Eat Out

DURBAN

Always in season

The Mercedes-AMG GLC 63

THE AMERICAS

D’URBAN BURGER CO.

BEST FOR Street-food burgers with a twist. FOOD Chef Khutso Nhlanhla Masethe's idea is simple: Morroccan burgers on a panini bun. The simplicity of the idea and the total dedication to it makes the execution so gratifying. There’s a selection of beef, lamb and chicken burgers all topped with delicious coriander pesto, onion marmalade and hummus that make the taste buds sing. There's also a chicken option, with succulent chicken breast nuggets. There’s falafel as a vegan option and the place is halaal certified. DRINKS There's a simple selection of coffee, tea and juice. SERVICE Fast and friendly. AMBIENCE It’s a cute little takeaway establishment, with only two tables, that feels like an upmarket spaza shop with the cosiness of a café. There are township nuances in the corrugated iron, with wood to add warmth. (KMO)

219 Lilian Ngoyi Road, Windermere; 031 509 6032; breakfast and lunch Mon to Sat, dinner Fri; avg main meal R80; no BYO

BISTROS

9TH AVENUE BISTRO

BEST FOR Food that's a feast for the senses. FOOD At this winner of Best Bistro in KwaZulu-Natal at the 2018 Best Everyday Eateries, dynamic husband-and-wife team Graham and Gina Neilson showcase a global menu that uses local flavours and ingredients. Start with the gorgonzola, pear and candied pecan salad or the fried calamari, tossed in sticky Vietnamese roasted jalapeño aïoli. A popular favourite is the creamy shellfish orzo. Main courses include lamb shoulder, crispy duck and braised beef short rib. Order the tasting menu for an experiential food journey. Desserts could include blueberry-ripple ice cream or their take on a G&T: gin-and-juniper sorbet with toasted marshmallow meringue, lemon curd and cucumber gelée. DRINKS An extensive list of wine and spirits places emphasis on local varietals and boutique finds, including micro-brewed beers. SERVICE Staff are knowledgeable and professional. The menu is sophisticated; the experience is unpretentious. AMBIENCE This cosy bistro boasts an open kitchen for a touch of dining theatre. (NA)

Shop 2, Avonmore Centre, Ninth Avenue, Morningside; 031 312 9134; lunch Tue to Fri, dinner Mon to Sat; avg main meal R245, tasting menu R450 (R600 with wine); corkage R70

CIRCUS CIRCUS

BEST FOR A quality meal in between your mall maneouvres. FOOD The focus is on local, seasonal and fresh produce, and the hearty dishes brim with comfort. Choose from starters such as the creamy Cape Malay mussel pot and peri-peri chicken livers. On the mains front, the oxtail in red wine is a go- to dish, as is the three-hour lamb shank with rosemary and red wine. For a taste from further afield, the Barbadian chicken – grilled chicken breast marinated in garlic, ginger and fresh red chilli, and served with avocado and pineapple salsa – is delicious. There are burgers, pasta and seafood, but also fresh, tasty salads, quesadillas, wraps and toasted sandwiches if you want to go light. For dessert, the molten chocolate pudding goes down well. DRINKS A selection of South African wines, freshly squeezed juices and decadent smoothies. SERVICE Relatively efficient and friendly. AMBIENCE The interior boasts warm contemporary décor with vintage undertones. (KMO)

G020, Gateway Theatre Of Shopping, Umhlanga, Durban North; 031 566 3212; breakfast, lunch and dinner Mon to Sun; avg main meal R60; no BYO

LIGHTHOUSE CAFÉ

Cocktails, snacks and sunsets. The fuss-free menu is small but perfect for holiday dining. Think peri-peri chicken livers; chicken and beef burgers; snack baskets including various grilled and fried finger foods and chips; a chicken prego roll; steak, egg and chips; calamari or prawns; and a selection of salads. Beautifully presented on a large white dish, the seafood salad comes with a healthy dose of fair-sized prawns and calamari in a piquant French dressing. The peri-peri chicken prego roll is laced with garlic and peri-peri, with a generous portion of chips covering the balance of the Not many wines to write home about. Rather have a cocktail or an ice-cold beer. The service is attentive, with patrons welcomed on arrival; dishes and glasses are cleared away swiftly and management interacts with guests about any issues. The Lighthouse Café is right on the beach; the waves crash less than 50m away and it’s the perfect barefoot space.

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