Durban is a coastal city in South Africa known for its stunning beaches, warm weather, and delicious cuisine. With a diverse population, Durban offers a unique blend of flavours and dishes that are sure to satisfy any palate. In this article, we will explore some of the best places to eat in Durban, from traditional South African cuisine to international favourites.
One of the most popular areas for foodies in Durban is Florida Road. This bustling street is lined with restaurants and cafes offering everything from sushi to pizza to traditional curries. Another must-visit area is the Victoria Street Market, where you can sample a variety of Indian-inspired street food and pick up some spices to take home with you.
Whether you’re looking for a fancy night out or a quick bite on the go, Durban has something to offer. From seafood to meat to vegetarian options, there is no shortage of delicious food to try in this vibrant city. So grab your appetite and get ready to explore some of the best places to eat in Durban.
Traditional South African Restaurants
When in Durban, one must try the traditional South African cuisine. The city offers a variety of restaurants that serve authentic dishes, and two of the best are Max’s Lifestyle and Moyo Ushaka.
Max’s Lifestyle
Max’s Lifestyle is a popular restaurant located in Umlazi, Durban. The restaurant has been around for over 20 years and has gained a reputation for serving delicious traditional meals. The restaurant is known for its vibrant atmosphere, live music, and friendly staff.
The menu at Max’s Lifestyle includes a variety of dishes such as tripe, chicken feet, and ox liver. The restaurant is also famous for its braai (barbecue) dishes, including lamb chops, boerewors, and chicken wings. The portions are generous, and the prices are reasonable.
Moyo Ushaka
Moyo Ushaka is another great restaurant to experience traditional South African cuisine. The restaurant is located at the Ushaka Marine World, and it offers a unique dining experience with a stunning view of the ocean.
The menu at Moyo Ushaka includes a variety of dishes from different regions of South Africa, such as bunny chow, bobotie, and pap and wors. The restaurant also offers vegetarian and vegan options. The portions are generous, and the prices are reasonable.
Overall, Max’s Lifestyle and Moyo Ushaka are two great options to experience the traditional South African cuisine in Durban.
Seafood Restaurants
Durban is known for its delicious seafood, and there are plenty of restaurants that serve up some of the freshest catches in town. Here are two seafood restaurants that are worth a visit:
Cargo Hold Restaurant
Located in the heart of the uShaka Marine World, Cargo Hold Restaurant is a unique dining experience that offers stunning views of the ocean. The restaurant is built around a shipwreck and features an impressive aquarium that is home to a variety of sea creatures.
Cargo Hold Restaurant is known for its fresh seafood, and the menu features a wide range of dishes that are sure to satisfy any seafood lover. Some of the most popular dishes include the seafood platter, which includes a variety of grilled fish, prawns, calamari, and mussels, as well as the seafood pasta, which is made with fresh seafood and a rich tomato sauce.
Bel Punto
Located in the upmarket suburb of Umhlanga Rocks, Bel Punto is a popular seafood restaurant that offers stunning views of the Indian Ocean. The restaurant has a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere and is known for its delicious seafood dishes.
Bel Punto’s menu features a variety of seafood dishes, including grilled prawns, calamari, and line fish. The restaurant also offers a range of sushi dishes, which are made with the freshest ingredients. For those who are not in the mood for seafood, Bel Punto also offers a range of meat and vegetarian dishes.
Overall, Durban is a seafood lover’s paradise, and these two restaurants are worth a visit if you’re in the mood for some delicious seafood.
Indian Restaurants
Durban is known for its rich Indian culture, and with that comes an abundance of delicious Indian restaurants. Here are two of the best Indian restaurants in Durban.
Little Gujarat
Little Gujarat is a vegetarian Indian restaurant that serves authentic and traditional Indian cuisine. The restaurant is known for its extensive menu that includes a variety of curries, biryanis, and snacks. The restaurant also offers a buffet option that allows customers to try a little bit of everything.
One of the standout dishes at Little Gujarat is the paneer tikka masala. The paneer is perfectly cooked and the masala sauce is rich and flavorful. Another popular dish is the chana masala, which is made with chickpeas in a spicy tomato-based sauce.
Impulse By The Sea
Impulse By The Sea is a fine-dining Indian restaurant that offers a unique dining experience. The restaurant is located on the beachfront and offers stunning views of the ocean. The menu is a fusion of Indian and seafood dishes, with a focus on fresh and locally sourced ingredients.
One of the standout dishes at Impulse By The Sea is the prawn curry. The prawns are cooked to perfection and the curry sauce is creamy and delicious. Another popular dish is the butter chicken, which is made with tender chicken in a rich and creamy tomato-based sauce.
Both Little Gujarat and Impulse By The Sea offer delicious and authentic Indian cuisine in Durban.
Steakhouses
Butcher Boys Florida Road
Butcher Boys Florida Road is a popular steakhouse in Durban that offers a wide range of steak cuts. The restaurant has a modern and stylish decor, with a relaxed and casual atmosphere. The menu features a variety of steak cuts, from sirloin to rib-eye, as well as seafood and vegetarian options. The steaks are cooked to perfection and are served with a choice of sides, including chips, vegetables, and salads.
Butcher Boys Florida Road also has an extensive wine list, with a selection of local and international wines. The restaurant has a friendly and knowledgeable staff, who are always happy to help with recommendations and advice.
Havana Grill
Havana Grill is a high-end steakhouse located in the Suncoast Casino complex. The restaurant has a sophisticated and elegant atmosphere, with a focus on quality and attention to detail. The menu features a range of steak cuts, including wagyu beef, as well as seafood and vegetarian options.
Havana Grill also has an impressive wine list, with a selection of local and international wines. The restaurant has a professional and attentive staff, who provide excellent service. The restaurant is a popular choice for special occasions, such as birthdays and anniversaries.
Overall, both Butcher Boys Florida Road and Havana Grill offer excellent steak options in Durban, with a range of cuts and sides to choose from.
Vegan and Vegetarian Restaurants
Durban offers a variety of vegan and vegetarian options for those who prefer a plant-based diet. Here are two of the best vegan and vegetarian restaurants in Durban:
Conscious Café
Conscious Café is a vegan restaurant located in the heart of Durban. Their menu features a variety of plant-based dishes made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. They offer a range of burgers, wraps, salads, smoothies, and juices. Conscious Café also has gluten-free and raw options available.
Their most popular dish is the Conscious Burger, which is made with a beetroot and chickpea patty, vegan cheese, and avocado. They also have a range of vegan desserts, including their famous raw chocolate cake.
Oh My Soul Café
Oh, My Soul Café is a vegetarian and vegan café located in the trendy area of Glenwood. Their menu features a range of vegetarian and vegan dishes, including burgers, wraps, salads, and smoothies. They also have gluten-free options available.
Their most popular dish is the Vegan BLT, which is made with vegan bacon, lettuce, tomato, and avocado on sourdough bread. Oh My Soul Café also has a range of vegan desserts, including vegan cheesecake.
Both Conscious Café and Oh My Soul Café offer a relaxing and welcoming atmosphere, making them the perfect spot for a casual lunch or dinner.
Street Food and Markets
Durban is a city that is famous for its street food scene. Visitors can try a variety of delicious and affordable dishes at the city’s many markets and food stalls. Here are two of the best places to experience Durban’s street food culture.
The Morning Trade
The Morning Trade is a weekly market that takes place every Sunday morning in the heart of Durban. The market features a variety of food stalls, selling everything from fresh produce to artisanal bread and pastries. Visitors can also sample a range of local and international street food, including Indian curries, Mexican tacos, and Italian pizzas.
One of the highlights of The Morning Trade is the live music that accompanies the market. Visitors can enjoy the sounds of local musicians while they eat and shop. The market is also family-friendly, with a dedicated play area for children.
Durban Street Food Festival
The Durban Street Food Festival is an annual event that celebrates the city’s vibrant street food culture. The festival brings together some of Durban’s best food vendors, offering visitors the chance to try a wide range of dishes from across the city.
The festival is held over a weekend and features live music, cooking demonstrations, and food competitions. Visitors can sample everything from traditional South African dishes like bunny chow and boerewors rolls to international favourites like sushi and falafel.
One of the highlights of the Durban Street Food Festival is the opportunity to meet the vendors and learn more about their food and culture. Many of the vendors are passionate about their craft and are happy to share their stories with visitors.
Overall, Durban’s street food and markets offer a unique and exciting culinary experience that is not to be missed. Whether you’re a foodie or just looking for a quick and tasty meal, Durban’s street food scene has something for everyone.
Conclusion
Durban is undoubtedly a foodie’s paradise with its diverse range of cuisine that caters to every palate. From street food to fine dining, the city has it all.
The article has highlighted some of the best places to eat in Durban, each with its unique charm and culinary expertise. Whether it’s the authentic Indian cuisine at Jeera, the seafood at The Oyster Box, or the contemporary fusion cuisine at The Chefs’ Table, there is something for everyone.
Visitors to Durban should not miss out on the opportunity to indulge in the local cuisine, including the famous Bunny Chow, Durban Curry, and Gatsby. These dishes are a true reflection of the city’s cultural diversity and history.
While the article has covered some of the best places to eat in Durban, many more hidden gems are waiting to be discovered. Exploring the city’s food scene is an adventure in itself, and visitors are sure to find something that will tantalize their taste buds.
In conclusion, Durban is a food lover’s dream destination with a wide range of culinary offerings that are sure to satisfy even the most discerning palate.
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