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. 9th Avenue Bistro

    $$$ | Morningside

    This is one of few upmarket restaurants in the city to indulge in a six-course tasting menu, though the à la carte options are plentiful, too. Think gin-cured salmon, creamy shellfish orzo, and roast lamb rump—classics with a twist, done perfectly. The setting (in a small shopping center) is simple, but don't let appearances alone sway you—this is one of Durban's finest gastronomic experiences, with excellent service to match. The wine list contains a great choice of South African and international wines, and your waiter will be able to advise on any unfamiliar local labels.

    9th Ave., Durban, KwaZulu Natal, 4001, South Africa
    031-312–9134

    Known For

    • International and local wine list
    • Loyal customers
    • Fine dining

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun. No lunch Mon. and Sat., Credit cards accepted
  • 2. Bel Punto

    $$$ | Italian

    Follow your stomach 15 minutes north of Umhlanga to Umdloti where you'll dine on Italian fare with a contemporary twist. The seafood is outstanding—think line fish baked in the wood-fired pizza oven and perfectly cooked calamari or prawns done in a garlic, white wine, tomato, cream, and chili sauce. Italian staples like pastas, pizzas, and risotto also hit the spot. The wine list is noteworthy and waiters are knowledgeable, although there are sometimes delays with food when the restaurant is busy. To make the most of the gorgeous sea views, book for lunch or an early dinner.

    Umdloti Centre, 1 South Beach Rd., Umhlanga, KwaZulu Natal, 4319, South Africa
    031-568–2407

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon. No lunch Tues.
  • 3. Cargo Hold

    $$$ | Beachfront

    You might need to book several weeks in advance to secure a table next to the shark tank here, but if you do it'll be one of your most memorable dining experiences. Enjoy a carpaccio of smoked ostrich or tomato veloute—while massive ragged-tooth sharks drift right by your table and sand sharks stir up the sandy bottom. Aside from the array of generous seafood platters, Cargo Hold also serves beef fillet with oxtail phyllo and confit duck with an orange glaze. The restaurant is done up like a shipwreck; both floors have tank frontage.  The view of the shark tank is best from the bottom floor, so ask for this when booking. The restaurant is part of the building known as the Phantom Ship, accessed from the promenade next to the ship's giant propeller; you don't need to pay admission to uShaka Marine World to eat here.

    1 Bell St., Durban, KwaZulu Natal, 4001, South Africa
    031-328–8065

    Known For

    • Unique setting
    • Shipwreck decor
    • Tourists

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Reservations essential
  • 4. Havana Grill

    $$$ | Beachfront

    Attention to detail and freshly prepared, quality food combine to make this one of Durban's finest restaurants serving steak—prepared and aged in the in-house butchery—and seafood. It offers spectacular sea vistas (ask for a table with a view when making your reservation) and a chic interior, with white leather-upholstered chairs, wall-length couches, and antelope horns on the walls. Try the tasting platter for starters (minimum of two people sharing): a mix of nachos, jalapeños stuffed with cheese, grilled calamari, bruschetta, lamb, and spring rolls. For mains, consider the grain and grass-fed rump duo with a side of both peppercorn and red wine sauces; seasonal varieties of venison; or line fish (likely swordfish, dorado, or Cape salmon). There's a good domestic wine list, but take the opportunity to make a selection from a walk-in cellar lined with lesser-known wines.

    20 Suncoast Blvd., Durban, KwaZulu Natal, 4001, South Africa
    064-757–1141

    Known For

    • Fresh seafood
    • Local wine list

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Parents with young children are requested to make sure little ones are on their best behavior, Reservations essential
  • 5. Mozambik

    $$$

    Sample the authentic tastes of Mozambique without ever crossing the border at this funky, vibrant restaurant. The eatery's rustic charm extends from the interior design to the service to the food, which has Portuguese, Arab, Indian, and Goan influences. Seafood and chicken are specialties and appear in some irresistible combinations—try the specialty seafood platter—and you can enjoy a cocktail while the kids are entertained in their own section. Dining here is definitely a case of eat, mess, and be merry. It's usually busy, so not ideal for a quiet rendezvous, but this diner has been so successful over the past decade that several franchise stores have since opened across the country. 

    12 Library Lane, Ballito, KwaZulu Natal, 4399, South Africa
    066-242–2973

    Known For

    • Kids' area
    • Specialty seafood dishes
    • Lively atmosphere
  • Recommended Fodor’s Video

  • 6. Roma Revolving

    $$$ | City Centre

    In business since 1973, this slowly revolving restaurant, which takes about an hour to do one full rotation, offers what has to be the most spectacular views of the city, especially the harbor. It's run by the original Italian owners, and the extensive menu runs the gamut from pasta to seafood. From old-school waiters to the hard-to-resist dessert trolley, there's something pleasingly old-fashioned about the place. The restaurant perched atop a high-rise building has been renovated, though it maintains the kitsch carpeted walls, red leather interior, and Italian statues and frescos at the entrance. It's a popular choice for birthdays and weekend dinners.

    Margaret Mncadi Ave., Durban, KwaZulu Natal, 4001, South Africa
    031-337–6707

    Known For

    • Kitschy setting
    • Old-school vibe
    • Special-occasion dinners

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon. and Tues. No lunch Mon.–Thurs. No dinner Sun., Reservations essential

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