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Roma Revolving Restaurant
Roma Revolving Restaurant has turned slowly above Durban's bay since 1973, serving Italian food on the 32nd floor of John Ross House on the Victoria Embankment.
At a glance
- Type
- Italian revolving restaurant
- Area
- Victoria Embankment, Durban, South Africa
- Price
- $$$ · Upscale
- Official site
- roma.co.za
Good to know
- Revolving dining room
- Harbour and city views
- Italian menu
- Wine list
- Bar
- Online booking
Why we recommend it
Roma Revolving Restaurant is a Durban institution. It opened in February 1973 on the 32nd floor of John Ross House, a 33-storey, 109-metre tower on the Victoria Embankment overlooking the harbour, and its dining room revolves slowly so that over the course of a meal you see the bay, the port, the city centre and the coastline in turn. The restaurant was pioneered by an Italian family team including Gino Leopardi, and it is still managed by the Leopardi brothers today, now as part of the Reelin Group.
The food is Italian, served with a wine list to match; the restaurant publishes its current menu on its website. Diners usually come as much for the experience as for the cooking, and the combination of a long Italian dinner with a changing view of the lights of the harbour has kept it popular for celebrations for more than five decades. There is also a bar, Roma Skyy, linked to the restaurant.
The restaurant suits couples, families marking a celebration, groups and visitors who want a memorable view of Durban from above. It is especially good on a first evening in the city, as the slow rotation gives you a clear sense of how the harbour, the city centre and the beachfront fit together. Prices are in the mid-to-upper range for Durban.
Book ahead, either online through the restaurant's booking system or by phone, and ask for a window table. Arrive before sunset if you want to see the harbour in daylight and then watch the lights come on. Allow two hours or more for dinner so that you complete at least one full rotation. As opening hours are not published on the main page, check times when you book.
John Ross House stands on the Victoria Embankment, facing the harbour at the southern edge of the city centre. Use a ride-hailing app or taxi to get there and back, particularly at night, rather than walking through the city centre. uShaka Marine World and the southern end of the Golden Mile are a short drive away, and a harbour cruise is a good way to see the bay from the water as well as from above.
Roma Revolving Restaurant FAQs
When did Roma open?
In February 1973.
Where is it?
On the 32nd floor of John Ross House on the Victoria Embankment, overlooking Durban's harbour.
Does the whole restaurant revolve?
The dining area revolves slowly, giving views of the bay, port, city and coast during a meal.
What type of food is served?
Italian food with a wine list. The current menu is published on the restaurant's website.
Do I need to book?
Booking is recommended, online or by phone. Ask for a window table.
Who runs the restaurant?
It is managed by the Leopardi brothers and owned by the Reelin Group.
When is the best time to go?
Arrive before sunset to see the harbour in daylight and the lights coming on after dark.
How do I get there?
By ride-hailing app or taxi to John Ross House on the Victoria Embankment.