Known for their delicious food, yummy cocktails and, of course, cool and vibey atmosphere, SandBar Restaurant & Cocktail Bar is a jewel on the East Coast. The name comes from its proximity to the ocean, but this isn’t just another island of sand that shows itself during low tide.
Looking out over the Indian Ocean, the restaurant exudes a relaxing ambience, allowing patrons to unwind and enjoy a truly unique eating and cocktail experience. On their well-thought-out menu, you will find dishes from all around the world. For starters, you have the spicy Thai prawn soup, made with fresh Norwegian salmon head stock.
The tuna tartar and caesar salad are delicious summer dishes to start your experience, and then there is a wide variety of mains which include steaks, poultry, curries and obviously seafood and fresh sushi, too.
However, the juicy and sticky pork loin ribs are the house speciality and definitely a crowd-pleaser! They process and prepare the ribs in-house, not smoked. They are slow-cooked for a few hours, sealed in their marinade, and allowed to rest for 24 hours. They are then grilled over high heat, cut into individual pieces, dipped into their secret SandBar Rib Marinade, and served with a smile. Another highlight on the main menu is the fresh seared tuna loin steak which is paired with wasabi mash – simply sublime!
Homemade apple pie and malva pudding desserts are favourites among the sweet treats, both served warm and baked until perfect.
The team at SandBar loves experimenting with flavours and textures to create unique meals and drinks. When it comes to cocktails, every component is considered and precisely measured to ensure a perfect balance is achieved between sweet and sour. Classics like the margarita, espresso martini and 007 vodka martini are given a little SandBar love to make sure they are perfect, while their signature cocktails, “Watermelon Slush” and “Adios Mother F*#ker”, bring in the variety patrons love to try.
This is truly a special place, right on the beach in Umdloti, that has stood the test of time.
Tel: 031 568 2140
Facebook: @sandbarkzn
Website: www.sandbarkzn.co.za
Photos: Tony Christie