Ah, brunch. The meal that allows you to sleep in guilt-free and still feel like you achieved something before midday. I’m a fan. Never mind that sneaky moment the clock strikes 12 and a mimosa sidles up alongside your Eggs Benedict. If you’re also a believer in the later-than-9am breakfast, here are a few wonderful Durban brunch spots in and around town to spice up lazy weekends.
Durban brunch spots you’ll keep going back to:
#1 | Savior Café
Set in the leafy hipster town of Glenwood, colonial-styled Savior Café does its part by adding to the arty vibes. And by emphasizing local trade; they are extremely proud of their partnership with SA’s Long Miles Coffee blend. The coffee menu rivals a fairly lengthy brunch menu, where my interest was piqued – and my appetite soon satisfied – by the Wholemeal Pikelets and Bacon. For any laymen out there, that’s fancy talk for pancakes. Locals will love the wooden floors and high ceilings, typical of old-school Durban homes, as well as the café’s highly popular big ol’ breakfast burger. In true hipster style, there are two gorgeous yoga studios within walking distance as well.
#2 | Sage Café
I know, I know. For Durban locals, anything beyond a 10 – minute drive can seem preposterous, but this Ballito day-time institution is definitely worth it. Especially if you take the scenic route via the M4, which boasts views of our seascape at its finest. And even more so if you have riotous kids to entertain. As do most wise restaurateurs in this young family suburbia, Sage gets the fusion of child-friendly and fresh sophistication just right. Keep it simple with eggs on toast, or take your brunch to the next level with Eggs Florentine Benedict (still keeping the bacon in for good measure). If it ticks over to midday, you’ll love their gourmet burgers, wood-fired pizzas, deli-style flavours and (my favourite) mezze platters. This is one (near) Durban brunch spot I guarantee will become a family favourite.
#3 | African Roots Coffee
As one of Durban’s newest developments on the Umhlanga strip, these African roots are pretty fresh. The locally sourced, premium single-origin coffee is the star of the show here (rivaled only by the gorgeous interiors), and you can enjoy a cuppa prepared by talented baristas, with the ocean so close you can smell it. The menu is simple, but equipped with all your favourites, and supplemented with exceptional teas and artisan fruit juices. As all good Durban brunch spots should be, it’s also armed with a fresh (and extensive) selection of pastries and cakes.
#4 | Carlien on the Boulevard
This upmarket, family-run brunch spot adds a little tradition to Umhlanga’s New Town. Of course, an English breakfast makes an appearance on the menu, but so do SA favourites like curried mince alongside poached eggs, grilled cherry tomatoes and toast. And if you want a homemade pie for breakfast…. Well, no one’s judging. They’ve got an excellent menu overall, and the atmosphere is that of your local bakery, grocery and café – all rolled into one.
