2 Best Restaurants in Umhlanga, KwaZulu-Natal and Durban

This chic outpost of Old Town Italy is a cleaned-up, thoroughly modern version of an old-fashioned Italian delicatessen, with a restaurant serving simple, wholesome fare, that seats patrons indoors and outside on the pavement—a favorite in warm weather. Order a platter of the finest, cured meats or cheeses; heartier appetites may look to Cobb salad or Florentine Tomahawk steak. There's a wide selection of Italian wines available, too. The white metro tiles and plenty of wood detail create a fresh, inviting space. The real joy of this place is browsing the various "stations" inside for homemade sauces, fresh pasta and salami, cooked lasagna to heat up at home, fresh veggies, and a selection of (pricey) Italian-inspired gifts. The location may seem strange—away from the beach and near designer kitchen outlets, but every meticulous detail makes sense.

Follow your stomach 15 minutes north of Umhlanga to Umdloti where you'll dine on Italian fare with a contemporary twist. The seafood is outstanding—think line fish baked in the wood-fired pizza oven and perfectly cooked calamari or prawns done in a garlic, white wine, tomato, cream, and chili sauce. Italian staples like pastas, pizzas, and risotto also hit the spot. The wine list is noteworthy and waiters are knowledgeable, although there are sometimes delays with food when the restaurant is busy. To make the most of the gorgeous sea views, book for lunch or an early dinner.