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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
(3042 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 (3042)

4.8 out of 5.0
Based on the past 12 months
Food 4.8
Value 4.7
Service 4.8
Ambience 4.7
  • Salome R. Dined: 1 day ago
    4.8
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 4.0

    Reviewed on: Tue 14 Apr 26
    I absolutely loved everything about this restaurant. The food was exceptional, every dish was bursting with flavor and the service was truly outstanding. In fact, the service was so quick and seamless that I had to pause and ask the waitress if they somehow knew what I was going to order in advance…that’s how impressive it was. The recommendations for both the starters and dessert were perfectly on point. The waitress was very knowledgable about all the food items I enquired about. Hands done the best restaurant I’ve been to in 2026.

  • Alcino P. Dined: 1 week ago
    4.5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 4.0
    Ambience 4.0
  • Anja N. Dined: 1 day ago
    4
    Food 5.0
    Value 2.0
    Service N/A
    Ambience 5.0
  • Merelda N. Dined: 3 days ago
    2.8
    Food 2.0
    Value 2.0
    Service 4.0
    Ambience 3.0

    Reviewed on: Tue 14 Apr 26
    Starters were amazing! Mains were let down, not enough sauce with the steak, the carrots weren’t cooked properly, Karoo lamb wasn’t cooked enough fat wasn’t rendered, the polenta wasn’t creamy was couchy, the ruby cheesecake didn’t taste like cheesecake, the white sauce tasted like nothing, the tropical dessert - sponge was hard. It was downhill after starters.

  • James C. Dined: 3 days ago
    4
    Food 2.0
    Value 4.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Sun 12 Apr 26
    My wife's rack of lamb + shoulder. The rack was under cooked and very fatty, the shoulder was overcooked. The dish was very disappointing but apart from that we enjoyed the evening

  • Allan V. Dined: 3 days ago
    4.5
    Food 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 4.0

    Reviewed on: Sun 12 Apr 26
    Overall a wonderful evening. Great food, superb service and the best company of my beautiful wife

  • Nomathamsanqa N. Dined: 1 week ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Sat 11 Apr 26
    What a fantastic restaurant! The service is beyond amazing. The staff is friendly, accommodating and attentive. We went for my mom's birthday, and it was just such a beautiful experience. OHHH the food? The food was exceptional. I will be going back there for sure! Thank you Chef's Table for such an amazing experience.

  • Willie L. Dined: 5 days ago
    4.3
    Food 5.0
    Value 3.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 4.0

    Reviewed on: Fri 10 Apr 26
    Great service, without undue intrusion. Main dishes ( market fish and duck) beautifully presented, done to perfection and very tasty.

  • Jessica H. Dined: 1 week ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Fri 10 Apr 26
    Lovely dinner and great service from our waiter and sommelier. Always a favorite!

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