From its famously fantastic curries to stellar seafood, Durban and the surrounding areas has always been a favourite holiday destination. Whether you’re after sea views or a spot overlooking the rolling hills in the Midlands, these restaurants are sure to give you that true vacation feeling.

Bel Punto (Umdloti)

This seaside restaurant is a perfect location for sunny days, featuring views of the glittering ocean and sumptuous seafood and Italian dishes. Enjoy succulent mussels in a white wine sauce, clam- and prawn-filled marinara pasta, and heavenly risottos. Desserts might include homemade tiramisu, espresso crème brûlée and creamy panna cotta.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Bel Punto (@bel_punto) on Feb 26, 2019 at 10:00pm PST

The Chefs’ Table (Umhlanga Rocks)

Chef Kayla-Ann Osborn, who was named the Eat Out Rising Star at the 2017 Eat Out Mercedes-Benz Restaurant Awards, crafts seasonal menus that utilise produce sourced from nearby, showing a profound understanding of flavour and meticulous technique. The spot is seriously stylish and is also conveniently located in the buzzing Umhlanga Village.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by The Chefs Table (@thechefstableza) on Mar 28, 2019 at 1:00am PDT

Fork ‘n Cleaver (Midlands)

Located at the popular wedding venue, Netherwood Farm, this new meat-centric restaurant takes pride in using home-grown veggies and free-range beef. Expect great steaks and juicy Wagyu burgers alongside gorgeous Midlands views.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Fork N Cleaver (@forkancleaver) on Sep 7, 2018 at 4:56am PDT

The Glenwood Bakery (Glenwood)

This working bakery in the arty ‘hood of Glenwood serves up bread from the gods. It’s a wonderful gem that locals and tourists flock to for triumphant breakfasts and bakes. Expect to find a small selection of salads, toasties and pizza alongside pastries and bagels on the menu. Over the weekend, eggs Benedict or royale make an appearance. Don’t leave without taking a potato-and-rosemary loaf for the road.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by The Glenwood Bakery (@the_glenwood_bakery) on Apr 2, 2019 at 11:56pm PDT

Ile Maurice (Umhlanga Rocks)

For a taste of Mauritius, this Umhlanga stalwart is known for lush, aromatic curries and flavoursome seafood. Try grilled kingklip topped with prawns and mushrooms, laced with béchamel sauce, baked and served with a cheese topping; plump king prawns with Creole rice; and authentic daube de poisson (filleted fresh line fish baked in a coconut milk and tomato sauce). The restaurant is conveniently near the Umhlanga promenade and is perfect for an early post-beach supper.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Ile Maurice (@ilemauriceumhlanga) on Apr 4, 2019 at 12:24am PDT

Jackie Cameron Culinary School Outlet (Hilton)

Jackie Cameron’s venture with Kate Cousins, her former student, serves up glorious all-day brunches in the beautiful countryside. Sip on wines and bubbles by the glass as you tuck into a spread of brunch-inspired starters, mains and desserts. Dishes include braai oil ostrich tartare with ash mayonnaise and garden-picked chive yoghurt; Waygu mince soufflé omelette with mozzarella and kimchi; and butternut pie with cinnamon, meringue and a frangipane-and-butternut puree.

Khuluma (Station Drive)

Station Drive needs no introduction as one of the city’s hotspots. This pretty pink coffee shop serves up perfectly poured coffees plus tempting pastries with colourful edible flowers for a little touch of whimsy. Pro tip: The banana bread with espresso butter is a thing of beauty.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by KHULUMA | DURBAN (@khuluma.dbn) on Mar 27, 2019 at 3:24am PDT

La Lampara (Balgowan)

Take a relaxing trip to the Midlands and stop by this popular Tuscan-style restaurant for outstanding thin-crust pizzas and pastas. Try the risotto ai funghi or gnocchi formaggi for truly decadent dishes, or take a pizza to go and meander your way through the countryside.

The Lighthouse Bar at The Oyster Box Hotel (Umhlanga Rocks)

For the ultimate end to your day in Durbs, head up to this swanky bar at the top of the luxurious Oyster Box Hotel. Gorgeous views of the ocean and a striking lighthouse with a few tipples, snacks and some jazzy live music make this an elegant holiday spot.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by The Oyster Box Hotel (@theoysterbox) on Feb 28, 2019 at 10:30pm PST

Mali’s Indian Restaurant (Morningside)

Some of the best Indian-inspired cuisine in town can be enjoyed at this cosy neighbourhood spot. The gobi manchurian is sensational: cauliflower florets are deep fried and mixed with a gloriously sticky and spicy dressing. On the curry front, the tender chicken tikka masala is balanced with a good spice kick. If you’re after some serious heat, the lamb pepper fry in a dry-style gravy with green chilli and a generous helping of black pepper is just the ticket. It’s a perfect spot for a crowd that loves to share.

Sandbar (Umdloti Beach)

Sea views and seafood is what keeps this place buzzing. Kick off with sushi; mussels served in a fragrant Thai-style coconut sauce; or spicy and creamy peri-peri chicken livers. For mains, go for legendary fish and chips – battered hake with some of the best chunky chips around. Grab some cocktails at the bar and settle in for a sunny seaside session that will make your friends at home jealous.

Have you been to any of these great Durban spots? Remember to review your experience using our free app.