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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
(3087 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 (3087)

4.8 out of 5.0
Based on the past 12 months
Food 4.8
Value 4.7
Service 4.8
Ambience 4.7
  • Darlene S. Dined: 3 days ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Mon 18 May 26
    Chef's Table is our favourite restaurant in Durban. I have to say that we have never had a bad meal or bad experience. They gave us a card and special dessert for our wedding anniversary, and made us both feel very special.

  • Himat G. Dined: 4 days ago
    3.3
    Food 3.0
    Value 3.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 2.0

    Reviewed on: Sat 16 May 26
    We booked and came early -6.30pm to the venue but we were seated in one corner of the restaurant (at the far end) and every couple that was celebrating a birthday were chaperoned into this corner.This area was always busy by all your waiters carrying food for patrons .We wanted to be in the middle of the restaurant.The one couple asked to be moved and your staff told them that they have to look at the bookings first before they moved them even though there were many empty tables for couples. There were a lot of tables unoccupied in the middle of the restaurant the whole period we were at the restaurant.

  • Samantha H. Dined: 4 days ago
    4.8
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 4.0

    Reviewed on: Sat 16 May 26
    Food superb, service excellent. Pity there were only two tables occupied at lunchtime on a Friday.

  • Brian T. Dined: 1 week ago
    4.8
    Food 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0
  • Ash R. Dined: 1 week ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Tue 12 May 26
    A fabulous experience! Excellent food and service.

  • Lulu M. Dined: 1 week ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0
  • Lebo M. Dined: 1 week ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Mon 11 May 26
    Wow what a place every single thing about it was excellent. Keep up the good and excellent work. My expectations were outstandingly met

  • Tiarra T. Dined: 1 week ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0
  • Mike K. Dined: 1 week ago
    4.8
    Food 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0
  • Keshni N. Dined: 2 weeks ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Thu 07 May 26
    A 10/10 experience - highly recommend!

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