If you’re feeling the pinch of the current fiscal climate then you’ll know that dining out on a budget can be tricky but, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Here’s a list of satisfying dinners around Durban for under R85.

1904 Bistro Americain (Kloof)

This American-style diner has a vast menu with plenty of wallet-friendly options. Order the classic 1904 hamburger with the usual trimmings for R79. There are also gourmet hot dogs that range from R75 to R89 and chowders that all ring in at under R85.

A selection of dishes at 1904 Bistro Americain. Photo supplied.

Afro’s Chicken (Umhlanga)

Head to one of Durban’s yellow-hued chicken hatches and grab some of the best chicken burgers and chips in town for only R49. If you visit the Umhlanga branch, you can get them to pack you a picnic to enjoy at Chris Saunders Park or you can grab and go to enjoy it in the comfort of your own home. Also enjoy strips, chips and coleslaw for R49. Get a side of chilli chutney or pineapple relish for only eight bucks.

Chicken burger and chips from Afro’s. Photo supplied.

The Glenwood Bakery (Glenwood)

Although the breakfasts and breads are the drawcard here, the Glenwood Bakery team also cooks up some pretty delicious pizzas on Monday and Tuesday evenings. Enjoy live jazz as you sit on the sidewalk with your own bottle of vino and options like a margherita with tomato, mozzarella and fresh basil for R65; one topped with red peppers, capers, olives and feta for R70; a bianca-style pizza with sautéed oyster mushrooms, rocket and parmesan for R70; or a vegan pizza topped with cherry tomatoes, courgette, roasted onion and rocket for R65. They also cook up a flatbread with slow-roasted short-rib beef with hummus and tomato salsa (R75); and a bakery burger with a house-made patty, roasted tomatoes, onion marmalade and aioli on a ciabatta roll (R75).

Hudson’s (Umhlanga)

This vibey spot offers some more affordable options for those looking for a burger fix. Enjoy options like the classic Hudson for R59.50 with mustard mayo and dill pickle; The Cheese with tomato relish and caramelised onion (R71.50); The Wiseguy with fresh chilli, jalapeños and rocket (R71.50); or the veggie-friendly Stomper (R73) with a falafel patty topped with relish, julienne veg, yoghurt and Sriracha. You can also tuck into a falafel taco with all the trimmings for R79.50.

A juicy burger and potato chips at Hudsons. Photo by Claire Gunn Photography.

Jack Salmon (Glenashley and Salt Rock)

Aside from tucking into the stellar sushi selection at this fish house and grill, seafood fans can enjoy the ultimate fish burger, which comprises a crispy battered fillet of fish in a fresh roll served with a homemade tartar and sweet-chilli sauce for R75. There’s also good ol’ fish and chips (grilled or beer-battered) for R78, which is served with homemade tartar sauce. If seafood is not your thing, you can also order a simple but filling napoletana pasta with linguine for R75.

Lupa Osteria (Durban North)

At this popular Italian eatery, budget-friendly dishes still offer that authentic taste of trattoria cooking. Order a simple Loula pasta with homemade tomato sauce and fresh basil, or enjoy a cheesy margherita pizza with fresh herbs, both for R75. Alternatively, order the Grande antipasto platter to share for R170, which features cured meats, Parma ham, cheese, zucchini fries, olives, marinated aubergine and focaccia.

A tomato pasta at Lupa Osteria. Photo supplied.

Nikos (Ballito and Durban North)

This vibrant Greek eatery is known for wholesome food at a reasonable price. Order some meze to share with the table, or pick an option like the calamari saganaki cooked in ouzo and a napoletana sauce with feta (R71). Order a side of pita bread (R10) to make a full meal of it. Alternatively, order a filling yiros, which comes filled with your choice of souvlaki. There are options with pork, chicken, beef and lamb, and the prices range from R66 to R89. Try the Corfu version filled with your choice of meat, tzatziki, chips, tomato and red onion (R67 to R85), or the lamb kofta version with a hint of chilli (R75). There’s also a Greek burger (R80) and Greek-style spaghetti with meatballs (R82).

A yiros from Nikos. Photo supplied.

Pasha’s (Glenashley)

This cosy little pizza-and-pasta spot is a favourite with locals. The daily specials help keep things cheap here, with deals like two pizzas for R135 on Tuesdays, or two plain burgers and chips for R85 on Wednesdays. Also enjoy medium speciality pizzas with toppings like chicken curry and three-cheeses (prices range from R74 to R85). There are also pastas like the smoked salmon and creamy mushroom pasta for R82; one with anchovies, capers and a napoletana sauce for R77; or a pesto pasta with chicken for R79.

Republik (Hillcrest)

Join this burger joint for Burger Beer Mondays: Get two burgers, a side salad, chips, a glass of wine and a beer for R120 (R60 per person). Also build your own bun with a plain burger from R55. Simply choose your patty and add on sauces and toppings at an extra charge. Keep it cheap and add some cheddar for only R10, or spend R75 and add on some avo. There’s also sticky Sriracha chicken wings with chunky fries for R80; grown-up mac ’n cheese with bacon and a spicy kick for R65; or a veggie pizza burger with a cheddar, baby marrow and mushroom patty topped with Napoletana sauce and mozzarella (R70).

The Monday burger special at Republik. Photo supplied.

Please note that while we take care to ensure the accuracy of this information, some items may change without our knowledge.