Durban, being a port city on the warm Indian Ocean, does not disappoint when it comes to eating seafood. Just add lemon or peri-peri (chili) for prawns.
uShaka Marine World
There are two restaurants in Marine World: The Cargo Hold and Moyo (one of several Moyos in the main centers of the country), and to do everything related to tourism, you must try them in both. So impressive are the respective settings that you may not remember the food so well, but we can assure you it was fine. You will find both in:
The
Loading boards in “The Ghost Ship,” next to the large glass panels of the oceanarium’s main tank, so that when Mr. Great White comes to peek at the fish and chips on his plate, other dinners won’t. even hear the screams when you push your loaded fork into your ear, instead of your mouth.
Seafood is a specialty, which is logical and macabre at the same time. There is a good selection of South African wines at a fair price. But the old fake maritime theme is a wet squid, as they say around here.
The Phantom Ship, Ushaka Marine World, Point Waterfront
Tel. 031-328-8065
Moyo
The thing about Moyo, here in Ushaka or elsewhere, is the Afro-chic vibe. The food is African with a touch of international flair and the wine list is extensive by any standard. As you walk in, your face will be enlivened by a few small brush strokes of paint, just to get you in the mood and there is always live music, and sometimes other entertaining acts as well.
Curry aside, this is one of the absolute musts on my holiday list.
1 Bell Street, Ushaka Marine World
Tel. 031-332-0606
The New Café Fish
Did we say that Durban was a suspicious place? Yes, we did, and this is the place to find it. Even better, this kaif is situated right in the basin of the yacht, so even if you don’t cover yourself with salt spray, you’ll feel like you’re doing it with its uninterrupted views of yachts, sea, and sky. If you don’t like seafood, just don’t go there because there isn’t much else; but what’s available is fresh and plentiful, from hake and fries to seafood dishes.
The wine list is short but smart.
31Yacht Mole, Victoria Embankment
Tel. 031-305-5062 / 3
Sea a SASSI Eater
We all know the plight of bluefin tuna, which is now so rare and endangered that you simply shouldn’t eat them (Japanese readers take note). But the tragedy is that much of the sea’s resources are in danger. SASSI (South African Sustainable Seafood Initiative) is a local initiative to bring this situation to the attention of the public: seafood is classified as green (go ahead and please), orange (scarce or seasonally scarce) or red (do not touch).
Any good restaurant will be able to tell you the state of its seafood products. If you are not sure whether to send the name of the fish to the local number 0794998795, your SASSI status will be sent to you automatically.
Where to eat international cuisine in Durban …
