North Coast (Dolphin) Restaurants

Experience the warmth of a traditional Bistro with a modern, upmarket twist at 3 Chefs Bistro.Delectable dishes and impeccable hospitality await you at this popular first floor venue. The large curved glass windows allow for views over the hustle and bustle of lively Gateway and Umhlanga Ridge.Modern furnishings and designs contrast perfectly with classical music and create a unique ambience, putting diners completely at ease. This is further enhanced by the flawless service from a dedicated team on the restaurant floor and behind the scenes.The food is exquisite, with many options that come in a trio to pay homage to the three chefs of its namesake.Superb cuisine, warm service and an all round great time await you at 3 Chefs Bistro.

For perfect pizza, you can be assured a satisfying time at Al Firenze. An unpretentious eatery with a warm and welcoming ambience, diners can enjoy the simple and tasty dishes in the homely outside area overlooking the car park, or inside in the quirky surrounds. A superb place to bring the whole family, give Al Firenze a go.

As one of the oldest restaurants on the North Coast, Al Pescatore’s unwavering popularity is a testament to the wealth of experience behind the team at this beautifully situated dining venue. With delicious Meditteranean and seafood on offer plus daily specials, diners can be assured of a superb culinary experience and excellent service along with it. A wooden deck outside provides patrons with stunning views of the Indian ocean and the perfect accompaniment to a meal.

Superb Italian food and hospitality await you at Angelo’s.This friendly spot in trendy Umhlanga serves delicious Italian creations such as carpaccio, lasagne and crispy pizzas. A modest wine list proffers some popular bottles for a fitting accompaniment.The decor stays true to the trattoria style with red and white checked table cloths and the dining area opens out onto a piazza for a spacious and bright dining setting.A helpful and lively team makes every diner feel truly valued in this vibrant Umhlanga spot!

For the finest seafood in a luxurious three-level surrounding, Aqua at Sibaya Casino and Entertainment Kingdom doesn’t disappoint. A focal point of a large cylindrical fish tank sets the aquatic tone of the decor and provides a centre piece for the teppanyaki tables, the sushi bar and an a la carte section. The sunken cocktail bar is a particularly nice feature. With brilliant views of the Sibaya gardens and dinner and dancing on Saturday nights, Aqua is the place to be for whatever you want of a glitzy night out.

Enjoy seductive cocktails a selection of delicious tapas, grills and gourmet pizza at Ayoba Restaurant in Zimbali. Dine amidst a stunning beach setting warmed by the lingering aroma of wood fired pizza and the salty Indian Ocean. Ayoba Restaurant caters for a relaxed and informal meal, flanked by expansive views and is open Thursday to Sunday.

Cradled in the scenic beachside resort of Ballito, Azura Restaurant refreshes the palate with cooling cocktails, romantic dinners and alfresco lunches flanked by ocean views and trailing sunsets. Enjoy an array of dishes ranging from Mediterranean style fare to succulent steaks and Portuguese style chicken. The comprehensive menu boasts delicious grilled steaks, succulent prawns, tender calamari, peri-peri chicken, fresh and delicious seafood dishes as well as combos. Dine alfresco on the wooden deck or by candlelight under a blanket of stars, Azura Restaurant swaddles the palate with a taste of the ocean touched by the murmur of contented chatter.

Prepared using the freshest ingredients, herbs and spices, Beira Alta pampers the palate with family tradition of cooking, passed down from generation to generation. Located in the scenic coastal town of Ballito, this elegant and sophisticated restaurant delights with delectable Portuguese cuisine, embracing Continental and African influences. Enjoy a relaxed and tantalising meal soothed by the drifting sounds of smooth jazz and a romantic ambiance. Indulge in a variety of flavours and tastes starting with succulent prawns smothered in a melange of spices, olive oil, lemon juice and garlic and if red meat takes your palate, try the flame-grilled chicken and platters layered with scrumptious pan-fried prawns. Beira Alta Restaurant cooks from the heart and their passion for food will reunite a love affair with decadent Portuguese cooking and rich aromatic wines, for a sensational dining experience.

This poolside burger bar, located inside the opulent Zimbali Coastal Resort, invites causal dining in relaxed surrounds. The menu boasts a fine selection of gourmet burgers with a twist and various light meals. Tables scattered around the poolside provide a refreshing alternative to dining indoors. Bite Restaurant is ideal for causal lunches and family get-togethers.

A carnivore’s dream, Butcher Boys provides a superb dining experience with perfectly aged steaks. Those who don’t fancy red meat aren’t left out. There is a splendid selection of line fish, prawn, calamari and chicken dishes. Of course, a hearty steak dinner is not complete without a bottle of the best and Butcher Boys know this. A temperature controlled cellar houses an eclectic selection of South African wines from estates in and around the Cape. With simple decor that invites you in and creates a warm ambience and a team of dedicated and knowledgeable staff, Butcher Boys will be a dining experience to repeat again and again.

Located inside the trendy village boutique, this coffee shops exudes a warm, welcoming ambiance pampered by sublime chocolate brownies and interesting menu. Delight in light and healthy meals, teas and aromatic coffees or wind down with a glass of fine wine accompanied by freshly prepared food in a home from home setting. Browse the fashionable range of casual wear, local art and gifts for an added bit of retail therapy at Café Du Soleil in Ballito.

This concept embraces food for thought; a culinary education through inspiration. Sample an array of gastronomic masterpieces, created at the hand of resident chefs. Through the process of observation, taste and discussion, guests enjoy a casual chat and hands on approach through glass windows with the opportunity to chat and discuss the magic of their culinary creativity. Dine with friends sampling the decadent tasting menu and well paired wines in the kitchen of the chef at the Chef’s Table, Ballito.

Specializing in Thai, this cosy and small restaurant serves an extensive array of chicken, beef, fish and vegetable dishes typically infused with traditional Thai aromas and spices. Enjoy distinct Thai flavours and atmosphere at Chock Dee.

A treasure trove of delectable goods and gifts, Cinnamon and Silk Trading invites leisurely lunches filled with a delicious assortment of cakes and light meals. Browse the exquisite selection of décor and gifts before settling down with a wintery warm homemade soup and crusty bread followed by a delicious Lilly coffee and hot cinnamon roll covered in custard. If the palate calls for something cooler, try the milkshakes, iced tea, fruit juice or old fashioned lemonade and cinnamon cola. This coffee and décor shop provides the perfect balance of shopping and indulging in Ballito’s Lifestyle Centre.

As the signature restaurant of the Royal Palm Hotel, Umhlanga, Dish has a reputation to protect and does so with style and grace.A fusion of modern fine dining with a variety of options for any kind of mood and setting you wish for, Dish accommodates every taste and need.A simple palette of blacks and creams creates a stylish but laid back look. The layout follows the same theme, with a central bar area, a lounge, a dining room and a sprawling courtyard. Diners are spoilt for choice when it comes to where they take their meals or enjoy their drinks.A vibrant and welcoming place to enjoy a few cocktails and snacks or a place for a hearty lunch or dinner with friends, Dish is worth stopping by.

For the best in exciting contemporary cuisine, try Elements at the Beverly Hills Hotel, Umhlanga. With a vibrant atmosphere throughout, this upmarket and trendy venue has one of the best locations in Durban with stunning views of the Indian Ocean, lush lawns and a glistening pool. The decor is kept crisp and clean with whites and blues stylishly complementing each other. With a wonderful wine list to accompany the items on the menu and attentive, friendly staff, Elements covers all bases when it comes to a superb dining experience.

Fabulour Flavours enrobes the palate in luxuriously decadent fare that tantalises the taste buds with flavour and taste. Enjoy sinful deserts, lip smacking breakfasts and pleasurable lunches at this fine cuisine boutique boasting exceptional gourmet cuisine. Peruse the homemade deli range and decadent range of gourmet Gateaux before setting off with an oasis of all day treats such as homemade jams, biscuits, pates, salad dressings and specialised deli hams. Food Matters embraces dining as a gastronomical gift from the gods, spoilt with decadent riches and heavenly flavours.

Located in an old house, perfectly positioned from the beach, Fraser’s Bistro offers an appealing choice of dishes, catering for all tastes and flavours. An expansive mixture of contemporary, classic and intercontinental flavours prepared using the freshest ingredients evident in the delicious selection of starters, salads, seafood and meat dishes. The menu boasts an interesting and varied selection, balanced well within price and flavour. Traditional curries and sensational deserts cater for heartier alternatives with chef’s specials available every week for those interested in trying something new. Enjoy dining indoors or alfresco on the sea facing terrace overlooking a secure garden, perfectly placed for kids to enjoy, allowing parents a much deserved break. Fraser’s Bistro extends a warm and welcoming ambiance, perfectly positioned and brimming with delicious food from the expansive a la carte menu.

The décor inspires with bold palates of sophisticated silver, black and white, exuding elegance and timeless air, softened by delicate words of inspiration, embossed on ‘Oscar Wilde’ wallpaper. This classic décor embraces fun heightened by splashes of hot pink and focal chandeliers that give off an air of sophisticated elegance. The cuisine creatively begins with the best ingredients, grown, chosen and handpicked from the home-grown garden. Every aspect of this brasserie reduces the carbon eco footprint. Dining at Gigi’s Brasserie calls for a serenade of the senses as the palate explores delicious starters of garlic grilled prawns, plump and juicy and served with a tangy Asian noodle salad. Mains sets the stage with a succulent beef fillet, pork belly or extensive choices of rocket, walnut and gorgonzola salad, seared scallops, mushroom and parma ham ravioli, assiette of fish, Norwegian salmon and seafood platter from the new signature dishes to mention a few. Conclude the meal with a delicate lavender panna cotta or the bold liquorice ice-cream served with flambé pineapples. Gigi’s Brasserie is an oasis of heavenly dining set amidst the timeless elegance of Hotel iZulu in the North Coast, Ballito.

This 60 seater open plan restaurant boasts an a la carte food studio suited for any occasion, perfect for connoisseurs seeking delightful cuisine and legendary Sunday lunches. Exuding a relaxed country feel touched with elements of romance, Green Food Restaurant entices the palate with a selection of delicious meals. Choose from traditional fish and chips, beer battered or pan fried served with creamy garlic butter or mix it up - grilled sirloin with a shrimp garlic sauce, tempura calamari steak strips and crispy onion rings. Succulent sirloin steak melts in the mouth accompanied by jumbo tempura onion rings, side salad and choice of Madagascan pepper corn, mushroom or spicy tomato sauce. A lighter meal calls for chicken spatchcock, rubbed with basil pesto, flame grilled and served with seasonal roasted vegetables or the hearty Lamb lasagne, slow cooked and baked between layers of pasta, tomato and garlic white sauce topped with apple chutney. Green Food Restaurant provides the perfect setting for a lunch and dinner. Located at the Caledon Hotel along the scenic Dolphin Coast.

Tucked away in the history steeped Chaka’s Rock, this tranquil African paradise wets the appetite with traditional cuisine and sweeping sea views. Dine alfresco on the sundeck watching Dolphins at play perusing the a la carte menu exploding with seafood dishes, curries and pastas. Excellently prepared by expert chefs, Hlanganisa Restaurant extends the coastal experience with story telling woodcarvings and authentic ambiance. Kiddies can play in the splash pool and dine from the kiddies menu, making Hlanganisa Restaurant a welcoming getaway for the whole family.

Renowned restaurateur Robert Mauvis turns his expert hand to creating an exciting French bistro that has diners returning again and again. The inspiring menu proffers fanstastic French cuisine which is superbly accompanied by magnificent wines from South Africa and France. Set in a brilliant location, the sophisticated dining room pans out to a more casual deck with stunning ocean views. Impeccable service adds the finishing touch to an exquisite evening of French fine dining.

Nestled in the scenic surrounds of Tinley Manor Beach, boasting simplicity at its best, Impulse by the Sea exudes a causal ambiance flanked by beautiful sea views and the tranquilly of Tinley Manor Beach. This restaurant comes highly recommended for delicious meals of the highest standard and a unique and hospitable dining experience. Renowned for legendary curries and hands-on approach, Impulse by the Sea is a must stop for visitors passing through this scenic part of The Dolphin Coast.

Injobo invites relaxation and tranquillity at this exclusive a la carte restaurant brimming with creatively designed cuisine. Housed inside the Ebandla Hotel, swaddled in the rolling hills of Compensation, Injobo Restaurant immerses the palate in a fusion of modern and traditional cuisine that caters for every desire. Enjoy a refreshing cocktail at the sophisticated cocktail bar before settling down for an intimate dinner creatively designed by Injobo’s resident chef. The contemporary décor infused with tranquil elegance ensures an unforgettable dining experience at this exclusive a la carte restaurant in Ballito.

For superior seafood in a quirky and vibrant setting, Jimmy’s Killer Prawns is the only place to go. Adventurous tastes carefully created with blends of herbs and spices make for a superb seafood experience. Incorporating a true African style into everything on the menu, you won’t forget a trip to Jimmy’s Killer Prawns.

Specialising in the finest North Indian cuisine prepared by talented chefs from Kashmir, this superb restaurant boasts exquisite food and stunning views. Authentic Indian dishes prepared skilfully with exotic herbs and spices abound at this popular restaurant. Rich, aromatic curries and perfectly seasoned kebabs are just a couple of the fantastic offerings available. With beautiful views of the Dolphin Coast and palm tree-lined beach to enjoy while you dine, there is no better way to spend some free time.

Located in the pulse of Ballito’s lively hotspots, La Flamma Italian Grill embraces the beauty and natural setting of the eco forest flanked by a shimmering backdrop of the Indian Ocean. Housed inside the exclusive Coco De Mer Hotel, this eatery draws inspiration from classic Italian dishes thoughtfully presented on the well orchestrated menu. Exuding a vibrant and intimate experience complimented by friendly welcomes and exceptional dishes, La Flamma Italian Grill invites understated dining at its best. Savour authentic Tuscan flavours perfectly paired with cellar wines and classic cooking techniques. Dine alfresco amidst the beauty and splendour of Mother Nature, or indoors, enrobed by a modern, intimate setting. La Flamma Italian Grill inspires the return of classic Italian cuisine, perfectly balanced with distinct style and exceptional service.

This lovely restaurant offers relaxing lunches and personal dinners nestled along the scenic Kwa-Zulu Natal. Enjoy picturesque lunches and romantic dinners perusing the a la carte menu with stunning views of the Dolphin Coast. La Montagne Restaurant satisfies local and international palates with hearty cuisine and scenic vistas garnished with frolicking dolphins and miles of sandy beaches.

Cradled in a blanket of indigenous coastal bush, set in the tranquil grounds of Dunkirk Estate, Mangetout enjoys classic cuisine with a contemporary twist flanked by Fig trees and the elusive sounds of nature. This cosmopolitan café restaurant oozes classic simplicity evident in the fresh crisp feel during the day and the intimate, alluring ambiance by night. Mangetout invites classic wining and dining filled with heavenly dishes that will reunite your palate with a love for food.

Typical Irish tradition invites song and dance into the heart with a warm ambiance. McGinty’s invites and welcomes patrons to enjoy dining at the perfect meeting place. Savour Irish themed pub meals and drinks while dining out on breathtaking views, a stones throw from the beach. Enjoy classic pub fare such as burgers, steaks and light meals. Dine indoors or alfresco at this friendly restaurant on Compensation Road, Ballito.

This authentic Mozambican barraccas opens its doors and invites an explosion of fusion cuisine embracing the culture and traditions of Mozambique, Portugal and African-European flavours. Situated close to the beach, Mo-Zam-Bik invites a relaxed, tropical setting, reminiscent of balmy summer evenings and a way of life for loving Mozambicans. Excite the palate with piri-piri chicken, mouth-wateringly succulent prawns, Mozambican line fish and meltingly tender espetadas. Mo-Zam-Bik embraces authentic ambiance and festive surrounds that pamper the palate with simplicity and mouth-watering meals.

The Ocean Terrace is a wonderfully scenic venue for relaxed dining in luxurious surroundings at The Oyster Box Hotel. A fresh, breezy colour scheme, an all-day bistro menu and hearty breakfasts are just a few of the features that make the Ocean Terrace restaurant such a popular casual dining experience. New additions to the restaurant include a wood-fired pizza oven and two tandoori ovens, further expanding what is on offer. A patio and a pool deck offer perfect spots for sundowners with friends while enjoying the array of cross-cultural cuisine from the carefully designed, ethnically-inspired menus. While away some quality time in comfortable luxury at the Ocean Terrace restaurant.

Located in the Lifestyle Centre, in the bustling heart of central Ballito, diners retreat to sumptuous taste explorations spilling off the varied menu. Start with decadent camembert phyllo parcels filled with camembert and cranberry sauce dressed with basil leaves and seasonal berries, or a smoked Ostrich Carpaccio, served with rocket, cheese straws, preserve and a ginger syrup dressing. Mezze platters indulge the palate with a tasty selection of haloumi, roast peppers, chorizo sausage, olives and calamari. For something lighter, try the pan-fried prawns, sautéed in lemon and garlic butter served with savoury rice or a hearty, finger licking portion of rack of Lamb (When Available) marinated and roasted with thyme, rosemary and garlic served with Mediterranean vegetables and potatoes. Round off the meal with a Kahlua avalanche, layered with vanilla ice cream wrapped in a pancake, smothered in Kahlua, nuts and bar-one sauce. Olive and Oil seduces with lunch and dinners in a bustling Mediterranean ambiance, perfect for languid lunches and festive dinners.

Located in the vibrant Gateway Shopping Centre is trendy Piatto Restaurant Grill. Set in the courtyard, this very successful restaurant is host to 50 outdoor tables overlooking the hustle and bustle of the shopping centre. Superb Italian, Greek and Portuguese cuisine prepared the unmistakable Piatto way is on offer along with a good wine selection and even a nice choice of cigars. A versatile venue, Piatto at Gateway is a great spot for a cosy family meal, a relaxed lunch with friends or even a business dinner. The mellow ambience throughout the restaurant adds to the experience as does the friendly and attentive service. For any occasion, Piatto at Gateway accommodates.

Experience sensational surrounding complimented by signature dishes and handpicked wines that embrace the Greek heritage heightened by bold colours painted on a white canvas for a refreshing interactive dining experience. Using the highest quality ingredients that seduce with palate with a multitude of mezze dishes, Plaka creates a setting that offers the finest unpretentious food. Signature dishes such as the line fish grilled whole on an open flame or the prawns and the kleftico succulently melt in your mouth. Delight in fusion of majestic prawns, succulent tender fillets and the most lavish, luscious oysters or begin your meal with a traditional starter of haloumi, lettuce, tomato, cucumber, onion, olives and a silky dressing followed by lamb chops, grilled and prepared traditionally with salt and oregano, for maximum flavour. If you saved enough room for this delicious Galaktobouriko – a baked custard in crispy phyllo pastry, drenched in lemon zest and cinnamon syrup then your dining experience is complete. Visit Plaka for a cool, vibrant dining experience dressed in white and splashes of blues for a refreshing culinary journey to the Greek isles.

Tables spill out onto the terrace, securing tranquil views of sundrenched gardens and relaxation. Serving breakfast and lunch, the menu brims with culinary creations made from the finest local ingredients. Crisp and fresh, dining at the poolside invites a relaxed holiday feel, warmed by friendly service and refreshing atmosphere. Enjoy sexy salads, light lunches and an array of mouth-watering dishes perfectly balanced with the balmy summer sun and soothing light music at The Poolside Terrace boutique Hotel iZulu.

Prime cuts of wet aged, South African grain fed beef delights the senses, cooked to perfection and balanced with perfectly paired wine from the most exclusive vineyards in South Africa. The décor speaks sophistication and exclusivity. Smooth and distinct appointed leather and velvet, balanced by bold and black granite floors. Each dining experience oozes sophistication and personal attention coupled with awarded Diners Club Platinum Award, QSA offers an unrivalled dining experience like no other.

Soak up the cool sea breeze dining alfresco or indoors pampered by warming terracotta walls and Mediterranean blue chairs dressed in crisp white tablecloths. Razzmattaz is perched on the golden sands of Umhlanga beach cradled by lush vegetation and crashing waves. Diners can immerse the senses in excellent cuisine and tranquil surroundings for unforgettable evenings by candle light and refreshing languid lunches by day. Serving an array of mouth-watering temptations with emphasis on seafood and game dishes, diners can indulge in starts of mussels in garlic, cream and white wine followed by tender crocodile kebabs in a lemon butter sauce or black giant mushrooms filled with a red wine, onion and bacon mix oven grilled topped with mozzarella cheese. The signature dish of langoustines, steamed with lemongrass and fresh herbs in a Chinese bamboo basket remains a delicate extravagance or relish on the tamarind rich fish curry with brinjals rounded off by velvety crème brulees, made fresh daily, for dessert. Razzmattazz is the perfect place to indulge and relax exploring the tranquil surrounds and extensive wine menu.

Cooled by chic wallpapers, elegant chandeliers and warm hospitality, Rendezvous takes the palate on a journey of modern dining infused with a Mediterranean twist for excellent quality food. A relaxed and stylish setting, Rendezvous provides a fusion of food from North Africa, Greece and Portugal providing a festival for the senses. The menu includes great dishes likes of stuffed chicken breast with mushroom risotto or fresh Norwegian salmon, confit baby potatoes and soft poached eggs on farfale. For dessert, indulge in the ginger and raspberry panacotta or the chocolate mousse cake with bourbon sauce. Entice the palate with stuffed deep-fried Calamata olives or a fish cake served with wasabi aioli and coriander verde for starters followed by the Norwegian salmon on pea and crab risotto. For less formal dining, try gourmet-style burgers or hearty pizzas rounded off by silky coffees and soothing cognacs.

Expect to be pampered and treated to a fine dining experience boasting mouth-watering entrees, speciality grills, seafood medleys and decadent deserts. Intoxicate the senses with head chef Warwick Thomas’s signature dishes of Rosemary & Raspberry Lamb Loin, tender and infused served on a bed of Calamata olive roasted garlic & mashed potato splashed with rosemary and raspberry jus. Dine in the lavish setting tended by experienced service ambassadors or alfresco along the tranquil waters edge sheltered by the elements with award winning cuisine spilling off the Ala Carte menu. Royal Court Grill caters for all palates serving Halaal, vegetarian and traditional cuisine at this upmarket establishment in the breathtaking Sibaya Casino in Umhlanga.