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Chow down in the Kingdom of the Zulu
Eating out in Durban
Eating out in Durban
© South African Tourism
Did you know?
The bunny chow has its roots in a time when apartheid legislation prevented Zulu people from eating inside restaurants owned by South Africans of Indian origin. An edible takeaway vessel was devised and curry in a half loaf of white bread is now the quintessential taste of Durban.
When eating out in Durban a Zulu, Indian and Mediterranean culinary melange awaits you.
Durban's restaurants, eateries and hospitality establishments reflect the cosmopolitan diversity of the subtropical port city, and the city's year-round summer climate lends itself to Mediterranean style merriment.
The suburbs of Morningside, Windemere, Hillcrest and Umhlanga are top spots for eating out.
Florida Road in Morningside is a famous resturant strip with chic-to-quick dining options and dawn to dusk pub-and-club action. Quarters Hotel Brasserie is a stalwart and the Butcher Boys is a comfortingly classic steakhouse with a meat-friendly selection of South African wines. Nearby, 9th Avenue Bistro, is 1 of Durban's best and most-awarded resturants.
In Windemere, chef Linda Govender offers Durban delicacies. Her clove and tamarind infused prawns and coriander-stuffed trout are modern Durban cuisine at its most delicious.
Umhlanga offers diners everything from the Cuban cool of Little Havana to the old school charm of French-Creole fine dining bastion, Ile Maurice. Franchise, Olive & Oil, has an excellent reputation for great food and good service.
For lighter fare, get to Greyville, and join the legions of locals enjoying the fabulously cooked seasonal fare at the Freedom Cafe.
Adventurous foodies shouldn't forgo a visit to the shabby-chic Britannia Hotel. Do not be put off by the fact this gracious 19th century hostelry is hemmed in by light industrial workshops; rather concentrate on the best bunny chows - a half loaf of bread filled with curry - in town.
For a taste of traditional township barbeque (shisanyama) try the trendy Max's Lifestyle Tavern in Umhlazi township - topped off with live music!
Travel tips & Planning info
Who to contact
Britannia Hotel
1299 Umgeni Road, Lower Morningside
Tel +27 (0)31 303 2266
Spice Restaurant and Bar Lounge
362 Windermere Road, Morningside
Tel: +27 (0)31 303 6375
Email: spiceonflorida@telkomsa.net
Quarters Hotel Brasserie
101 Florida Road, Morningside
Tel: +27 (0)31 303 5246
Freedom Cafe
37 St Mary’s Avenue, Greyville
Tel: +27 (0)31 309 4434
Butcher Boys
170 Florida Road, Morningside
Tel: +27 (0)31 312 8248
9th Avenue Bistro
Shop 2, Avonmore Centre
Ninth Avenue, Morningside
Tel: +27 (0)31 312 9134
Ile Maurice
9 McCausland Crescent, Umhlanga
Tel: +27 (0)31 561 7609
Olive & Oil
Shop 19, Chartwell Centre,
15 Chartwell Drive, Umhlanga Rocks
Tel: +27 (0)31 561 2618
Little Havana
Granada Square
16 Chartwell Drive
Umhlanga Rocks
Tel: +27 (0)31 561 7589
Max's Lifestyle Tavern
Area Drive, Section V
Umlazi
Tel: +27 (0)31 907 0461 .
How to get here
Travel to Durban on the N3 from Pietermaritzburg, or the N2 from the North or South Coast Roads. There are daily flights into Durban from around South Africa and from international destinations.
Tours to do
Plan a trip to the restaurants, pubs and eateries of Florida Road.
Get around
Public transport in the form of metered taxis, buses, and even a rickshaw - an elaborately decorated, hand-drawn carriage, is available.
What will it cost
Prices range depending on your needs. A meal at an average restaurant - starter, main meal, dessert and moderately priced wine will cost in the region of R180 to R300 per person.
Length of stay
Spend a week to 10 days in this fun coastal city and make a holiday of it.
What to eat
Seafood, good old South African steak or traditional boerewors (spiced sausage), a Durban curry and definitely a bunny chow.
