The coffee bar at Freedom Café. Photo supplied.

A recent change in ownership at Freedom Café has resulted in a bit of a revamp for the menu and décor. This much-loved arty café still boasts its quirky charm, but the new team has added even more designer flair to this Greyville spot. Nikita Buxton heads to sunny Durban to get a taste.

Price: R85 on average for a main dish
Serves: Light café meals with Asian fusion flavours
Best for: Brunch or lunch with friends
Parking: There is no street parking but car guards in the property will guide you to a free parking spot
Star ratings: food 5, service 3, ambience 5

Food

The Freedom Café menu is divided into breakfast and lunch options. Vibrant sounding dishes come in all forms for many cravings: Fresh, chilled, comforting, spicy, wrapped, sandwiched, and between two burger buns. If you want to start off snacking, there’s a section dedicated to nibbles with olives, nuts and chicken pâté.

Wonton soup at Freedom Café. Photo supplied.

For something light, fresh and full of colour and flavour, go for the Vietnamese summer rolls. The rice paper wraps are filled with plump prawns, beetroot, feta, avo, spinach and coriander, and served with a fiery hot nuoc cham dip (made up of chilli, lime and lemongrass).

Sandwiches are hearty, and can easily be shared between two for a light lunch. The pressed pulled pork sandwich is hard to resist. It’s filled all the right flavour combos: flavoursome shredded pork, tangy pickled onion, and a spicy jalapeño and pico di gallo relish. The bread is buttery and golden – no surprise, really, coming as it does from the team at Glenwood Bakery.

To finish off, there’s a small offering of sweet jars and cakes. The hefty wedge of lemon vanilla cake is moist and topped with a creamy icing. It’s perfect for sharing with a cup of coffee.

The freshly squeezed juices at Freedom Café. Photo supplied.

Drinks

The drinks list at Freedom Café is concise but well thought out. There are some interesting wine options (all offered by the glass) and a selection of local gins, spirits and funky cocktails. Non-alcoholic options include freshly pressed juices and organically sourced Ugandan and Ethiopian coffee that’s roasted weekly.

Service

The shweshwe-clad staff are polite and full of smiles; however, on the occasion of our visit they seemed quite distracted and elusive.

The entrance of Freedom Café. Photo supplied.

Ambience

The newly revamped space still boasts its vibrant red container, but there are some new additions to the style and décor. The light interior has more seating and is decorated in fresh leafy greens and earthy browns. Al fresco eating is a must on sunny days; the back terrace is shaded in Durban’s finest foliage and adorned with Consol-jar candles. It’s one of the prettiest spots for a lazy lunch.

And…

Located at the arty Concierge Boutique Hotel, Freedom Café is the ideal spot for a function or party, with several spaces to accommodate guests as well as flexible dining options.

Have you visited Freedom Café recently? Put them in the running for the 2016 Best Everyday Eateries by writing a quick review.

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

Spring rolls at Freedom Café. Photo supplied.