A taste of genuine Southeast Asian cuisine is not what you would expect to find in a bustling seaside tourist town in the Cape, yet this is exactly what Lizette’s is all about. Yes, you’ll find burgers, flatbreads and other more typical fare, but if you don’t try the Asian cuisine, you’ll be doing yourself a great injustice.

In a town like Hermanus with many eateries serving the busy tourist trade, it’s really refreshing to find a spot like Lizette’s. Located just outside the often-heaving town centre, it is a sunny spot where you can kick back and enjoy an ice cold beer. The Asian-inspired food is light, but so layered with flavour that you can enjoy a couple of courses without feeling sluggish or overfull.

Owner, Lizette Crabtree, spent years as a head chef in the Franschoek Valley, followed by a stint overseas as head chef at Caravelle in Saigon and then as part of the Sandals team. It is this experience that has inspired her fusion-style cooking.

It was a perfect Saturday afternoon when we visited Lizette’s – sunny with a slight breeze, so we opted to sit outside in the courtyard shaded by a beautiful tree.

We started with a creamy version of Tom Yum soup – a lemongrass and galangal-infused coconut milk broth with chicken and mushrooms. Following this was a Moroccan-inspired dish – tender strips of squid on tabbouleh, flavoured with cinnamon, cumin, coriander and paprika. With a splash of fresh lemon, this dish is the ideal meal for a warm day. Next, a platter of typically Asian street-style pork served three ways – spring rolls, rashers and meatballs. Bites of these combined with salad greens, bean sprouts and dipping sauce transported us to a bustling Asian marketplace. Just heavenly! We couldn’t end off the meal without trying something sweet and an iced coffee milkshake hit the spot.

With items ranging from dim sum to fish and chips, the menu appeals to a wide group, without compromising on quality and flavour. Often a varied menu can mean confusion, but Lizette’s have managed to find the sweet spot on the scale between conventional and adventurous.

I believe the beauty of Lizette’s is in its inclusiveness. Guys will be happy with a choice of good craft beers, man-sized burgers and a bar that screens sports games. Kids can entertain themselves in the children’s play area or on the sunny grassed lawn. Ladies can enjoy a glass of wine, something sweet or even a modified banting-friendly dish, if preferred.

The ambience is easy-going, the service friendly and the food is fresh. Lizette’s manages to stand tall above its town peers and has elevated the level of food on offer in this seaside, tourist hotspot.

A great place to dine in this seaside town, a variety of food and a great atmosphere.