Oribi Gorge, KZN. Photo by Chris Eason.

The KZN South Coast is a holidaymaker’s dream. In or out of season, the coastline from Amanzimtoti to Port Edward offers mild weather that allows for a host of marine sports like scuba diving, shark diving, deep sea or shoreline fishing, spectacular nature walks and lounging on some of South Africa’s most beautiful white sand beaches. Partaking in these activities will, of course, rustle up an appetite, so here follows a list of fine restaurants to quell the hunger.

The Cellar Boutique Restaurant (Port Shepstone)

This small restaurant offers stunning food – a real gourmet experience – set in a beautiful setting at Honeywood in Sea Park. It’s a must-visit location that offers a five-course tasting menu featuring the likes of pea arancini with goat’s cheese and tomato salt and duck ham with soy plum jam. They also offer Wine & Dine evenings, where their meals are paired with wines from select wine estates.

Fish Eagle Restaurant (Port Edward)

This is another stunning venue. With its rolling lawns and expansive view of the lagoon and sea, it’s a popular wedding destination. The emphasis here is on fresh, seasonal and local ingredients. Enjoy your meal inside the Cape Dutch-style building with its high ceilings, or take your lunch outside on the patio, overlooking the KZN shoreline.

Flavours Restaurant (Ramsgate)

Expect a cosmopolitan range of flavours and excellent cuisine here. This is one of the area’s special gems. There’s loads of variety – from pork and prawn wontons to Moroccan lamb and a slow braised oxtail. Their specials menu changes regularly too.

La Capannina (Ramsgate)

If you’re in the mood for authentic Italian food, La Capannina is just the thing. Be sure to book for lunch or dinner at this Italian family-owned establishment, with its deck overlooking Ramsgate beach. Opt for one of their fish or meat dishes; the pizza is also very popular with locals.

Trattoria Casa Mia (Umtentweni)

This is the perfect spot to enjoy a gourmet pizza on the river. Their pizzas are super thin-based, and the antipasti platter for two is also highly recommended. Grab a seat outside on the patio for a view over the water, or move inside to order off their extensive blackboard menus.

Stephward Estate (Uvongo)

Be welcomed into a world of haute couture fashion design, exotic plants, Edwardian luxury and great homemade food for breakfast, lunch or tea. Be sure to take a walk through their exotic plant nursery.

Jaxx Restaurant (Umtentweni)

This popular local hangout is a great spot for meetings, and they have a wide range of exceptional good. Great care is taken with the presentation of dishes, whether you’re out for breakfast, a salad, mezze platter, burger or pizza.

Schooners Galley Restaurant (Port Shepstone)

This restaurant is known for the consistently good standard of their food and value-for-money menu. Locals vouch for the Eisbein and steak and chips. The owners are hands-on type of people and sure to be around if you have a question or request.

The interior at Burlesque Cafe. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

Highland Fryer (Shelly Beach)

Ready for some fish, chips and great pub grub? Try The Highland Fryer. Newcomers might find it tricky locating the entrance, but just follow the signage. Grab a table in the pub or restaurant, and opt for their giant hamburger and delicious fish and chips.

C-bali (Shelly Beach)

This is the local Thai-inspired joint. Lots of loyal locals love the sushi menu here and it is a very popular spot for lunch. The eatery is metres from the beach and with its view of St Mikes, it surely offers one of the best views on the coast.

The Lobster Pot (Ramsgate)

Tuck into world-class seafood or head over for Sunday lunch, which comes with two roasts and all the trimmings. The atmosphere is cosy and perfect for their Thursday night date nights if you’re looking for somewhere romantic.

Bell and Anchor (Scottburgh)

A wide range of dishes means there’s something for everyone, whether you’re looking for a juicy steak, finger foods, curries or burgers. Look out for daily specials on sushi, burgers and steaks, as well as their Sunday roast special. Portions are large and music sets the vibe with live sets every now and again. And they’re open during loadshedding so you can enjoy great food and company any night of the week.

The Packshed (Margate)

Expect beautiful food in a gorgeous setting with the occasional live music to set the mood. If you love what you see so much (and trust us, you will!), be sure to stop in at their farmstall to take some goodies for the road. Whether you go for pizza, the lamb shank or smoked pork belly, you can’t go wrong. The Packshed focuses on the techniques of wood grilling and smoking to create flavour sensations that will stay with you long after you’ve completed your meal. 

The Waffle House (Ramsgate)

A trip to The Waffle House is a must when visiting KZN’s South Coast. They have a variety of savoury and sweet options that kids and adults alike will love. Take a seat on the deck and enjoy the jungle experience with sea views. You’ll need to park at the beach and stroll through the woods to get there, and that’s just part of its charm. The deli stocks a range of local goods, so it’s also the perfect place to stock up if you’re staying a self-catering spot. And there are vegan options available.