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The Chefs Table

Reviewers' Choice 2025 - Top 100
Contemporary International
Location Pointer 1st Floor, Protea Mall, 1 Chartwell Drive, Umhlanga Rocks, 4319
4.8
(2972 reviews)
RRR
Menu
Favourite

Attributes

  • Romantic
  • Gourmet Guide Plated
  • Reviewers' Choice 2025 - Top 100

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Menu
Favourite

Executive Chef Mathew Armbruster and his brigade of 12 qualified chefs have crafted their menu around fresh, local and seasonal ingredients. The dishes are inspired by what is readily available on the day. Fresh produce from local, organic farmers arrives in the morning and the dishes are tweaked and arranged accordingly. The menu changes slightly every day and each season will see different ingredients and new dishes to enjoy.

The open plan kitchen is at the heart of the restaurant - for the theatre of it but also for the chefs, to stay connected to the energy of the diners. Watch the chefs at work and feel the connection to the food and the beautifully plated dishes being prepared.

Gourmet Guide™ Description

Taking pride of place in Durban’s foodie scene, this restaurant in Umhlanga Rocks is a firm favourite among those who love tasty, seasonal dishes. Many of the offerings reflect the coastal setting, while others showcase produce sourced from the nearby KZN Midlands. It’s always local and sustainable. The contemporary 150-seater establishment is spacious, with the dramatic Tretchikoff mural the focal point…until you see the plates coming out of the open kitchen.

Both the set and à la carte menus may differ slightly on the day, as the team constantly strives for freshness, seasonality, and authenticity. The recent addition of a wood-burning oven has excited the kitchen team. Catering to dietary restrictions with full vegetarian and vegan à la carte menus means every diner cared for with eloquent, elegant creations. The distinctive and diverse selection of wines and cocktails is a drawcard too.

Popular fare includes the beef tongue (Mathew’s first-choice snack), the wood-fired octopus with a Korean-style glaze and kimchi, the West Coast mussels, and the aged beef tartare prepared with cola oil.

Opening Hours

  • Monday 12h00 - 14h30, 18h00 - 22h00
  • Tuesday 12h00 - 14h30, 18h00 - 22h00
  • Wednesday 12h00 - 14h30, 18h00 - 22h00
  • Thursday 12h00 - 14h30, 18h00 - 22h00
  • Friday 12h00 - 14h30, 18h00 - 22h30
  • Saturday 12h00 - 14h30, 18h00 - 22h30
  • Sunday CLOSED

Reviews (2972)

4.8 out of 5.0
Based on the past 12 months
Food 4.9
Value 4.7
Service 4.8
Ambience 4.7
  • Tim Dined: 2 days ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Fri 27 Feb 26
    Tasty food, good selection of drinks and great service. We had a week's stay in uMhlanga and ate here 3 times. Enough said! Definitely recommended

  • David K. Dined: 1 day ago
    4.5
    Food 4.0
    Value 4.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Fri 27 Feb 26
    We last dined here 3 years ago and our recent visit revealed a much improved experience. We had steak and red snapper for main course, which were delicious. The cheese board had too little cheese, but loads of accompaniments. The wine waiter was very knowledgeable and Cindy, our waitress, was brilliant. Overall we enjoyed our meal and will return soon.

  • Stuart S. Dined: 1 day ago
    4.8
    Food 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0
  • Kim R. Dined: 1 day ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Fri 27 Feb 26
    We had a lovely evening and were well looked after by Moses! Will be sure to look for other date night type events.

  • Adeline C. Dined: 6 days ago
    4.8
    Food 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Thu 26 Feb 26
    My sister and I booked the Summer Date Night special, which included a 4-course tasting menu and complimentary cocktails. Each course, and options thereof, were quite scrumptious however there were a few elements that missed the mark. Course 1 - Crispy squid: no notes, the flavours were amazing especially from the green curry and yoghurt sauce. Squid was crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Dry aged beef tartare: the rich and buttery steak paired well with the tangy egg yolk foam, complimented by the warm and toasty garlic bread. Course 2 - Italian artichoke: on its own, artichoke is a blank canvas therefore the black truffle and grana padano cheese paired well and amped this dish. Octopus tortellini: a lovely dish that was rich and umami, however, the octopus was a tad bit chewy. I also do think it needed something fresh/acidic to cut through the richness, considering that more courses followed. Course 3 - Midlands beef tasting: the fillet was cooked to perfection (medium rare) and the veg accompaniments were delicious. Unfortunately, the confit dumpling filling was overcooked and the dumpling wrapper was undercooked. Wild mushroom tortellini: another delicious dish, no notes. The scalloped king oyster mushroom provided a lovely sensory mouthfeel. Course 4: Chocolate and Hazelnut and P.S. I Love You: we both have quite the sweet tooth but the desserts were underwhelming. Considering the description of each, the flavours in both were lacklustre and one dimensional. The ice cream was also more icy than creamy. However, the 'wafer' tuille component was tasty and had a good texture. For only R875 per couple, this special was great bang for our buck. The front of house staff and our waitress were warm, friendly and accommodating. Except for the few misses, the food and overall experience made for an enjoyable dining outing.

  • Brian M. Dined: 3 days ago
    3.8
    Food 4.0
    Value 4.0
    Service 3.0
    Ambience 4.0

    Reviewed on: Wed 25 Feb 26
    I was happy with what I order and enjoyed my meal, however my wife order the same and was not a fan of the chips which is not a normal type of chips, she does not like oily foods and brought this to waiter attention it was returned and not touched however there was no feedback from the waiter and and it was not even exchanged but when the bill arrived we were charged for it, I paid for it and left as i did not want to create any attention as it was my wife birthday. My advise is your waiter should have common sense and informed the manager and a decision could be made which could have been resolved that my wife was happy at the end of the day. Kind regards

  • Sandra H. Dined: 6 days ago
    4.8
    Food 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Tue 24 Feb 26
    Special occasion and we were made to feel special. Food and ambiance sublime. Def need to go back such an interesting and varied menu.

  • Nick P. Dined: 4 days ago
    4.3
    Food 4.0
    Value 4.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 4.0

    Reviewed on: Tue 24 Feb 26
    Fine dining in uMhlanga village with an array of well plated dishes, excellent wine list, attentive service, and generally higher prices. We'll worth an occasional visit.

  • Sharon T. Dined: 2 weeks ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Tue 24 Feb 26
    10/10

  • Elvina M. Dined: 6 days ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Mon 23 Feb 26
    Our first visit, it was hubby's birthday and wow all expectations exceeded. The tone that was set, the service the food and the waiters knowledge of the menu all amazing, altogether a perfect night out. Will definitely be visiting them again.

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