Upmarket Beach Vibe Returns to Ballito Village

Ballito’s lower village now has all the trappings of the trendiest tourist destinations – a Vibrant Upmarket Beach Vibe.

The Beach Hut has recently opened in the ‘old’ Ballito Village.

With the recent launch of The Beach Hut (a breakfast bistro style cafe) and Hugo Palacio’s Eat Local Grill Restaurant at the Balvista Centre in Ballito’s ‘old’ Village, the area now has all the trappings of a chic European holiday town on a par with the French Cote Azure or Italian Riviera: Quaint Cobbled streets, Azure seas, clear skies and vibrant nightclubs included!

Dolphin Coast local girl, Joanne Lovett recently returned from many years abroad with her Scottish husband Michael Ovens and the pair have opened The Beach Hut – a beautifully appointed breakfast/lunch cafe.

With a surname like ‘Ovens’ he jokes he had little option but to find a place in a kitchen, but in truth, Michael Ovens is a consummate chef and has added his unique influence to the menu. In authentic Scottish fashion, items such as ‘Haggis’ (a savoury pudding containing sheep’s pluck (heart, liver and lungs); minced with onion, oatmeal, suet, spices, and salt, mixed with stock, and traditionally encased in the animal’s stomach and simmered for approximately three hours) and Black Pudding (sausage made from pig’s blood) appear on the menu. But for those a little squeamish, Joanne has also made sure there is ample ‘traditional’ fare from their world travels too: The English Breakfast (Bacon and Eggs), Continental Breakfast (Pastries, cheeses and cold meats) and American Breakfast (Pancakes with toppings) are delicious alternatives to the Celtic flavors. A few items on the menu are a little different to what South African are used to, but the wrapped Pork Belly is proving a firm favorite as well as the West Coast Mussels, flown in fresh daily.

Although primarily a breakfast / lunch venue, The Beach Hut is open on Friday and Saturday evenings for dinner.

Incorporating the success of the wood fired pizza ovens at Mamma G’s and family friendly vibes, Eat Local Grill also features Argentinian styled meat dishes.

Eat Local Grill is open for business in the lower Ballito village.

These latest business ventures now add to the trending vibe of this precinct of cosmopolitan delights and flavors. In the European style, take a stroll from one quaint eatery to another, enjoy the sunny morning ambiance or ready yourself for a mellow evening of wining, dining followed by dancing at one of the local nightclubs…

The Galley Beach Bar and Grill offers casual dining meals above Ballito’s popular boardwalk with fantastic breaker views of surfers, dolphins and beach activities.  Tel 0329462546

Gianni’s Ristorante has the casually chic ambiance of Italy’s finest establishments. Perched above the boardwalk, Gianni’s offers panoramic views over the ocean as far as the eye can see. GREAT spot to watch a storm rolling in over the sea while enjoying Carpaccio! Tel: 0329463217

Concha Cafe is the perfect blend of artisan bakery and streetside cafe. Freshly baked goods fresh from the oven, coffees, light meals and super desserts. Tel: 032 815 2992

East Oasis Woodfire Grill: Light lunches into an evening cocktail lounge with cocktails, craft beer and wine bar. Upmarket, the place to meet before hitting the clubs… East Oasis Grill – Tel 032 586 1034

Sawagat: With the more delicate flavors and spices of Northern India, Sawagat offers authentic Indian cuisine – many of the dishes are cooked in a traditional clay oven from recipes of owners Kumar and Jasbir’s own mothers!Tel 0325861384

If the daylight is reserved for piazza style outdoor dining, then the night has to be for fun and dance with friends. The Mediterranean penchant for late night clubbing is alive and thriving in Ballito’s coastal village.

Crush Nightclub has resident and celebrity DJ’s spinning the latest…doors open at 8pm but expect the crowds only after 10.

Shakers Cocktail Bar was established in 2007 and popular among the 30-somethings. Join in for a free Salsa Lesson or simply hang out with friends.

With something to suit every palate, we can only hope, with eager anticipation, for an influx of high end retail opportunities to follow…Prada, Gucci, Versace…Sigh! A girl can only dream…