Free From Eatery is situated in the heart of the city in bustling St George’s Mall. The owner, Miles, is a Durban native who previously worked in fashion and is now a restaurateur. He heads up the kitchen with one other chef. The food on the menu, as the name suggests, is free from colourants, additives and preservatives, and changes daily according to the seasonal produce delivery. All the sauces, spreads and dressings are made from scratch on the premises to guarantee the integrity of the Free From promise.

Fast facts

Cost: R55 average price of main meal
Parking: There’s no parking available near the restaurant; it’s best to park in the Mandela Rhodes Place Building
Best for: Breakfast or lunch
Star ratings: Food and drinks: 3; Ambience: 4; Service: 4

Food

The restaurant is open for breakfast and lunch. The breakfast menu is a selection of classics such as French toast, scrambled eggs and yoghurt. A quirky addition to the menu is the eggs and soldiers, with your preference of egg-doneness. The bread soldiers are made using artisan bread from Woodstock Bakery. The pepper and goat cheese frittata – one of the signature dishes – requires a minimum 15 minute wait and comes served piping hot in a skillet. The maple-smoked bacon is also a must-try.

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The lunch menu is in a ‘build-your-own’ style, where you’re encouraged to create your own meal from a choice of proteins, vegetables and salad ingredients.

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For something a little sweet, choose from the selection of homemade cookies and date balls as well as gluten-free cakes and pastries displayed on the counter.

Drinks

Drinks comprise a selection of coffees and cold-pressed fruit juices.

Ambience

The space is small and most of the seating is outside on benches covered with comfy checkerboard cloth. There is bar stool seating inside, ideal for those wanting a quiet space do some work. The building is over 200 years old and still has the original stained glass windows in the front.

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Service

The chef-owner is on the floor welcoming and serving guests on arrival. He’s charming and helpful, eager to share his passion behind this little restaurant. Service is attentive, yet relaxed.

And…

The quaint restaurant space is available for hire for photoshoots and events. The chef also hosts intimate chefs’ table dinners.

Eat Out critics dine unannounced and pay for their meals in full. Read our editorial policy here.

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