The Dutch, the buzzing music and tapas bar located in Umhlanga Village, has been a favourite after-hours spot for live music and cocktails since 2014. But Renzo Scribante, the man behind the Remo’s restaurants and Old Town Italy, has been working tirelessly with his team to create a new face for The Dutch and carry it into a new era as a stylish dining and entertainment venue.

Seared fish at The Dutch in Umhlanga. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

The new-look eatery launched last Friday and revealed a brand-new 100-seater space, with tables both inside and out, and restyled décor. The tables are now draped in classic white tablecloths, elegant lanterns hang from the ceiling, and a silver service menu inspired by the 70s is on offer.

Dessert at The Dutch in Umhlanga. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

The new menu still boasts its popular tapas and sushi section for light eaters, but the more hungry can now indulge in a more substantial bite. Sophisticated starters include the likes of imported buffalo mozzarella with a tomato and basil pesto salad, or tempura-crumbed calamari with miso tartar, fresh lemon wedges and crispy kale chips. Mains feature more refined dishes like grass-fed fillet with cheesy polenta and red-wine jus, and miso-honey-glazed Norwegian salmon with an umami-courgette stir fry and wasabi-spinach mayo. As for sweet endings, coconut macaroons, lemon brûlée and chocolate terrine will cure the cravings.

Inside at The Dutch in Umhlanga. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

The drinks offering will remain a focus, with great bubblies, wines, craft beers, whiskeys and spirits available, as well as cocktails like the delicious-sounding gin and elderflower sours, the Caribe Colada with Cîroc pineapple vodka, Martini Bianco and coconut, and the Don Pablo with Don Julio tequila, smoked paprika, pineapple juice and egg white.

On the entertainment side of things, The Dutch will still welcome live acts from all genres, including jazz, funk, pop and more. With Durban’s live comedy scene heating up, the venue is now also opening up its stage to support the East Coast’s comedic talent.

Sushi at The Dutch in Umhlanga. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

The Dutch will be open on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings, and patrons can enjoy cocktails and tapas until 7pm before settling in to sample from the new dinner menu. There will be a cover charge on Friday and Saturday evenings for the live entertainment; view the lineup on their website.