Since winning the third season of MasterChef SA, this Durban girl has been busy. She’s just returned from a 10-day trip to France with her fiancé, which was part of her prize. “We did a cooking class in Paris, which was amazing.” The trip, which was sponsored by Nederburg, also included time in Bordeaux. “I know now so much about wine, it’s scary!” Roxi exclaims.

The dessert queen is still looking for premises for her business, but in the meantime she’s been busy hosting bespoke high teas and doing catering. We asked Roxi to share her restaurant recommendations for every occasion in her hometown, Durban.

Grabbing a quick takeaway coffee

Factory Café. It’s a real hidden Durban gem. Quite vibey with amazing coffee.

Factory cafe. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

A dessert or slice of cake

Roxi’s house. Haha! I prefer to eat my own baked goods; I’m quite picky!

A first date

Beach Bums on the North Coast. It’s got a really relaxed vibe right on the beach with loads of different cocktails and pub-style food. It’s rather romantic as the sun sets.

A lazy Saturday morning brunch

Parc. I absolutely love going there. Their food is different and out of this world! Small and quaint.

Parc Cafe. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

Post-work drinks

Hooters. Don’t judge me, but they make the best frozen margaritas!

Ice cream

ERA Ice Cream. Masterchef contestant Penny knows what she’s doing!

A casual meal with friends

Republik. Gourmet burgers and craft beer – need I say more?

A celebratory dinner

Cargo Hold at uShaka. I love the view inside, especially if you get a table by the glass. Whilst you sip on wine and eat dinner, you see sharks swimming around. It puts you in a trance.

Sunday lunch with the parents

Pot and Kettle. It’s a little bit of a road trip with the family to get there, but the surroundings are spectacular and perfect for a Sunday lunch.

A quick evening takeout

Afro’s Chicken. It’s very reasonably priced with good quality food! And extremely tasty.

Afro’s Chicken. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

Fresh local produce

The Morning Trade market. It’s held every Sunday and you can get all your local produce there. Falafel Fundi is a must try!

For cheesy pizza

Col’Cacchio. I love that the base is extra thin and crispy, and that you can do two different flavours for one pizza.

Col’Cacchio. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

Your favourite guilty pleasure

KFC dunked wings! It’s really my ultimate. (Just don’t judge me!)

A meal with a gorgeous view

Moyo on the pier – it’s half in the ocean. If it’s sunny during the day you can sit and watch people swim and surf.

Moyo. Photo courtesy of the restaurant