Durban is fast becoming a foodie haven, and is teeming with new and exciting restaurants to delight the gastronomists out there.
Here is a quick guide to some of the new additions to the KZN culinary scene.
Lupa Osteria
Lupa Osteria is already a well known and loved restaurant in Kloof; however you can now enjoy their signature authentic Italian family dining at their new branches in Westville and Durban North. You can also expect to enjoy the same vibey atmosphere and fashionable décor that makes visiting Lupas in Kloof such a pleasure.
The Pitz is another trendy food concept – a traditional South African Braai restaurant. All foods served are cooked on the inside braai and the ambience is casual and relaxed. With delicious fresh food, and a warm and trendy environment, the Pitz is a unique dining experience so let’s shisanyama!
Republik
Republik in Durban North is the new hang out spot for the cool and trendy – they specialise in gourmet burgers (the nacho burger is incredible) and craft beer. Guests can enjoy regular live music and there is a special open mike night every week for the aspiring performers out there.
The Roost is a unique restaurant, following the ‘one food’ concept that has become popular internationally. The Roost makes dining easy, with just one set meal on the menu – baby chicken, served with a bowl of hand-cut chips, an uncomplicated Greek-style salad and for dessert an assortment of flavours of ice-cream in a sugar cone. The décor is similarly functional and informal. Keeping it simple!
La Vue
La Vue is the only floating restaurant and event venue in South Africa, and boasts two amazing decks, two full bars and a dance floor. Each cruise features a fascinating look at Durban’s metropolitan skyline and the landmarks that make Durban a popular tourist destination.
Bottles is one of the only Tex-Mex restaurants around. Bottles’ owners are Texan born and bred, and decided to bring their favourite American Mexican fusion food to Durban. The restaurant is lively and casual, with simple Mexican décor adding to the festive atmosphere.
Trafford’s
On the other end of the spectrum, Trafford’s is an elegantly beautiful fine dining establishment hidden in the centre of Pietermaritzburg. The menu is small and changes every six weeks to incorporate new and exciting ingredients to their sophisticated dishes. Whilst upmarket, Traffords maintains a lovely and warm atmosphere.
Fat Aubergine is an extension of the popular Aubergine Cookery Studio. The studio has an unrivalled reputation for creating fine food and decided to extend this to an on-site restaurant. Margie and her team combine style, good taste and impeccable execution to create a luxury experience at every meal, large or small.
Essence Deli
Essence Deli coffee shop is a trendy spot, created with the vision to create a nurturing place where people feel at home. The relaxed ambiance partnered with comfort, good food and drinks creates the perfect environment to relax on a date, business meeting or casual lunch with the family.
La Pizza Pazza is a relaxed traditional Italian restaurant in Kloof, much loved by the locals. Key to its charm is the fact that is a non-franchised, family-owned business. Offering social dancing in house every Monday evening, it is more than just a restaurant – it is a community hot spot!
Eat Local Grill
Well-known local restauranteur Hugo Palacio has unveiled his latest dining concept in Ballito – Eat Local Grill. This trendy Argentinian style steak house specialises in meat and fish cooked in the traditional Argentinian way. The trendy bar area is the perfect spot to enjoy a sundowner with friends.
The Beach Hut is situated in the heart of the old Ballito Village down by the gorgeous beach. The restaurant offers traditional British fare in a relaxed and homely beach house atmosphere. What makes the Beach Hut unique is that is has two totally different looks – coffee shop by day and trendy bistro at night.
Freedom Cafe
Freedom Café is another unique find in Durban. Housed in a red shipping container, it is playful and attracts a melting pot of people from all over the world. Regularly hosting live music and fun pop-up events such as Burger and Shake and Tacos & Tequila evenings, Freedom Café celebrates community, creativity and of course good food.
