Fast facts

Address: 1 King Shake Ave, Point, Durban

Telephone number: 031 328 8065

Opening times: Monday – Saturday from 12pm-8.30pm, Sunday from 12pm – 5.30pm

Average cost of a main cours: R200

Corkage fee: R150 per bottle

Parking situation: secure parking in Ushaka Marine World

Food type: Fine dining

Best for: Romantic dates or experiencing something different.

Food

Situated on the stern of a phantom ship, with fantastic views of the ocean and the shark tank, Cargo Hold Restaurant is a once-in-a-lifetime dining experience. The food is pricey but the portion sizes make up for it.

The menu includes a limited selection of light starters, delicious mains, flavoursome grills and tasty desserts. They are well known for their fresh seafood platters. Mains include dishes like spiced duck breast, lamb shank and pork belly, just to name a few. Do try the fish of the day, it’s the perfect portion size and the fish is fresh, firm and flavourful.

All of their meals are well presented and you will be excited to take your first bite. The steaks are basted with the chef’s signature basting and perfectly flame grilled to your satisfaction.

They have just two vegetarian meals available – a halloumi cheese starter and a mushroom risotto. The mushroom risotto with truffle oil is cooked to perfection and is a huge portion.

Their delectable dessert menu includes caramel apple crème brûlée, lemongrass ice cream, and the restaurant’s famous soft-centred chocolate ‘volcano’. It’s gooey, chocolatey and oh so decadent -a must-try!

Drinks

They are known for their award-winning wine list and selection of handcrafted cocktails. The drinks are expensive but worth it for the overall dining experience.

Service

After multiple tries of phoning to book ahead, we ended up simply walking in and managed to get a table. The staff are very friendly and go out of their way to make you feel welcome.

Ambience

Expect a sophisticated and relaxing atmosphere featuring charming and vintage decor.

The shark tank is captivating; enjoy your food while sharks drift right by your table and sand sharks stir up the sandy bottom.

The restaurant is popular so ensure to book in advance and reserve the middle table in the bottom section where you have the best view of the shark tank.

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

Hungry for more? Join more than 30 000 other Eat Out fans who get the scoop on the latest new restaurant openings, reviews and more – straight to their mailboxes every week.