Where to Eat in Umdloti: The Best Restaurants and Bars

September 18, 2017 Moriah Teneyck

Umdloti, (also known as Umdloti Beach), is a small resort town on the KwaZulu-Natal North Coast, South Africa that is situated at the mouth of the Mdloti River north of Durban and now forms part of eThekwini, the Greater Durban Metropolitan Municipality. The name Mdloti is the Zulu word for a species of wild tobacco that grows here.
Things to do in Umdloti

1. Ile Maurice

9 McCausland Cresent, Umhlanga Rocks 4320, South Africa Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Private Dining, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Validated Parking, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar French, Seafood, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options Lunch, Dinner HK$78 - HK$118 +27 31 561 7609
Excellent
69%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 774 reviews

Ile Maurice

Ile Maurice Restaurant offers Mauritian, French and Island Creole food in a relaxed and elegant atmosphere.

Reviewed By fmeffe - Montreal, Canada

We went for supper. We had prawns peri peri, mulligatawny soup with mains of octopus curry and Kingclip Mauritian style. The curries were excellent the only shortcoming was that the Kingclip was slightly overcooked by a couple of minutes. But the curry octopus was nice and tender. The chilli and coconut sambals were excellent.

2. Spice

37 North Beach Road | Westbrook, Tongaat, Westbrook Beach 4399, South Africa Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wheelchair Accessible Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Late Night +27 32 943 3558
Excellent
63%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 190 reviews

Spice

Reviewed By mdyrdek - Solothurn, Switzerland

We visited tonight (Tuesday) for dinner and the restaurant was totally full with what appeared to be locals. A packed restaurant, filled with locals, in the middle of the week - all good signs of a great establishment. Thus, we would recommend making a reservation no matter what day of the week it is.
First and foremost, the service was excellent. I couldn't have asked for better service. Kudos to the entire team.
Next and most important, the food was outstanding. Their menu is not extensive, but it is extremely diverse and dishes are unique with an Indian fusion. You will definitely find something that appeals to you, and like us, you will probably have a hard time deciding between two or three dishes. They definitely emphasize quality over quantity by focusing on a smaller menu of exceptional dishes. The best restaurants we've been to around the world always used this tactic.
My husband and I split the seafood salad as a starter. The seafood was fresh and the salad dressing was light so as to not overpower the greens and seafood. For the main course, my husband went with the duck and I had the chicken stuffed with shrimp. The chicken was wonderful and the duck with the fig sauce was absolutely amazing. Finally, although we were stuffed, we couldn't pass up on dessert given how good the food had been up to that point. The hubby went for the strawberry mess and I had the cheesecake. Both were great and excellent with a cappuccino. We paid R700 for the three courses, a glass of merlot (poured with a generous hand), a bottle of water, and a cappuccino. The price is fair because the food is "something to write home about".
Sadly, we are not locals and were just passing through town. Otherwise, we would certainly be regulars. I looked up Spice on Trip Advisor and it came highly recommended by the owner of the lovely B&B we were staying at (Venti Dell'Est). We were car-less, so the B&B owner dropped us off at the restaurant and the owner of Spice, who knew the B&B owner well, offered to personally take us back to the B&B. Fantastic partnership and teamwork.
Spice is a casual restaurant, set next to the beach, serving high quality dishes with unique flavors. You should definitely give it a try!

3. Mundo Vida

1 South Beach Road, Umdloti 4319, South Africa Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Accepts Credit Cards Seafood, European, International, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Brunch +27 31 568 2286
Excellent
63%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 326 reviews

Mundo Vida

INSPIRED BY OUR CULINARY ADVENTURES AROUND THE WORLD With its prime location on Umdloti Beach, Mundo Vida offers patrons seafood and bistro fare in a casual, yet professional environment. Escape into our culinary world of superior produce, exceptional cuisine, eclectic wines and acute attention to service detail. Our contemporary menu honours both our produce and great chefs who've gone before, by fusing traditional cooking methods with modern influences and tastes.

Reviewed By Lumeshni - Durban, South Africa

As a late Valentines lunch, my husband and I recently visited Mundo Vida for a full three course meal. The breathtaking views from the restaurant overlooking the Umdloti beach in combination with the relaxing atmosphere makes it the perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle...MoreWow!! This is a terrific bit of writing. Thank you so much for the stunning review!! we are so happy that you loved your experience at Mundo Vida. We value your opinion greatly. We hope to see you back at Mundo Vida soon.

4. LORD PRAWN

Shop 9 Umhlanga Plaza | Lagoon Drive, Umhlanga Rocks 4320, South Africa Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Takeout Seafood, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner +27 31 561 1133
Excellent
48%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
4%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 262 reviews

LORD PRAWN

Reviewed By Bowlesuk

Every year we go back to this old established restaurant and we are never disappointed. We shared a kilo of prawns followed by a Dom Pedro. The prawns were perfectly cooked and came out of the shells so easily. We will be back.

5. The Grill Room

2 Lighthouse Road | The Oyster Box Hotel, Umhlanga Rocks 4319, South Africa Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Validated Parking, Valet Parking, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Free Wifi, Private Dining Seafood, International, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Late Night +27 31 514 5000
Excellent
68%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 422 reviews

The Grill Room

Grill Room at the Oyster Box Hotel.

Reviewed By alison r - Cape Town Central, South Africa

We visit The Grill Room every time we are in Durban. Its such a lovley restaurant. The service is impeccable. Dubes, the Maitre 'D runs a tight ship, offering a truly relaxing spoilicious evening. The food is exceptional and changes often. Very Good wine list. We love coming here for a evening of laughter and banter.

6. Bush Tavern

1 South Beach Road | Umdloti Beach, Umdloti 4319, South Africa Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Television, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar Bar, Pub, Vegetarian Friendly Drinks, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night +27 31 568 1266
Excellent
28%
Good
56%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 156 reviews

Bush Tavern

The Umdloti Bush Tavern & Grill, or "The Bush", as it is affectionately known, is 25 years old! It was a Friday 13th,1992 and the Connor family had absolutely no idea what they were in for… The youngest, Guy, was still at school and so was the relief barman on weekends (child labour?...sorry Guy!). Guy has since, wisely, escaped to Australia and to this day is the only one in the family with a proper job.. Pam was the chef/cook/scullery/bouncer and backup waitress, Greg the barman/accountant/chief beer taster/bouncer and backup father; and Steve & Rob wrestled nightly with the vast array of “colourful” clientele we attracted. Well, times have certainly changed and the “farm” Umdloti has turned into a vibey, metropolitan little community in the shadow of an international airport. We would like to remember and thank all our customers, past and present, for visiting us over the years and contributing to the local landmark that The Bush Tavern has become.

Reviewed By Magglington - Dorking

Our first visit to the Bush Tavern deliver4ed on all fronts, in fact we returned again and again. Pam and Greg Connor have been running this family run establishment for many years and their undoubted experience shines through. It’s now being taken over by a new generation of Connors with Pam and Greg very much keeping up an appearance. This is a proper family destination with very good value food and drinks, all whilst enjoying a central location overlooking the ocean. I believe they have a 30% discount some evenings which would represent astonishingly good value, it’s already very easy to dine well on a budget. Long may this place continue, it’s a true gem of a find

7. Olive & Oil

15 Chartwell Drive | Shop 19, Chartwell Centre, Umhlanga Rocks 4319, South Africa Takeout, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Accepts Credit Cards Steakhouse, Pizza, Seafood, Mediterranean, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner +27 31 561 2618
Excellent
48%
Good
39%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 608 reviews

Olive & Oil

Whatever the occasion, when dining at Olive & Oil, we aim to imbue our Guests with a sense of well-being and comfort. Our friendly staff will be on hand to indulge you with the finest traditions of the Mediterranean – exceptional food and unrivaled hospitality. Our motto is simple; comfortable food made exceptionally well!

Reviewed By cockerspanielbabe - Oxford, United Kingdom

On the Upper story, tucked into the corner of a car park, it would be very easy to miss this outstanding little restaurant. I found it via Tripadvisor. The food was delicious, our server very knowledgeable and of course, the wine was great! I had the ostrich. Wow! Do go.

8. Butcher Boys Umhlanga Rocks

Lighthouse Rd | Shop 1, Lighthouse Mall, Umhlanga Rocks 4319, South Africa Takeout, Parking Available, Validated Parking, Television, Free Wifi, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Street Parking, Free Off-Street Parking, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa Steakhouse, Barbecue, Grill, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Brunch HK$78 - HK$118 +27 31 561 4106
Excellent
49%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
3%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 589 reviews

Butcher Boys Umhlanga Rocks

Butcher Boys, an elegant upmarket steak restaurant and sister to our Florida Rd store which was established in November 1999 has now opened opened its doors in Umhlanga Rocks on the 1st of March 2017. This sanctuary for meat lovers serve the best grain fed beef South Africa has to offer and our wet & dry aging process results in exceptional quality and texture. Our in house butcheries will cut to your preference whether it be lean or with a little fat or of a particular weight or thickness. Our unique temperature controlled wine cellars proudly house a diverse selection of indigenous vintage estate wines from the fairest Cape and surrounds.

Reviewed By EnglishAnne11 - Durban, South Africa

Unfortunately due to a large table being serviced, our order took a long time to reach our table. On eventual arrival, one of the orders was incorrect. This was rectified very speedily. Prawns were overcooked, however were replaced and good. Management very apparent.

9. The Ocean Terrace

2 Lighthouse Road | The Oyster Box, Umhlanga Rocks 4319, South Africa Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Private Dining, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Validated Parking, Valet Parking, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Free Wifi Indian, African, Seafood, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night +27 31 514 5000
Excellent
66%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
3%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 650 reviews

The Ocean Terrace

Reviewed By mikefrance1 - london

The last two times I reviewed this place I was underwhelmed. But this time it was so bad, I have to draw it to the attention of others. First, the one and only good bit. The oysters were superb. The waldorf salad was a disgrace to its name and the crayfish had been burnt. The langoustine were average. Avoid this place.They don't care.

10. Marco Paulo World Food Bistro

2 Golf Course Drive | Mount Edgecombe, Mount Edgecombe 4300, South Africa Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar Italian, International, European, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Late Night +27 31 502 2221
Excellent
65%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 87 reviews

Marco Paulo World Food Bistro

Reviewed By Melville77 - Mount Edgecombe, South Africa

A local favorite restaurant in the Mount Edgecombe area. This restaurant continues to provide great service and food. My peri peri livers where superb as was my deboned chicken - excellent! Really tender and full of flavor. Corkage for my own wine was R50 which is very reasonable. Always check out the specials board as there is always something interesting to consider. Bookings are essential.

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