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Top diner-rated restaurants in Durban and beyond

by | 15 November 2023

We’ve mined a year’s worth of guest reviews to uncover the hottest spots in KwaZulu-Natal, all highly rated by you! These 14 stellar spots offer it all – amazing food, friendly service, a cool vibe, and great value for money. Get ready to ditch those “tourist trap” restaurants and discover the hidden gems that KZN locals love. Pack your appetite and get ready to explore the delicious side of KZN and the Midlands.

Create Ceramics

Signature Umhlanga

The Hussar Grill – Oceans

The LivingRoom at Summerhill

1904 Bistro Américain

African Peninsula Restaurant

Bel Punto

Butcher Boys

Café Monroe

Casa Nostra

Sala Beach House

Skyfall Premium Dining

The Grill Jichana – Elangeni Maharani

The Grill Room at The Oyster Box Hotel

Top KZN Newcomers – Reviewers’ Choice Awards 2023

Create Ceramics

(Umhlanga, Durban)


Whether you are an amateur artist or a master with a paintbrush, Create Ceramics offers the perfect atmosphere for unleashing your creativity. Get into the zone while you paint your masterpiece and enjoy music, refreshing drinks and a menu packed with mouthwatering dishes. Book your year-end corporate team-building event, celebrate special occasions, or a fun-filled day out with the family.

We were a team of 40 that attended on 8 November ‘23. Meals came through on time and all meals were superb. A variety was ordered, and everyone enjoyed! Service was brilliant all around!

Inbam G.

Dineplan guest review, 5/5 stars

Signature Umhlanga

(Umhlanga, Durban)


Led by founder Desmond Mabuza, the highly-skilled team at Signature invites you to enjoy a luxurious experience of refined fine dining that’ll be hard to forget. Their meticulous attention to detail is very noticeable in their impeccable service and exquisite décor. Diners will be able to catch glimpses of the ocean from their tables, providing a serene backdrop to your culinary adventure.

This was indeed fine dining at its best. I was dining with a vegan. We were blown away by the chef’s ability to create a tasty dish on the spot. Beaula was exceptional in her service. This was indeed a memorable experience.

Gugu N.

Dineplan guest review, 5/5 stars

The Hussar Grill – Oceans

(Lagoon Dr, Umhlanga)


A favourite restaurant group amongst many South Africans, it’s no surprise that The Hussar Grill in Umhlanga made its way to the top of the Newcomers 2023 category. Serving up perfectly aged, succulent steaks, paired with delicious house specialities and award-winning wines there is no doubt that you’ll leave feeling well looked after and very content after a quality meal and extraordinary service.

Awesome food and service. Always our first choice for date night!

David

Dineplan guest review, 5/5 stars

The LivingRoom at Summerhill

(Pinetown, KZN)


Led by husband-and-wife team, Chef Jo and Johanna Richter, The LivingRoom showcases Durban’s incredible culinary diversity and heritage with a commitment to sustainability and community development. This family-owned-and-run fine-dining restaurant has won many awards, so it’s no surprise that it landed a 2023 Newcomer award.

A wonderful experience, very quaint venue, personal service from the owner and her family, delicious flavours and an overall pleasure.

Christos K.

Dineplan guest review, 5/5 stars

Best ambience, food, service and value

1904 Bistro Américain

(Kloof, Durban)
Top-rated: Value


Take your seat at 1904 Bistro Américain and pay homage to the humble hamburger, which takes centre stage. With a modern American diner experience and a menu full of classic family comfort food, you can soak in the elegance of their Art Deco dining room while enjoying a great value meal.

Everything was 100%.

Minenhle K.

Dineplan guest review, 5/5 stars

African Peninsula Restaurant

(Brighton Beach, Bluff)
Top-rated: Ambience, Service and Value


Where urban meets coastal and the pace of modern life is swept away while dining with panoramic views over the Indian Ocean, African Peninsula Restaurant in Bluff is one of this year’s top 100 diner-rated restaurants. They are loved by guests for their hard-to-beat location, top-notch service and great value. Choose something from the à la carte menu or try the three-course menu featuring their signature dishes. The delicious food matches the laid-back atmosphere. Book your table to discover this gem.

Beautiful sea views that you can reach out and touch. Fantastic service and delicious food. Just come and have a sundowner, you will love it here.

Chantal R.

Dineplan guest review, 5/5 stars

Bel Punto

(Umdloti)
Top-rated: Food


With thousands of 5-star reviews, Bel Punto on the Umdloti beachfront is a favourite in KZN with locals and visitors alike. Serving fresh seafood and Italian family-style pasta dishes with uninterrupted views over the sea, this is one of the best places to eat on the Dolphin Coast.

Dined with a guest from Italy, and they could not stop raving about the all-round quality. He got on with the Nonna in the kitchen and labelled it the finest, authentic Italian dining experience he has had outside of Italy – Bravo.

Kyle.

Dineplan guest review, 5/5 stars

Butcher Boys

(Umhlanga Rocks)
Top-rated: Food and Value


The perfect cut of meat does exist, and you can find it in Umhlanga. The Butcher Boys are serving every meat-lover’s dream menu, whether your preference is wet-aged or dry-aged steaks. Reserve your table and visit them today – it’s not good, it’s great!

You can also visit Morningside and Meyersdale to get your hands on a Butcher Boys steak if you aren’t in Umhlanga.

Great experience and the nicest steak in Umhlanga.

Graham L.

Dineplan guest review, 5/5 stars

Café Monroe

(Musgrave, Berea)
Top-rated: Ambience, Food and Value


The team at Café Monroe invites you to indulge in dishes crafted from fresh ingredients by Chef Margo. With rave reviews for ambience, food and value, as well as a top 100 ranking in the Reviewers’ Choice Awards 2023, Café Monroe is clearly a favourite with the foodies in and around Durban and well worth visiting.

Café Monroe is an outstanding restaurant – the food, décor and ambience are just lovely.

Jo-Ann W.

Dineplan guest review, 5/5 stars

Casa Nostra

(Umdloti, Durban)
Top-rated: Food and Service


A much-loved, family-run Italian trattoria in the heart of Umdloti, Casa Nostra is a cherished destination for both locals and visitors, fondly regarded as a “little piece of Italy”. Choose to sit in the al fresco courtyard or red-bricked dining room while enjoying classic Italian dishes that even Nonna would rave about. Plus, their famously friendly service is sure to make you feel right at home!

As always an excellent meal and dining experience, impeccable service too.

Nisha.

Dineplan guest review, 5/5 stars

Sala Beach House

(Dolphin Coast)
Top-rated: Ambience


Experience the ultimate beachside dining destination at Sala Beach in Shaka’s Rock! Located within the hotel’s palm tree paradise, the restaurant offers breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean and Thompson’s Bay. Imagine enjoying seasonal, delicious dishes from both land and sea, all while taking in the stunning surroundings. With 5-star service and a choice of dining on the ocean terrace, in the tropical courtyard or indoors, Sala Beach House is perfect for a romantic date or special occasion. Don’t miss out on this one-of-a-kind dining experience.

Sala Beach House met all my expectations. What stood out the most was the food, service and views! The 3-course meal was worth every cent. I would definitely visit this establishment again.

Akho M.

Dineplan guest review, 5/5 stars

Skyfall Premium Dining

(Mooi River)
Top-rated: Ambience and Service


No trip through the Midlands is complete without a visit to Skyfall farm in Mooi River. Enjoy the picturesque surroundings of the lush countryside while sipping on a chilled glass of white wine on the terrace amidst the beautiful gardens. Or, descend into the underground cellar to select a bottle of red wine and relax in the comfort of the restaurant. Choose between the à la carte menu or experience the chef’s set menu – both use ingredients sourced ethically from the surrounding farms.

A culinary experience not to be missed! Highly recommended. Everything was beautiful, thank you.

Vaughn P.

Dineplan guest review, 5/5 stars

The Grill Jichana – Elangeni Maharani

(North Beach, Durban)
Top-rated: Value


The “steaks” have been raised! Boasting flame-grilled premium cuts of meat from local producers, The Grill Jichana in North Beach has racked up hundreds of glowing, 5-star reviews. Infused with the flavours of the African East Coast Spice Route, the dishes are created with flair and are consistently praised for their exceptional value. Make sure to book your seats in advance and try one of their legendary steaks for yourself.

The Grill Jichana has some of the best steak that I’ve ever tasted.

Jino C.

Dineplan guest review, 5/5 stars

The Grill Room at The Oyster Box Hotel

(Umhlanga)
Top-rated: Service


For almost 70 years, the legendary Grill Room has been renowned for its classic, old-world fine-dining food and service. It recently earned a coveted spot in the top 100 of the Reviewers’ Choice Awards 2023. Once you arrive, you’ll step into a bygone era, complete with an Hors d’Oeuvres trolley and an array of dishes meticulously prepared and served table-side. Maître d’ Hendry Pakiri has watched over the elegant dining room for over five decades, and his unwavering commitment to excellent service ensures that every visit to The Grill Room is unforgettable.

Marcel is an excellent host. Such humility and grace. Never disappointed in serving our table, the food was exquisite.

Brenda M.

Dineplan guest review, 5/5 stars

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