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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.
Though you'll be surrounded by the big screens of Hollywood Bets broadcasting live horse races and games, don't be put off. The air-conditioned restaurant, with a large covered deck and dedicated Bunny Bar for takeout, serves some of the best bunny chow in Durban. The mutton curry is hell-fire hot, and the broad beans (try to get there before noon) bunnies are legendary. Prepare to wait for a table, but you won't have to wait for long.
This casual café 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 mushrooms 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.
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 juices, packed salads, toasted sandwiches, and brief breakfast menu are highly recommended.
Take respite from the summer sun and enjoy a cool treat at this ice-cream parlor, one of multiple 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.
Founded in 1912, this place has built a family legacy of good traditional Indian food. They serve only vegetarian dishes in the form of curries; the first customers arrive around 6 am. Food here is cheap, quick, and ever-popular.
