Dining on the Dolphin Coast: A Guide to the Best Restaurants and Local Eateries That You Should Book Ahead!

Here’s a little taste of some local South African food to whet your appetite before your visit!

Video courtesy of Sorted Food

And now that you’ve had a taste of it, let’s go out!

Explore the Dolphin coast in South Africa and discovering some of the most delectable dining experiences in the Bollito area. From fresh seafood, international flavours, or traditional South African dishes, these top ten restaurants are a must-visit for any food enthusiast. Make sure to book ahead for these sought after restaurants!

1. Attikos Mediterranean Grill

 Address: Ballito Lifestyle Centre Ethekweni Ballito, Dolphin Coast, 4420

Opening times: Monday – Sunday, 11 am – 10 pm

Phone: 087 460 0231

Recommended to Book Ahead: Yes, for weekends and holidays.

Signature Dish: Souvla Coal Grill meats, Yiro Bar specialties.

Menu Highlights: Dolmades (stuffed grape leaves), Spanakopita (spinach pie), and Baklava for dessert.

Unique Features: Authentic Greek decor, live Greek music nights.

Awards: Frequently mentioned in local food blogs for its authenticity and vibrant atmosphere.

https://www.attikos.co.za/

Attikos Mediterranean Grill in Ballito is renowned for its authentic Greek cuisine, providing a unique dining experience that transports guests to the Mediterranean. The restaurant focuses on traditional dishes, offering a variety of succulent snacks from the Souvla Coal Grill and Yiro Bar. Their menu features a wide selection of mezze, perfect for sharing, and traditional Greek meals that celebrate rich culinary traditions. The ambiance is warm and inviting, making it an ideal spot for family gatherings and special occasions.

"The food at Attikos is simply amazing! The flavours are authentic, and the service is top-notch. It truly feels like dining in Greece.”

2. Al Pescatore

Address: 14 Edward Pl, Ballito, 4420

Opening Hours: 11:00am - 10:00pm

Phone: 032 946 3574

Recommended to Book Ahead: Yes, for weekends and holidays.

Signature Dish: Seafood platter with fresh grilled shellfish and lemon butter.

Menu Highlights: Creamy salmon pasta, swordfish steaks, and classic Margherita pizza.

Unique Features: Panoramic sea views, cozy nautical-themed decor.

Awards: Rated as one of the top seafood restaurants on the Dolphin Coast by regional culinary magazines.

https://www.alpescatore.co.za/

This iconic restaurant on the Dolphin Coast of South Africa, has been delighting locals with its Italian and seafood dishes for nearly three decades. Renowned for its spectacular sea views, the restaurant offers an extensive menu featuring a variety of ocean delights, pastas, and pizzas. Diners highly recommend the seafood platter, which includes fresh grilled shellfish with lemon butter, and the rich seafood pastas. For a lighter meal, options like the Italian fillet roll, calamari, and chargrilled seafood kebabs are also popular choices​.

"Dining at Al Pescatore feels like a vacation. The seafood is always fresh, and the views of the ocean make every meal unforgettable."

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3. Peron Peron Argentinian Grill

Address: Ballito Lifestyle Centre, 8 Ballito Dr, Ethekwini, 4420

Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday 11 am–10 pm

Phone: 087 460 0053

Recommended to Book Ahead: Yes, for weekends and holidays.

Signature Dish: Aged steaks barbecued over open flames.

Menu Highlights: Empanadas, Chorizo sausages, and the traditional Chimichurri sauce.

Unique Features: Open flame grilling visible to guests, rustic Argentinian decor.

Awards: Recognized by "South African Grills & Steaks" as a top Argentinian restaurant in the region.

https://www.peronperon.co.za/

Peron Peron offers an authentic Argentinian dining experience in Ballito, emphasizing the flavours of Buenos Aires. The restaurant is known for its variety of meat cuts and aged steaks, which are barbecued over open flames using wood and charcoal. This unique grilling method provides a distinctive taste that sets Peron Peron apart. Approximately 60% of the menu consists of different cuts of beef, while seafood makes up 30%. The menu caters to local preferences, blending traditional Argentinian preparations with South African tastes.

"Amazing meal! The aged steaks cooked over open flames are a must-try, and the ambiance adds to the overall great experience."​ 

4. The Fig Tree Restaurant

Address: 1 Main Rd, Salt Rock, Ballito, 4391

Opening Hours: 12:00pm - 9:00pm

Phone: 032 946 5403

Recommended to Book Ahead: Yes, for weekends and holidays.

Signature Dish: Lamb shank, Chicken curry.

Menu Highlights: Fresh garden salads, traditional bobotie, and a selection of South African wines.

Unique Features: Located within the serene Simbithi Eco-Estate, outdoor seating with lush views.

Awards: Featured in "Top Eco-Friendly Restaurants" by Eco Tourism Magazine.

https://www.simbithi.com/the-country-club/#eateries

Located within the serene Simbithi Eco-Estate, the Fig Tree Restaurant offers a delightful dining experience that emphasizes community, family, and relaxation. It is an ideal spot for romantic dinners, family gatherings, and socializing with friends. The restaurant boasts a diverse menu that includes both modern and traditional South African dishes, catering to a wide range of tastes. Patrons can also enjoy a drink at the adjacent Drop Zone Bar after a round of golf or during sundowners with friends.

"The Fig Tree is a fantastic place to unwind. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, and the food is simply delicious. It's a great spot for both casual meals and special occasions."​

5. Mozambik, Ballito

Address: Shop 20, Lifestyle Centre, Ballito, 4420

Opening Hours: 11:00am - 9:00pm

Phone: 032 946 0979

Recommended to Book Ahead: Advisable

Signature Dish: Spicy peri-peri chicken.

Menu Highlights: Green olives stuffed with cashews, giblets with tomato, red wine, and paprika.

Unique Features: Beach hut setting, upstairs wooden bar nestled in the trees.

Awards: Rated best for authentic Mozambican cuisine by "African Cuisine Journal".

https://www.mozambik.co.za/

Mozambik invites diners to experience the rich flavours of Mozambique in a relaxed, beach hut setting. The menu offers unique options like green olives stuffed with cashews and giblets prepared with tomato, red wine, and paprika. The peri-peri chicken is a standout, but seafood lovers will also enjoy dishes like prawns cooked in beer and line fish prepared with lime, coriander, and coconut milk. The rustic décor and the wooden bar upstairs, nestled in the trees, add to the restaurant's charming ambiance​.

"Mo-Zam-Bik captures the essence of Mozambican cuisine with its spicy peri-peri chicken and delicious seafood. The relaxed, beachside setting makes it a perfect spot for a casual meal with friends."

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6. Jack Salmon Fish House

Address: 7B, Douglas Crowe Dr, Ballito, 4399

Opening Hours: 12:00pm - 9:00pm

Phone: 032 525 4243

Recommended to Book Ahead: Yes, for weekends and holidays.

Signature Dish: Bam Bam roll with tempura prawn.

Menu Highlights: Beer-battered fish and chips, prawn fusion California roll, and sushi platters.

Unique Features: Nautical theme, fresh fish display.

Awards: "Best Seafood Restaurant" in the Dolphin Coast by Seafood Lovers Guide.

https://www.jacksalmon.co.za/

Jack Salmon Fish House is a renowned seafood destination on the Dolphin Coast of South Africa, celebrated for its fresh ocean delicacies. Diners rave about the sushi options, particularly recommending the Bam Bam roll with tempura prawn, chili-bean mayo, and fresh cucumber, as well as the prawn fusion California roll with spicy creamy prawn and a sticky soy reduction. For a classic choice, the beer-battered fish and chips with homemade tartar sauce is a crowd-pleaser.

"The seafood platter was superb, and the fish was perfectly prepared. The service was excellent, and the ambiance, with its ocean view, made for a delightful dining experience."

7. Sage Café & Deli

Address: 1 Salt Rock Shopping Centre, Salt Rock, 4391

Opening Hours: 7:30am - 5:00pm

Phone: 032 525 8059

Recommended to Book Ahead: Yes, for weekends and holidays.

Signature Dish: Risotto cakes.

Menu Highlights: Gourmet burgers, fresh smoothies, and artisan breads.

Unique Features: Family-friendly play area, attached spa services.

Awards: Featured in "Top Family Restaurants" by Parenting South Africa.

https://www.sagecafe.co.za/

Sage Café is an ideal coastal eatery for families, especially those with young children. The venue boasts a fun play area and a sand-art station to keep kids entertained. Parents can order from a kiddies’ menu that features options sure to delight the little ones, such as mini pizzas and meatballs. Meanwhile, adults can relax and enjoy a variety of scrumptious café dishes like risotto cakes or gourmet burgers. The café is also connected to a spa, allowing parents to book a treatment and unwind while their children play.

"Nestled within the natural and positively inspiring surroundings of the Sage Centre, this café offers an excellent, wholesome, and healthy food menu. The atmosphere is exceptionally warm and relaxing, perfect for a family outing."​

8. Lupa Osteria

Address: 4A, Douglas Crowe Dr, Ballito, 4399

Opening Hours: 12:00pm - 10:00pm

Phone: 087 357 7409

Recommended to Book Ahead: Advisable for larger groups.

Signature Dish: Truffled carbonara.

Menu Highlights: Thin-crust pizzas, flavourful puttanesca, and homemade tiramisu.

Unique Features: Open kitchen, Italian family-style dining.

Awards: Awarded "Best Italian Cuisine" by Italian Food Critics Association.

https://www.lupa.co.za/

Lupa Osteria is a beloved Italian restaurant known for its family-style dining. Here, you can enjoy a variety of Italian classics, such as thin-crust pizzas perfect for sharing or homemade pasta dishes like truffled carbonara and flavourful puttanesca. The kiddies' menu ensures that even the youngest diners are well-fed with options like mini pizzas and meatballs.

"Lupa Osteria truly feels like a piece of Italy. The pasta is always fresh, and the pizzas are deliciously crispy. It's our go-to place for family dinners."​ 

9. Waterberry Coffee Shop

Address: 7 Edward Pl, Ballito, 4420

Opening Hours: 7:30am - 4:00pm

Phone: 032 946 2797

Recommended to Book Ahead: Yes, for weekends and holidays.

Signature Dish: Pancakes with fresh berries.

Menu Highlights: French toast, egg rolls, savory tarts, and flatbreads.

Unique Features: Located within lush tropical vegetation, forest walk nearby.

Awards: "Top Café Experience" by Café Culture Magazine.

https://www.waterberry.co.za/

Nestled within Ballito’s lush tropical vegetation, The Waterberry Coffee Shoppe offers a delightful escape with its homely bistro eats and baked goodies. This charming café and deli serves a variety of dishes, from pancakes and waffles for breakfast to wholesome salads, savory tarts, and flatbreads for lunch. The setting is perfect for hosting kitchen teas and birthday parties, providing a serene atmosphere amidst nature.

The café also features an all-day breakfast menu with options like French toast, egg rolls, and avocado on toast, ensuring there's something for everyone at any time of day. Visitors appreciate the cosy and relaxed environment, which is ideal for a leisurely meal or a quick coffee break​.

"Great breakfast! The cakes look so delicious, you will find it hard to choose. It's a beautiful setting with a forest walk, making it a lovely spot to unwind and enjoy a meal."

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10. The Galley Beach Bar & Grill Seafood Restaurant

Address: 17 Compensation Beach Rd, Ballito, Dolphin Coast, 4420

Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday 12–9 pm, Monday Closed

Phone: 064 068 7657

Recommended to Book Ahead: Yes, for weekends and holidays.

Signature Dish: Three-beef burger with onion rings.

Menu Highlights: Durban-inspired chicken-and-prawn curry, basket snacks like prawns and samosas.

Unique Features: Beachfront location, dog-friendly.

Awards: "Best Beachside Dining" by Coastal Dining Awards.

https://www.thegalleyballito.co.za/

A popular spot for those seeking a casual, beachside dining experience. Perfect for relaxed lunches with friends or evening sundowners, this venue offers stunning sea views and a vibrant atmosphere. The menu features standout dishes like the three-beef burger with onion rings and the Durban-inspired chicken-and-prawn curry. For lighter bites, the basket snacks include options such as prawns, nachos, and samosas. To quench your thirst, try the formidable one-litre Galley fish bowl or the classic Long Island ice tea. Arrive early on busy weekends to secure a seat on the deck​.

"This is a great restaurant if you wish to be close to the sea, enjoying juicy prawns and sundowners. The atmosphere is incredible, and they even accommodate dogs!"​ 

Dolphin coast in the Bollito area of South Africa is home to a diverse range of restaurants that cater to every palate. Whether you're in the mood for fresh seafood, international flavours, or traditional South African dishes, these top ten restaurants are sure to provide a memorable dining experience. Be sure to book your accommodation and book ahead at the recommended establishments to secure a table and indulge in the culinary delights of the region.

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