When it comes to dining out, Durban appears to be on a different Planet.
I remember many family holidays down in Durban when I was growing up, but now as an ex-Joburger living in Cape Town, I’ll admit I’ve lost touch. I’ve had to ask around and do a little bit of research to find out what on earth the dining scene is like!
So where do Durbanites go to enjoy a luxurious tasting menu or celebrate a special occasion? Here are a few of the modern contemporary style restaurants we found in Durban for those very occasions:
9th Avenue Bistro
Morningside
This award-winning restaurant, recently named Condé Nast Gourmet magazine South Africa’s “Favourite Restaurant as voted for by the public,” is owned & run by Graham & Gina Neilson. The couple travelled and worked in top establishments around the world before coming home to open up their own restaurant. With Graham as the head chef, 9th Avenue’s mission is to be a modern, warm and unpretentious venue, serving fresh and creative cuisine with an emphasis on high-quality seasonal ingredients.
The Chef’s Table
Umhlanga village.
With award-winning executive chef Kayla Ann Osborn at the helm, The Chef’s Table has earned its place as one of the more sophisticated dining experiences in Durban, while remaining contemporary and approachable.
The restaurant focuses on exceptional service and hospitality with cuisine that borrows techniques and styles from all over.
Cafe 1999
Berea
Cafe 1999 offers a dining experience to excite the senses: a vibrant ambiance, gracious service and a delectable menu. Chef Marcelle Roberts’ award-winning contemporary Mediterranean cuisine is designed around sharing, and after hearing a few people rave about how good the food is, it’s no surprise that Cafe 1999 remains a firm favourite for both locals and tourists.
Casa Toscana
South Coast
Experience an authentic Tuscan dining experience on KZN’s South Coast. Located in a charming stone villa overlooking the Mpenjati lagoon, ‘Casa Toscana’, Italian for ‘Tuscan home’, embodies the warm and welcoming atmosphere of the restaurant which is owned by husband and wife team Mario and Marisa Toniolo. In 2010 food enthusiast Andrea Boffi relocated from Italy and joined Casa Toscana in the kitchen.
Butcher Boys Grill
Morningside
Located on vibey Florida road, Butcher Boys is the place to go for high quality meat just the way South Africans love it. While grilling up South Africa’s best beef is this restaurant’s forte, the menu does offer alternatives, such as seafood dishes like fillet of kingklip and sesame-crusted tuna.
Durban is full of hidden gems, you just have to do some exploring to find them. What is your favourite restaurant in Durban? Let us know in the comments section.
