The Dolphin Coast has a generous share of wonderful cafés, lunch spots and restaurants. Whether you want a relaxed afternoon meal or a celebratory dinner, try one of these eateries next time you’re in town.
Al Pescatore
If you’re looking for seafood with a sea view, Al Pescatore is the place. This restaurant has changed with the times, starting out in 1989 as an Italian trattoria in a shopping centre and evolving into a popular beachfront restaurant specialising in Mediterranean flavours and seafood. Al Pescatore is perfect for a late lunch, watching the waves from the outside deck. After lunch you can head downstairs to Hops, a popular pub, to watch the rugby.
Flavour: Mediterranean/seafood
Location: 14 Edward Place, Ballito
Website: www.alpescatore.co.za
Fiamma Grill
You’ll find Fiamma Grill at Coco De Mer Boutique Hotel on Compensation Beach Road, just a minute’s walk from Ballito’s promenade and beaches. The restaurant describes itself as an “Italian Grill House catering for families, functions, and romantic occasions”. Fiamma has quite a reputation for its outstanding steaks and service, so it’s a prime choice for “carnivores”. Good news for vegetarians though: as meals are prepared fresh, it’s possible to include/exclude ingredients according to your preferences.
Flavour: Italian
Location: 63 Compensation Beach Road, Ballito
Website: www.lafiamma.co.za
Mo-Zam-Bik
Mo-Zam-Bik is a popular haunt for Dolphin Coast locals and visitors. Tucked in a corner of the well-known Boulevard Centre, Mo-Zam-Bik offers Mozambican specialties including peri-peri chicken, rissoles, espetadas, and spicy seafood. They also have the Mo-Zam-Bar, a vibey place for drinks with friends. Beer connoisseurs, if you haven’t already, try a Laurentina, one of Mozambique’s famous beers.
Flavour: Mozambican
Location: The Boulevard, Ballito
Website: www.mozambikrestaurant.com
Mange Tout
Mange Tout is the kind of place that local foodies recommend. It’s one of those fantastic restaurants that source their ingredients close to home as much as possible and make their meals fresh on-site. In addition, they cater to both meat lovers and vegetarians. This eatery is a great option for gourmet breakfasts and exceptional lunches and dinners (think roast butternut, caramelised onion and creamy gorgonzola in a pecan nut pastry case with spring onion and pecan nut dressing).
Location: Dunkirk Estate, Salt Rock
Website: www.mangetout.co.za
The Bunkers Restaurant
The Bunkers Restaurant at Prince’s Grant Golf Estate is a feast for the eyes as well as the tastebuds. Green wrought iron tables dot the verandah of the lodge with fabulous views of the verdant, undulating golf course and the beautiful Indian Ocean. Chef Sharda and her team make excellent hot breakfasts and delectable, spicy curries (you can choose if you want it hot or not).
Flavour: local South African
Location: Prince’s Grant Lodge, New Guelderland
Website: www.princesgrant.co.za/Pages/Lodge/Wining.htm
Where do you recommend eating out on the Dolphin Coast?
