🇮🇹 Pasta La Vista, Baby: Dal Italia Brings a Taste of Italy to the Overberg

Hello Hermanus!

A new week, a fresh edition, and plenty happening across town as we move through these shifting autumn days. 🐋

In this week’s edition, we’re sharing:

🏡 Property of the Week (with Greeff Properties) - A beautifully maintained home in Berghof Estate, offering secure estate living, thoughtful design, and the added bonus of a private flatlet for flexible living or income potential.

🇮🇹 Business of the Week: Dal Italia - A true local gem bringing the heart of Italy to Hermanus, where fresh pasta, family tradition, and a deli experience like no other come together in one evolving space.

⚓ Local Buzz of the Week - A major step forward for the New Harbour, as national and provincial leaders back a long-awaited revitalisation plan that could reshape this important local asset.

📆 What’s On in Hermanus & Local Events - Markets, live music, community gatherings, and a few standout experiences to fill your calendar this week.

🎒 Schools & Community - From the Hermanus High PTA Golf Day to an 85th anniversary musical spectacular, there’s plenty happening in our local school community.

🌤️ Your Weather - A warm and sunny start gives way to a cooler, wetter early week before settling back into calmer autumn conditions.

📷 Spotted in the Overberg - Wild seas, local moments, and another beautiful Photo of the Week from our community.

Here’s to a week of good food, local stories, and the small moments that make Hermanus what it is.

The Hermanus Scoop Team 🐋

P.S. Love local stories? Share The Scoop with a friend at hermanusscoop.co.za. It’s free and it’s lekker. 💛

🏡Property of the Week - Presented by Greeff Properties

Looking for ocean views or a mountainside retreat?

Each week, we spotlight a standout listing that captures the unique charm and lifestyle of the Overberg. From ocean-view escapes to tucked-away treasures, these are the homes that inspire imagination - and maybe even your next move. Brought to you by Greeff Properties, trusted specialists in exceptional real estate across the Overberg.

We are pleased to present a meticulously maintained home within the prestigious Berghof Estate, a gated community featuring 63 exquisite houses surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens.

This residence boasts an open-plan layout encompassing the lounge, dining area, and kitchen, all centered around a cozy fireplace. The lower ground floor includes a flatlet with a private entrance, ideal for generating passive income.

View the full property here.

Business Of The Week:

🇮🇹 Dal Italia - Where Hermanus Meets the Heart of Italy

If you’ve ever wandered through Hermanus CBD and caught the unmistakable aroma of fresh coffee, warm bread, or simmering sauces drifting into the street, chances are you’ve brushed past Dal Italia - one of the town’s most distinctive culinary destinations.

But to call it just a deli would be underselling it.

Dal Italia, together with its sister restaurant Fabio’s Ristorante, forms part of the Lenci family business - a name that has become synonymous with authentic Italian food in the Overberg. In fact, Fabio’s proudly holds the title of the only truly authentic Italian restaurant and deli combination in the region, bringing a slice of Italy to the southern tip of Africa.

The story of Dal Italia begins, as many good Italian stories do, with a simple idea. For Fabio Lenci, it started with a vision of a fresh pasta factory in Hermanus. A venue was secured, machines were brought in, and time-honoured family recipes were dusted off and put to the test. Ingredients were sourced with care, batches were refined, and slowly but surely, something special began to take shape.

What followed was less a business plan and more a natural evolution.

The pasta factory became a deli. The deli became a destination. Shelves filled with imported Italian goods, counters brimmed with freshly made products, and the offering expanded almost organically - morning coffee turned into light lunches, which turned into full dining experiences. Before long, Dal Italia had grown into a space that feels as much like a lifestyle as it does a shop.

Today, it’s the kind of place where you’re encouraged to slow down. To browse. To taste. To linger. The experience is part of the charm - grab a basket, pour yourself a glass of Prosecco, and explore a world of delicatessen products sourced from across the globe, with a clear Italian heartbeat running through it all.

And then there’s the food.

Fresh pasta is still at the core of everything they do - made daily on-site in their working pasta factory. From classic favourites to more indulgent creations, the emphasis is always on quality, tradition, and flavour. The deli offering is complemented by relaxed dining options, whether you’re enjoying a casual coffee, a long lunch, or one of their increasingly popular “Deli Dining” experiences.

The space itself has grown alongside the menu. What started as a single concept has expanded into multiple areas, including a charming courtyard perfect for al fresco dining and an upstairs section that adds a sense of occasion. It’s layered, evolving and always inviting.

But perhaps what truly sets Dal Italia apart is the family behind it.

The day-to-day running of the business has been passed into the hands of the next generation, with Claudio Lenci managing the deli alongside his sister Carmen. Known as Chef Carmen, she leads the kitchen with her team while also playing a central role in the overall operation. It’s a seamless continuation of the family legacy, blending experience with fresh energy.

Dal Italia has also quietly become a pioneer in promoting Italian cultivars grown right here in South Africa. Their wine list features an impressive range of these varietals, inviting customers to explore the depth and quality of locally produced wines inspired by Italian tradition. At the same time, they maintain a strong connection to Italy through a carefully curated selection of imported products.

With an off-consumption liquor licence, customers can take a piece of that experience home - whether it’s a bottle of wine, specialty ingredients, or something freshly prepared from the deli.

From pasta factory to full-scale deli destination, Dal Italia is a story of evolution, passion, and family. It’s a place where heritage is honoured, flavours are celebrated, and every visit feels just a little bit like stepping into Italy - without ever leaving Hermanus.

Experience Hermanus’ own piece of Italy:

You can find them at 13 Aberdeen Street and read more online at https://www.dal-italia.co.za/.

For Deli Dinining dates please phone for bookings - 028 313 0333 including the below Freedom to Feast event on Freedom Day next week…

Local Buzz Of The Week:

⚓ Big News for the New Harbour: Ministers Back Revitalisation Plan

Something significant happened down at the New Harbour last week - and it's worth paying attention to.

On 17 April, a high-level government delegation descended on Hermanus for a site engagement at the New Harbour, bringing together some serious firepower: National Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure Dean Macpherson, Western Cape Infrastructure Minister Tertuis Simmers, Overberg District Municipality Mayor Sakkie Franken, and Overstrand Executive Mayor Archie Klaas. Joining them were representatives from the Hermanus Business Chamber, ratepayers' organisations, and the local fishing community.

The meeting comes against a backdrop of long-running frustration over the harbour's deteriorating infrastructure - a complex issue, given that the facility falls primarily under national government control while the day-to-day impact is felt squarely at a local level.

The key outcome? Movement, finally. Minister Macpherson threw his weight behind a "Right to Repair" approach that would allow the municipality to step in and manage maintenance and upgrades directly, while national government retains custodianship. Minister Simmers pointed to a R9.85 billion provincial infrastructure budget and a R152 billion long-term pipeline, positioning Hermanus Harbour as a strategic asset for tourism, investment, and local economic development.

Executive Mayor Klaas confirmed the municipality is ready to act immediately - including slipway repairs and broader infrastructure stabilisation. A joint technical task team across all three spheres of government will be established to fast-track a lease audit and identify urgent interventions.

One important thread running through the discussions: the need to balance tourism development with protecting the livelihoods of small-scale fishers - a community at the heart of what makes the New Harbour special in the first place.

For a town that has watched its harbour age and underperform for years, this feels like a genuine turning point. We'll be watching closely.

Source: Overstrand Municipality - overstrand.gov.za

📅 What's On This Week

A good mix of things to do this week - from markets and a free Parkrun to an intimate sensory wine experience rounding out the weekend.

Every Friday | Friday Fun Run 📍 Mikro Coffee Co 🕕 6:00am | 3km & 5km loop

All paces welcome – the best way to start a Friday. Free coffee for first timers ☕

Every Saturday | Hermanus Country Market 📍 Hermanus Cricket Club, corner of Fairways Ave & Jose Burman Drive 🕘 9:00am - 2:00pm | Free entry

The Saturday morning ritual. Fresh produce, local crafts, food stalls, and a relaxed community atmosphere - a great way to ease into the weekend. The first Sunday of every month also hosts Art in the Park, with 50 local artists exhibiting alongside the market. More info →

Every Saturday | Hermanus Parkrun 📍 Hermanus Forest, Camphill Road, Hemel-en-Aarde Valley 🕗 8:00am | Free

A free, timed 5km run through the Hemel-en-Aarde - open to all ages and fitness levels. Just register once on the Parkrun website and bring a printed or digital barcode. A wonderful way to meet locals and start your Saturday morning right. Register & more info →

Saturday, 1-30 April | Atelier Collective Art Exhibition 🎨
📍 Kostelijk Restaurant, Bona Dea Farm, Hemel and Aarde Valley
🕙 Daily, 09:00 - 15:00 | Open to the public

A rotating showcase of contemporary local talent, this exhibition brings together a diverse collection of works from the Atelier Collective. Expect everything from intimate portrait studies and sweeping landscapes to botanical pieces, charcoal sketches, and bold abstract paintings - alongside striking, expressive jewellery by local artisan Milena Barkhuizen.

Set within the scenic surrounds of Bona Dea Farm, the exhibition offers a relaxed, immersive art experience, often with one of the artists present to engage with visitors. Many guests pair their visit with breakfast or lunch at Kostelijk, making it a perfect cultural stop in the valley.

An initiative rooted in community, Bona Dea continues to support local artists by providing a platform to exhibit and sell their work in a beautiful, accessible setting.

📞 Book a table at Kostelijk Restaurant 👉 028 050 0371

Friday, 24 April | Pensioners Lunch Special 📍 De Vette Mossel, Hermanus 🕛 12:00 | R199 per person (60+)

A special sit-down lunch put on exclusively for pensioners, featuring a hearty spread of classic South African flavours: pot bread with farm butter and jam, mussel meat with onions, garlic and butter, West Coast snoek with traditional sweet potatoes, meat potjie, flavoured rice, and coffee or tea with koeksisters to finish.

Bookings essential - by WhatsApp or email only. 📞 064 552 6627 | 📧 [email protected]

Friday, 24 April | Songs of the Soul: A Tribute to Cat Stevens & Rodriguez 📍 Two Chefs at Hermanus Golf Club 🕕 Dinner 18:00 | Show 20:00 | Tickets from R260

An evening of timeless music performed by international award-winning singer-songwriter Gareth James. The show celebrates the legacies of two extraordinary artists - Cat Stevens, whose poetic ballads like Father and Son and Wild World blended storytelling with spiritual reflection, and Rodriguez, whose tracks like Sugar Man became unlikely anthems in South Africa during a pivotal era of social change. Together, their music weaves themes of love, loss, hope, and freedom that remain as resonant as ever.

🏐 Volleyball Freedom Festival — Freedom Weekend

Hermanus Volleyball is making history this Freedom Weekend with the first-ever Volleyball Freedom Festival - two back-to-back tournaments on the beachfront that promise big energy, fierce competition, and a worthy cause behind every point played.

Tournament 1: Open-Gender Adult 2-a-Side 📅 Friday, 24 April 2026 🎯 Open to adult players of all genders 💰 Prizes up for grabs 📋 Enter here: https://forms.gle/vrorCe3jUmRmkJ1m9

Tournament 2: Youth Tournament 📅 Sunday, 26 April 2026 🎯 For Hermanus's rising young volleyball talent 💰 Prizes up for grabs 📋 Enter here: https://forms.gle/agVY8sHuEnXyn2ge8

All proceeds go directly towards equipment and coaching development for volleyball in the Western Cape - so every entry fee is an investment in the local game. Don't miss your chance to be part of something historic on the Hermanus shores!

Saturday, 25 April - Chris Chameleon: Hartloop | Sandbaai Saal Keep an eye on next week's edition - beloved South African artist Chris Chameleon performs live at the Sandbaai Saal on 25 April. Tickets available on Quicket. Get tickets →

Pick of the Week — Blues in die Baai: Valiant Swart & Jake Gunn

One of South Africa's most beloved singer-songwriters brings his signature sound to Hermanus for a night that promises to be nothing short of special. Valiant Swart, joined by Jake Gunn, takes to the SkyBar stage with guitars, piano, and a set list packed with fan favourites - from Eyeshadow and Die Mystic Boer to Duisend Myl Blues, Sonvanger, Kleinmond Koebaai, and more. If you know, you know. If you don't - this is the night to find out.

📍 SkyBar Hermanus, Main Road, Hermanus 📅 Wednesday, 29 April 2026 🕖 19:00 💰 R375 per person 🎟️ Book via Webtickets: https://www.webtickets.co.za/v2/event.aspx?itemid=1591464355

🎒 Schools

Hermanus High School Annual PTA Golf Day

A Hermanus institution since 2002, the Annual PTA Golf Day returns to the fairways this May - and it's one of the best ways to enjoy a great day out while directly supporting our local high school. All proceeds go towards upgrading facilities at Hermanus High School, so every swing counts.

The format is a 4-Ball Alliance with a Scramble Drive (2 scores to count). Handicap cap is 15 for men and 21 for ladies. Your R4,000 per 4-ball entry includes a goodie bag, light lunch, dinner, auction, and prize giving - a full day's worth of fun on one of the most scenic courses in the Overberg.

📍 Hermanus Golf Club 📅 Friday, 8 May 2026 🕙 Registration from 10:00 | Tee-off from 11:30 💰 R4,000 per 4-ball (includes goodie bag, light lunch, dinner, auction & prize giving) 📞 Bookings: Cornel - +27 82 691 8505 📧 [email protected]

🎭 Hoërskool Hermanus 85th Anniversary Musical Spectacular

Hermanus High School is pulling out all the stops to celebrate its 85th anniversary - and they're doing it in the most theatrical way possible. The school's much-anticipated Musical Spectacular brings together the greatest hits of Broadway and West End, with numbers drawn from an incredible lineup including Wicked, The Lion King, Grease, Chicago, Phantom of the Opera, Mamma Mia!, Frozen, Cabaret, Cats, Fame, Dirty Dancing, Moulin Rouge, and many more. If you love musical theatre, this is your night out.

📍 Hoërskool Hermanus High School 📅 5 – 8 May 2026 🕕 18:00 nightly 💰 R100 (adults) | R80 (learners) 🎟️ Tickets available at Hermanus High School Reception

🌤️ Weather Forecast for Hermanus

Hermanus heads into a more varied late-April pattern this week, starting warm and settled before shifting into a cooler, wetter spell as we move into Sunday and early next week.

Thursday through Saturday bring the best of the conditions, with plenty of sunshine, mild to warm temperatures, and generally manageable winds. Friday stands out as the warmest day of the stretch, giving a brief hint of lingering summer.

By Sunday, the shift arrives. Cloud builds, temperatures drop, and rain moves in, bringing a distinctly cooler and more unsettled feel along the coast. Monday looks to be the wettest and chilliest day of the week, with steady rain and damp conditions setting the tone.

From Tuesday onwards, the system begins to ease. Showers taper off, skies gradually clear, and by midweek the sun starts to return, restoring a calmer and more balanced autumn rhythm.

Overall, it’s a week that starts warm and bright, turns cool and wet early in the new week, and then slowly settles back into clearer autumn conditions.

⸻

Thursday 23 April
Warm with plenty of sunshine. ☀️
21°C / 11°C Winds 9 / 6 m/s

Friday 24 April
Warmer and sunny, the pick of the week. ☀️
25°C / 12°C Winds 6 / 1 m/s

Saturday 25 April
Mild to warm with sunshine and some cloud later. 🌤️
24°C / 15°C Winds 8 / 3 m/s

Sunday 26 April
Cooler with cloud and periods of rain developing. 🌧️
17°C / 11°C Rain ~12 mm Winds 8 / 3 m/s

Monday 27 April
Cold, wet, and overcast with steady rain. 🌧️
15°C / 10°C Rain ~21 mm Winds 7 / 2 m/s

Tuesday 28 April
Showers easing with some breaks of sun returning. 🌦️
15°C / 9°C Rain ~1.9 mm Winds 4 / 0 m/s

Wednesday 29 April
Clearing and calmer with sunshine returning. ☀️
19°C / 10°C Winds 4 / 3 m/s

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Overall, it’s a week that starts warm and settled, turns cold and wet early on, and then gradually clears into calmer, brighter autumn days.

Spotted in the Overberg:

🌊 Wild Seas on Walker Bay

The ocean put on quite a show yesterday - take a look at just how pumping Walker Bay was in this incredible footage. Not one for the faint-hearted!

📹 Watch here: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/18MeystEbr/ Video courtesy of Walker Bay Adventures

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📷 Photo of the Week: Hardebaai in Onrus

Each week, we feature one special snap submitted by someone who calls this place home. From misty morning walks to playful pups on the beach - we want to see what you see.

And here’s the perk: every featured photographer gets a free flat white on us - in partnership with Molo Coffee. So send in your best shot to [email protected], and you might just sip your way to local fame.

That’s a wrap for this week’s Scoop!

Stay cool, have a great day and we’ll see you next week!

- The Hermanus Scoop Team 🐋

P.S. Want to be featured in the Scoop? Drop us a mail at [email protected] - we’d love to hear from you.

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