From tucked-away restaurants to around-the-corner cafes, there are so many hidden, lesser-known local spots that offer incredible food and unique beverages, so we thought we’d introduce you to a few… If you’ve visited all of these spots, you’re a true local food explorer!
Neighbourhood Cafe & Bar
Hidden under a canopy of trees in La Lucia, this oasis offers everything from mouth-watering dishes and creative cocktails to a beautiful setting and vibrant atmosphere.
This family-run restaurant started as a boutique hotel for out-of-town travellers but when the pandemic hit, they decided to open their gates to the public for the first time. Two years later, Neighbourhood is a space that all South Africans get to call home and feel a sense of belonging – a space where strangers become neighbours.
This spot is known for its tranquil scenery – open-air dining with lush gardens, flowing streams, koi ponds and fairy-lit trees (aka an Instagrammer’s paradise!). The bar is a cosy area with dimmed crystal lighting, autumn hues and comfy couches
They serve brekkie and lunch from Tuesday to Sunday and fairy-lit dinners on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. They also have delicious cocktails and a boutique wine selection and host fun events like Latin evenings!
For brekkie, you must try the Royal Benny, at lunchtime munch on the Tandoori Chicken sandwich, and for dinner treat yourself to the Bacon and Brie Fettuccini. Veggie options are available too.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neighbourhoodsa/?hl=en
Europa Piccolo
Situated within Umhlanga Sands, Europa Piccolo offers a taste of Europe with a contemporary twist. From the captivating view of Umhlanga’s coastline to their ‘magnifico’ meals inspired by the flavours of Italy, a visit to this restaurant is a delightful culinary experience.
The vision was to create a unique spot in Umhlanga where patrons can escape to the heart of Europe through delectable dishes and an inviting atmosphere. Specialising in pasta and pizzas, they take pride in using quality ingredients to craft dishes that leave a lasting impression. Their signature dish, the Europa Pizza or Pollo Misto Pasta, is a symphony of flavours. Picture grilled chicken strips, olives, white wine and roasted cherry tomatoes expertly tossed in a light basil pesto-infused extra virgin olive oil. Delizioso!
Complementing the culinary journey is the Sandybar, where you can indulge in a variety of delightful cocktails. Whether you’re a seasoned fan of Italian cuisine or a newcomer eager to explore, Europa Piccolo promises an unparalleled dining experience.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/europapiccoloumhlangasands/?hl=en
Urban 68
A wonderful restaurant tucked away in La Lucia, Urban 68 is a local gem best described by its patrons as a “home away from home”. From the jungle, green decor and plants to white subway tiles showcasing the bar, this is an elegant and fun space with incredible dishes to match.
This restaurant serves everything from consistently crispy oven-made pizzas to “Build Your Own” snack baskets, a grill section and so much more. Other highlights are their daytime pensioners’ menu every Monday to Friday and their excellent Sunday roast consisting of homemade Yorkshire pudding, creamed spinach, butternut, roast potatoes, gravy and paired with a selection of meat.
However, Urban 68 is not just about food – it’s about the love you can taste in each ingredient that is intentionally and gracefully placed in every meal as well as the amazing people you meet there.
Look out for their regular events coming up soon. Make sure you join their monthly Music Quiz – unleash your inner rock star while drinking an ice-cold draught or glass of wine and snacking on their delicious daily food specials.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/urban68_lalucia/?hl=en
The Italian Corner
I scream! You scream! We all scream for The Italian Corner! This is a family business specialising in homemade Italian gelato with 10 years under its belt.
When the family first moved to Durban, they found a gap in the market for authentic Italian gelato, so they went back to Italy, attended a school in Bologna to learn the art of making this delicious dessert, and returned to Umhlanga to open The Italian Corner. The main shop is based near Cabana Beach Hotel just off the promenade at Umhlanga Main Beach, and they also have a mobile trailer that caters for weddings, parties and other special events.
The Italian Corner has a huge variety of flavours from Kinder Joy, Nutella, Amarena cherry and salted caramel to Oreo, mint, hazelnut and much more. However, the top seller is the Ferrero Rocher by far! All of their flavours are additive and preservative-free and there are dairy and sugar-free options too. What makes their scoops one of a kind is the excellent quality of the ingredients, in combination with their imported machines which always ensure perfect smoothness and creaminess.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theitaliancorner_za/?hl=en
Buttercup Vegetarian and Vegan Café
On Lagoon Drive, you will find Buttercup, a small cafe offering deliciousness in the form of meat-free meals.
Buttercup was started by two vegetarian sisters with a passion for food and innovation. Both with degrees in computer science, they ditched the keyboard for chopping boards to create unique and tasty vegetarian and vegan dishes. The base of their dishes is a wheat-based plant protein called seitan which is manufactured by Buttercup and has a texture that very closely resembles meat.
Their menu is diverse, with falafel wraps, chow mein, pasta, curries, vegan BBQ “chops” and peri-peri ‘vicken’ (vegan chicken). Their signature dish is The KFV Meal – a vegan version of the fast food favourite with crumbed vegan pieces, chips and mash and gravy. Another popular dish is the KFV Burger – a crumbed vegan patty on a fresh vegan bun with coleslaw, lettuce, vegan mayo and a side of chips. They also offer a range of popular frozen products as convenient, vegan alternatives for burgers, nuggets, BBQ and Tikka flavoured products and more.
Their goal is to promote vegetarianism and veganism by showing that food can still have the flavour and enjoyment of your favourite fast food without the meat!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057201019238
Words: Jordyn Trollip