Chips and Peri-Peri Chicken are perfected with attention to every detail.
The carefully curated beverage list showcases West Coast wines alongside Cape Winelands favourites, paired with expertly crafted cocktails. Leading the Front of House team is Hadge Maulana, an experienced restaurant manager and sommelier who has been with the group for over ten years.
Maulana is eager to deliver an exceptional experience in a relaxed, approachable setting, drawing on his vast expertise to craft an unforgettable dining journey.
In line with its commitment to sustainability and responsible sourcing, The Beach House ensures that every meal is a reflection of its surroundings – authentic, mindful and deeply rooted in the community.
There’s even a special dog-friendly patio, ensuring that every member of the family can enjoy the beauty of the West Coast together. With its deep sense of place, The Beach House is set to become an iconic destination, not just for Yzerfontein locals but for visitors from across the country and beyond.
Badenhorst and Austin’s latest venture brings the true spirit of the West Coast to life, offering an experience that feels timeless, unforgettable and world-class.
The Beach House will officially open its doors on Thursday, 24 October, operating from Wednesday to Sunday for lunch and dinner. Table reservations may be made via dine plan or email: reservations@beachhouserestaurant.co.za.
ALSO SEE: Dining with a View: South Africa’s 12 Scenic Restaurants
