The hidden seaside bistro on the Hermanus Waterfront

Inventive small plates best explored with a wine pairing

Last updated: Tuesday, 29 April 2025 

The smallest restaurant on the Hermanus Waterfront is sophisticated but simple, with fresh and innovative dishes – like sushi stuffed in calamari and pink falafel tacos. You'll find Pear Tree tucked under the trees, drawing happy diners who are looking for something a little different.

Pear Tree is next to the yellow frame by the Hermanus Waterfront. Image: Pear Tree

TWISTS ON SEAFOOD & VEGAN MEALS

One of Pear Tree’s most popular dishes is the sushi calamari. This showstopper small plate is Patagonian calamari stuffed with sushi rice, salmon, sesame seeds and nori. It’s light, fresh and ideal for lunch by the seaside. 

Another twist on a traditional meal is the root veg gnocchi. It’s made with carrot and beetroot pureé, goat cheese, basil, and crispy onion.

Of course there’s options for meat lovers too. The smokey pork belly ribs fall off the bone and are basted in barbecue soy sauce and coriander. 

The popular sushi calamari. Image: Pear Tree

WINE AND SMALL PLATES TASTING

If you want to explore Pear Tree’s inventive menu, the food and wine pairing mats come with three small plates and three wine tastings. 

The vegan mat has pink falafel tacos, rice balls with bean salsa, and oriental cauli nuggets. These are paired with Lomond Syrah (white pepper and dark fruit), Pear Tree Chenin (peach with zesty nectarine and orange) and 7 Springs Pinot Noir (earthy with black currents and mulberries).

The meat-eater’s mat is paired with the same wines and different small plates: Chicken taco, sirloin with blue cheese and mushroom, and sushi calamari. 

The tasting mats are one of the best ways to explore the menu. Pear Tree

KIDS MENU WITH WHACKY MILKSHAKES

Although Pear Tree is non-traditional, it’s geared towards families too. 

The inclusive kids menu has burgers, ribs, fish and chips, and whacky milkshakes like triple chocolate cupcake and “cereal killer” (made with marshmallows and strawberry Steri Stumpie). 

And for adults, the kombucha spritzers are just as unconventional at Pear Tree in the Hermanus Waterfront. 

Summertime seating spills out onto the pavement, cooled by greenery. Image: Pear Tree

MORE ON PEAR TREE 

Pear Tree Bistro is open: Daily, 9am - 9pm
Find them: Hermanus Waterfront | Marine Drive | Hermanus
Contact them on: 028 313 1224 | info@peartree.co.za | @peartreehermanus | Pear Tree website

By Lorraine Kearney

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