Christmas lunch: Where to enjoy festive feasting in Durban

Sometimes, the feasting part of the festive season get’s too much and all you want is a magic elf or two to take care of all of the cooking and cleaning up. If that sounds a lot like your wish for Christmas lunch this year, here are the restaurants who will give you just that, plus a decked out festive vibe to ensure that this holiday season is one of merriment. 

The Big Easy Wine Bar & Grill

Location: North Beach

Enjoy a five-course meal and a cheese board.

Cost: R750 per person (and half-price for children under 12).

The Grill Room

Location: The Oyster Box in Umhlanga

Enjoy a lavishly extensive festive menu, in a seven-course set menu affair for Christmas Eve dinner. To finish will be a cheese platter and petit fours.

Cost: R2250 per person

Granny Mouse Country House Restaurant

Location: Howick

A five-course menu with a wine pairing at this recently refurbished restaurant.

Cost: R790 per person

La Pizza Pazza

Location: Kloof

A carvary will be on offer for Christmas lunch, alongside a buffet and dessert selection in this homely Italian atmosphere. 

Cost: R345 per person (and R195 for children under 12).

Moyo

Location: Ushaka

Celebrate an African-styled Christmas with a set menu and a welcome drink. There will be  live entertainment for guests to enjoy. 

Cost: R375 per adult (R195 for children between four to 12, children younger than 3 eat for free).

Vasco’s

Location: Durban

Enjoy a buffet selection of the restaurant’s best for Christmas lunch, situated at the Hilton Hotel.

Cost: R655 per person.

Cargo Hold

Location: uShaka Marine World

Imagine fine dining with the sharks this Christmas. Cargo Hold is set among nautical life in the Phantom ship, with views of both the ocean and shark tank. 

Head Chef Warren Frantz and his team have created a menu to match the vintage and chic decor, offering something for everyone – catering to vegetarians , light eaters and those who prefer a hearty meal. This menu is currently available and will be until 25 December 2019.

For Starters:

• Tian of prawn, avocado and salmon trout (featuring orange, grapefruit and oak leaf salad with citrus flavoured fruit)
• Tomato veloute (confit baby tomatoes, parmesan, red pepper and olive cream)
• Marinated grilled calamari (cucumber yoghurt raita, cous cous salad and basil oil)
• Prosciutto wrapped camembert (cranberry sauce, fig preserve and herb salad).

For mains: 

• Line fish (basmati rice, pomme frittes and lemon butter sauce)
• Lamb (parmesan pomme puree, beetroot, butternut and gooseberry jus)
• Prawns national (basmati rice, pomme frittes and peri peri sauce)
• Fillet of beef (oxtail phyllo, butternut puree, mushrooms, gnocchi and parsley oil)
• Mushroom risotto (with parmesan cheese and truffle oil).

For Dessert: 

• Traditional rich brandy laced Christmas pudding (accompanied by brandy cream sauce)
• Amarula cheesecake (butterscotch sauce, biscuit base and orange syrup) 
• Strawberries, white chocolate and coconut (white chocolate mousse, poached strawberry gel, coconut sorbet and meringue).  

Cost: For a  three course meal including a starter, main course and dessert, the cost is R355 per person. A two course meal of either the starter and main course or the main course and dessert, will cost R295 per person.

If you’re in Durban this festive season and would like to indulge in a Christmas lunch feast that has been taken care of for you, these restaurants have you sorted.