Inspired by the idyllic Mediterranean, Moderna brings the vibrant flavours of Italian, Portuguese, and Greek cuisine to Umhlanga. Combining modern design elements with a warm and friendly atmosphere to create your new favourite spot. Using a contemporary aesthetic and airy layout, they incorporated natural textures and coastal tones to give the space a rustic charm. They essentially borrowed elements from eateries along the Mediterranean coast and reimagined it for the urban chic setting of the area and their location, Gateway Theatre of Shopping. The idea is not just to have another place to eat in between shopping, but somewhere to relax and unwind.
Whether visiting or residing in Umhlanga, there’s a variety of people always moving through the area. Adapting to and catering for this dynamic population is one of the restaurant’s objectives, and through their diverse menu offering, every palate and preference is catered to. Locals, tourists, families, and business professionals—all who frequent the area—can find a place here. Moderna presents high-quality food with good service and a relaxed atmosphere, which further adds to the charm and sense of belonging once there.
The open-style kitchen allows patrons to catch a sneak peek into what goes into making these delicious meals. This way, people can engage with staff and chefs, which creates a communal space where everyone feels welcome as part of an interactive experience. It’s not just sitting down for a meal; it’s a holistic event, indulging all your senses. Whatever the occasion, a catch-up session with friends, a couple celebrating a milestone, family members seeing each other for the first time in years, or sealing a business deal over coffee, Moderna is there to accommodate you.
The menu, like the design of the restaurant, is crafted for a laid-back visit—a temporary reprieve from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Artisanal pizzas made in an authentic wood oven are easily a standout favourite on the menu, with crispy bases and generous toppings. The quality of ingredients they use shines through every dish: the pastas, mezze boards, and even the deli sandwiches. The fusion of different and complementing cuisines makes Moderna a unique addition to the lively culinary scene in Umhlanga, a place people can return to. They are also working on exciting daily specials to be incorporated soon, bringing something different for patrons to enjoy every day.
From European sweets to fresh vibrant meals and everything in between, it’s a place people can unplug from the busy world around them while enjoying delicious food in a comfortable setting.
Words: Cristina Govender
Facebook: Moderna Café
Instagram: @moderna.za