Tucked away in the heart of La Lucia is the beautiful, calming Neighbourhood Café surrounded by lush greenery.

Fast facts:

Restaurant name: Neighbourhood Café and Bar

Address:30 Braemar, avenue, la lucia

Phone number: 0823705225

Opening times: Tuesday to Friday 7am -3.30pm, Weekends 7am- 4pm

Average price of a main course: R70–150

Parking situation: Limited parking onsite, otherwise street parking

Food type: Breakfasts and light lunches

Best for: Weekday lunches and catch-ups as well as weekend get-togethers with friends and family. You can host events such as baby showers, birthdays and even weddings here. Keep an eye out for their live music events.

The food

Samantha Van Der Steen is the chef. After six years at sea, she returned home to Durban to help her family run the Neighbourhood Café. Samantha also sells her own range of calorie-conscious frozen meals, called The Frozen Bistro, from the café. The Neighborhood Café and Bar is family-run and they serve light breakfasts and lunches – think bagels, burgers, salads, soups, sandwiches and pastas. The bagels are freshly baked and the burgers will leave you craving more. The dishes are well presented and the portion sizes are good. Really great value for money. They are kid-friendly and their kids’ menu offers a variety of tasty treats, from mac ’n cheese to burgers and toasties.

Drinks

Neighbourhood Café has the trendy GATVOL coffee trailer that you have probably seen on Instagram. They serve a locally roasted, 100% Arabica bean blend from a vintage VW kombi. The bar is tucked away inside the restaurant. Their cocktail menu includes Aperol spritz, mojitos, margaritas, Long Islands and Tom Collins. The average price of a cocktail is R80. If you need some help deciding, the staff are more than happy to provide suggestions.

Service

The staff are friendly, attentive and welcoming. The owner, Maryann Van Der Steen, regularly comes around to ensure that all is to your satisfaction. There is hand sanitiser at the entrance and on each of the tables, although not all staff wear masks.

Ambience

Located in the heart of La Lucia, Beside Still Waters Boutique Hotel, this is a tranquil setting. Indoor and outdoor seating is available. Inside, the restaurant is modern and stylish with stunning dark grey walls and a subtle black ceiling. A truly favourable meeting place for occasions and people of all kinds. If you’re planning an overnight stay in Durban, check out the rooms at The Bedside Still Waters.