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Best Restaurants in Durban (2026)

Eating out in Durban means curry first. The city's Indian heritage has given it its own style of curry and the bunny chow, a hollowed-out loaf filled with curry that you eat with your hands. Try it at a casual specialist such as CaneCutters in Umhlanga Ridge or at the Britannia Hotel on Umgeni Road, where the Moodley family has served bunnies since 1983, and book the curry buffet on the Ocean Terrace at the Oyster Box for a smarter version with a view of the Umhlanga lighthouse.

For a special occasion, the most acclaimed tables are outside the city centre. The LivingRoom at Summerhill Guest Estate in Cowies Hill serves a seasonal tasting menu and has topped national awards, and The Chefs' Table in Umhlanga runs an open kitchen built on KwaZulu-Natal produce. Both need booking well ahead. Classic Durban experiences include dinner at Roma Revolving Restaurant above the harbour and seafood at Lord Prawn in Umhlanga, while Havana Grill at Suncoast and Butcher Boys on Florida Road cover steak. Prices are reasonable by international standards, tipping of around 10 to 15 per cent is normal, and ride-hailing apps are the easiest way to get to and from dinner. Many places close earlier than in European cities, so check last orders.

10 places · Updated October 27, 2026

Our top 3 restaurants in Durban

  1. The LivingRoom at Summerhill Guest Estate Seasonal tasting menu, Cowies Hill, PinetownChef Johannes Richter's LivingRoom at Summerhill Guest Estate in Cowies Hill serves a seasonal, garden-led tasting menu and was named Eat Out Restaurant of the Year in 2022.
  2. The Chefs’ Table Contemporary fine dining, Umhlanga RocksThe Chefs' Table in Umhlanga serves seasonal, contemporary dishes built on KwaZulu-Natal produce from an open kitchen, with a serious wine cellar and regular pairing dinners.
  3. The Ocean Terrace at The Oyster Box Hotel terrace restaurant and curry buffet, Umhlanga RocksThe 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.

Restaurant

2. The Chefs’ Table

Contemporary fine dining$$$$Umhlanga Rocks

The Chefs' Table in Umhlanga serves seasonal, contemporary dishes built on KwaZulu-Natal produce from an open kitchen, with a serious wine cellar and regular pairing dinners.

View details — The Chefs’ Table

Restaurant

4. CaneCutters

Durban curry and bunny chow$Umhlanga Ridge

CaneCutters is a casual Durban curry house best known for its bunny chows, from the classic mutton bunny to bean and vegetable versions, with a second branch in Clairwood.

View details — CaneCutters

Restaurant

7. Havana Grill

Steak and seafood grill$$$Suncoast, Golden Mile

Havana Grill at Suncoast on the Golden Mile has served aged South African beef, seafood and local wines with views over Suncoast Beach since 2003.

View details — Havana Grill

Restaurant

8. Lord Prawn

Seafood restaurant$$$Umhlanga Rocks

Lord Prawn has served seafood to Durban diners since 1975, first on the beachfront and now in Umhlanga, with prawn platters, seafood boils and classic starters.

View details — Lord Prawn