Cafes - Durban | ArrivalGuides.com

CafesGuide was updated: July 4, 2025

Coffee culture is on the rise in Durban, with an increasing number of coffee shops springing up year after year. The city's colonial past still shows in the high tea offered at upscale hotels, such as The Royal Hotel.

The Glenwood Bakery

This delightful artisan bakery in Glenwood bakes fresh bread and pastries, and is a sought-after breakfast spot in the neighbourhood. The bakery warrants a visit for either a quick snack (sandwiches and bagels are to die for), a more substantial meal or just a dessert. Bread is hand-formed and made with organic rye. Eggs Benedict served on Saturdays, and buckwheat blinis are a Sunday special. Stop by on Monday and Friday for pizza and pasta evenings (5pm–9pm).

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Circus Circus Beach Cafe

The sweet waterfront cafe is a popular breakfast spot with a total of four locations around Durban. You can choose from several delicious yet incredibly affordable options, from individual dishes to full breakfast sets. Open for lunch and dinner, with pastas, burgers, meats and fish dominating the menu.

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Sunrise Chip 'n Ranch

Sunrise Chip 'n Ranch (known locally as "Johnny's") is a local institution, a legendary establishment whose seedy facade should by no means deter you. Locals come here for the one-of-kind atmosphere and, naturally, the delicious stuffed Indian roti rolls too large for a single diner to handle.

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Spiga

Spiga is a restaurant whose food and service measure up to its prime setting. It serves excellent Italian all through the day, offers a breakfast menu and boast a rather extensive drink list.

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Milky Lane

Milky Lane's several locations across Durban serve decadent ice creams with multiple toppings available, artisan milkshakes, special ice cream blends, waffles, and more. The joint is a popular spot for a sweet breakfast or indulgent daytime dessert.

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Mayfair Cafe

One of our top picks for breakfast and lunch in Durban North is Mayfair Cafe — a trendy locals' favourite serving up a concise lunch menu of internationally-inspired dishes and elevated breakfast classics. Do not leave without having a coffee paired with one of their many sweet treat offerings.

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Cafe Jiran

Beachfront Cafe Jiran serves some of the best coffees on the promenade, with multiple delectable food options to complement the drink list. The cafe doubles as a well-regarded local restaurant in the evenings. Outdoor seating is available.

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Surf Riders Cafe

Its proximity to one of favourite surfer haunts — Durban's North Beach — makes this hip waterfront eatery a favourite for daytime dining within the local surf community. The menu is pleasantly varied, featuring burgers, pizzas, breakfasts, beer on tap and even cocktails.

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Vida e Caffè

A no-frills coffee joint with several locations across Durban, Vida e Caffè serves multiple varieties of coffee, freshly pressed orange juice, several snack items, salads, sandwiches, wraps, and some breakfast foods such as frittata, as well as delightful desserts.

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Cafes in Durban

The Glenwood Bakery

Circus Circus Beach Cafe

Sunrise Chip 'n Ranch

Spiga

Milky Lane

Mayfair Cafe

Cafe Jiran

Surf Riders Cafe

Vida e Caffè