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The Ocean Terrace at The Oyster Box
The Ocean Terrace at the Oyster Box serves breakfast, lunch and dinner facing the Umhlanga lighthouse, and is best known for its curry buffet, served nightly and at weekend lunch.
At a glance
- Type
- Hotel terrace restaurant and curry buffet
- Area
- Umhlanga Rocks, Durban, South Africa
- Price
- $$$$ · Luxury
- Official site
- oysterboxhotel.com
Good to know
- Sea and lighthouse views
- Curry buffet
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Online booking
Why we recommend it
The Ocean Terrace is the all-day restaurant of the Oyster Box hotel in Umhlanga Rocks, and for many visitors to Durban it is the setting for one of the most memorable meals of the trip. The terrace faces the Indian Ocean and the red-and-white Umhlanga lighthouse directly in front of the hotel, so the view is as much a part of the experience as the food. It is open to non-residents as well as hotel guests.
The curry buffet is the main draw. Curry is central to Durban's food culture, and the Oyster Box buffet presents it in a smart hotel setting, served every evening at dinner and at lunch on Saturdays and Sundays. The curries are mostly mild, which makes the buffet an approachable introduction for visitors who are new to Durban spices. Outside the buffet, the Ocean Terrace serves breakfast and an a la carte menu at lunch and dinner.
Breakfast runs from 07:00 to 10:30, with the last booking at 09:00, lunch from 12:00 to 15:30 and dinner from 18:00 to 22:00. Non-resident guests are advised to book in advance through the hotel's online reservations system, especially for the curry buffet at weekends and in the summer holidays, when tables are in heavy demand. Ask for a table near the edge of the terrace if you want an uninterrupted view of the sea.
The restaurant suits couples, families celebrating an occasion and visitors who want to see the Oyster Box without staying there. Prices are at the upper end for Durban, reflecting the hotel's five-star status. Smart-casual clothing is sensible, as this is a formal hotel even if the terrace feels relaxed.
The Oyster Box has other places to eat and drink if you want to make an evening of it. The Grill Room offers more formal dining, the Lighthouse Bar serves cocktails, and high tea is served at the Palm Court. Before or after your meal, walk a few steps from the hotel onto the Umhlanga promenade to see the lighthouse up close or stroll to the Whalebone Pier. The hotel is a short drive from Umhlanga village and about 20 minutes from King Shaka International Airport.
The Ocean Terrace at The Oyster Box FAQs
When is the curry buffet served?
Every day at dinner, and at lunch on weekends.
Can non-residents eat here?
Yes. Non-resident guests are welcome and are advised to book in advance.
What are the opening hours?
Breakfast 07:00 to 10:30 (last booking 09:00), lunch 12:00 to 15:30 and dinner 18:00 to 22:00.
How do I book?
Through the Oyster Box's online reservations system or by phoning the hotel.
Is the curry very hot?
The buffet is described as mostly mild, so it suits visitors new to Durban curries.
What is the view like?
The terrace faces the sea and the Umhlanga lighthouse in front of the hotel.
Is there a dress code?
None is published, but smart-casual clothing suits the hotel setting.
What else is at the hotel?
The Grill Room, the Lighthouse Bar and high tea at the Palm Court.