South Africa Guide
KwaZulu-Natal
Eating
1 Little Gujarat 107 Prince Edward St Inexpensive Indian takeaway joint recommended for its bunny chow.
2 Victory Lounge Corner of Dr Yusuf Dadoo and Victoria streets Indian takewaway noted for its bunny chow and traditional sweetmeats.
3 Ulundi The Royal Hotel, p.464
Light thali curry dishes (around R20 each; order a minimum of three) in a stylish and contemporary black-and-white dining room.
4 Charlie Crofts Wharfside Diner 18 Boatsman Rd, Wilson's Wharf, west of the Yacht Mole 
031 307 2935 Boasting one of the best waterfront settings in Durban, this place does delicious seafood and meat dishes at reasonable prices. The spicy calamari grill is first-class, as is the eisbein. Opening time: Daily 11am–10pm
5 New Café Fish Yacht Mole, Margaret Mncadi Ave 031 305 5062 A beautiful restaurant looking out onto the harbour, which specializes in great seafood (mains R60–80). Ordering the catch of the day is de rigueur. Opening time: Daily lunch & dinner
6 Ocean's Eleven BAT Arts Centre, Small Craft Market, Margaret Mncadi Ave This lively venue dishes up modern African fusion food like creamed spiced samp (coarse maizemeal) and beans, and ox tripe with steamed Zulu bread, all in the R40–50 range. Occasional live music and a great terrace overlooking the harbour add to the appeal. A good place to meet the locals. Opening time: Daily 10am– midnight
7 Roma Revolving Restaurant John Ross House, Margaret Mncadi Ave 031 337 6707 www.roma.co.za No visitor to Durban should miss the view from the Roma as it revolves above the city. The international menu includes tasty mussel starters and Italian specialities, like gnocchi and veal dishes. You pay for the view as much as for the food; count on around R80 for main courses. Opening time: Mon– Sat lunch & dinner
8 Bean Bag Bohemia 18 Windermere Rd, Morningside 031 309 6019 www.beanbagbohemia.co.za A trendy, gay-friendly eating place in a two-storey house, with an informal bar/bistro downstairs and a more formal restaurant above. Expect mid-priced fusion food and plenty of people-watching. The restaurant hosts art exhibitions and changes its menu to suit the art being shown. Opening time: Mon– Sat till 1am, Sun till midnight
9 
Blue Zoo Garden Restaurant 6 Nimmo Rd, Morningside A varied and unusual menu features delicious Moroccan chicken, lamb shank in a port wine sauce, steaks, fish, and salads with mango and chilli dressings. Beautifully located in Mitchell Park and great for kids; mains R50–80. Opening time: Tues– Sat lunch & dinner, Sun & Mon lunch only
10 Delfi Taverna 386 Windermere Rd, Morningside 031 312 7032 This cosy restaurant boasts excellent, authentic Greek dishes (mains around R40) and a wonderfully congenial atmosphere created by friendly staff and plenty of regular customers – always a good sign. Opening time: Wed– Mon lunch & dinner
11 Marco's 45 Windermere Rd, Morningside 031 303 3078 A classy, moderately priced trattoria, with fresh pasta made daily and delectable pizzas. Opening time: Mon– Fri lunch & dinner, Sat dinner only
12 Palki 225 Musgrave Rd, Musgrave 031 201 0019 The South African representative of a chain of restaurants based in the East, this has mouthwatering, authentic North and South Indian foods, created by chefs shipped in from other branches. Vegetarians are well catered for and prices decent. Opening time: Daily lunch & dinner
13 Spice 200 Florida Rd, Morningside 031 303 6375 This new Florida Road eatery already counts the likes of Bill Gates and Bill Clinton among its patrons. The excellent food is a combination of spicy curries (more aromatic than blisteringly hot) and inventive dishes such as roast duck with Amarula. Mains from R90. Opening time: Tues– Sat lunch & dinner, Sun lunch only
14 Delicious Delicatessen and Coffee Shop Windermere Shopping Centre, Windermere Rd, Morningside Delicious, healthy pasta dishes such as sweet Thai chilli, as well as salads, sandwiches and excellent coffees. Takeaways available. Opening time: Mon– Fri 6.30am–6pm, Sat 6.30am–3pm, Sun 9am–1pm
15 Mugg & Bean Musgrave Centre, Musgrave A good place for endless coffee refills, inexpensive (and copious) breakfasts and light lunches, cakes and muffins. Opening time: Daily 8am–10pm
16 Saint Tropez Corner of Essenwood and St Thomas rds 031 201 9176 Housed in a former power station, this fashionable establishment has some outdoor seating and does salads, ciabatta sandwiches, pasta and a good selection of cakes. Opening time: Daily 7am–11pm