Essenwood Restaurants

This stylish and elegant establishment infuses contemporary cuisine with a good selection of wines and champagne to compliment each meal. The menu serves sushi and Asian style tapas. A hip and happening restaurant and venue, Society’s classic elegance attracts the trendy and elegant crowds. Located off bustling Florida Road, Society offers two dining areas each unique in their own experiences. With good service and knowledgeable staff at hand, diners can sit back and soak up the opulent décor sampling decadent cuisine.

Indulge in classic cakes or take breakfast to another level perusing the extensive menu boasting exceptional choices of this grand affair. Breakfast offers range from Continental, home-baked breads, cereal, muesli, cheeses, cold meats and hot fare with perfectly silky eggs benedict a must try. Lunch offers light healthy meals and caters for vegetarians and vegans. Enjoy a lapse in time at this beautiful Edwardian hotel for a refreshingly relaxed approach to dining.

Pampered decor compliments intimate lunches and dinners flattered by an array of delectable stylish cuisine. Dine in the vaulted conservatory style restaurant or alfresco in the quaint courtyard exploring the intoxicating Ala Carte menu. Take pleasure in the char grilled fillet of beef medallions on sweetcorn potato cake and roasted cherry tomatoes served with a mustard seed butter cream or the aromatic duck simmered in a star anise, cinnamon and gingered infused court bouillon then oven glazed with a basting of hoisin and soy sauces served on a vegetable brioche. La Brassiere at Quarters Hotel reflects a bygone era restored to its former glory boasting stylish cuisine and intimating settings. Awarded Durban’s best traditional restaurant by KZN Tourism, La Brassiere invokes moments of indulgent pleasure for a memorable dining experience.

With tables spilling out onto the pavement and lively orders flowing into the kitchen, Spiga d’Oro oozes Italian bistro dining with rustic classiness. Embracing a European ambience nestled in small rustic setting, this buzzing lively restaurant offers hearty Italian meals in comfort and practicality. Serving top notch pizzas and pastas Spiga d’Oro seduces the palate with comfort food in just the right amount of garlic, olives and anchovies ensuring hearty helpings of pure Italian food. For Antipasto try the penne pasta with smoked salmon, diced feta, heaps of parmesan topped with fresh ripe avo & ground black pepper followed by the primi piatti cooked with extra virgin olive oil, garlic, chilli and however many prawns you'd like. The traditional menu also offers a take away option. Pizza served Italian style, thin crispy crust brushed with a homemade Napoletana sauce and topped with delicious mozzarella. Open until early hours of the morning along the famous Florida Road strip, Spiga d’Oro serves up hearty Italian fare, loaded with reasonable prices and buzzing ambience like no other.

Serving delectable Italian food coloured by traditional murals of Italy and large imported tins of plum tomatoes, Mamma Luciana’s wonderfully warm aroma infuses the senses with heartwarming meals. Unpretentious and vibrant, this restaurant fills the belly with good food, wine and laughter soothed by Eros Ramazzotti drifting in the background. Authentic Italian décor wrapped in warm colours and vibrant chequered white and red tablecloths envelop the floor and walls while diners laugh and indulge in delicious hearty portions of true Italian food. Mamma Luciana’s Trattoria captures the essence and passion of true Italian cuisine along the bustling streets of vibey Florida Road.

Voted top 10 in South Africa with numerous awards, 9th Avenue Bistro and Bar cradles the palate in a warm minimalist setting, uncomplicated and creatively presented for a warm relaxed dining experience. Boasting signature dishes and an outstanding menu, diners can peruse the senses on seasonal menu infused with classical techniques and a modern twist. Coupled with an extensive wine list collected from smaller boutiques, diners can sample the delights partnered with great wine and an eclectic menu. Try the pepper-seared tuna sashimi, on Japanese radish and cucumber salad with wasabi, soy and pickled ginger; or the homemade butternut squash raviolis with Madeira cream demi, wild mushrooms, sage, candied pecans and shaved parmigiano. For mains, try the popular crispy roasted free-range duck served on a gingered sweet potato and butternut mash, with grilled asparagus and cinnamon-orange demi. For a contemporary and elegant Bistro run by a dedicated husband and wife team with a wealth of experience and uncomplicated decor 9th Avenue is definite must-try.

Situated on the very trendy Florida road but maintaining the splendour of the old colonial-style homes of Durban is Quarters Brasserie.Come for a traditional or continental breakfast enjoyed in the brasserie or outside in the courtyard. Open all day for light meals, lunches and teas, diners can enjoy an eclectic choice of offerings as well as a selection of local and imported beverages including wine from an acclaimed list.In the evenings diners can enjoy meals by candlelight or while relaxing on the veranda. Quarters offers a truly tranquil dining experience.

Indulge in the fresh taste of India sampling culinary delights of traditional North India. From North India to Goan and Hydrabadi, immerse the palate in exotic multi Indian fare. Soft warm naan bread dipped in layers of spices and sauce baked in the traditional Tandori oven complimented by carefully chosen wine makes for an all fusion experience. Tempt the palate with a new take on fusion India Chinese cuisine for a delightful finish on a journey around India. Vintage India embraces elegance and innovation in a traditional atmosphere filled with aromatic spices and lingering aromas.

Touched by a neutral palate reflected in glass covered walls and champagne hued décor, CZAR Restaurant embraces opulent relaxation complimented by low slung leather couches. Serving a variety of tapas, sushi and Asian cuisine, the restaurant entices the palate and senses with decadence set amongst a courtyard cradled by trees and low strung fairly lights for a truly magical dining experience. Discover temptations ranging from sushi, perfectly cooked tempura whole baby squid, dim sum touched with an elegant Eastern influence and classic twist. For main course, try peppered fillet with a red-wine sauce, tarragon butter and fries complimented by a glass of well-paired wine. CZAR Restaurant soaks up the hip and happening crowds cooled by a contemporary feel for a touch of elegant glamour.

Catering for Western palates, Mo Noodles delights the senses with fresh vegetables, fish and chicken dishes transformed into Eastern fusion cuisine. With a minimalist setting depicting Eastern culture and elements of health and low fat dining captured in the menu, diners are transported on a journey of Thai and Australian influences. A perennial favourite is the chicken breast rolled in sesame seeds with chilli and peanuts, served on coconut noodles complimented by Eastern inspired salads such as sesame prawn and fruit salad in season, and the lentil and feta salad with a mint and lemon dressing. Mo Noodles embraces the essence of Eastern dining in a relaxed and fusion inspired setting in the heart of Durban.

Bean Bag Bohemia is more than just a dining experience. Strong ties with the creative community of Durban has procured a unique social culture at BBB that is unlike anywhere else in Durban. Diners can enjoy the warm weather with al fresco dining in the courtyard area or inside where it is always vibrant and buzzing. Adding to the impressive popularity of Bean Bag Bohemia is the number of TV programs and magazines that have featured them. The menu at BBB proffers exciting and creative dishes that are constantly updated, as is the overall theme, keeping patrons interested and inspired.

With succulent speciality burgers and a tasty menu complimented by exotic classic drinks, Billy the Bums offers sophisticated ambience influenced by American culinary delights. With a comfortably stylish setting and pleasant outdoor and indoor dining, Billy the Bums is a fun and intriguing place to enjoy Monday burger and beer nights or seductive exotic cocktails from the comprehensive menu. Billy the Bums hosts a sexy and trendy approach to dining and drinking located in the popular Berea in Windermere Road.

This trendy Indian Bistro captures the flavours and cultures of an authentic cuisine complimented by beautiful setting and classy service. A hip and happening restaurant in Berea with numerous awards won for Durban’s best bunny chow, Taste of India transports the senses to a world of exotic spices and vibrant colours. From traditional dishes to steaming curries and most noted Durban bunny chows visit Taste of India in Florida Road, Durban.

For fine dining in elegant surroundings, Audacia Manor does not disappoint.Luxurious decor and a layout that accommodates any preference are a few of the features that put this popular venue a cut above the rest.Enjoy formal and sophisticated dining in the elegant dining room or laze around the pool or on the spacious verandah if a more casual settings is what you’re after.The elevated setting overlooking beautiful gardens makes for a wonderfully tranquil environment in which to enjoy delectable food and great company.Spend a few hours out of the rat race at Audacia Manor.

Nestled between two elegant parks complimented by two dining rooms, terrace and open-air cigar/cocktail lounge, Harvey’s soothes the senses with padded velvet walls, gold ceilings and unique oil paintings. This award-winning restaurant is housed inside a landmark building with reputation as a nationally known institution. The menu changes every six weeks allowing for a fun and vibrant dining experience. Peruse the menu while relaxing in the plush dining area or open-air cigar/cocktail lounge. Harvey’s Restaurant will immerse the palate on a culinary journey seduced by every mouthful.

Enjoy a sumptuous eggs benedict or a languorous lunch taking delight in the tranquil surrounds and bustling ambience of the Sunday market. With rustic wooden tables scattered around the open plan kitchen spilling out onto the secluded courtyard, diners can immerse the palate in comfort food prepared fresh with a modern influence. Choose hearty breakfasts ranging from granola with roast plums to eggs benedict or temptingly delicious fishcakes made with homemade mayo for lunch or a panzanella salad, sesame lentil burger, fillet, gorgonzola salad or gourmet sandwiches. The small and well-complimented wine list partners well with every meal. The Market Restaurant meets the most discerning palate with taste and variety for a truly delightful approach to comfort dining.

Snap Wine Bar and Café wets the appetite with exceptional wines, sumptuous cuisine and moderate prices. Peruse the extensive menu sampling hearty soups, crispy salads, plump seafood dishes, succulent steaks and satisfying burgers with pasta dishes and freshly baked baguettes dressed in voluptuous fillings. Enjoy a culinary vineyard journey at this trendy wine bar in Marriot Road for an enjoyable fusion of bistro and wine.

A small family run restaurant, Delfi cradles the palate with authentic Greek delights spilling off a simple menu. This unassuming restaurant wraps you up in a cosy and friendly setting delighting the taste buds with home-cooked creations. With a great meze selection and traditional menu, diners can immerse themselves in an array of deep-fried squid heads with garlicky skordalia, spicy Greek sausage flamed in ouzo or sardines with plenty of lemon. Mains include a good lamb shank and to die for stuffed tomatoes or imam. Dine and celebrate the Greek way with traditional Greek dancing and plate breaking concluding a perfect meal at Delfi restaurant in Morningside.

Nestled amongst the splendid tranquil grounds of Mitchell Park, Blue Zoo Restaurant in Morningside boasts a dainty little restaurant that spills out onto voluptuous grounds perfect for relaxing or indulging in Sunday afternoon tea. With indoor and outdoor seating and a simple menu that serves traditional Durban / English fare, diners can enjoy a variety of salads, soups and heart-warming meals such as lamb shank and succulent steaks. With weekly live music hosted on the scenic grounds, The Blue Zoo Restaurant is the place to indulge in simple fare and tranquil surrounds.

Dressed in bold statement colours and vibrant atmosphere warmed by dark wood and clean lines, Green Mango tantalises the palate with delicious fresh sushi and Japanese cuisine. This modern sushi establishment is a popular haunt with locals and is often vibey and bustling. Diners can tickle the taste buds with delectable sushi and Japanese fare indoors or alfresco.