Must-Try in Hermanus: Indulge in a Luxury Breakfast Experience at The Marine Hotel
With so much to do in the seaside town, Hermanus may no longer qualify as a sleepy hollow. But, even with so many options to occupy your time and attention, there are still a few not-to-be-missed places that you don’t want to miss out on when visiting the bustling town in the Overberg.
Even if you find yourself renting self-catering accommodation when visiting Hermanus, a visit to The Marine Hotel is essential on any travel itinerary. Forget easing into the day, I’m all for getting started with an exciting experience, to set the tone for the day. There’s no better way to start your day and fuel up for the hours of exploring ahead, than breakfast at the famed hotel.
You don’t have to be a hotel guest to enjoy breakfast at this destination restaurant — though it is a nice perk to roll out of bed and already be halfway to your table. Like any good hotel breakfast, the first meal of the day at The Marine Hotel is served buffet-style.
As they say; breakfast is the most important meal of the day, so you may as well stretch it out to several platefuls. A bountiful breakfast buffet at a leisurely pace is among the hallmarks of any great getaway, and just because you’re not staying in a hotel doesn’t mean you have to miss out. But listen some hotel buffet breakfasts are … Let’s just say it; pathetic. Many hotels will present you with a sad breakfast consisting of a few day-old muffins, iced cold scrambled eggs, and a few slices of white bread which you’re expected to toast in a god-awful monstrosity of a toaster resembling an alien spaceship.
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But breakfast at The Marine Hotel is more than worth waking up for, in fact, it’s so sublime it will surely put many hotel breakfast buffets to shame. The ocean-front hotel, known for its lavish lodgings, goes far beyond bacon and eggs to create an unforgettable, mouth-watering breakfast spread. Breakfast is served at The Pavilion, the perfect setting for celebrating a special occasion, or even just the fact that you’ve finally managed to find time for a little holiday.
Full of natural light and decorated with elegant black-and-white décor reminiscent of the roaring 1920s, the opulent but intimate restaurant inside The Marine Hotel has become a destination for both locals and out-of-towners. Guests can choose to sit inside or take their pick from two al fresco options, either in the courtyard by the pool, or on the outside pavilion overlooking Walker Bay. I paid a visit on a nippy weekend morning so I chose to sit inside, as close to the food as possible.
Upon entering the restaurant, a stolen glance towards the buffet spread confirmed that there was no better reward for having made it out of bed than the sumptuous spread awaiting early risers at The Marine Hotel.
Breakfast is served
Like any good breakfast, mornings at The Pavilion start with a good cup of coffee that is made to order. Take your pick from an extensive coffee menu or skip the coffee and go for a cup of tea or a glass of freshly squeezed fruit juice. The buffet offers a selection of fresh fruit juices, including specialist fruit and vegetable juice blends for a healthy start. If you’re not tempted by the selection of hot and cold drinks on offer, then you can always help yourself to a Bloody Mary for a pick-me-up made with vodka, tomato juice, and celery. Failing that, I recommended reaching for the bottle of champagne that is always on ice at the drinks station.
With your drink sorted, it’s time to explore the continental cold breakfast spread. Be sure to arrive hungry because here you’ll find a selection of ripe fruit and baked pastries together with cereals, cheese, cold meats, bread, nuts, preserves, and delicious Franschhoek Smoked Salmon Trout.
The pastry selection is indeed something to marvel at with buttery croissants, muffins, scones, and danishes all baked fresh. Carbohydrate enthusiasts will also be thrilled to find several freshly baked bread options to serve as edible vehicles for the smorgasbord of preserves and cold meats waiting to be devoured.
But don’t fill up too quickly, you also have your pick of hot breakfasts served à la carte. Now this is where the fun starts. The hot breakfast choices take you through a journey of culinary delights starting with lighter options like Oatmeal and Chia porridge or Smashed Avocado on Toasted Ciabatta with poached eggs. Classics like Eggs Benedict also feature, with a choice of Ham, Florentine (spinach), and Royale (smoked trout) served alongside poached eggs, and hollandaise sauce on a toasted English muffin.
Or opt for one of the sweet options like the Crêpes served with seasonal poached fruit, orange reduction, and whipped cream. The menu also offers vegetarian and vegan options for guests eating a plant-based diet.
I decided on the moreish Croissant French Toast served with berry compote, bacon, maple syrup, toasted almonds, topped with cinnamon sugar. If you’re a fan of French Toast then you’ll surely add this rendition of the much-loved classic to your list of greatest hits. Each bite reveals a perfect balance of sweet and salty (thanks to the combination of the berry compote, maple syrup, and crispy bacon,) and ends with a satisfying crunch of toasted almonds. The croissant French Toast itself is perfectly cooked; light and fluffy and beautifully complemented by the accompanying ingredients on the plate.
Other guests in my party of four decided on the substantial Marine Breakfast; a classic fry-up with eggs as you like, a pork banger, streaky bacon, mushrooms, and a roast tomato. Toast is also available to order, or you can grab a pastry or bread from the buffet spread to accompany your meal. Want to know more? Download the full breakfast menu here.
Book breakfast at The Marine Hotel
The Marine Hotel turns the breakfast buffet into an art form. Guests will absolutely adore this gastronomic journey that combines delectable flavours, impeccable service, and a refined ambience. If you’re looking for understated luxury, then The Marine Hotel is an easy pick for a leisurely weekend brunch.
You really can’t do better than this sophisticated breakfast spot. The indulgent menu and idyllic setting make it ideal for celebrating a special occasion, whether that’s a honeymoon, birthday, or anniversary.
Breakfast is served daily at The Marine Hotel’s Pavilion from 07:00 – 10h:30 at a cost of R265 per person. Booking is essential.
For more information visit The Marine Hotel website. For restaurant reservations email reception@themarine.co.za or call +27 (0) 28 313 1000.
Find The Marine Hotel on Main Road, Hermanus, Overberg, Western Cape.
