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 Waterside

    $$$$ | Victoria Embankment

    Durban desperately needed a first-rate seafood offering and this upmarket restaurant perched at the scenic harbor delivers. Think crispy fried calamari with black garlic aioli and pickled cauliflower, grilled baby crayfish with passion fruit and lemon verbena coconut broth, and magnificent seafood pasta. However, chefs also cater beautifully to vegetarians with dishes such as exotic mushroom and butternut cavatelli with vanilla, maple sauce, and mushroom gnocchi with sundried tomato foam. Everything—purées, clamshell bisque, cilantro gel—is made from scratch in the open kitchen and seasonal sustainability is a core focus with meat sourced from the Midlands, fish freshly line-caught from this very coast, and the comprehensive wine list support female wine-makers. It's one of Durban's finest gastronomic experiences, with excellent service to match. 

    9th Avenue Waterside, Durban, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa
    031-940-4628

    Known For

    • Harbor views
    • Fine dining
    • Seasonal cuisine

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon., No kids under 12 years old during dinner service
  • 2. 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.
  • 3. Jack Salmon Fish House

    $$ | Glenashley

    A short drive north of the city, the small suburb of Glenashley has an elevated position that offers diners a pleasant sea view, but this restaurant's fresh seafood, prepared in unique and traditional ways, is the drawing card, with excellent service keeping the place busy during lunch and dinner. For starters, opt for the sushi or the Falkland Island calamari tubes stuffed with prawns and peri-peri dressing and then char-grilled. The catch of the day—dorado, swordfish, or Cape salmon—or Thai-inspired seared tuna as well as the variety of seafood platters are recommended mains. If you have room, round out the meal with a panna cotta—flavors change daily.

    1 Aubrey Dr., Durban, KwaZulu Natal, 4051, South Africa
    031-572–3664

    Known For

    • Fresh seafood
    • Excellent view
    • Panna cotta

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Reservations essential
  • 4. 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
  • 5. 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
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  • 6. The LivingRoom @ Summerhill Estate Culinary Retreat

    $$$$

    Don’t let the relaxed homey feel fool you; this is the most exciting meal you can have in the Durban area right now. Each course of the sustainable nose-to-tail menu is bold, flavorful, and carries a Kwa-Zulu Natal story, told by the head chef, German-born, Durban-raised Johannes Richter, who incorporates the property's fresh produce with handcrafted items like fish sauce made by fermented specimens caught on the annual sardine run and homemade sourdough served with lashings of spiced masala butter, as well as local ingredients such as maas (traditional milk) and amaranth (a protein-packed grain). Come hungry and take your time.

    9 Belvedale Rd., Durban, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa
    063-529–1966

    Known For

    • Exciting fine dining
    • Creative vegetarian options
    • A great spot for date night

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: 7 courses R730 / including wine pairing R1,255
  • 7. 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
  • 8. Barbacoa

    $$ | South American

    This is an Argentinian-styled mecca for red-meat lovers where steaks are cooked on an open charcoal fire and South American music dictates the atmosphere. There's also an on-site butchery where local grain-fed beef is aged and cut to size to suit all appetites. Cuts are served with a choice of sauces (mushroom and red wine, cheese, or garlic to name a few) and vegetable sides. Alternates include deboned chicken and freshly seared tuna. Their exclusive Malbec is an obvious wine choice, with a range of other high and low vintage reds and whites to choose from.

    Lighthouse Mall, Chartwell Dr., Umhlanga, KwaZulu Natal, 4320, South Africa
    031-561–4106
  • 9. 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.
  • 10. 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
  • 11. 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
  • 12. Elephant & I

    $$

    The question is what won't you find to eat at this popular restaurant in the Boardwalk Inkwazi shopping center. You name it, they've got it: from burgers, wraps, salads, bagel sandwiches, and paninis, to a jumble of international dinner dishes, like moussaka, lasagna, quiche, shepherd's pie, or stir-fry, topped off with dessert. Early opening hours are a big bonus, all the better to enjoy an extensive menu of breakfast classics or a muffin and a great selection of coffee drinks. If you want to come for dinner, be aware that they close early evening (3 pm on Sunday), so call to check. Wi-Fi is offered here—a big draw card.

    Shop L26, Boardwalk Centre, Richards Bay, KwaZulu Natal, 3900, South Africa
    035-789–7269

    Known For

    • Variety
    • Breakfasts
    • Burgers and salads

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Reservations not accepted
  • 13. Gigi's

    $$$$ | Eclectic

    Although it's on the Hotel iZulu property, you don't have to be a guest to eat at this excellent restaurant. Only the finest ingredients are used, and they are locally sourced whenever possible, like South African cheeses, lamb from the KZN Midlands, venison, and fresh seafood. Try the Hotel Izulu curry of the day—always delicious. Dining is fairly formal but lunch is best enjoyed poolside. There's an excellent wine cellar, so take the opportunity to sample some of the best South African wines.

    Hotel iZulu, 3 Rey's Place, Ballito, KwaZulu Natal, 4399, South Africa
    032-946–3444
  • 14. 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
  • 15. 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
  • 16. Joop's Place

    $$ | Morningside | Steak House

    No trip to South Africa would be complete without a good traditional steak, and without a doubt, Joop's (pronounced yopes) is the best and most popular steak house in Durban. It goes without saying that most customers are regulars. It has an intimate, homey atmosphere, though the interior design is certainly nothing special. The food is the true focus, with Joop—a butcher by trade—himself selecting and preparing the steaks in an open kitchen. The specialty here is panfried steak; the pepper steak and Hollandse (Dutch-style) biefstuk (a center-cut fillet panfried in black butter and flambéed in brandy) are tasty favorites. The exceptionally hungry should try the 800-gram (about 21-ounce) T-bone.

    Avonmore Centre, shop 14, 9th Ave., Durban, KwaZulu Natal, 4001, South Africa
    031-312–9135

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun. No lunch Sat.–Thurs. Jan.–Nov.
  • 17. Kashmir

    $$ | Indian

    The menu features mainly North Indian dishes that are so large and filling that—take our word for it—appetizers are not needed. Standout curries include butter chicken, lamb gosht pasanda (done in an almond-and-cream sauce with saffron), and the navratan korma (mixed vegetables cooked in cashew gravy with fruit). The interior provides a sophisticated dining experience, which continues onto an enclosed terrace. There's a good, reasonably priced buffet on Friday and Saturday nights and a carvery for Sunday lunch.

    11 McCausland Crescent, Umhlanga, KwaZulu Natal, 4317, South Africa
    031-561–7486
  • 18. 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
  • 19. 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
  • 20. 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

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