Durban is arguably one of the most beautiful coastal cities in South Africa and beyond. Thanks to its relaxed, fun and balmy way of life – it offers the best in food, surfing and temperatures.
Overlooking the Indian Ocean, delightful Durban, found in beautiful KwaZulu-Natal, is an unforgettable seaside destination for all to enjoy.
Here are the best restaurants with ocean views in Durban and surrounds:
#1 California Dreaming
With gorgeous views of the beachfront and crashing waves (especially from upstairs), California Dreaming is aptly named, inspiring feelings of the best beach-side places around the world.
Inviting guests to drink, dine and dream, this elegant, yet relaxed, restaurant is one of Durban’s finest. The food and drinks are varied and interesting, service is friendly and the venue overall is a dining delight.
Sit out on the deck overlooking the Indian Ocean to enjoy the perfect sundowner, savour a beach cocktail from the bar or dine al fresco out on the terrace… and know you’re in for a treat at this Durban eatery.
Contact: +27 (031) 332 0037, info@californiadreaming.co.za
Website: www.californiadreaming.co.za
Address: California Dreaming, 150 O.R Tambo Parade, Dairy Beach, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
#2 Jack Salmon Fish House Glenashley
With branches spread across KZN, Jack Salmon Fish House is one of the most popular and well-known seafood institutions you will find in Durban or beyond. At Jack Salmon Fish House, great food and beautiful settings merge, ensuring a memorable food experience.
In particular, the Glenashley branch offers incredible ocean views, making it both poetically beautiful and romantic. The restaurant offers an excellent selection of seafood, priced very reasonably.
Not only can you dine here as normal – but you can also host special functions and occasions at this glorious seafood restaurant.
Contact: +27 (031) 572 3664, glenashley@jacksalmon.co.za
Website: jacksalmon.co.za
Address: Jack Salmon Fish House, Shop 15, Glenore Centre, 1 Aubrey Dr, Glenashley, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
#3 Afro’s Chicken Shop
If you are a fan of all things chicken, this eatery is the one for you! What originally started as a food truck back in 2012, soon blossomed into a successful, popular chicken shop in South Beach.
Surfers, cyclists and walkers agree, this is a gem of a food shop, offering some of the tastiest chicken meals around.
Service is quick and friendly, the food is mouth-watering and fresh and the setting is safe and fun by the beachfront… All in all, you really can’t beat the views served up here!
Contact: customercare@afroschicken.co.za
Website: www.afroschicken.co.za
Address: Afro’s Chicken Shop, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
#4 Circus Circus Beach Cafe
With several branches dotted across KZN, Circus Circus is a popular and great food franchise. In particular, its beach cafe – situated along Durban’s beachfront promenade – is a excellent choice.
It provides diners with a family-friendly, healthy and good value-for-money restaurant – and as a bonus, stunning views of the ocean.
Whether you join them for a classic hot breakfast, specialty meal or simply something healthy and wholesome, you are in for a fresh, local and seasonal treat with Circus Circus Beach Cafe.
Contact: +27 (031) 337 7700, beachcafe@circuscircus.co.za
Website: www.circuscircus.co.za/beachcafe
Address: Circus Circus Beach Cafe, Shop 1, Snell Parade, Bay of Plenty, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
#5 Surf Riders Cafe
If you are looking for a chilled, sea-facing and altogether delightful local eatery, then look no further than the child- and pet-friendly Surf Riders Cafe, situated near Addington Beach.
The atmosphere is soothing, relaxing and above all, fun – and the views really are beautiful… But let’s not forget the great drinks and food you can tuck into while you soak up those killer views.
Contact: +27 (062) 747 7037
Website: N/A
Address: Surf Riders Cafe, 17 Erskine Terrace, Addington Beach, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
#6 Spice
For those craving the ultimate in Indian and continental-style foods, Spice – located in Westbrook – is the restaurant of your dreams. Here, classic dishes are given a modern spin and the results are outstanding.
More than this though, Spice offers beautiful sea views – particularly from the deck from which you can even sometimes see dolphins and whales splashing in the waves.
Whether you join them for a fragrant curry, rack of lamb or simply some classic fish and chips, you will be enchanted by the scenic and flavourful Spice.
Contact: +27 (032) 943 3558
Website: www.spicerestaurant.co.za
Address: 37 North Beach Road, Bali Hai, Westbrook, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
#7 Roma Revolving Restaurant
This timeless restaurant, where class and beauty come together, is one of the most incredible eateries in South Africa.
As it is the only revolving restaurant in the Southern Hemisphere and is also blessed with prime sea and bay views, Roma is an unmissable Durban attraction.
Enjoy delicious Italian cuisine and 360 views of Durban when you dine at this awesome restaurant.
Contact: +27 (031) 337 6707
Website: www.roma.co.za
Address: Roma Revolving Restaurant, 32 Floor, John Ross House, Jonsson Lane, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
#8 Mamma Luciana’s Glenashley
If you are seeking a wonderful place to eat, where homely dining, excellent food, good service and above all, great views come together, then Mamma Luciana’s in Glenashley is perfect for you.
This family restaurant is a favourite among many locals, as it offers a home-away-from-home dining experience, enhanced by its hearty Italian cuisine.
They are particularly famous for their pizzas and pastas so be sure to try those if you can.
Contact: +27 (031) 562 1405
Website: N/A
Address: Mamma Luciana’s Glenashley, 10 Harold Pl, Glen Ashley, Durban North, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
#9 Bel Punto
Blessed with sweeping sea views enjoyed through its floor-to-ceiling windows, Bel Punto, found near Umdloti Beach, is a treasure worth savouring.
This modern, casual and family-friendly restaurant serves up great food, service and atmosphere in ample servings.
Diners can choose between the spacious indoor dining area or the beautiful terrace, which offers uninterrupted ocean views.
This Italian restaurant (also run by Italians) is authentic and wonderful and offers everything from seafood to poultry to game and Italian specialties too… Join them for a memorable meal overlooking the sea.
Contact: +27 (031) 568 2407, info@belpunto.co.za
Website: belpunto.co.za
Address: Bel Punto, Umdloti Centre, 1 South Beach Road, Umdloti Beach, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
#10 moyo Ushaka
This uniquely Durban destination is the perfect place to go to relax and mile away the hours.
Sip on cocktails from the beach bar, tuck into tasty, fresh foods or simply marvel at the magnificent views of the Indian Ocean…
Diners can opt for the main restaurant dining experience – or enjoy the more casual pier bar, moyo @ the Pier.
Contact: +27 (031) 332 0606, ushaka@moyo.com
Website: www.moyo.co.za/moyo-ushaka
Address: moyo uShaka, 1 Bell Street, uShaka Marine World,
Point,Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
These are just some of the best restaurants with glorious sea views that you can enjoy near Durban and surrounds!