Best Restaurants on the KZN North Coast: 27 Places from Zimbali to Zinkwazi

This is our pick of 27 restaurants between Zimbali and Zinkwazi, town by town. It is a selection, not a ranking, and we did not eat our way through it for this guide. Each place is here for a reason we can point to: decades in business, a local vote, a view, a cuisine nobody else on this coast does, or being the good option in a small village. Each was confirmed as trading in October 2026. Hours change, so book or check before you go.

Pick by occasion

• A sea view: Al Pescatore (4) in Ballito, and Sala Beach House (16) above Thompson's Bay.
• With children: Donna Modern Italian (22), which has a supervised playground, and Siggi's (18), which has a playground and a beer garden.
• Been here longest: Al Pescatore since 1989, Siggi's since 2008 and La Piazza since 2013.
• New in 2026: Big Easy Winebar and Grill (3) and Kung Thai (21).
• Voted for by locals: Mozambik (5), La Piazza (6) and Alchemy (15) have won in every edition of the Best of Ballito awards. That is a public vote, so it measures popularity and not a critic's opinion.
• Worth the drive inland: Abbiocco (25), for handmade pasta on a farm in Umhlali.

Zimbali

The restaurants inside Zimbali Estate are behind the estate gates, so book first and ask the restaurant how entry works. Zimbali Lakes is open to the public.

1. Fireroom Sushi and Grill, The Capital Zimbali. Sushi and steak, turning into a supper club at night. Reservations required.
2. The Copper Restaurant and Bar, The Capital Zimbali. The hotel's main restaurant, with a large menu, a buffet and themed evenings.
3. Big Easy Winebar and Grill, Zimbali Lakes. Ernie Els's restaurant at the new clubhouse, open to the public since May 2026. Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Ballito

4. Al Pescatore. Italian with sea views, open since 1989. It calls itself Ballito's oldest restaurant.
5. Mozambik. Afro-Portuguese, and a winner in every edition of the Best of Ballito awards.
6. La Piazza. Italian, established in 2013, and another Best of Ballito regular.
7. Fiamma Grill. Sushi, pizza, pasta and grills at the Coco de Mer Boutique Hotel on Compensation Beach Road.
8. Kuta-Kola. Breakfast, lunch and cocktails on Compensation Beach Road. Daytime only.
9. The Fig Tree at Simbithi Country Club. Inside the estate, and open to the public.
10. Butcher Boys. The steakhouse, on Jack Powell Road.

At the Ballito Lifestyle Centre

11. SOI 55 Thai Eatery. Thai street food and curries cooked over an open flame, listed among Eat Out's Neighbourhood Gems.
12. Beira Alta. Portuguese with an African influence, known for flame-grilled chicken and prawns.
13. Lupa Osteria. Pasta, antipasti and pizza.
14. Attikos. Greek, with shared plates and a coal grill.
15. Alchemy. A cocktail bar with sharing plates and gin tastings, open late, and a Best of Ballito winner.

More detail on the Ballito ones is in where to eat in Ballito.

Shaka's Rock

16. Sala Beach House. The restaurant of a boutique hotel above Thompson's Bay. Non-guests can book lunch and dinner, by reservation only.

Salt Rock

17. Salt Rock Hotel. Curries, wood-fired pizza and a Sunday buffet lunch at the hotel that started the village.
18. Siggi's German Restaurant and Pub. Eisbein, schnitzel and German draught beer, with a beer garden.
19. Ray's Kitchen. A bistro in the Dunkirk Estate clubhouse.
20. Mimosa. Brunch, cafe food and a bar at the Sage Centre.
21. Kung Thai. The Durban North Thai favourite opened a Salt Rock branch at the New Salt Rock Shopping Centre in early 2026.
22. Donna Modern Italian. Italian, with a supervised playground for children.
23. Butcher and Wine. Grill, sushi and a bar.
24. Mac's Fish and Chips. At Tiffany's Shopping Centre, open seven days a week.

Our Salt Rock guide has the rest of the village.

Umhlali

25. Abbiocco. Handmade pasta at Burnedale Farm Centre. Lunch from Wednesday to Sunday and dinner on Fridays.
26. Burnedale Bistro. The farm's coffee bistro and restaurant, open seven days a week.

See our Umhlali guide.

Zinkwazi

27. Raffia Restaurant, Zinkwazi Lagoon Lodge. Breakfast, lunch and dinner on the lagoon.

Good to know

• Club Med at Tinley Manor does not sell day passes, so its restaurants are for guests only.
• No restaurant between Zimbali and Zinkwazi holds a star in the 2026 Eat Out awards. The nearest is Tyler's in eMdloti. The local measure is the Best of Ballito awards, which drew more than 312,000 votes in 2026.
• In December, book. Everything fills up.

Planning a day around lunch? See things to do on the KZN North Coast.