9th Avenue Waterside

9th Avenue Waterside runs under the patronage of a celebrated local chef and serves up offerings of local produce such as fish of the day, free-range duck, grilled beef steaks and lamb shoulder. The wine list provides an extensive selection of South African labels.

• Web:

  www.9thavewaterside.co.za

• E-mail:

  info@9thavewaterside.co.za

• Address:

  2 Maritime Place, Harbour, Durban

• Phone:

  +27 31 940 4628

• Opening hours:

  Tue–Sat 11am–11pm, Sun 11am–5pm, Mon closed

Butcher Boys

Heralded as one of Durban's finest, the Butcher Boys steakhouse delivers on counts of excellent food and impeccable service. It is rumoured to serve some of the best steaks in town, with an extensive menu that compliments the meat selection. Special lunch menu available.

• Web:

  butcherboysgrill.co.za

• Address:

  170 Florida Road, Morningside, Durban

• Phone:

  +27 31 312 8248

• Opening hours:

  Sun–Tue 11am–9pm, Wed–Sat 11am–10pm

Govinda's

Located on-site of the Hare Krishna Temple, Govinda's is a purely vegetarian restaurant that caters to both devotees and outsiders. No garlic or onion is used in food preparation, which does not prevent the restaurant from having dedicated return customers.

• Web:

  hare-krishna-govindas.business.site

• Address:

  72 Pandora Street, Longcroft, Durban

• Phone:

  +27 31 507 6559

• Opening hours:

  Mon–Sat 8am–6pm, Sun 8am–4pm

Havana Grill

Havana Grill serves some of the finest steaks in town, with meat carefully processed at the in-house butchery. The restaurant offers unbeatable vistas of the sea and Durban shoreline to diners who request panoramic seating at reservation. Serves meats, a plethora of fresh seafood, and dishes with some Italian and Mexican influences.

• Web:

  www.instagram.com/havanagrilldbn

• Address:

  Suncoast Casino, Battery Beach Road, North Beach, Durban

• Phone:

  +27 64 757 1141

• Opening hours:

  Tue–Sun noon–9:30pm, Mon closed

Olive & Oil

Glenwood's Olive and Oil consistently delivers superb Mediterranean dining, with a meal made up of several appetizers to share and a main — anything from meat and seafood grills to pizza and pasta. Service is impeccable, and outdoor seating available in good weather.

• Web:

  www.oliveandoil.co.za

• Address:

  149 Bulwer Road, Bulwer, Durban

• Phone:

  +27 31 201 6146

• More info:

  Further location at Umhlanga

The Cargo Hold Restaurant

Dine within arm's reach of the uShaka shark tank and marvel at graceful marine predators as you tuck into excellent seafood offerings of this one-of-kind restaurant. Book in advance to get the best table. It is not required to pay the Marine World entry fee to attend.

• Web:

  ushakamarine.com/cargohold

• Address:

  uShaka Village Walk, 1 King Shaka Avenue, Point, Durban

• Phone:

  +27 31 328 8037

• Opening hours:

  Mon & Tue 5pm–9pm, Wed–Sat noon–9pm, Sun noon–3pm

Club 101

One of the city's favourite haunts for gqom-lovers, Club 101 is a popular local hotspot that teems with partygoers well into the morning hours. Serves moderately priced drinks and food, and is rather popular among the younger demographic.

• Web:

  www.instagram.com/club101durban

• Address:

  101 Pine Street, Durban

• Phone:

  +27 31 368 4084

• Opening hours:

  Sun–Wed 10am–midnight, Fri & Sat 10am–5pm, Sat 10am–4pm

Cubaña Durban

The longstanding Cuban bar and eatery is most attractive at sundown, when visitors flock here to wine and dine to Latin beats. Serves American cuisine, a wide array of cocktails, and has an on-site cigar lounge to complete the Cuban experience.

• Web:

  cubana.co.za

• Address:

  128 Florida Road, Windermere, Durban

• Phone:

  +27 31 303 4383

• Opening hours:

  Daily 10am–2am

Distillery 031

Distillery 031 is rather unique in that it specializes in craft alcoholic drinks, all made with prime local ingredients. Alongside signature rum, vodka, gin, cachaça and even absinthe, Distillery 031 serves an incredible selection of creative dishes, original pub grub , and brunch specials. Give their take on Italian "aranchini" a try!

• Web:

  finebeverages.co.za

• Address:

  The Foundry, 1st FLOOR, 43 Station Drive, Stamford Hill, Durban

• Phone:

  +27 87 941 4540

Egagasini

The beachfront Egagasini is a restaurant, bar, and lounge all at once. Started a few decades ago back in the current president's (Jacob G. Zuma) native village of Nkandla, it has now relocated to this favourable waterside spot, where sounds of house and R'n'B fill the air.

• Web:

  restaurantguru.com/Egagasini-Mondise-MVG-Restaurant-And-Cuisine-Durban-2

• Address:

  4/6 Gillespie Street, Durban

• Phone:

  +27 79 539 3777

• Opening hours:

  Daily 9am–3am

Eyadini Lounge

Located outside the city proper in the neighbouring township of Umlazi, Eyadini Lounge is a hugely popular nightlife hot spot of impressive capacity, where young and older gather under open skies and have a good time listening to music spun by a a changing line-up of DJs.

• Web:

  www.instagram.com/eyadiniloungenuz

• Address:

  3 Peace Road, Umlazi, Durban

• Phone:

  +27 67 648 2455

• Opening hours:

  Daily 9am–2am

Havana Music Cafe

The low-key cafe is a bar by day and dance club by night. Join local partygoers on the compact dance floor after sundown, or some during daylight hours to savour a drink on the outdoor terrace.

• Web:

  restaurantguru.com/Havana-Music-Cafe-Durban

• Address:

  160 Monty Naicker Road, Durban

• Phone:

  +27 31 301 1406

• Opening hours:

  Mon–Thu 9am–11pm, Fri–Sun 9am–4am

Cafe Jiran

Beachfront Cafe Jiran serves some of the best coffees on the promenade, with multiple delectable food options to complement the drink list. The cafe doubles as a well-regarded local restaurant in the evenings. Outdoor seating is available.

• Web:

  www.instagram.com/cafejiran

• Address:

  Belaire Suites Hotel, 151 Snell Parade, North Beach, Durban

• Phone:

  +27 31 332 4485

• Opening hours:

  Daily noon–10pm

Circus Circus Beach Cafe

The sweet waterfront cafe is a popular breakfast spot with a total of four locations around Durban. You can choose from several delicious yet incredibly affordable options, from individual dishes to full breakfast sets. Open for lunch and dinner, with pastas, burgers, meats and fish dominating the menu.

• Web:

  www.circuscircus.co.za

• Address:

  1 Snell Parade, North Beach, Durban

• Phone:

  +27 31 337 7700

• Opening hours:

  Mon–Sat 6am–5pm, Sun 7am–5pm

Mayfair Cafe

One of our top picks for breakfast and lunch in Durban North is Mayfair Cafe — a trendy locals' favourite serving up a concise lunch menu of internationally-inspired dishes and elevated breakfast classics. Do not leave without having a coffee paired with one of their many sweet treat offerings.

• Web:

  www.instagram.com/mayfaircafe

• Address:

  Woolworths Centre, Mackeurtan Avenue, Durban North, Durban

• Phone:

  +27 31 563 2599

• Opening hours:

  Mon–Fri 6:30am–4pm, Sat & Sun 6:30am–3pm

• More info:

  Woolworths Centre

Milky Lane

Milky Lane's several locations across Durban serve decadent ice creams with multiple toppings available, artisan milkshakes, special ice cream blends, waffles, and more. The joint is a popular spot for a sweet breakfast or indulgent daytime dessert.

• Web:

  location.milkylane.co.za/suncoast-casino

• E-mail:

  info@milkylane.co.za

• Address:

  Suncoast Casino, Shop UO1B, Durban

• Phone:

  +27 31 332 1849

• Opening hours:

  Mon–Thu 9am–midnight, Fri–Sat 9am–4am

Spiga

Spiga is a restaurant whose food and service measure up to its prime setting. It serves excellent Italian all through the day, offers a breakfast menu and boast a rather extensive drink list.

• Web:

  www.instagram.com/spigadurban

• Address:

  465 Innes Road, Morningside, Durban

• Phone:

  +27 67 138 1115

• Opening hours:

  Daily 11am–9pm

Sunrise Chip 'n Ranch

Sunrise Chip 'n Ranch (known locally as "Johnny's") is a local institution, a legendary establishment whose seedy facade should by no means deter you. Locals come here for the one-of-kind atmosphere and, naturally, the delicious stuffed Indian roti rolls too large for a single diner to handle.

• Web:

  restaurantguru.com/Sunrise-Chip-N-Ranch-Durban

• Address:

  89 Sparks Road, Durban

• Phone:

  +27 31 209 2020

• Opening hours:

  Open 24/7