Aah Pizza… the comfort food of champions and children’s delight all over the world. There’s a lot to be said for these quick bites of cheesy deliciousness which seem to be available wherever you go.
Forget the fast food outlets when you take a cheap flight to visit South Africa’s city of perennial sunshine, you’ll find loads of more traditional alternatives when you arrive in KwaZulu-Natal. Here’s our top selection.
LupaOsteria – Durban, Westville and Durban North
With outlets in Durban, Westville and Durban North, you’ll find aLupa within easy reach during your travels to the East Coast. These trendy eateries comply with even the fussiest Italian standards, offering a comprehensive variety of pasta and insalata to boot.
Toppings are generous and include over 10 choices and the option to add buffalo mozzarella if preferred. Unless you go gluten, all pizza bases are crafted from imported Italian ’00’ flour, Italian tomatoes and fine mozzarella.
Hayways Gourmet Pizza and Baguettes –Gillits
Family-friendly and beloved by the upper highway upper crust, Hayways crafts delicate thin-based pizzas out of authentic Italian-style dough.
If you like to step away from the ordinary, Hayways has got you covered with unique combinations of gourmet toppings. There’s the biltong, feta and avo creation; peppadew, feta and ham; as well as chicken, honey mustard, peppers, brie and cherry tomatoes among the 27 combinations available.
The Chairman – Point
For something completely different, head to this eclectic bar and restaurant styled in the fashion of a gentlemen’s club. Here you will find one of the most exciting wine lists in town to wash down your bar snacks and South African-inspired pizzas.
Try the Shisanyamawhich sports a chakalaka base, braaied steak and mozzarella or the Mfino with African spinach, mushrooms and feta. Who can resist the AFB which is adorned with (you guessed it) avo, feta and bacon.
Heading North – La Lucia
Just across the Umgeni River you find the swish suburb of La Lucia at the tip of KwaZulu-Natal’s Dolphin Coast.
Al Firenze, La Lucia
The quaint red-and-white checked tablecloths and wood-burning oven are a dead giveaway that this is the place to be for Italian eats in the area. Locals agree, and Al Firenze seems to be the lunchtime hangout for anyone in the area.
Delicious pastas and a great vegetarian offering add to the appeal. Veggies can fulfil their thin-crust cravings with toppings of artichokes, green pepper, olives, asparagus and mushroom, while the chicken, onion, mushrooms and chilli pizza suits those who want to steer clear of bacon, salami or similarly rich accompaniments.
Bel Punto – Umdloti
Anywhere you dine in the seaside village of Umdloti you are almost guaranteed of a seaview and so it is at Bel Punto. Located along the main road seafront, Bel Punto boasts a large terrace with floor to ceiling windows and spectacular views.
The menu is comprehensive featuring fresh seafood and excellent quick bites. Among these you’ll find the Capri Pizza with Italian tomato, pancetta, spinach and feta, as well as the Pescatore with its topping of mussels, calamari and plump prawns.
Meander Inland – The Midlands
If you’re heading for the Midlands (and you should during your stay in Durban) you’ll find two outstanding purveyors of pizza excellence on the strip.
Il Postino
Perfectly placed among the pastoral scenes of the Dargle, you can pop in to Il Postino no matter which direction you start your Meander from. Here you’ll find thin-base handmade pizzas fresh out of a wood-fired oven and topped with locally-sourced produce.
Try the Midlands Medley featuring mozzarella, caramelised onion, camembert and basil pesto or the All Sud Africana with its cherry tomatoes, onion, biltong and boerewors topping. You can opt for gluten-free or turn your pizza into a calzone for a small extra fee.
La Lampara
At La Lampara in Caversham Road, which is just off the R103, you can try something different every week as that‘s how often they change the menu. Some of the regulars you’ll find are the Greco pizza with feta, spinach, sundried and fresh tomatoes and the Pescatore with garlic and prawns. Apart from that it’s pizza pot luck at La Lampara.
Make the Most of Durban
There’s more to Durban than any kind of dining that you desire. Don’t miss the chance to lap up the sunshine on golden beaches, surf some of the coasts most sought after waves, indulge in the thumping nightlife or enjoy historical sites.
With so many great options of cheap flights to Durban on all the leading SA-Airlines, there’s nothing stopping you from popping in for a weekend, a week, or as long as it takes to get your fill of KwaZulu-Natal’s fabulous coastline. Compare prices here and get going.