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The Chefs Table

Contemporary International
Location Pointer 1st Floor, Protea Mall, 1 Chartwell Drive, Umhlanga Rocks, 4319
4.8
(3511 reviews)
RRR
Menu
Favourite

Attributes

  • Romantic
  • Gourmet Guide Plated

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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 (3511)

4.8 out of 5.0
Based on the past 12 months
Food 4.9
Value 4.7
Service 4.8
Ambience 4.8
  • Ron N. Dined: 1 day ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Tue 16 Sep 25
    We hosted a supplier from Finland. The wine recommendations of Stargazer white with the starter and Keermont red with the lamb main were perfect. We normally do not make it to the desert and glad we did as we all loved the cheesecake. Service and all meal presentations were perfect. Well done guys.

  • Xonglie M. Dined: 3 days ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0
  • Don P. Dined: 4 days ago
    4.8
    Food 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Sun 14 Sep 25
    Food and service was excellent as always. Staff go out of their way to please. Definitely one of my favourite restaurants in Durban.

  • JANE S. Dined: 4 days ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Sun 14 Sep 25
    The squid starter exceptional as was the artichoke with truffle … just delicious

  • Donal R. Dined: 1 week ago
    3
    Food 4.0
    Value 3.0
    Service 1.0
    Ambience 4.0

    Reviewed on: Sun 14 Sep 25
    We had heard great things about the food at Chef's Table. But we were utterly shocked by the extremely poor standard of service. After being shown to our table, we waited 10 minutes to be asked about drinks. And a further 10 minutes to receive our drinks. Then we had to practically drag information out of our waitress regarding mains. The place was less than half full, so busyness was not an excuse. This was clearly inadequate training and poor quality of management. We also noticed other tables becoming frustrated. There seemed to be 2 or 3 supervisors/managers on duty, but none of them came to us to see if everything was going ok (as is the norm in the majority of restaurants). Very disappointing. We will not be rushing back!

  • Sven B. Dined: 3 days ago
    4.8
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 4.0

    Reviewed on: Sun 14 Sep 25
    Amazing food, service was top class!

  • Lilly D. Dined: 4 days ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Sat 13 Sep 25
    Food is always fantastic, and the staff are the friendliest I've ever encountered.

  • Jacqueline P. Dined: 4 days ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Sat 13 Sep 25
    Great find for a vegan. Cuisine was outstanding. Very convenient to get to from the Marriott. Service excellent, staff went the extra mile to make sure we were satisfied. Would recommend and teturn

  • Thabong N. Dined: 5 days ago
    4.3
    Food 4.0
    Value 3.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0
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