A Guide to Evening Dining in East London

If you are visiting or even a resident in East London, chances are you will be dining out with family and friends at one of the many restaurants in our city.  Here are some of our recommendations for those looking for a great evening meal.

For the World Travellers

If you wish you were travelling abroad but find yourself stuck at home, never fear, just because you cannot travel, does not mean your taste buds must not.  Here are some international cuisines you can enjoy right here in the city.

Cantina & Craft (043 748 2636)

Let’s start by heading to Mexico for some spicy Mexican food and Craft Beer?  Cantina & Craft situated in The Beacon Bay Crossing offers a delicious array of Nachos, Tacos, Fajita, Quesadillas, and Burritos … as well as a range of meals for the not so adventurous.  Select how spicy you would like your food to be (plain, mild or hot) and then sit back and enjoy.  Personally, I like it hot … a great excuse to drink more craft beer.

The Scarlet Ibis (043 722 7950)

It’s Friday night and you want to spoil yourself for getting through the week.  Why not book a dinner at The Scarlet Ibis Restaurant situated inside The Park Place Boutique Guesthouse in Belgravia.  On Friday evenings, The Scarlet Ibis Restaurant offers beautifully crafted international cuisine evenings including Thai, Indian, Ethiopian, Mexican, Greek, Moroccan and Caribbean, to name but a few.  Bookings are essential … and so is a visit … if you can get a reservation.

La Cuisinette (043 748 3964)

If you enjoy simple honest to goodness French inspired homestyle food, La Cuisinette is your choice.  Situated in Palm Square in Beacon Bay, this Restaurant offers a contemporary take on the classics, made with authentic and fresh produce.  They also offer a great range of wines and whiskey and host wine and food pairing evenings for the connoisseurs.  With both indoor and outdoor seating, the balmy summer weather makes alfresco dining under the umbrellas with family and friends, a great way to enjoy a warm summers evening.

Café Neo (043 722 4531)

Situated on East London’s main beachfront, the name Café Neo originates from ‘Kafeneo’ that refers to the Greek Café’s that became the focal point of village life.  This restaurant offers a laid back atmosphere and serves familiar local flavours as well as some authentic Mediterranean signature dishes for the more adventurous.

Shanghai Chinese Restaurant & Sushi Bar (043 748 2998)

If you enjoy eating your food with chopsticks, Shanghai Restaurant offers a range of delicious Chinese dishes as well as hand-made Sushi from their contemporary restaurant situated in Beacon Bay.  If you are in the mood for some mouth watering Peking Roasted Duck, Sweet and Sour Pork, Chow Mein … or some beautifully hand crafted Sushi rated as the best in town, Shanghai is the place to be.

Irana Indian Restaurant (043 721 2231)

No matter what the time is, there is always time for curry.  The Indians know it… it has almost become the national dish of Britain… and here in South Africa, we love it too.  If the words Roti, Basmati, Dhal & Curry get your juices flowing, head off to Irana for your own little taste of India.

For the Carnivores

Meat is meat and a man must eat.  Well men, here are some of our top recommendations when it comes to hunting down a great meat dinner.

The Cricketer (083 659 8899)

While the Cricketer has a dish to suit everyone’s pallet, their specialty is steaks.  Try their ‘Caught & Bowled’, a 250g Sirloin with 3 King Prawns, or if you really are into the meat, why not tuck into their ‘Sticky Wicket’, a 350g Rump topped with a Mushroom Sauce and Biltong.

The Cow Shed (043 735 1513)

While not a steakhouse, the Cow Shed offers patrons a delicious choice of meat dishes including lamb shank, steaks and delicious beef burgers.  Take your time, this is a whole evening affair.

The Galaxy Grill (087 150 2408)

If you are in the Gonubie area, why not enjoy a meal at The Galaxy Grill.  This family friendly restaurant has a lovely atmosphere, is family friendly and offers a choice of meals for everyone … even those who do not want steak.

Family Restaurants

Don’t feel you have to eat in every night if you have a young family.  Here is a list of our recommended family restaurants in and around East London.

Mugg & Bean Vincent Park (043 726 5898)

If you and the family like good food and lots of it, why don’t you give the newly renovated Mugg & Bean Restaurant situated in the Vincent Park Shopping Centre a try?  With both indoor and semi-outdoor seating, this vibey restaurant has a large menu with something to suit the fussiest of eaters.  It is perfect for the family, the stomach and the wallet.

Café Bella Hemingways (043 748 1450)

Situated in Hemingways Mall, Café Bella is a family restaurant offering light meals such as Wraps, Tramazzini, Savoury Pancakes Burgers and Jacket Potatoes.  But let it be said however, while these are all really good, the real reason you go to Café Bella is for the decadent desserts.  Take your children there, they will love you forever … and if it is just you … indulge in a decadent dessert, the likes of which you will not find anywhere else.

Saffron Family Kitchen

The Saffron Family Kitchen is a wonderful family friendly restaurant and is situated in the gardens of the Floradale Nursery, offering both indoor and outdoor dining overlooking their beautiful gardens and a covered patio.

RoccoMamas (043 748 1596)

Home of the famous ‘Smash Burger’, RoccoMamas is a family friendly restaurant situated in The Crossing in Beacon Bay.  Serving family friendly food such as Burgers, Ribs, Wings and Nachos, you are bound to find something to please each member of the family.

The Lighthouse Restaurant (082 321 4182)

Open on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday evenings only, The Lighthouse Restaurant situated inside Umnenga Lodge in Glen Eden is a family friendly restaurant offering light meals as well as some specialty evenings such as Seafood & Curry evenings, Build a Burger evenings and Christmas Day Lunch.  To avoid disappointment it is recommended that you book as seating is limited.

John Dory’s (043 748 6806)

John Dory’s in Beacon Bay is a great family restaurant offering great Sushi, delicious Seafood as well as Grills for those who do not like seafood.  The atmosphere is relaxed, the food is great and there is always something ‘special’ on the menu.

Ocean Basket (VP 043 726 8809 / BB 043 748 3480)

Seafood lovers will not want to miss out on the fantastic seafood available at the Ocean Basket, situated in Vincent Park and Beacon Bay.  These modern restaurants have a cheerful vibe and serves up seafood, sushi and sharing platters.

Spur (VP 043 721 0995 / HM 043 726 1133 / BBRP 043 748 2011)

As the favourite destination for families, Spur Restaurants can be found in The Vincent Park Shopping Centre, Hemingways Mall and Beacon Bay Retail Park.  The menu covers a wide range of meals from burgers to steak and everything in-between.

Fine Dining

Grazia Fine Food (043 722 2009)

Grazia Fine Food is a Fine Dining Restaurant situated on East London’s main beachfront with breathtaking views over the sea.  This beautiful restaurant offers superb food, excellent service and an extensive award wining wine list.

Their extensive menu offers Starters, Salads, Pasta’s, Seafood, a wide range of Mains and desserts.  If you enjoy great wines, superbly prepared food with impeccable service, this is a restaurant you cannot miss.

Laid Back Dining

If you enjoy great food in an informal but beautiful setting, here are some of our recommendations for you when dining out in East London.

Sanook Café (043 721 3215)

Situated in Chamberlain Road, Berea, Sanook Café is a cozy restaurant offering perfectly crafted light meals including pizza, burgers and grills as well as a salads and sandwiches … suitable for the whole family.  The atmosphere is intimate, the food is fantastic and the service is great.  Definitely give this one a try … if you can get in.

Sanook Eatery (043 748 2494)

Equally as good, situated in The Beacon Bay Crossing, the Sanook Eatery offers the same menu as the Café above, but instead of burgers, it offers pasta.  With an extensive wine cellar, great food and excellent service, it is no wonder you need to book well in advance to get into this restaurant.

Jules on Jarvis (073 528 4033)

Situated in the up and coming commercial area of Berea, Jules On Jarvis boasts some epic dishes with an ever-changing menu, keeping it fresh, simple, local & happening. This place is one of the restaurants you simply have to go to if you are visiting East London.

Pub & Grub

If you like your food ‘pub & grub’ style, here are some local ‘joints’ you may want to visit.

Emerald Vale Brewery (043 738 8397)

Situated on a rural country hillside just outside Chintsa East you will find Emerald Vale Brewery.  This Craft Brewery is extremely popular with locals and visitors and offers delicious craft beer with great down to earth ‘grub’.  The venue has indoor and outdoor seating and is suitable for families.  This is one not to miss.  And while you are there … you have to try one of their delicious frosty ales.

Sunsets on Beach

Offering wholesome food in a warm and welcoming setting.  The grub is hot, the beer is chilled and the atmosphere is great… you will not be disappointed!

The Captain’s Table (043 721 0083)

This rustic cozy pub offers value for money fish & chips and steak meals in a laid back environment as chilled as the beers they serve.

Buccaneers Sports Pub and Grill (043 743 5171)

Situated on the East London main beachfront, Buccaneers is an indoor and outdoor pub serving generous portions of food with their ice cold ales.  Their outdoor deck is very popular with the locals and you can even watch the game on their screens.

Emthombeni Restaurant Inkwenkwezi (043 734 3234)

Wednesday evening is Burger evening at Enthombeni Restaurant at the Inkwenkwezi Game Reserve near Chintsa.  So what you may ask?  Well on Wednesday evening, you stand a chance of winning 24 cases of beer if you can eat 2 of their hamburgers in an hour.  No my friends, that is not a side-plate that you are seeing, it is a dinner plat with the largest burger you will ever see in South Africa.  This has become an institution in East London and is a must for all visitors to the area.