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Durban's dining public is fickle by nature, and restaurants tend to change hands fairly often. But don't be discouraged—Durban offers some superb dining options, provided you eat to its strengths. Thanks to a huge Indian population, it has some of the best curry restaurants in the country.Durbanites eat lunch and dinner relative
Durban's dining public is fickle by nature, and restaurants tend to change hands fairly often. But don't be discouraged—Durban offers some superb dining options, provided you eat to its strengths. Thanks to a huge Indian population, it has some of the best curry restaur
Durban's dining public is fickle by nature, and restaurants tend to change hands fairly often. But don't be discouraged—
Durban's dining public is fickle by nature, and restaurants tend to change hands fairly often. But don't be discouraged—Durban offers some superb dining options, provided you eat to its strengths. Thanks to a huge Indian population, it has some of the best curry restaurants in the country.
Durbanites eat lunch and dinner relatively early because they're early risers, particularly in summer, when it's light soon after 4. They're also generally casual dressers—you'll rarely need a jacket and tie, and jeans are rarely frowned upon.
This is one of few upmarket restaurants in the city to indulge in a six-course tasting menu, though the à la carte options are plentiful, too. Think gin-cured salmon, creamy shellfish orzo, and roast lamb rump—classics with a twist, done perfectly. The setting (in a small shopping center) is simple, but don't let appearances alone sway you—this is one of Durban's finest gastronomic experiences, with excellent service to match. The wine list contains a great choice of South African and international wines, and your waiter will be able to advise on any unfamiliar local labels.
9th Ave., Durban, KwaZulu Natal, 4001, South Africa
You might need to book several weeks in advance to secure a table next to the shark tank here, but if you do it'll be one of your most memorable dining experiences. Enjoy a carpaccio of smoked ostrich or tomato veloute—while massive ragged-tooth sharks drift right by your table and sand sharks stir up the sandy bottom. Aside from the array of generous seafood platters, Cargo Hold also serves beef fillet with oxtail phyllo and confit duck with an orange glaze. The restaurant is done up like a shipwreck; both floors have tank frontage. The view of the shark tank is best from the bottom floor, so ask for this when booking. The restaurant is part of the building known as the Phantom Ship, accessed from the promenade next to the ship's giant propeller; you don't need to pay admission to uShaka Marine World to eat here.
1 Bell St., Durban, KwaZulu Natal, 4001, South Africa
Attention to detail and freshly prepared, quality food combine to make this one of Durban's finest restaurants serving steak—prepared and aged in the in-house butchery—and seafood. It offers spectacular sea vistas (ask for a table with a view when making your reservation) and a chic interior, with white leather-upholstered chairs, wall-length couches, and antelope horns on the walls. Try the tasting platter for starters (minimum of two people sharing): a mix of nachos, jalapeños stuffed with cheese, grilled calamari, bruschetta, lamb, and spring rolls. For mains, consider the grain and grass-fed rump duo with a side of both peppercorn and red wine sauces; seasonal varieties of venison; or line fish (likely swordfish, dorado, or Cape salmon). There's a good domestic wine list, but take the opportunity to make a selection from a walk-in cellar lined with lesser-known wines.
20 Suncoast Blvd., Durban, KwaZulu Natal, 4001, South Africa
In business since 1973, this slowly revolving restaurant, which takes about an hour to do one full rotation, offers what has to be the most spectacular views of the city, especially the harbor. It's run by the original Italian owners, and the extensive menu runs the gamut from pasta to seafood. From old-school waiters to the hard-to-resist dessert trolley, there's something pleasingly old-fashioned about the place. The restaurant perched atop a high-rise building has been renovated, though it maintains the kitsch carpeted walls, red leather interior, and Italian statues and frescos at the entrance. It's a popular choice for birthdays and weekend dinners.
Margaret Mncadi Ave., Durban, KwaZulu Natal, 4001, South Africa
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