Durban Restaurants

Durban's dining public is fickle by nature, and restaurants tend to change hands fairly often. But don't be discouraged—Durban offers some superb dining options, provided you eat to its strengths. Thanks to a huge Indian population, it has some of the best curry restaurants in the country.

Durbanites eat lunch and dinner relatively early because they're early risers, particularly in summer, when it's light soon after 4. They're also generally casual dressers—you'll rarely need a jacket and tie, and jeans are rarely frowned upon.

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  • 1. 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
  • 2. 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
  • 3. 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
  • 4. 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
  • Recommended Fodor’s Video

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