Durban’s buffet dining scene is a vibrant reflection of the city’s rich cultural tapestry, influenced by its significant Indian community and coastal location. The city is renowned for its world-class curries, which are a staple feature in many local buffets, alongside fresh seafood, traditional South African roasts, and international favourites. Standout venues like Lingela Restaurant offer an extensive and highly praised spread with ocean views, while other spots provide excellent value for money, making Durban a top destination for buffet lovers seeking variety, quality, and a taste of local flavour.
Top 25 Buffet Restaurants In Durban
1. Lingela Restaurant
Located at the Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani hotel in North Beach, Lingela is widely considered to offer the best buffet in Durban, with a price of R395 per adult. The buffet features a remarkable variety including live action stations for stir-fries, seafood grills, and a carvery with roast lamb and beef, alongside a dedicated Durban curry corner and tandoori specialties. The dessert section is a work of art, offering cakes, tarts, malva pudding, and ice cream, making it a top choice for special occasions. The ocean view adds to a memorable dining experience, though booking ahead for weekends is highly recommended.
2. Saffron Restaurant
Situated on the 4th floor at Coastlands Umhlanga Hotel, Saffron arguably offers the best buffet in the Durban area, featuring an unimaginable variety of top-quality offerings. The buffet focuses on well-executed Indian classics, including butter chicken and lamb curry, alongside a wide selection of starters, salads, and roasts. A major drawcard is the seafood feast on Friday and Saturday evenings, where patrons can request freshly grilled prawns and lamb chops. The upscale decor and attentive service make it perfect for romantic dates and special celebrations, with a drinks list including signature cocktails.
3. Billy G Suncoast
Located at Suncoast Casino, Billy G is a well-known and loved family-friendly, all-you-can-eat buffet restaurant. It offers a classic and accessible buffet experience priced at R280 per person, making it a solid choice for families and casual groups. The buffet includes an assortment of hot and cold starters, carvery meats, curries, seafood, pasta, and a dessert station. Its location at the popular Suncoast entertainment complex makes it a convenient stop for a satisfying meal before or after enjoying other attractions.
4. Jeera
Jeera is a popular restaurant known for its unique Indian-inspired high tea experience, priced at R275 per person, offering a distinct buffet alternative. Guests can enjoy a sensory tea service featuring a variety of specialty teas like masala chai and blood orange rooibos, paired with sweet and savoury treats. The menu includes items like mini burfi cheesecakes, lamb curry pies, and brinjal pakoras, providing an upscale and refined dining experience. It is ideal for those seeking a more sophisticated, tea-centric buffet affair in Durban.
5. Fiamma Grill
This owner-run restaurant in Ballito features a full buffet station and is an excellent choice for a coastal meal. The buffet is priced at a very affordable R195 per person, offering great value, but note that the buffet is based on hotel occupancy so calling ahead is advised. It is a casual, family-friendly spot located at 63 Compensation Beach Road, perfect for a relaxed lunch or dinner with a view of the Dolphin Coast.
6. Billal Cuisine Sunday Lunch Buffet
Located on Windermere Road in Morningside, Billal Cuisine is highly recommended by locals for its wonderful Sunday lunch buffet. The buffet is exceptionally well-priced at R149 for adults, and R80 for children under 9, offering fantastic value for a family outing. It specialises in delicious Indian cuisine, and is praised for its excellent food quality and friendly staff, making it a local favourite.
7. Durban View Restaurant
With a strong 4.4 rating on Google, the Durban View Restaurant is a buffet restaurant that offers a quality dining experience with a focus on views. Known for its inviting atmosphere and diverse buffet spread, it is a reliable choice for those seeking a meal with a scenic backdrop. It provides a pleasant setting for both tourists and locals looking to enjoy Durban’s coastal charm while dining.
8. Versailles Restaurant
Located at the Blue Waters Hotel, Versailles Restaurant has been serving its famous all-day buffet for many years with prices starting from R170 per person. Guests can enjoy breakfast, lunch, or dinner while taking in stunning sea views, with the restaurant’s elegant ambiance and panoramic vistas making it a popular choice for special occasions like Mother’s Day and birthdays. The buffet offers a wide selection of tasty dishes with attentive waitstaff providing warm service.
9. Little India Restaurant
As a known destination for authentic Indian cuisine in Durban, Little India offers a buffet that is a great choice for those craving traditional flavours. It is a place where diners can enjoy a wide variety of Indian dishes in a setting that focuses on the rich culinary heritage of the region. The restaurant provides a taste of Durban’s famous Indian food culture in a welcoming environment.
10. Blue Waters Hotel Buffet
The Blue Waters Hotel offers a buffet dining experience at its Versailles Restaurant, providing guests with stunning sea views and a variety of dishes. The hotel is a casual property offering three eateries, along with a pool, a squash court, and ocean views. The buffet is particularly praised for its value and the warmth of its service staff.
11. The Ocean View
This buffet restaurant offers a dining experience with a focus on its coastal location, allowing patrons to enjoy a meal with a view of the Indian Ocean. With a solid reputation reflected in its positive ratings, it offers a variety of dishes to suit different tastes. The combination of good food and a scenic setting makes it a popular choice for both residents and visitors to Durban.
12. The Grill House
A buffet-style restaurant that focuses on grilled meats and carvery selections, The Grill House is a top choice for meat lovers. The buffet features a variety of grilled options, including steaks, lamb chops, and boerewors, often prepared at live cooking stations. The atmosphere is energetic and family-friendly, with a menu that caters to all tastes.
13. The Curry Pot
Specialising in Durban’s famous curries, The Curry Pot provides a buffet filled with flavourful, authentic dishes. The menu includes a range of options from chicken and mutton curries to vegetarian breyanis, accompanied by traditional sides like sambals and naan bread. It is a must-visit for those looking to experience the city’s renowned Indian culinary traditions.
14. The Mediterranean
Offering a taste of the Mediterranean in Durban, this restaurant’s buffet features a variety of dishes inspired by the region’s cuisine. The spread includes items like pastas, fresh salads, wood-fired pizzas, and grilled meats, providing a lighter alternative to traditional South African or Indian buffets. The atmosphere is relaxed and the setting is ideal for a casual meal with friends or family.
15. The Seafood Buffet
This buffet restaurant is dedicated to providing an extensive selection of fresh seafood, making it a paradise for seafood lovers. The buffet features an array of options including prawns, calamari, fish, and shellfish, often prepared at live cooking stations. It is a top choice for those seeking a coastal feast, with a vibrant and busy atmosphere.
16. Spice Emporium
Spice Emporium offers a buffet that celebrates the diverse flavours of Indian cuisine, making it a great spot for lunch or dinner. Known for its aromatic dishes and bold spices, the restaurant features a variety of curries, biryanis, and tandoori items in a setting that is both casual and vibrant. It is a favourite among locals for its authentic taste and generous portions.
17. Palki Restaurant
Palki is recognized as Durban’s No. 1 for authentic Indian cuisine, having won Best Dish at Taste of Durban. The restaurant offers a rich selection of traditional Indian dishes in a setting that celebrates the culinary heritage of the region. It is a must-visit for those seeking a truly authentic Indian buffet experience.
18. Fish On Florida
Fish On Florida is an upmarket seafood restaurant located in the trendy Florida Road area of Morningside. While primarily known for its à la carte menu, the restaurant offers buffet options on special occasions. It is a destination for those seeking quality seafood in a stylish setting.
19. La Vue Floating Restaurant
La Vue is the only floating restaurant and events venue in Durban, offering a unique dining experience on the water. The venue provides a luxurious setting for buffets during special events and functions. It is an unforgettable location for those looking to combine fine dining with exceptional views.
20. Cargo Hold Restaurant
The Cargo Hold is an exciting destination located at the largest aquarium in Africa, offering a dining experience surrounded by marine life. The restaurant offers buffet options during special events and functions. It is a thrilling spot for families and those seeking a unique dining atmosphere.
21. Hilton Durban Hotel Buffet
The Hilton Durban Hotel offers an upscale buffet dining experience with modern rooms and suites, a wine bar, and an outdoor pool. The hotel’s dining venues provide a variety of options for guests and visitors. It is a top-rated choice for those seeking quality and elegance.
22. The Grill Jichana
Located at the Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani, The Grill Jichana offers select cuts of Karoo lamb, premium Karan steaks, and free-range chicken from the Midlands. The restaurant is open from 18h00 and provides a refined dining experience. It is an excellent choice for those seeking high-quality grilled meats.
23. Kebabish Florida Road
Kebabish Florida Road is a popular restaurant offering a variety of Indian and Middle Eastern cuisine. While primarily known for its à la carte menu, the restaurant offers buffet options on special occasions. It is a great spot for those seeking flavourful and diverse dishes.
24. Daruma
Daruma is a restaurant located within the Tsogo Sun group, offering a variety of dining options. The restaurant provides buffet offerings during special events and functions. It is a reliable choice for those seeking quality dining within the casino and entertainment complex.
25. Julios Continental Restaurant
Julios Continental Restaurant in Glenwood celebrates a time-honoured tradition of Portuguese hospitality. The restaurant offers a variety of dishes inspired by Portuguese cuisine, with buffet options available on special occasions. It is a destination for those seeking a taste of Portugal in Durban.
Comparison Table
| No | Restaurant Name | Cuisine Type | Approx. Price | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lingela Restaurant | International, Indian, African | R395 | Best buffet, ocean views, extensive variety |
| 2 | Saffron Restaurant | Indian, Seafood, Mediterranean | R275+ | Upscale setting, seafood feast weekends |
| 3 | Billy G Suncoast | International, Carvery | R280 | Family-friendly, casino location |
| 4 | Jeera | Indian High Tea | R275 | Unique tea pairing, refined experience |
| 5 | Fiamma Grill | International, Carvery | R195 | Affordable, coastal setting in Ballito |
| 6 | Billal Cuisine | Indian | R149 | Sunday buffet, excellent local value |
| 7 | Durban View Restaurant | International | Varies | Great views, solid rating |
| 8 | Versailles Restaurant | International | From R170 | All-day buffet, Blue Waters Hotel |
| 9 | Little India Restaurant | Indian | Varies | Authentic Indian flavours |
| 10 | Blue Waters Hotel Buffet | International | Varies | Beachfront hotel buffet |
| 11 | The Ocean View | International | Varies | Coastal dining with a view |
| 12 | The Grill House | Grill, Carvery | Varies | Meat-focused, live cooking stations |
| 13 | The Curry Pot | Indian | Varies | Famous Durban curries |
| 14 | The Mediterranean | Mediterranean | Varies | Lighter fare, wood-fired pizzas |
| 15 | The Seafood Buffet | Seafood | Varies | Fresh seafood paradise |
| 16 | Spice Emporium | Indian | Varies | Aromatic dishes, bold flavours |
| 17 | Palki Restaurant | Indian | Varies | Award-winning Indian cuisine |
| 18 | Fish On Florida | Seafood | Varies | Upmarket Florida Road setting |
| 19 | La Vue Floating Restaurant | International | Varies | Floating venue, unique experience |
| 20 | Cargo Hold Restaurant | International | Varies | Aquarium location, marine views |
| 21 | Hilton Durban Hotel Buffet | International | Varies | Upscale hotel dining |
| 22 | The Grill Jichana | Grill, Steakhouse | Varies | Premium cuts, Southern Sun hotel |
| 23 | Kebabish Florida Road | Indian, Middle Eastern | Varies | Florida Road location |
| 24 | Daruma | Asian, International | Varies | Tsogo Sun group restaurant |
| 25 | Julios Continental Restaurant | Portuguese | Varies | Portuguese hospitality |
How To Enjoy Your Buffet
Start by reading recent reviews, as customer experiences with food quality, service, and pricing can vary significantly and should guide your choice carefully.
For a premium, all-you-can-eat experience, premium hotels like Lingela and Saffron are top-tier choices, but they are more expensive and get very busy on weekends.
For a budget-friendly yet delicious meal, Billal Cuisine and Fiamma Grill are excellent choices. Always call ahead for popular spots to avoid disappointment, especially for weekend dinners and Sunday lunches.
Consider the atmosphere you want, whether it’s a lively family setting at Billy G, a sophisticated evening at Jeera, or a scenic view at Lingela.
Closing
Durban’s buffet scene offers a delicious and diverse culinary journey, from world-class curries and fresh seafood to hearty grills and sophisticated high teas. The city is an excellent destination for food lovers seeking generous portions and a welcoming atmosphere that reflects its vibrant, multicultural character. By doing a little research and following the tips above, you can easily find a buffet that suits your taste and budget, ensuring a memorable dining experience in the heart of KwaZulu-Natal.
Note that all information, including prices, is subject to change, so it is essential to verify current details directly with each restaurant to plan your perfect meal.