Spots
Durban Chambers Club Durban Club Place, Durban 031 015 5555
This contemporary, fine-dining restaurant is an architectural masterpiece, with a variety of local and international favourites on each of its three menus. Start with gnocchi (R80) for a delicious balance of flavours, and follow with either Kingklip (R220) or lamb (R185), both dishes beautifully prepared and well-cooked. End with the standout, chocolate-caramel pot (R80) for dessert.
mary & Joe shop 9, lighthouse Quarter, 14 Chartwell Drive, umhlanga rocks 031 561 6594
This trendy restaurant on vibey, Chartwell Drive has stylish décor and is comfortable, which makes it the ideal place to grab coffee, crumpets or cocktails. Start with the pita (R55) filled with delicious, homemade chilli and hummus. The 200g beef burger (R95) is homemade and literally bursting with flavour. Alternatively, try the Mary and Joe platter of sushi (R190).
Café mayfair westville Junction,
The werf at boschendal
7 westville road, Durban 031 267 0039
The bunless lentil burger (R84) served at this local hangout in Westville is juicy and generously spiced, and the barbeque chicken wrap (R80) is deliciously smokey. And for dessert, indulge in a Belgian waffle (R45), topped with cinnamon, banana, Nutella, caramel ice cream and salted-caramel sauce.
Cape Town the werf at boschendal r310 Pniel road, groot Drakenstein, franschhoek 021 870 4219
Farm to table produce served in a beautiful setting overlooking the Werf food garden and the Drakenstein mountains. We recommend the fourcourse menu with wine pairing (R980) to fully enjoy all they have to offer.
Our favourite course was undoubtedly Angus steak, which has been aged for 60 days and serves two people.
surf shack
201 the Promenade, victoria road, Camps bay 021 437 1802
The Kove Collection’s latest offering on the Camps Bay strip is fittingly described as a ‘contemporary seaside diner’. We love it, from its décor to its friendly service, not to mention the fact it overlooks the Atlantic Ocean. These dishes are a must-try: ricecrispy prawns with puffed-rice and citrus sauce (R135), tempura crab claw with papaya, chilli, coriander and lime (SQ), or the Poor Man’s Lobster Roll (R185) with avo, lime and chilli aioli.
Mary & Joe
Joburg lexi’s healthy eatery the Zone, 177 oxford road, rosebank
083 385 5823
Whether you’re vegan, paleo, banting or otherwise, you should feel proud if what you put in your body makes you feel strong. Start with polenta truffles (R45) with spicy tomato-lentil sauce and cashew-nut drizzle, followed by the Beyond Burger (R125), with chipotle mayo and beet ketchup.
Dropout burgers shop 5 illovo Junction, Corner of Corlett Drive and oxford road
010 880 2850
Owners Bri and Paul bring fresh ingredients, love and flavour to all by keeping things simple. We enjoyed the ‘fuel burger’ (R48), a beef patty with pickles and famous Drop Out Sauce, served on a potato bun (R48), and the flagship, ‘shroom burger’ (R65), with a homemade crisp-fried mushroom, potato and zucchini patty.
farina Caffé e Cucina 3 5th street, linden 010 021 0200
‘Farina’ is Italian for flour, a versatile ingredient the owners of this restaurant felt it encompasses: an all-rounder that’s resourceful and adaptable. It’s minimalist yet stylish and has a homely atmosphere. Try the California pizza (R120). You mustn’t leave without indulging a slice of their signature Nutella chocolate cake (R55), accompanied by Italian vanilla ice cream.