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The Chefs Table

Reviewers' Choice 2025 - Top 100
Contemporary International
Location Pointer 1st Floor, Protea Mall, 1 Chartwell Drive, Umhlanga Rocks, 4319
4.7
(3241 reviews)
RRR
Menu
Favourite

Attributes

  • Romantic
  • Gourmet Guide Plated
  • Reviewers' Choice 2025 - Top 100

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Menu
Favourite

Executive Chef Mathew Armbruster and his brigade of 12 qualified chefs have crafted their menu around fresh, local, and seasonal ingredients. The dishes are inspired by what is readily available on the day. Fresh produce from local, organic farmers arrives in the morning, and the dishes are tweaked and arranged accordingly. The menu changes slightly every day and each season will see different ingredients and new dishes to enjoy.

The open-plan kitchen is at the heart of the restaurant - for the theatre of it, but also for the chefs to stay connected to the energy of the diners. Watch the chefs at work and feel the connection to the food and the beautifully plated dishes being prepared.

Gourmet Guide™ Description

Taking pride of place in Durban’s foodie scene, this restaurant in Umhlanga Rocks is a firm favourite among those who love tasty, seasonal dishes. Many of the offerings reflect the coastal setting, while others showcase produce sourced from the nearby KZN Midlands. It’s always local and sustainable. The contemporary 150-seater establishment is spacious, with the dramatic Tretchikoff mural the focal point…until you see the plates coming out of the open kitchen.

Both the set and à la carte menus may differ slightly on the day, as the team constantly strives for freshness, seasonality, and authenticity. The recent addition of a wood-burning oven has excited the kitchen team. Catering to dietary restrictions with full vegetarian and vegan à la carte menus means every diner cared for with eloquent, elegant creations. The distinctive and diverse selection of wines and cocktails is a drawcard too.

Popular fare includes the beef tongue (Mathew’s first-choice snack), the wood-fired octopus with a Korean-style glaze and kimchi, the West Coast mussels, and the aged beef tartare prepared with cola oil.

Opening Hours

  • Monday 12h00 - 14h30, 18h00 - 22h00
  • Tuesday 12h00 - 14h30, 18h00 - 22h00
  • Wednesday 12h00 - 14h30, 18h00 - 22h00
  • Thursday 12h00 - 14h30, 18h00 - 22h00
  • Friday 12h00 - 14h30, 18h00 - 22h30
  • Saturday 12h00 - 14h30, 18h00 - 22h30
  • Sunday CLOSED

Reviews (3241)

4.7 out of 5.0
Based on the past 12 months
Food 4.8
Value 4.7
Service 4.8
Ambience 4.7
  • Nosipho M. Dined: 3 days ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Thu 17 Sep 26
    What an absolutely incredible experience! ✨ The food was phenomenal and truly out of this world — every dish was beautifully prepared, full of flavour, and exceeded my expectations. 😍 The service was equally amazing. The staff were attentive, friendly, and made the whole experience feel extra special. From the moment I arrived, everything was just perfect. And the vibes! 🔥 The atmosphere was beautiful, lively, and exactly what you want when going out for a great meal. Honestly, this restaurant exceeded my expectations in every way. Amazing food, exceptional service, and an unforgettable atmosphere. I will definitely be coming back! ❤️✨

  • John R. Dined: 3 days ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Thu 17 Sep 26
    Excellent wine pairing dinner with David Nieuwoudt of Cedarberg Wines

  • Dr George C. Dined: 3 days ago
    4.3
    Food 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 3.0

    Reviewed on: Thu 17 Sep 26
    Last night was a very different experience, with close to 90 guests. The atmosphere was certainly lively, but unfortunately the noise level made it quite difficult to hear and follow the wine presentations at times. It was a pity, as David is always so engaging and generous in sharing his knowledge and, of course, his wines! The food was a real highlight. Chef Matthew and his team produced some excellent dishes, beautifully presented and thoughtfully matched to the wines. The staff were friendly, attentive and very professional throughout the evening, which made us feel very welcome. As always, David was incredibly generous with the wines, and it was wonderful to have the opportunity to enjoy such a great selection of Ghost Corner and Cederberg wines alongside the food. We certainly enjoyed the evening and, having seen what Chef Matthew and his team can do, we would love to come back and experience The Chef’s Table properly over an à la carte meal. I think that would give us a much better opportunity to appreciate the restaurant, the food and the whole experience in a more relaxed and intimate setting. A lovely evening overall, and one that has definitely left us wanting to come back for more.

  • Beverley F. Dined: 3 days ago
    4.8
    Food 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0
  • Wendy F. Dined: 3 days ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Thu 17 Sep 26
    Excellent evening all round as usual, thank you!

  • Darshan D. Dined: 3 days ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0
  • Kate L. Dined: 1 week ago
    4.3
    Food 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 3.0

    Reviewed on: Sun 13 Sep 26
    Excellent customer service from every staff member we encountered. The hostess, bar staff, waitress, and sommelier were all brilliant. All the food was delicious and presented beautifully (although one of the four dishes arrived cold). The decor and low lighting made the fairly large space still feel intimate. The only 'negative' is that the restaurant is very noisy. Some acoustic panels or other noise-absorption materials in the space would go a long way to improve the overall ambience and experience. Would still highly recommend the restaurant, despite this.

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