Durban and KwaZulu-Natal Restaurants

We’ve compiled the best of the best in Durban and KwaZulu-Natal - browse our top choices for Restaurants during your stay.

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  • 1. Govinda's Pure Vegetarian Restaurant

    $ | Chatsworth

    This is an inexpensive yet excellent vegetarian restaurant catering to Hare Krishna devotees, who do not use onions, garlic, or mushrooms in their food. The traditional Indian rice dish biryani (breyani as it's known locally) is a favorite. Try the thali, a mix of several dishes of the day.

    50 Bhaktivedanta Swami Circle, Durban, KwaZulu Natal, 4091, South Africa
    078-849–4291

    Known For

    • Egg-less cakes and desserts
    • Takeaways
    • Paneer butter masala

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Wed.
  • 2. Mahā Café

    $ | Beachfront

    This casual cafe restaurant in the reinvigorated Point Waterfront district is great for coffee (especially if you’re averse to the crowds of uShaka Marine World) and a fancy breakfast that won't break the bank. Vegetarians will love mixed mushroom with dune spinach on sourdough with nasturtium and sunflower seed pesto, while classic orderers might enjoy the herby pork sausage or generous croque monsieur, and the counter is always stacked with pastries and tarts. 

    5 Mahatma Gandhi Rd., Durban, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa
    082-817–2957

    Known For

    • Fresh all-day dishes
    • Great coffee
    • Within easy reach of the promenade
  • 3. Spiga d'Oro

    $ | Morningside

    Perched at the top of the ever-popular Florida Road, Spiga is something of a Durban institution, and it certainly represents the attitude and overall feeling of Durban—unpretentious with an animated atmosphere that makes diners feel part of the crowd. The Italian menu is not always classical in its interpretation, but you can count on it being delicious and a good value (pasta dishes come in medium or large portions). The bruschetta di pomodoro is a good way to start, with lots of ripe, well-seasoned tomato on grilled bread, and the Linguine di Casa, made with prawns, olive oil, chili, and a Napoletana sauce, is perennially popular. And, if you enjoy taking your time over a meal, there are no overzealous staff trying to turn your table. Be prepared for a wait.

    465 Innes Rd., Durban, KwaZulu Natal, 4001, South Africa
    031-303–9511

    Known For

    • Buzzy atmosphere
    • Bruschetta di pomodoro
    • Seafood pasta

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Reservations essential
  • 4. Dockside Shack

    $ | Seafood

    You'll dine on wooden picnic tables at this rustic no-frills seafood shack near (but not on) the bay, where the food is fresh, plentiful, and unfussy—fresh lobster, prawns, whole grilled fish, and a range of salads. Cocktails are taken seriously, and you'll find a surfeit of colorful frozen drinks plus wine and beer. There's entertainment on weekends.

    Pioneer Rd., Richards Bay, KwaZulu Natal, 3900, South Africa
    35-788–0320
  • 5. John Dory’s

    $ | Maydon Wharf

    You won't find the most exceptional seafood here, but the views, affordable price range, and menu variety more than make up for it. Order a gourmet milkshake and watch all the yachts and boats bobbing about in the Durban harbor.  

    Boatmans Rd., Durban, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa
    031-304–7669

    Known For

    • Half-price sushi specials
    • Decadent milkshakes
    • Upper deck views
  • Recommended Fodor’s Video

  • 6. La Spiaggia

    $

    As close to the Indian Ocean as you can get, this restaurant overlooking the main bathing beach has outside tables that are always packed with families sipping milk shakes or friends sharing a bottle of wine and having a bite to eat off a menu with broad appeal. Not the best food on offer in the area, but an unbeatable location.

    O'Connor Promenade, Umhlanga, KwaZulu Natal, 4321, South Africa
    031-561–4388

    Known For

    • Kahlúa coffee milkshake
    • Sea views
    • Pizza
  • 7. Love Coffee

    $ | Morningside

    On Lilian Ngoyi Road in Windermere, which some say is the "new" Florida Road, Love Coffee is your best bet for noncommercial, top-notch coffee in a veritable hole-in-the-wall, of the contemporary, well-designed kind. The bran muffins, rooibos cappuccino, fresh juice, packed salads, toasted sandwiches and brief breakfast menu are highly recommended.

    484 Lilian Ngoyi Rd., Durban, KwaZulu Natal, 4001, South Africa
    084-493–2802

    Known For

    • Great coffee
    • Affordable sandwiches
    • Up-and-coming location
  • 8. Milky Lane

    $

    Take respite from the summer sun and enjoy a cool treat at this ice-cream parlor, one of 20 or so restaurants, fast-food outlets, and coffee shops in the Suncoast Casino complex. Even in winter, the creamy ice-cream waffles and creative shakes are a welcome indulgence. You'd do well to enjoy your cone at one of the other popular branches along the Golden Mile, too.

    Marine Parade, Durban, KwaZulu Natal, 4056, South Africa
    031-332–1849

    Known For

    • Decadent waffles
    • Classic soft serve
    • Milk shakes of every flavor
  • 9. Royal Coffee Shoppe

    $ | City Centre

    This is a popular, if old-school meeting place for daytime breaks and for pre- and post-theater crowds. Crystal chandeliers, etched glass, formally dressed staff, and live piano music in the nearby lounge at lunchtime create a rich atmosphere of old-time colonial Durban. The café serves light breakfasts and lunches as well as coffees, teas, cakes, quiches, salads, and sandwiches.

    267 Anton Lembede [Smith] St., Durban, KwaZulu Natal, 4001, South Africa
    031-333–6000

    Known For

    • Tea and scones
    • Affordable toasted sandwiches
    • Iced coffee
  • 10. The Hot Spot Food Fusion

    $ | Indian

    A welcome change from the soulless chain restaurants that dominate the wharf, this humble mom-and-pop restaurant (opposite the parking area, not the waterfront) serves up its own delightful mix of Italian-Indian cuisine. Portions are large and you can choose from a variety of Indian dishes, like spicy lamb curry, butter chicken, and traditional garlic naan, along with burgers and fish and chips. Everything is served fresh and with a friendly smile.

    6 Newark Rd., Richards Bay, KwaZulu Natal, 3900, South Africa
    35-788–0563

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon.
  • 11. VickyCristina's

    $ | Morningside | Spanish

    This L-shape restaurant opens onto a veranda overlooking the buzz of Florida Road. A red-and-black interior with ornamental silver mirrors and loads of celebrity photographs creates a vibe in keeping with tasty Spanish cuisine. A spicy, hot tapas selection—think grilled crispy baby calamari, panfried sardines, grilled artichoke hearts—with Catalonian flatbread makes for a light meal, and you can add more if you're hungry. House-made sangria is a good accompaniment.

    275 Florida Rd., Durban, KwaZulu Natal, 4001, South Africa
    031-561–1000

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon.
  • 12. Zack's

    $ | Maydon Wharf

    This popular spot overlooks the Durban harbor and often hosts live music. It serves breakfast until late, as well as lunch and dinner.

    14 Boatman's Rd., Durban, KwaZulu Natal, 4001, South Africa
    031-305–1677

    Known For

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