A foodie’s guide to Durban: 7 Restaurants and cafes to visit

Posted by Tsoku Maela on 28 April 2023

Durban is renowned for the wide range of restaurants it offers, serving everything from typical local curries to fresh seafood and famous South African steaks. The restaurant scene in Durban varies greatly, from laid-back to stylish establishments offering cuisine from around the world.

Restaurants can be found throughout the city and its surrounding suburbs. Some great culinary areas to explore include Florida Road and Windermere Road in Morningside, which offer a variety of restaurants and cafes in charming street cafe settings, as well as pubs and clubs for those looking for a lively night out.

Picture: Dukkah Restaurant & Bar/Instagram

The Victoria Embankment area around Durban’s Harbour also boasts numerous restaurants catering to all tastes, with a beautiful setting to boot. On the Beachfront, visitors can enjoy restaurants that line Durban’s promenade, including those in the uShaka Marine World complex. It’s a bustling and vibrant area that captures the essence of Durban’s beachfront.

Durban North and Glenashley, two leafy suburbs situated between Durban and Umhlanga Rocks, are home to vibey street pubs and cafes with a great atmosphere. Umhlanga Rocks, just 10 km from Durban, has a lovely village feel with pavement cafes and pubs, as well as restaurants and pubs right on the beach.

Finally, seaside restaurants and pubs can be found in beautiful locations in Umdloti and Ballito. Here are 7 we think you should visit.

1. The Grill Jichana

The Grill Jichana Durban is a restaurant that prides itself on offering its customers the highest quality cuts of meat, which are sourced from premium suppliers in the local area. Each dish is made with great care and served with a touch of elegance that is further enhanced by the modern and sophisticated interior design, complete with a brick wall. A glass of fine wine is also available to accompany your dining experience. The restaurant takes inspiration from African cuisine, using strong spices such as cassia, cardamom and turmeric in every dish, which consists of cuts of beef, chicken or fish.

Picture: Tsogo Sun (The grill Jichana) gallery

Address: 63 Snell Parade, Durban , Kwazulu-Natal

Telephone: 031 362 1300

2. The Grill Room at The Oyster Box

The Grill Room, located within The Oyster Box luxury hotel, has been serving consistently excellent food and providing great service for over 70 years, despite experiencing various political changes. Its coastal location makes seafood a must-try, but the restaurant also offers a range of cuisines. The curry is a local speciality and is made to perfection here. Guests can dine on the Ocean Terrace and enjoy breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean while enjoying the spectacular seafood platter.

Picture: The Grillroom at Oyster Box gallery

Address: 2 Lighthouse Rd, Umhlanga, uMhlanga

Monday – Sunda: 6 pm – 10 pm

Telephone: +27 31 514 5000
Email: [email protected]

3. The Butcher Boys

Butcher Boys Morningside is a steakhouse that has built a formidable reputation as the best in town. Its success is attributed to a long-standing commitment to serving only the finest beef sourced from local farmlands, as well as the restaurant’s secret basting sauce and a wine list that includes some of South Africa’s best vintages.

Picture: The Butcher Boys/Instagram

Address: Shop 1, Lighthouse Mall, Lighthouse Rd, Durban, 4319

Telephone: 031 561 4106

4. Jack Salmon Fish

Jack Salmon Fish House started as a single location in the Glenashley district and has now expanded to four locations across Durban, thanks to its ability to produce some of the finest seafood in the city. The restaurant only sources the freshest seafood available and has an extensive sushi menu. The Poke bowls are a must-try, with guests able to choose from soy-marinated salmon, tuna or prawns mixed with sesame seeds, radish, kewpie mayonnaise and pickled ginger.

Picture: Jack Salmon Fish/Instagram

Address: Shop 15, Glenore Centre, 1 Aubrey Dr, Glen Ashley, Durban

Glenashley:  031 572 3664 | [email protected]

General Enquiries: [email protected]

5. Jiran Café: A one-stop foodie destination

Jiran Café is a versatile eatery, serving as a coffee shop by day and a gastro-restaurant by night. It’s a great spot for breakfast, with their eggs benedict being a particular standout dish. This bistro and cafe also caters to vegetarians and vegans, offering a range of options.

The Brasserie at Quarters Boutique Hotel: Excellent Ambience and Service

Picture: Jiran Cafe /Facebook

For a truly elegant dining experience, head to The Brasserie at Quarters Boutique Hotel. This South African restaurant offers indoor and al fresco dining options, with excellent service and ambience in both. If you’re a fan of chicken livers, be sure to try them here.

Address: 151 Snell Parade, North Beach, Marine Parade, Durban, South Africa

Telephone:  031 332 4485

6. Dukkah Restaurant and Bar: A wine lover’s Heaven

Located on Durban’s Florida Road, Dukkah Restaurant and Bar is a must-visit for wine aficionados. With a wall of wine bottles available for perusal, and world-class cocktails, Dukkah is the perfect spot for an evening of relaxation. The dishes and service are well thought-out and the menu constantly changes to keep things exciting.

Picture: Dukkah restaurant / Instagram

Address: 59 Florida Rd, Windermere, Durban

Phone: 031 271 3531

7. The Curry O’s: Durban’s new favourite for Indian cuisine

No visit to Durban would be complete without sampling some of the city’s iconic bunny chow. The Curry O’s at Point Waterfront is still relatively new, having opened in December, but it’s quickly becoming known as one of the best spots for Indian cuisine in Durban. Be sure to check it out and indulge in some delicious curries and spices.

Picture: The Curry O’s / Facebook

Address: 875 Main Rd, Moseley, Pinetown

Telephone: 083 250 5040

DEAL: Enjoy scrumptious burgers and wraps in Berea

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