Eat Out critic Tracy Gielink visits Market in Durban where the slogan “Love what you eat; eat what you love” is brought to life.

Outside at Market in Durban. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

Food

Here breakfast is an occasion, and could deliver French toast made from a croissant, with lemon curd and crispy streaky bacon, or a more savoury option of potato rösti with smoked salmon, crème fraîche and poached eggs.

A meaty dish at Market in Durban. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

Lunches rely on fresh flavours and ingredients like the salad of pan-fried calamari, quinoa, red pesto and macadamia nut, the much-loved fishcakes or the delicious sesame-lentil burger with beetroot and homemade mayo.

Steak on mash topped onion rings at Market in Durban. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

Dinner brings with it more substantial offerings, like pork belly stuffed with apple and sage, braised with veg and red wine, and served on Chinese cabbage tossed with cream and smoked bacon. The twice-baked butternut soufflé topped with caramelised onions and a gorgonzola drizzle, and the wild mushroom and goat’s cheese tagliatelle reflect owner Andre Schubert’s vegetarian tastes.

Drinks

Look forward to an impeccable array of wines that is thoughtfully constructed and offers quality entry-level, benchmark and boutique local bottles. There are good by-the-glass options of wine, dessert wines and ports. The craft beer election is of a high calibre, too.

a special occasion at Market in Durban. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

Service

The service contingent at Market is young and dynamic, and with that youth comes cheerfulness, energy and enthusiasm. Waiters work as a team to ensure that very little goes amiss.

Ambience

The picturesque courtyard has to be one of the most perfect restaurant settings in town. Tables radiate from a water fountain and rest in dappled sunlight that is filtered through the leopard trees. Guests can rendezvous alfresco style, even in winter, or retreat to the double-volume interiors with vibrant yellow Chesterfield-style seating, white painted wooden floors and walls emblazoned with the slogan, “Love what you eat. Eat what you love.”

Inside at Market in Durban. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

And…

Breakfast is served all day.

Have you indulged in an all-day breakfast at Market in Durban? Let us know what you thought with a review.

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