Located directly by the sea in Grand Baie , The Beach House has been welcoming diners for years with its laid-back atmosphere, sunset views, cocktails and a menu known for generous portions, seafood, burgers and barbecue dishes.
For this edition of We Tried It , the Restaurants.mu team visited The Beach House to find out one thing: is it the view that keeps people coming back, or does the food itself make this Grand Baie favourite worth the visit?
Is The Beach House worth visiting?
The Beach House is more than just a restaurant with a view. Over the years, it has built a reputation for its generous portions, seafood dishes, famous burgers, barbecue selections and lively atmosphere. It is the type of place where you can come for lunch, stay for cocktails, or meet friends in the evening for food, drinks and entertainment.
Beach House Restaurant & Bar photo 2 — Google Maps
The beachfront location is definitely one of its biggest attractions. Sitting close to the water with the sound of the sea in the background creates a very different dining experience compared with a typical restaurant setting. Whether it is for a sunset cocktail, a casual dinner or a weekend outing, the atmosphere is a big part of what makes The Beach House popular.
Behind the kitchen: the story behind The Beach House
The story of The Beach House begins with a rugby legend and an island dream. It is owned by ex- Springbok rugby player Cabous van der Westhuizen , who traded his rugby boots for restaurant aprons when he fell in love with Mauritius in 2008.
Cabous and his partner were attracted by the friendly people and more basic lifestyle, as neither of them are particularly materialistic. What began as a holiday romance with the island transformed into a permanent commitment, and by October 2008, Cabous was working on his new business, The Beach House Restaurant and Bar . It was the first beach restaurant run by a foreigner and quickly became an institution on the island.
His vision was simple but ambitious: create a place that combined the casual beach vibe of his South African homeland with the warm hospitality and stunning natural beauty of his adopted island home.
What makes The Beach House different from other restaurants?
The combination of location, food and entertainment is what sets The Beach House apart.
During the day, it works well as a beachfront restaurant where guests can enjoy the view with a wide selection of cocktails. In the evening, the atmosphere becomes more lively, with regular sports broadcasts including rugby matches, football games and motorsport events, making it a popular meeting place for sports fans.
The drinks menu is another highlight, with a large variety of cocktails that pair well with the seaside setting, especially around sunset when the bay becomes the perfect backdrop for a relaxed drink.
Beach House Restaurant & Bar photo 4 — Google Maps
What should you order?
Our top recommendation: Dynamite Prawns
One of the most talked-about dishes at The Beach House , and after trying them, we understand the reputation. The prawns are impressively large, served in a generous portion, and the spicy preparation gives them plenty of flavour.
Big mix sharer
The barbecue selection is another favourite and a good choice if you are visiting with friends. It represents the restaurant’s generous style, with grilled flavours and satisfying portions.
Burgers
The burgers have become one of The Beach House ’s signature dishes. They are not the cheapest option on the menu, but they are filling, flavourful and well known among regular customers. The Juicy Lucy Burger is one of the options worth trying.
Tuna sashimi and seafood options
For something lighter, the tuna sashimi stands out, while seafood lovers can also explore dishes such as octopus preparations and fresh catches.
Chef Hurree’s special curries
One of the biggest surprises during our visit was discovering Chef Hurree ’s special curry selection. We genuinely loved these dishes — they bring a comforting, flavourful touch to the menu and offer something different from the usual beachfront restaurant favourites.
The selection includes Butter Chicken , Roasted Butternut Curry , SA Beef Curry and Prawn Curry , each offering its own character. The curries are rich, generous and packed with flavour, making them a great choice if you want a more satisfying and comforting meal while enjoying the seaside atmosphere.
What we were told to try: the Mauritian curries
Before visiting The Beach House , one recommendation came up again and again: do not leave without trying their Mauritian curries.
Unfortunately, with so many dishes we wanted to discover during our first visit, we did not get the chance to try them this time. However, after hearing so many positive recommendations from people who know the restaurant well, they are already on our list for the next visit.
In fact, the number of recommendations we received about their Mauritian curries was enough to convince us that a second visit is definitely needed. It is always a good sign when a restaurant has dishes that locals keep coming back for — and this is one we will be returning to try.
Beach House Restaurant & Bar photo 5 — Google Maps
Who is The Beach House best for?
Friends and groups: with its lively atmosphere, large portions and sharing-friendly dishes, it is a great option for groups looking for a relaxed evening out.
Sports fans: the restaurant regularly attracts guests who want to enjoy a meal while watching major rugby, football and motorsport events.
Seafood and barbecue lovers: the menu offers a mix of seafood, grilled dishes and local-inspired flavours, with the barbecue selection being one of the restaurant’s well-known choices.
Anyone looking for a beachfront experience: for visitors or locals wanting to enjoy a drink by the sea, especially around sunset, the location is difficult to beat.
What should you know before going?
The location comes with a premium: prices are slightly higher compared with many casual restaurants, partly due to the beachfront setting and overall experience.
Portions are generous: sharing starters or barbecue dishes can be a good option when visiting as a group.
Book ahead: if you want one of the best tables closer to the sea, especially around sunset, it is recommended to reserve in advance.
Expect a lively atmosphere rather than a quiet fine-dining experience.
Our final verdict
The Beach House delivers what many people want from a Grand Baie restaurant: good food, a beautiful beachfront setting and an atmosphere that encourages you to stay longer.
It may be slightly more expensive than some other options, but you are also paying for the complete experience of enjoying a cocktail by the sea, watching the sunset, sharing generous dishes and soaking in the lively Grand Baie atmosphere.
Our recommendation? Go for the view, stay for the food, and do not leave without trying the dynamite prawns or one of their famous burgers.
We tried it. Now it’s your turn.
The Beach House Grand Baie restaurant info
Address: Royal Road, Grand Baie, Mauritius
Phone: +230 263 2599
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday, 12:00 – 22:00 (hours may vary, we recommend checking before visiting)
Price range: approximately Rs 500–2,000 per person depending on dishes and drinks ordered
Cuisine: international cuisine with seafood, burgers, barbecue specialities, Mauritian-inspired dishes, curries and sharing plates
Signature dishes: Dynamite Prawns, Juicy Lucy Burger, Chef Hurree’s special curries, barbecue mix, seafood dishes and fresh catches
Ambiance: beachfront dining with sea views, sunset drinks, cocktails, sports broadcasts and a relaxed atmosphere suitable for casual meals and gatherings
Facilities: outdoor seating, beachfront tables, reservations, takeaway options available
Best for: sunset dining, cocktails by the sea, family meals, group outings, sports fans, seafood lovers and anyone looking for a relaxed Grand Baie dining experience
Good to know: the restaurant can get busy, especially for beachfront tables, so booking ahead is recommended if you want the best views.