Durban restaurants – curry, pizza & steaks
Posted on 19. Mar, 2010 by admin in Durban
Durban restaurants are influenced to a great extend by the city’s Indian population, one of the most concentrated outside of Asia. All manner of curry features heavily on menus of restaurants in Durban, with a few delicious regional specialities to keep ravenous footie fans topped up with spicy energy. Bunny Chow is a dish unique to the city which is a must-try for any visitor. A quarter-loaf of bread is hollowed out and then filled with whatever curry takes your fancy, in one of the great Anglo-Indian delicacies.
The best restaurants in Durban for Bunny Chow can be found in the Workshop district. Alternatively the Indian fare on offer at eateries by Victoria market is reliably good and as authentic as it gets. Those craving a touch of the Italian combined with the best views in the city should visit Roma Revolving Restaurant at the top of John Ross House, on the Esplanade. While Wilson’s Wharf by the harbour houses all manner of international restaurants with great views of vessels docking at the continent’s busiest working dock. Great shows are put on nightly at the Catalina theatre upstairs.
Florida Road in Morningside is a great area for Duban cafe culture and a smattering of trendy pavement premises as well. Spiga d’Oro is the pick of the lot and was a favourite haunt of infamous South African businessman Schabir Shaik. A dish, Pasta a la Shaik, is named in his honour.
Bill Gates and Bill Clinton have frequented nearby Spice which is set off bustling street in a quiet courtyard upstairs. While the brooding artistic crowd procrastinate in Bean Bag Bohemia, Windermere Road, where the food is as terrific as the sparkling atmosphere. Vintage Restaurant next door does a great range of curries and Indian staples.
And it’s a must to gobble down some ‘biltong’ while in the city. A favourite snack available at many Durban restaurants and diners, it is dried meat jerky and comes in a massive range of textures and flavours.. For more on South African food.
Durban restaurants in Morningside
Butcher Boys
170 Florida Road, Morningside,
Tel: +27 (0)31 312 8248
This upmarket Durban steakhouse specialises in prime cuts of perfectly hung grain-fed local beef and a huge selection of choice South African wines. A carnivore’s dream.
9th Avenue Bistro & Bar
Unit 2, Avonmore Centre, 9th Avenue, Morningside
Tel: +27 (0)31 312 9134
This chic, modern, bistro is run by husband-and-wife team of Graham and Gina Neilson. The soft lighting and clean lines endows a intimate and relaxed atmosphere and the international cuisine is top class.
Audacia Manor
11 Sir Arthur Road, Morningside
Tel: +27 (0)31 303 9520
This boutique hotel is perfect for watching a match at its inhouse Anderson Sports Bar and then enjoying a first class meal at the sumptuous restaurant. Everything on the menu is sourced from the finest ingredients and cooked to perfection.
Quarters Brasserie
101 Florida Road, Morningside
Tel:+27 (0)31 303 5246
This sunny courtyard restaurant in Durban is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and a tranquil place to unwind under the stars and have a delicious candlelight meal. A full range of imported and local wine and spirits makes this a great place to relax.
Durban restaurants elsewhere
Greensleeves Medieval Kingdom Camelot
21 Wishart Road, Camelot Estate, Hillcrest,
Tel: +27 (0)31 765 9400
A theme restaurant where you can bellow for a ‘Wench!’ to bring you wine and Ale in period Elizabethan costume. Plus the mouthwatering feast is served by a fanfare of trumpets. Certainly an unforgettable experience.
Primi Polo
Shop 4-9, Richdens Centre, Old Main Road, Hillcrest.
Tel: +27 (0)31 765 6920
Generous portions of top class pizza and pasta has ensured this remains amongst the most popular Italian restaurants in Durban. Authentic and robust menu using espresso style cooking including great anti-pasta, fish and meat dishes.
The Pot and Kettle
168 Old Main Road, Botha’s Hill
Tel: +27 (0)31 777 1312
After more than 15 years of pleasing the public with its unique brand of South African home cooking, this favourite of Durban restaurants is well established in the town’s culinary scene. And is features fantastic views of the Valley of 1000 Hills.
Allen Gardiner Harbour Cruise Restaurant
Departs Wilson’s Wharf, Boatman’s Road, Durban.
Tel: 084 456 4000
This exciting and different fine-dining experience cruises for two-and-a-half hours around the calm waters of Durban harbour while waiters serve fresh seasonal dishes. There is an informative commentary and fully stocked bar.
