Good food is never far away in Durban. From beachfront restaurants and coastal spots in the North to neighbourhood favourites further inland, there’s plenty to choose from when you’re deciding where to eat.
So, where should you actually book? We’ve rounded up some of the best-rated restaurants across Durban and the North Coast, based on recent reviews from Dineplan diners. From steaks, seafood and sushi to Italian favourites, burgers and more, these are the places getting high marks for food, service, value and ambience. Here are the restaurants Dineplan diners are rating highest right now.
1904 Bistro Americain
🍽️ Modern American diner and grill
📍12 Village Road, Kloof, Durban
⭐ 4.7 on Dineplan
Known for burgers and comfort food, 1904 Bistro Americain is a relaxed spot in the heart of Kloof. One guest summed up the experience as “absolutely top tier”, praising the atmosphere, food and service.
45 on Eat Street
🍽️ Contemporary restaurant
📍445 Main Road, Ballito
⭐ 4.7 on Dineplan
Modern dishes, a relaxed setting and a central Ballito address make 45 on Eat Street a popular choice for a meal out. As one guest put it: “Beautiful décor, great service and excellent food! A wonderful and refreshing experience.”
9 Sky
🍽️ Asian
📍Gateway Theatre of Shopping, Palm Boulevard, Umhlanga Ridge
⭐ 4.7 on Dineplan
At Gateway, 9 Sky pairs an ocean-inspired menu with warm service and plenty of vegetarian and vegan options. One guest said: “Great authentic food and knowledgeable staff. Service is warm and friendly.”
9th Avenue Marina
🍽️ Fine dining
📍2 Maritime Place, Harbour, Durban
⭐ 4.6 on Dineplan
Overlooking Durban’s yacht mole, 9th Avenue Marina combines fine dining with a waterside setting and a menu covering seafood, grills, pasta and signature dishes. There’s also a cocktail lounge upstairs for drinks after dinner. One diner called it “a wonderful tasteful experience”, praising both the food and service.
Barnaby’s Grillhouse
🍽️ Grillhouse
📍110 Mackeurtan Avenue, Durban North
⭐ 4.8 on Dineplan
Flame-grilled fare and weekly specials make Barnaby’s a Durban North favourite, with steaks among the highlights. One diner called T-Bone Tuesday “a winner”, adding that the food was “exceptional as always.”
Bel Punto
🍽️ Italian seafood
📍1 South Beach Road, Umdloti Beach, Durban
⭐ 4.7 on Dineplan
Set along Umdloti’s seafront, Bel Punto pairs steak and seafood with a relaxed coastal setting and plenty of local favourites. One returning diner called it “Another fantastic meal at a North Coast favourite,” singling out the Padella Prawns as “arguably the best in SA.”
Butcher Boys Ballito
🍽️ Steakhouse
📍10 Jack Powell Road, Ballito
⭐ 4.7 on Dineplan
Known for its quality cuts and generous portions, Butcher Boys Ballito is a solid choice for steak in Ballito. As one guest put it: “Overall a very good experience. Great food and service.”
Butcher Boys Florida Road
🍽️ Steakhouse
📍170 Florida Road, Morningside, Durban
⭐ 4.7 on Dineplan
A fixture on Florida Road, Butcher Boys serves well-executed steaks and generous portions in a lively setting. One visitor summed it up simply: “Ottimo ristorante per chi ama la carne.”
Butcher Boys Umhlanga
🍽️ Steakhouse
📍Shop 1, Lighthouse Mall, Lighthouse Road, Umhlanga Rocks
⭐ 4.7 on Dineplan
Steak, generous portions and classic grillhouse fare have made Butcher Boys a familiar favourite in Umhlanga. One guest had particular praise for the food: “Great steak house. The best ribeye and mash ever.”
Butcher Block Umhlanga
🍽️ Steakhouse
📍2 Ncondo Place, Umhlanga, Durban
⭐ 4.6 on Dineplan
If steak is on the agenda, Butcher Block Umhlanga keeps things simple with generous cuts, hearty grillhouse favourites and a menu made for meat lovers. It’s a relaxed option for family dinners, birthdays and nights out with friends. One diner celebrating her husband’s birthday said: “Delicious food, great ambience and perfect location. I will definitely be back.”
Casa Nostra
🍽️ Italian
📍Shop 6, Marine Walk, Umdloti
⭐ 4.7 on Dineplan
Casa Nostra has been a fixture in Umdloti for decades, serving Italian favourites that have earned it a loyal local following. As one longtime regular says: “We’ve been going to Casa Nostra for about 25 years and the food is always top notch.”
Crane & Feathers
🍽️ Contemporary fusion
📍Shop 004B, Oceans Mall, 7 Lagoon Drive, Umhlanga Rocks
⭐ 4.6 on Dineplan
Crane & Feathers brings global flavours to Oceans Mall, with a menu spanning seafood, grilled dishes and creative plates. The colourful interiors and polished feel make it a natural choice for date nights and special dinners. One diner described it as “a luxurious dining experience with impeccable service.”
Grimaldi’s at Cotswold
🍽️ Italian, seafood & sushi
📍105 Inanda Road, Pinetown NU, Hillcrest
⭐ 4.6 on Dineplan
At Cotswold Downs, Grimaldi’s gives diners plenty to choose from, with Italian favourites, sushi, seafood and steaks all on the menu. It’s a good fit for everything from family meals to celebrations, with views to enjoy along the way. One diner celebrating a birthday said: “We had a wonderful evening at Grimaldi’s @ Cotswold celebrating my mum’s birthday.”
Grimaldi’s Durban Country Club
🍽️ Italian, seafood & sushi
📍S101 Isaiah Ntshangase Road, Stamford Hill, Durban
⭐ 4.6 on Dineplan
Set inside the Durban Country Club, Grimaldi’s serves sushi and Italian-inspired dishes, giving diners plenty of choice from one menu. One guest praised the service and recommendations, saying: “She had excellent food recommendations.”
Grimaldi’s Umhlanga Pearls
🍽️ Italian
📍Shop 17A, 2–4 Lagoon Drive, The Pearls, Umhlanga
⭐ 4.7 on Dineplan
Set at The Pearls, Grimaldi’s Umhlanga serves Italian favourites alongside an extensive wine list. One diner had no hesitation in recommending it: “Can’t find any fault! The wait staff was super professional, knowledgeable and understood good etiquette.”
Harry James Food & Cocktail Bar
🍽️ Food and cocktail bar
📍189 Ridge Road, Umhlanga Rocks, Umhlanga
⭐ 4.7 on Dineplan
Part restaurant, part cocktail bar, Harry James brings together food, drinks, live music and a lively atmosphere in Umhlanga. One guest summed it up: “Loved it… had a great meal and the music was on point. Awesome vibe.”
High Tea at The Palm Court – The Oyster Box Hotel
🍽️ Afternoon tea
📍2 Lighthouse Road, Umhlanga Rocks, Durban
⭐ 4.7 on Dineplan
At The Oyster Box, high tea is an occasion in its own right, with tiered stands, attentive service and an elegant setting overlooking the Umhlanga coastline. One guest described it as “an incredible and special afternoon”, with particular praise for the food and service.
Jack Salmon Pierside
🍽️ Seafood and sushi
📍6 Lagoon Drive, Shop 16A, The Pearls of Umhlanga
⭐ 4.7 on Dineplan
Seafood and sushi are the focus at Jack Salmon Pierside, with everything from fresh fish and prawns to signature sushi plates on the menu. One guest summed up their visit: “We had a wonderful evening — fantastic sushi and great service! Will definitely be back!”
Lingela – Elangeni & Maharani
🍽️ Indian and South African buffet restaurant
📍63 Snell Parade, North Beach, Durban
⭐ 4.6 on Dineplan
At Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani, Lingela puts a Durban spin on the buffet experience, with curries, breyani, tandoori specialities, a carvery and desserts all part of the spread. Guests can also choose meat or seafood for chefs to prepare to their liking. One diner said: “This was the best experience ever.”
Lupa Osteria Durban North
🍽️ Italian
📍6 Swapo Road, Durban North
⭐ 4.8 on Dineplan
Lupa Osteria brings handmade pasta, wood-fired pizza and traditional Roman favourites to Durban North. Fresh pasta is made daily in-house, while the wine list includes local and imported bottles. One diner summed up their visit after a ladies’ dinner: “We had a wonderful ladies dinner with delicious food and great service as always!!!”
Lupa Osteria Westville
🍽️ Pasta & antipasti
📍124 Jan Hofmeyr Road, Dawncrest, Westville, Durban
⭐ 4.7 on Dineplan
Handmade pasta, wood-fired pizza and Italian favourites make Lupa Osteria a go-to for relaxed dining in Westville. One regular put it simply: “It’s not just a meal at Lupa, it’s an experience, enjoyed with good friends.”
Maison on Florida
🍽️ Mediterranean-inspired
📍198 Florida Road, Morningside, Windermere
⭐ 4.7 on Dineplan
Set on Florida Road, Maison on Florida serves prime cuts in a stylish setting. One guest summed up the experience: “The whole experience was amazing, the food was the highlight of the evening.”
Millflour Cafe & Baking Co
🍽️ Café bakery
📍57 Inanda Road, Pinetown NU, Hillcrest
⭐ 4.7 on Dineplan
Known for fresh baking and easygoing café fare, Millflour has become a reliable Hillcrest stop for everything from breakfast to relaxed lunches. One guest called it “a lovely way to spend a Saturday afternoon”, praising the food, service and ambience.
Oscars Cafe Hillcrest
🍽️ Café bistro
📍12 Old Main Road, Hillcrest
⭐ 4.8 on Dineplan
A long-standing Hillcrest favourite, Oscars Cafe serves comforting food in a warm, familiar setting. One diner captured what makes it special: “This is home, this is our people, and food feels like it’s made just for us.”
Platinum Belt Restaurant and Lounge
🍽️ Fine dining
📍2 Palm Boulevard, Umhlanga Ridge, Umhlanga
⭐ 4.6 on Dineplan
Platinum Belt brings fine dining, steaks, sushi and sweeping Umhlanga views together in a stylish setting. With outdoor seating, live sport and a lively atmosphere, it works for everything from dinner plans to a night out with friends. One diner called their visit “absolutely top-notch from start to finish.”
Roma Revolving Restaurant
🍽️ Italian
📍Jonsson Lane, Durban Central
⭐ 4.7 on Dineplan
One of Durban’s most distinctive dining experiences, Roma Revolving Restaurant offers classic dining with panoramic views of the city as the restaurant slowly rotates. Celebrating a milestone birthday, one guest called it “the most fabulous evening” and praised the team for making it unforgettable.
Saffron Restaurant at Coastlands Umhlanga Hotel
🍽️ Indian and South African restaurant
📍329 Umhlanga Rocks Drive, Umhlanga Ridge, Umhlanga
⭐ 4.6 on Dineplan
Located on the fourth floor of Coastlands Umhlanga Hotel, Saffron serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, with both buffet and à la carte options. From family meals to celebrations, there’s plenty to choose from. One recent guest kept their review simple: “Good service. Great food.”
Sala Beach House
🍽️ Contemporary seafood restaurant
📍75 Ocean Drive, Shaka’s Rock
⭐ 4.7 on Dineplan
Right on the sand at Shaka’s Rock, Sala Beach House pairs coastal views with a polished menu and a setting made for long lunches. It leaves a lasting impression: “As a resident of Ballito, Sala is a delightful experience. It feels as if you are on a luxurious island.”
Signature Umhlanga
🍽️ Fine Dining
📍Oceans Mall, Lagoon Drive, Umhlanga
⭐ 4.6 on Dineplan
For something a little more refined, Signature Umhlanga pairs polished service with a stylish Oceans Mall setting and glimpses of the ocean. The menu changes with the chef’s creativity, as one diner discovered when the chef created a dish on the spot: “We were blown away by the chef’s ability to create a tasty dish on the spot.”
Spoon Eatery & Pizzeria
🍽️ Contemporary restaurant & pizzeria
📍4 Castle Road, Assagay, Outer West Durban
⭐ 4.7 on Dineplan
Surrounded by greenery in Assagay, Spoon Eatery & Pizzeria serves wood-fired pizza and more in a beautiful setting. One diner summed it up as “a well set up restaurant in the most beautiful setting.”
Sunsets and Mermaids
🍽️ Italian
📍3 Chartwell Drive, Umhlanga
⭐ 4.6 on Dineplan
With Italian-inspired dishes and views across Umhlanga, Sunsets and Mermaids is a relaxed spot for a meal by the coast. One regular had high praise for the team: “Always a pleasure going there. Staff and Management are superb.”
The Baron Umhlanga
🍽️ Contemporary South African steakhouse
📍1 Ncondo Place, Umhlanga Ridge, Umhlanga
⭐ 4.6 on Dineplan
A long-standing name in the local dining scene, The Baron Umhlanga serves hearty South African favourites, steaks and grillhouse dishes in a relaxed setting with views. One recent diner enjoyed the combination of food and atmosphere, saying: “We really enjoyed our food. Thank you for the amazing experience.”
The Black Rabbit
🍽️ Contemporary Italian
📍Lillies Quarter, 14 Old Main Road, Hillcrest
⭐ 4.8 on Dineplan
Set in Hillcrest’s Lillies Quarter, The Black Rabbit serves contemporary dishes in a relaxed setting. One diner celebrating a birthday had high praise for the team and food: “Chris can be very proud of his staff, and of the quality of the food they produce. Magic time.”
The Chefs’ Table
🍽️ Contemporary fine dining
📍25/28 First Floor, Protea Mall, Chartwell Drive, Umhlanga
⭐ 4.7 on Dineplan
The Chefs Table brings seasonal cooking, local ingredients and knowledgeable service to Umhlanga. One guest was particularly impressed by the hospitality: “The host Carl had incredible sommelier expertise and went beyond his duty for the fish I wanted.”
The Grill Jichana, Elangeni & Maharani
🍽️ Steakhouse
📍Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani, 63 Snell Parade, North Beach
⭐ 4.7 on Dineplan
Set along Durban’s beachfront, The Grill Jichana serves classic grillhouse fare with views of the Indian Ocean. One guest called the experience “absolutely amazing”, adding that it was “an outstanding experience.”
The Grill Room – The Oyster Box Hotel
🍽️ Fine dining
📍2 Lighthouse Road, Umhlanga
⭐ 4.7 on Dineplan
The Grill Room at The Oyster Box pairs refined dining with an extensive wine list and attentive service in its Umhlanga setting. One guest praised the “excellent food” and Jordan wine pairing, adding: “Impeccable service as always.”
The LivingRoom at Summerhill
🍽️ Fine dining
📍29 Belvedale Road, Cowies Hill, Pinetown
⭐ 4.9 on Dineplan
Set in a private home in Cowies Hill, The LivingRoom offers intimate dining centred on local ingredients and heritage flavours. One guest summed up the experience: “We really felt like we had been invited into their home for an incredible meal.”
The Sugar Club Restaurant
🍽️ Contemporary
📍 Lighthouse Road, Umhlanga
⭐ 4.7 on Dineplan
The Sugar Club brings contemporary cuisine and attentive service to the Beverly Hills Hotel, with an elegant setting overlooking the Umhlanga coastline. One guest celebrating three birthdays said: “We had an amazing time celebrating three birthdays from our team!”
The Hussar Grill Cotswold
🍽️ Classic steakhouse
📍Inanda Road, Shop 1128, Cotswold, Pinetown NU, Hillcrest
⭐ 4.6 on Dineplan
Set in Cotswold, The Hussar Grill brings its signature aged steaks, classic grillhouse favourites and an extensive wine selection to Hillcrest. Whether it’s a relaxed lunch or a special dinner, it’s a reliable choice for steak lovers. One diner summed up their visit simply: “Exceptional service.”
The Hussar Grill Kloof
🍽️ Classic steakhouse
📍13 Old Main Road, Kloof
⭐ 4.7 on Dineplan
Steaks and classic grillhouse fare make The Hussar Grill Kloof a popular choice for a relaxed meal in the heart of Kloof. One regular said it best: “Great food, great service, great venue and ambience.”
The Hussar Grill Oceans
🍽️ Classic steakhouse
📍4 Lagoon Drive, Umhlanga
⭐ 4.8 on Dineplan
At Ocean Mall in Umhlanga, The Hussar Grill is all about steaks, grillhouse favourites and a relaxed setting. One family celebrating a milestone had high praise: “The dining experience from start to finish was absolutely excellent.”
The Ocean Terrace at The Oyster Box Hotel
🍽️ Seafood and contemporary restaurant
📍2A Lighthouse Road, Umhlanga
⭐ 4.6 on Dineplan
Overlooking the Indian Ocean at The Oyster Box, The Ocean Terrace is made for everything from relaxed breakfasts to long lunches and sunset dinners. Expect seafood, curries, wood-fired pizzas and plenty of coastal views. One guest summed up a recent visit: “We had a beautiful dining experience at Oyster Box.”
Tightline Durban
🍽️ Seafood
📍Salta Sibaya Estate, Jabu Ngcobo Drive, eMdloti
⭐ 4.6 on Dineplan
At Salta Sibaya Estate in eMdloti, Tightline is all about seafood, sushi and easy coastal dining. The menu focuses on fresh fish and seafood, with produce sourced through the restaurant’s own fisheries operation. It’s become a popular North Coast choice for diners looking for sushi and fresh seafood in one spot.
Tylers
🍽️ Modern steakhouse
📍Shop 24A, Marine Walk Shopping Centre, Salta, Jabu Ngcobo Drive, eMdloti
⭐ 4.8 on Dineplan
At Marine Walk in eMdloti, Tylers puts a modern spin on the traditional butcher and grill. Expect sustainably sourced meats, dry-aged cuts and a custom New York-built grill, alongside craft cocktails and a coastal setting. It’s a natural fit when you’re after a proper steak dinner with something a little different.
Yori Oki Sushi & Grill
🍽️ Japanese
📍445 Main Road, Ballito, KwaZulu-Natal
⭐ 4.7 on Dineplan
Known for its rolls, sashimi and attentive service, Yori Oki has become a Ballito favourite. One diner was especially impressed: “Fantastic food! Best in Ballito! I wish we had found it sooner… our favorite new restaurant!”
Zai Restaurant
🍽️ Argentinian wood-fire steakhouse
📍50 Campbell Avenue, Windermere, Berea
⭐ 4.7 on Dineplan
Flame-grilled dishes and a relaxed setting make Zai Restaurant a natural choice for a meal in Berea, from casual dinners to special occasions. One birthday guest gave it a clear vote of confidence: “Zai never disappoints – the staff was so welcoming and professional.”
Now it’s your turn…
These restaurants are all rated 4.6 or higher by Dineplan diners, based on reviews from the last year. This list reflects where Dineplan diners have been eating, celebrating and returning to, but everyone has their own favourites.
Download the Dineplan app to book a table at any restaurant on the list in a couple of taps. And while you’re there, leave your own review to help other diners decide where to eat next.
Which Durban restaurant is your best of the best? And who do you think deserves a spot on the list? Pop your thoughts in the comments. We’d love to hear from you.
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Great food at a reasonable prices
Best views in Durban
Great looking restaurant
Lookout
Lookout great food and views
San Guiseppe in Hillcrest is a quaint restaurant. Looks like little Italy. The staff are brilliant. You feel right at home.