Discover the 11 best restaurants in Umhlanga in 2025

Nestled on the coast of KwaZulu-Natal, Umhlanga blends beachside charm with culinary delights. From its fresh seafood to sunset cocktails, the town is a testament to the rich South African flavours. So, grab your appetite as we uncover the best restaurants in Umhlanga.

Key takeaways

• Umhlanga's Grimaldi's is renowned for its Italian-inspired cuisine, including pizza and pasta.
• The Chefs' Table features an open-plan kitchen where diners can watch the chefs prepare their meals from scratch.
• Joita's Portuguese Foods' menu features its signature Portuguese sardines and Caldo Verde.
• The Palm Court High Tea event is a sophisticated affair where tea lovers sample eight Sri Lankan Dilmah teas.

The best restaurants in Umhlanga

Umhlanga's culinary scene is sure to impress. With a mix of well-established favourites and exciting new restaurants, this vibrant destination is a food lover's paradise.

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Here is a ranking of Umhlanga's top 15 dining establishments based on data from reputable sources such as Wanderlog, Google Reviews and TripAdvisor.

11. Olive & Oil

• Address: Oceans Mall, Lagoon Drive, Umhlanga Rocks, 4319, South Africa
• Menu: Website
• Opening hours: Monday (11:00 am to 9:00 pm), Tuesday - Thursday (9 am to 9 pm), Friday and Saturday (9 am to 10 pm), Sunday (9 am to 8 pm)
• Contact: 031 561 2618
• Social media: Facebook

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Established in 2006, Olive & Oil is known for its modern Mediterranean Cuisine. In addition, its menu features tasty steak options and gluten-free delicacies. A satisfied customer left the restaurant a five-star rating on Dining OUT, saying:

I had an exceptional dining experience: fantastic food, excellent service, and a welcoming atmosphere. It was great value for money!

10. Joita's Portuguese Foods

• Address: 1/3 Chartwell Drive, 52 Protea Mll, Umhlanga Rocks, 4320, South Africa
• Menu: Website
• Opening hours: Monday – Saturday (12:00 pm to 9:00 pm), Sunday (12:00 pm to 4:00 pm)
• Contact: +27 31 561 3577
• Social media: Facebook

This eatery is a Portuguese cuisine lover's paradise. Their chargrilled peri-peri chicken and seafood combos are a must-try. Joita's Portuguese Foods' menu also features affordable, traditional South African and Angolan meals.

9. Steak & Ale

• Address: 15 Chartwell Drive, Umhlanga, 4319, South Africa
• Menu: Website
• Opening hours: Daily (12:00 pm to 11:00 pm)
• Contact: +27 (0)31 561 7234
• Social media: Facebook, Instagram

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Are you looking for a spot to enjoy a hearty meal and a cold beer while watching a game with friends? Steak & Ale is the place to be. For as low as R80, you can order their signature burgers and pair them with crunchy chips and Greek salad.

8. Little Havana

• Address: Chartwell Drive, Granada Centre, Umhlanga Rocks 4319, South Africa
• Menu: Dining OUT
• Opening hours: Tuesday – Saturday (12:00 pm to 3:00 pm), (5:30 pm to 10:00 pm)
• Contact: 081 393 8205
• Social media: Facebook, Instagram

Little Havana specialises in European and contemporary dishes, focusing on delicious steaks and comfort foods. Its vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options make it a prominent culinary spot for foodies. Pair your favourite dish with a drink from Cape Town's winelands.

7. Lord Prawn

• Address: 1 & 2, Umhlanga Plaza, 2 Lagoon Dr, Umhlanga, Durban, 4319, South Africa
• Menu: Website
• Opening hours: Monday - Saturday (12:00 pm to 10:00 pm), Sunday (12:00 pm to 9:00 pm)
• Contact: 031 561 1133/ 067 408 8789
• Social media: Facebook, TikTok

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Lord Prawn is a family-run seafood restaurant that has been in business for over four decades. Its signature tender-grilled calamari and fish cake specials make it a pescatarian's haven. The eatery's menu also features meat, poultry, pasta, and vegetarian options.

6. The Chefs' Table

• Address: 25/28 First Floor, Protea Mall, Chartwell Drive, Umhlanga Rocks, Durban, South Africa
• Menu: Website
• Opening hours: Monday – Saturday (11:30 am to 3:30 pm), (5:30 pm to 10:00 pm), Sunday (Closed)
• Contact: 031 001 0200
• Social media: Facebook, Instagram

Launched in 2016, The Chef's Table offers one of the most sophisticated dining experiences in South Africa.

Whether you are planning a first date with your crush or a luncheon for friends, the eatery has food options for everyone. Enjoy your favourite wine while waiting for the chefs to prepare the meals.

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5. Butcher Boys

• Address: Shop 1, Lighthouse Mall, Lighthouse Rd, Umhlanga, South Africa
• Menu: Website
• Opening hours: Monday, Tuesday and Sunday (11:30 am to 9:00 pm), Wednesday – Saturday (11:30 am to 9:00 pm)
• Contact: 031 561 4106
• Social media: Facebook, Instagram

This steakhouse is widely recognised for its meaty experience and good atmosphere. Founded in 1999, it also offers other seafood and gluten-free diet options.

Whether you are after something easy drinking for lunch or a showstopper to mark that special occasion, the restaurant's expensive wine selection will elevate your dining experience.

4. The Ocean Terrace

• Address: 2 Lighthouse Road, Umhlanga, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
• Menu: Website
• Opening hours: Monday – Sunday (7:00 am to 10:30 pm)
• Contact: +27 (0) 31 514 5000

With its bistro-style menu and unobstructed sea views, this restaurant has become a favourite for local visitors and tourists.

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While seafood is The Ocean Terrace's speciality, the famous Curry buffet and wood-fired pizzas add more options for diners. Its dishes are inspired by the fresh local produce and Mzansi's culinary heritage.

3. Swaadisht Food

• Address: 183 Ridge Road Shop 12/13 Umhlanga Centre, Umhlanga Rocks, 4319, South Africa
• Menu: Website
• Opening hours: Monday – Sunday (9:00 am to 9:00 pm)
• Contact: +27 31 706 2101
• Social media: Facebook, Instagram

Swaadisht Food offers an array of delicious Chinese and Indian cuisine. From their Tandoori chicken to their Bunny chow and Roti rolls, their menu features over 120 dishes made from local produce. A client recommended their Lamb Shank on TripAdvisor, stating:

Scrumptious samosas for starters, Lamb Shank prepared with a beautiful Vindaloo, great décor and friendly staff.

2. The Palm Court

• Address: 2 Lighthouse Road, The Oyster Box, Umhlanga Rocks, 4319, South Africa
• Menu: Website
• Opening hours: High Tea (Monday to Sunday from 2:30 pm to 5:00 pm)
• Contact: +27 31 514 5018

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The Palm Court High Tea is a bucket-list experience known for its luxurious atmosphere and live piano performances.

Guests enjoy an array of sweet and savoury treats, including chocolate tarts, chicken mayo sandwiches and mouth-watering samosas, all while enjoying the beautiful coastal views.

Grimaldi's

• Address: 6 Lagoon Dr, Umhlanga, 4320, South Africa
• Menu: Website
• Opening hours: Monday – Thursday and Sunday (12:00 pm to 9:00 pm), Saturday and Sunday (12:00 pm to 9:00 pm)
• Contact: 087 822 2375
• Social media: Facebook, Instagram

Grimaldi's boasts freshly prepared dishes, first-class service, and an outdoor terrace overlooking Umhlanga's crystal coastline. From their signature Chicken diavola for the meat lovers to their Greek salad for vegetarians, there is something for every palate. One client said on TripAdvisor:

Delicious pizzas, generous pasta portions and stellar ambience. I wish I had found this joint sooner!

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Wrapping up

The best restaurants in Umhlanga will have you going back for more. From the Indian cuisine at Swaadisht Food to the fresh seafood at Lord Prawn, these establishments pride themselves on tasty meals and excellent service.

DISCLAIMER: This article is not sponsored by any third party. It is intended for general informational purposes only and does not address individual circumstances. It is not a substitute for professional advice or help and should not be relied on to make decisions. Any action you take based on the information presented in this article is strictly at your own risk and responsibility.

READ MORE: Top 21 restaurants in Pretoria: A guide to the best culinary experiences

Briefly.co.za ranked some of Pretoria's finest dining establishments. Dining at these restaurants allows you to relax and unwind while spending time with loved ones. You can also taste different cuisines you would not usually make for yourself.

Some destinations you can visit during your next culinary escapades include De Kloof Restaurant, Old Town Italy, Brasserie de Paris and Crawdaddy's.

Proofreading by Kelly Lippke, copy editor at Briefly.co.za.

Source: Briefly News