Looking for the ideal place to end your year on a high note? These Durban spots offer great food and a festive vibe that’s perfectly suited to your year-end bash.

Al Firenze (La Lucia)

This casual neighbourhood trattoria is ideal for groups. Book a stretched out table on the patio for a pizza-fuelled lunch or stellar antipasti and seafood platters. They also have a separate function room for larger crowds. The place pumps and the staff know how to handle the lively tables.

The seafood platter at Al Firenze. Photo supplied.

Big Easy Wine Bar & Grill (Durban Central) ? 

The Big Easy team has put together a special year-end functions deal for those wanting to celebrate with their team or friends. The menus can be arranged upon booking and include a three-course set menu for from R355 per person with a welcome drink and festive crackers on arrival. Dishes can include creamy garlic and soya chicken livers; grilled sirloin with onion rings and Béarnaise sauce; and an apple-and-ginger slice with butterscotch ice cream.

? Available for online bookings on the Eat Out app. 

The setting at Big Easy in Durban. Photo supplied.

Cargo Hold (uShaka)

Dine with the sharks at this popular uShaka restaurant. The year-end offering here boasts two menus to choose from and caters to either less than 15 people (à la carte) or over 15 people (R295 for two courses and R355 for three). Dishes might include tian of prawn and avocado, duo of lamb with mint sauce and potato gratin, and cherry cheesecake.

Watch the sharks swim by at Cargo Hold at uShaka. Photo supplied.

The Chefs’ Table (Umhlanga)

This Eat Out nominee restaurant allows groups to book for a special year-end function. If you’re not interested in booking the cosy private dining room – which seats 14 guests – you can also arrange for a smaller table in the restaurant with a special menu. Choose from a two-course menu for R335 per person, a three-course menu for R425 per person, or a six-course option for R595 per person. Dish examples include lamb agnolotti, mushroom ravioli with wild mushroom and truffle, pan-roasted line fish with heirloom beans and feta, and Merrivale beef fillet with squash and pickled celery.

The beautiful booth seating at The Chefs Table. Photo supplied.

Fish & Wine Co. (Umhlanga)

The large and breezy space is perfectly suited to group dining. Sea views, sushi platters and good wine complete the scene. Should you wish to arrange a special menu, call ahead and make the arrangements. Alternatively, you can book a large table and share plates of tapas-style seafood and sushi.

 

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Lucky Shaker (Umhlanga)

This cheerful, tropical-themed bar is a great place to linger with a crowd. Book out the functions room for a larger group and pre-order delicious canapés of mini toasties, marinated olives and pork crackling, and sip on beautiful cocktails. For smaller groups, book out a table and order a taco board to share, or tuck into some burgers.

 

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Lupa Osteria (Durban North)

What’s better than an Italian-style feast for your year-end celebration? Choose between two set menus at R195 or R265 per person. Dishes include the Sarah pizza with buffalo mozzarella, cherry tomatoes and Parma ham; the Lindsay pizza with hickory ham and caramelised pineapples; spaghetti with meatballs and slow-roasted tomato sauce; wood-roasted kingklip with lemon butter and caper sauce; and vanilla crème brûlée.

 

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Village Table (Umhlanga)

The views here make The Village Table a great place to lunch with your book club crew or your team from work. You can book out a section of the restaurant for your function or simply book a large table. Choose from set menus ranging from R140 per person to R280, or order a bunch of platters – filled with meat, seafood or veggie options – to share. The Mediterranean-style eats include halloumi with sweet chilli sauce, calamari, chicken livers and rump espetada. Chocolate brownies will round off your meal.

 

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Please note that while we take care to ensure that the details listed here are accurate, some specifics and costs may change without our knowledge.