Where to Eat in Umhlanga Rocks: The Best Restaurants and Bars

September 21, 2017 Hana Mouser

Umhlanga is an affluent residential, commercial and resort town north of Durban on the coast of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. It is part of the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality, created in 2000, which includes the greater Durban area. (the correct pronunciation of "hl" in Umhlanga is similar to the Welsh "ll"), the name means "place of reeds" in the Zulu language. It is bordered by Durban North to the south and Mt Edgecombe to the west.
Things to do in Umhlanga Rocks

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. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. Fish

Shop 79 Protea mall | Ridge Road, Umhlanga Rocks, South Africa Takeout, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Television, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar Seafood Lunch, Dinner +27 31 561 2912
Excellent
55%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
4%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 284 reviews

Fish

An absolutely superb small, but very up-market seafood restaurant in Umhlanga Rocks, northern suburb of Durban. Fish and seafood fresh daily. One of the best seafood and fish restaurants I have ever been to. Took friends and colleagues there three times in November and December 2011.

Reviewed By Steven F - Johannesburg, South Africa

We spend a lot of time in Umhlanga and Fish has been a regular and favoured restaurant of ours. We have probably eaten here in excess of 20 times.
It is a small and very popular restaurant. Service is efficient and we have noticed that the same waitresses have been working there for a long time.
Without question the fish is amongst the best in the area. They always get it right. My personal favourite is the Norwegian Salmon but it is all good. The fresh fish is on display at the front of the restaurant so it is good to have a look before making your choice.
Recently (on 2 occasions in January & February) we have experienced problems when making a booking. In January the restaurant was overbooked so our table (for 4) wasn’t available and they couldn’t advise when it would be free. As the restaurant is small and busy there isn’t anywhere suitable to sit and wait, there is a small bench seat by the fresh fish display but it is very cramped with lots of foot traffic so one feels in the way. The attitude of the manager on duty that evening was one of “I couldn’t care less” the restaurant was busy, they were turning walk-ins away so like it or lump it. We left.
Had a very similar experience in February with the same manager. I wish I knew his name but unfortunately do not but let’s just describe him as a large gentleman. Hubris can be the eventual downfall of a business so my request to Fish is don’t bite the hand that feeds you.
My advice to anyone wishing to eat here, which I do recommend, is to go mid week. Avoid busy periods and Friday & Saturday nights.

8. The Sugar Club

1 Lighthouse Road | Beverly Hills Hotel, Umhlanga Rocks 4319, South Africa Outdoor Seating, Parking Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Street Parking, Validated Parking, Free Off-Street Parking, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Valet Parking, Highchairs Available, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards European, International, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options, Vegan Options Brunch, Late Night HK$173 - HK$235 +27 31 561 2211
Excellent
64%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
6%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 249 reviews

The Sugar Club

The Sugar Club restaurant in uMhlanga Kwa Zulu Natal, overlooks the sparkling Indian Ocean, is a distinguished and elegant signature restaurant of the Beverly Hills hotel. The Sugar Club is renowned for its consistent culinary excellence and a popular choice for celebrations. The restaurants Wine List is the recipient of the Diners Diamond Award for 2014,2015, 2016. Every meal is a celebration in the Sugar Club and this venue is equally renowned for its decadent desserts that are a fitting end to a truly exceptional dining experience. The professional and intuitive staff ensures that guests enjoy the very best service. The Sugar Club also hosts rare auction wines , Open seven days per week for breakfast and dinner, with a Sunday buffet lunch and a Friday and Saturday afternoon tea buffet The Sugar Club has become dining highlights not to be missed.

Reviewed By Wayne S - Johannesburg, South Africa

They have curry, Durban curry and it is amazing. Other menu options include meat and fish, all creatively prepared and delicious. The dessert selection is extensive with the always impressive Crepe Suzette prepared at your table.

9. Little Havana

Chartwell Drive | Granada Centre, Umhlanga Rocks 4319, South Africa Parking Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Free Wifi, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Private Dining, Seating, Waitstaff, Street Parking, Free Off-Street Parking, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Accepts Credit Cards Steakhouse, European, Contemporary, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Brunch +27 31 561 7589
Excellent
63%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 900 reviews

Little Havana

Upmarket venue for that special dinner, tasteful decor with well trained waitrons. Suggest that reservation is made as I have been there on week nights and always well supported.

Reviewed By PaulTorquay2014 - Torquay, United Kingdom

We were recommended to this establishment which advertised open until 9pm. We arrived at 8.30pm and were told that the kitchens were closed. The Customer service was non-existant, why advertised you are open until 9pm yet close at 8.30pm

10. Palm Court

2 Lighthouse Road | The Oyster Box, Umhlanga Rocks 4319, South Africa Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch
Excellent
80%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 89 reviews

Palm Court

Reviewed By Nicky B - Durban, South Africa

I took my daughter to the Oyster Box for High Tea with her granny, and two cousins. We had the most fabulous experience. The service was outstanding. The High Tea selection was excellent, there was something for everyone. They had a good selection of savoury and sweet things on the buffet. They served delicious champagne and really made the day very special. It was a wonderful experience.

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