Berea, Durban

On the ridge behind the CBD is one of the city’s oldest residential areas, an ever-changing, lively place that keeps up with the times. Chef MARCELLE ROBERTS gives us a local’s tour

GRAB A COFFEE

‘Skyline Coffee Roasters is small and quirky and makes a mean cortado.’ 155 Gordon Road (no phone, find it on Facebook) ‘Coffee Tree is a quaint hideaway off a busy street, with excellent coffee. Owner Judd Campbell’s energy and sense of humour is contagious.’ 46 Problem Mkhize Road, 084-587-0281

LOCAL CUISINE

‘Market Restaurant [in a 1930s building] is my old boss Andre’s new spot. It’s a beautiful oasis, with a lovely outside courtyard area. It’s popular as a daytime cafe and for fine dining under the stars.’ 40 Gladys Mazibuko Road, 031-309-8581

CHEF-OWNER OF CAFE 1999

‘Cafe 1999 was opened in 1999 by Andre Schubert. I started working here as head chef in 2001, met my husband Sean, who was a waiter at the time, and we bought the restaurant in 2004. The food is modern Mediterranean; our deep-fried calamata olives are a firm favourite, and our desserts are always paired with appetising homemade ice-cream. We’re quite happy for guests to let their hair down and have some fun. I love that Berea is close to everything; it’s going through a lot of change at the moment, with many new restaurants, bars and apartments popping up. Durban, essentially, retains a village vibe – you can go for a walk on the promenade and bump into friends, which turns into lunch at a cafe on the beach. I love the ocean – I don’t think I could live far away from it.’ Silvervause Centre, 117 Vause Road, 031-202-3406

GET SOCIAL

‘Unity Brasserie is a cosy brewpub that thrives on regulars. You’re guaranteed a good vibe and food made from scratch, plus great craft beer. The burgers are excellent, and ordering a tapas board makes for a tasty sharing option.’ Silvervause Centre, 117 Vause Road, 031-201-3470 ‘Durban Botanic Gardens is nice for a relaxing afternoon – plus it hosts Music by the Lake, which is a lovely outing for the whole family [on 9 November it’s British singer Calum Scott].’ John Zikhali Road, 031-322-4021

UNIQUE FINDS

‘Victoria Street Market [the ‘pink palace’ built in 1910] at the bottom of Berea is a real melting pot of Durban culture, spices, clothing, crafts and “interesting” meat products – not for the faint-hearted!’ Corner of Queen Street