Location: Ballito
Top Restaurants in Ballito
Top Things to do in Ballito
Ballito Food Guide: 10 Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Ballito
Ballito is a holiday town located in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Ballito is about 40 kilometres (25 mi) north of Durban. It forms part of the KwaDukuza Local Municipality, and iLembe District Municipality. Dolphins are common on this stretch of the North Coast shoreline, hence the nickname Dolphin Coast.
Things to do in Ballito
1. Spice
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 190 reviews
Reviewed By mdyrdek - Solothurn, Switzerland
We visited tonight (Tuesday) for dinner and the restaurant was totally full with what appeared to be locals. A packed restaurant, filled with locals, in the middle of the week - all good signs of a great establishment. Thus, we would recommend making a reservation no matter what day of the week it is.
First and foremost, the service was excellent. I couldn't have asked for better service. Kudos to the entire team.
Next and most important, the food was outstanding. Their menu is not extensive, but it is extremely diverse and dishes are unique with an Indian fusion. You will definitely find something that appeals to you, and like us, you will probably have a hard time deciding between two or three dishes. They definitely emphasize quality over quantity by focusing on a smaller menu of exceptional dishes. The best restaurants we've been to around the world always used this tactic.
My husband and I split the seafood salad as a starter. The seafood was fresh and the salad dressing was light so as to not overpower the greens and seafood. For the main course, my husband went with the duck and I had the chicken stuffed with shrimp. The chicken was wonderful and the duck with the fig sauce was absolutely amazing. Finally, although we were stuffed, we couldn't pass up on dessert given how good the food had been up to that point. The hubby went for the strawberry mess and I had the cheesecake. Both were great and excellent with a cappuccino. We paid R700 for the three courses, a glass of merlot (poured with a generous hand), a bottle of water, and a cappuccino. The price is fair because the food is "something to write home about".
Sadly, we are not locals and were just passing through town. Otherwise, we would certainly be regulars. I looked up Spice on Trip Advisor and it came highly recommended by the owner of the lovely B&B we were staying at (Venti Dell'Est). We were car-less, so the B&B owner dropped us off at the restaurant and the owner of Spice, who knew the B&B owner well, offered to personally take us back to the B&B. Fantastic partnership and teamwork.
Spice is a casual restaurant, set next to the beach, serving high quality dishes with unique flavors. You should definitely give it a try!
2. Al Pescatore
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 624 reviews
Unique, creative flavour combinations in a beautiful restaurant with divine cocktails, excellent service and the most amazing view of the ocean in Ballito
Reviewed By Martin aryeh W - Jeruslem
We ate here yesterday. we were greeted by a very friendly chap , who was either the owner or manager the restaurant has two Seating areas inside or outside we started off outside until it got too cold and then moved inside . The atmosphere in the restaurant is buzzing and the food was excellent , the service however was a bit hit and miss we waited quite a long time to give our order we were then regained very slowly with details of specials , a couple of times we asked passing servers for extra napkins and a spoon and just got ignored , we asked for a dessert menu and were left waiting for about ten minutes until our server arrived with a plate of cakes ( my wife had already mentioned that we didn’t want cakes) I personally hated the fact that as you were finishing your meal they were whisking your plate away and if you asked to leave the plate a moment then another server would do the same thing almost immediately afterwards it felt like they were trying to hurry you up in short the staff are pleasent enough but nothing exceptional and could do with a bit of Custer service training the food however was great as is the location , we are going back for sure and will ignore the service.
3. The Waterberry Tea Garden
Overall Ratings
4 based on 357 reviews
Reviewed By Kayley P
Service slightly slow, but the cake was great! We always go here for the cheese cake. a must try... tip, sit outside.
4. Mo-zam-bik Ballito
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 834 reviews
Reviewed By Globetrotter201026 - London, United Kingdom
I must highly recommend this place delicious food great ambience lovely bar and super service.
Make sure you sit upstairs to enjoy better and do explore as it’s a lot larger than it appears.
I had mild chicken was delicious there were 7 of us and all enjoyed their meals. Snails are amazing.
Would return
5. Beira Alta
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 331 reviews
Situated in the lush town of Ballito, a jewel on the KwaZulu Natal North Coast. Beira Alta has become synonymous with discerning diners looking for generous portions and Portuguese fare with a spicy African influence. Owner run and managed we pride our selves on warm hospitality, contemporary vibe and food that is cooked fresh.
Reviewed By Andrew_Durban460 - Durban, South Africa
Perhaps it's just fate that the two times I've been to Julio's on the Bay I've been irritated by the staff / owner.
I've been to other Portuguese restaurants: Julio's Glenwood, A Tasca and Neo Cafe', and BEIRA ALTA of course, and have NEVER been irritated.
On the day I got my new car, my wife and I wanted a great Portuguese meal, in a fancy setting, with a lovely coastal drive and intuitive / friendly / neat waiters.
The winner hands down was therefore BEIRA ALTA where we've consistently been pleased.
It comes at no surprise to be told that we had a superb meal - I had the chicken peri-peri with calamari and chourico with a well-priced bottle of wine and great coffee afterwards.
Top class BEIRA ALTA as always!
PS: I'm never going back to Julio's on the Bay, only Julio's Glenwood
6. Mamma G's
Overall Ratings
4 based on 202 reviews
Reviewed By Voltron2025 - Maputo, Mozambique
Arguably the best pizza in town. My meal was prepared with the freshest of ingredients. The staff was excellent and l will not fault them. They had a young lady as a trainee and the mentor did an excellent job in making sure that our orders when taken on and delivered on time.
The vibe was also great.
I loved it
7. Zaras Cafe
Overall Ratings
4 based on 271 reviews
8. Fiamma Grill
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 587 reviews
Fiamma Grill specialises in quality grade cuts of matured meat and carefully selected seafood dishes. We are an Italian Grill House catering for families, functions, and romantic occasions. Our menu ranges from pizza & pasta to delicious seafood grill’s and hand selected cuts of grain fed beef. All our meals are prepared from fresh and should one wish to add or exclude anything in their meal, it is easily accommodated.Fiamma Grill is situated in a boutique hotel that offers an unique dining experience focused on service, ambience and style.Due to us being a family run restaurant, one can see the enjoyment we get from the close interaction with our guests and the overall experience of “food”. The philosophy behind the restaurant is “to be closely related to our patrons, offer a warm friendly service, and care for the local community”.
Reviewed By hekpoortheksie - Magaliesburg, South Africa
Booked a table for valentine’s day
Specifically asked for a table with sea vieuw , that was absolutely not a problem ! Arrived inside was given a beautiful white rose and a gin and tonic ! All the tables where set beautifully and stunning wooden floors , I understood at 599 per person this was all part of the beginning of our best Valentine’s Day ever !
Wrong ! I was taken to the pool area in my larney suit with take away umbrellas filled with people still from lunch ! If I wanted to sit somewhere casual I would expect a casual price , will come back another time , I feel they just don’t want to turn away any Bookings and make the best of the night they could , but I was to dressed up for a pool party ... sorry next time ..luckily I made an extra booking somewhere else at half the price ...
9. The Galley Beach Bar and Grill
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 398 reviews
Situated Right on The Beach.Specialising in relaxed Seafood dining.The Galley offers spectacular views of the ocean. Boasting 2 outdoor decks where one can sit and watch the dolphins go by whilst sipping on cocktails and eating wild KZN rock oysters , or for more formal dining sit in our main dining room with ocean views from every table .For the young at heart try our Long Board Oyster & Cocktail bar with juke box & large screen TVs. We are child friendly with a kiddies menu and play area & also pet friendly on our outside decks with a Canine Cuisine menu for our four legged friends. We are not a fast food Restaurant but a laid back Island Style Beach Restaurant where one comes to Relax and Enjoy the views of the Ocean whilst savouring some of The Best Seafood on The Beach.
Reviewed By SharksSupporter1 - Durban
Restaurant is situated overlooking the sea and has indoors and outside Seating. We have been to this restaurant many times before and it is a great place to unwind. The service is very prompt, the seafood excellent and the waiters do not push for you to finish but let you relax and enjoy. Will go back.
10. Siggi's German Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4 based on 217 reviews
Reviewed By Adrie_Wahl - Klerksdorp, North-West, South Africa
We always enjoy dining here, as the food and service is great! There is a nice outside play area for kids and a wide variety of beers to taste. The place is very informal and has a nice vibe.The eisbein is very popular and the...MoreHi Adrie Thank You so much for the lovely review, we at Siggis really appreciate the feedback and motivate us to try even harder. We look forward to welcoming you at Siggis again in the near future. Kind Regards Chris
