Migrating to Durban’s warmer climate for the winter? While the city may not be widely known for its culinary prowess, these hidden gems around the city are sure to cure any cravings.

Ciao Bella Café (Durban Point)

This little sidewalk deli and bistro is housed in a charismatic and unassuming old building on famed Point Road. The eatery offers café-style Italian fare like paninis, pastas and crispy pizzas. The fior di latte pizza is a popular choice, but you could also go for gold with the rich combination of bacon, red pepper, caramelised onions and gorgonzola. End on good espresso and freshly baked cannoli ribbons topped with hot chocolate sauce. On weekends, look out for events held in the fairy light-dappled courtyard.

A post shared by The Courtyard @Ciao Bella (@thecourtyardciaobella) on Oct 27, 2017 at 4:48am PDT

Dee’s Café (Durban North)

Located at Spades Design Centre in Durban North is this peaceful garden lunch spot. The eatery is located in the nursery, meaning beautiful blooming roses and green delicious monsters create a suburban oasis. The farmhouse toasted sandwiches are favourites for regulars. All mayos, pestos and relishes are home-made and are available to buy, in addition to other crafty collections. For those with a sweet tooth, there’s a selection of home-baked cakes and muffins, which are definitely worth it.

The garden surroundings at Dee’s Café. Photo supplied.

The Glenwood Bakery (Glenwood)

While all locals know about this breakfast-and-bread spot, it’s the sneaky pizza and Glenwood Restaurant-inspired evenings that make this a hidden gem. On weekday evenings, head here from 5pm and tuck into incredible warming soups, pizzas, homemade gnocchi and inspired tarts. Sit on the sidewalk with your choice of BYO tipple. If all else fails, grab a table for a lazy weekend breakfast with some of the best eggs and coffee in town.

A post shared by Wanda Hennig (@wanda_hennig) on Feb 20, 2018 at 8:14pm PST

Savior Café (Glenwood)

What started out as a hole-in-the-wall coffee-and-leather shop in Station Drive is now a hip hidden gem located in the leafy suburb of Glenwood. The coffee is damn good, plus you can expect to find an incredibly creamy baked cheesecake slice. They also do all-day breakfasts and burger-and-pizza nights.

A post shared by Savior Café (@savior_cafe) on Apr 25, 2018 at 1:23am PDT

The Snack Bar (Durban Central)

The Snack Bar is the adjoining vegetarian café at this spice market that offers a Mumbai-style feast of colourful veggie-friendly street food with an array of spicy morsels. Think home-made paneer-stuffed sandwiches, potato paratha, and vada pav (mini Indian burgers with a spiced potato patty topped with tangy chutneys and served in a mini burger bun).

A post shared by The Spice Emporium (@spiceemporium) on Jun 7, 2018 at 12:00am PDT

Find more hidden gems on the new (and free) Eat Out app, which you can download here.