Ocean Basket Umhlanga (lagoon drive) — Restaurant in KwaZulu-Natal

I am very disappointed with the service received at the Ocean Basket Umhlanga Rocks branch. Our bill was over a R1000 (reference that it was not a small order, and for no other reason). We asked for our order to be brought to the table together, mains and the sides/starter. That we could, as one does when dining out, enjoy our meal together.

So first order went without a hitch, waiter came back and we weren't ready yet to order. Eventually after waiting a while we got the waiter to come take our order. Every time we wanted to order drinks we would have to call her and flag her down almost.

So the waiter comes with our mains, well 2 of them as the other 2 was sushi. Instead of asking can we wait a little longer the sushi is still being prepared... she brings the 2 ocean platters. No garlic rolls, side dish that we ordered, and no salad which was ordered with the platter. Started eating then noticed we aren’t getting our side and salad. Trying to get someone’s attention and having no success, hubby still waiting for his sushi, takes a bathroom break and on his way out advises the waitress of the salad and rolls. Nothing! Not a sorry mam here's your salad nothing, so I eat my meal slowly as I want to enjoy the salad with my meal. Hubby returns still no salad or waitress.

Eventually I stop eating food; now my meal was starting to get cold, waiving down a waiter nothing. Started again to eat my already now cold prawns, here she comes with the salad and a cold drink that was ordered with a milkshake before we started eating. Was advised the milkshake is on its way. The salad was pathetic 90% cucumber 2 halved cherry tomatoes and some onion. I think i saw a slice or 2 of green pepper. The feta which is normally a nice chunk seemed to be halved as it looked thin. After asking for the side garlic bread we ordered with the meal. We were told they don't have. Asking the question why she did not tell us, the excuse was the system bombed out. But she wrote everything down with our food order.

So after the salad was brought some more time passed then the sushi platters arrive. The crab was way over done, very hard almost cracking apart. The wasabi is probably been standing for sometime as it was just green clay no taste no distinctive wasabi burn.

She then eventually she comes with a chocolate milkshake, I had ordered a Bubblegum.

Not once was there a apology or explanation that the food is taking a bit longer nothing. We basically finished our ocean platters when the sushi arrived. We ask for the manager, no acknowledgement nothing, the manager just arrived at our table. He was just not in the mood to listen to us complaining. He was fiddling with his arm. Eventually said can he offer a round of drinks which we declined. He only said he will talk to her, not a sorry, no apology for the bad service nothing.

Hubby then said he will phone the franchise to complain. He did not offer any feedback. We asked for the franchisors number when we were told they can’t give it out, but we can leave our details that he can call us. Which will probably never happen? This OB is situated in a prime location in Umhlanga near the beach. They cannot care. For a place in Umhlanga rocks you would expect more. I will never go there again. And will advise anyone against it. This place has been going backwards for some time now. It is honestly pathetic. Thinking about it they did not even bring their complimentary rolls as you get from other...

We visited this Ocean Basket on 7 March 2017 in the midst of a Listeria histeria in our country. I visited Ocean Basket for it's mostly seafood cuisine to stay safe from processed food or anything that might be Listeriosis contaminated. I ordered a "Platter for 1" for it's variety and because it is my favorite and my wife a "Bite of the Ocean". Our drinks were served and all was fine, but once the condiments arrived I saw the bread, instead of slices of bread, (as at ALL other Ocean Basket francises I've visited) we were served 2 heated mini bread-rolls. The date stickers on the tomatoe sauce bottle for example showed a date somewhere in January 2018 (it weren't sealed bottles) and we decided to rather stay clear of rolls and sauces. When our food eventually arrived, EVERYTHING short of the rice/potatoe chips and calamari rings were OLD. The prawns heads were shrivelled and BLACK (a certain tell-tale of unfresh prawns), the grilled hake portions was soft and mushy and didn't flaked as fresh hake normally does. It rather ,mashed when I tried to fork a portion and had a slighg odour disguised with lemon juice. Even the mussles instead of being flat in the shell, were crumped up in black balls! My favourite, favorite, calamari heads was all leathery and difficult to chew. I tasted about one of each that was on my plate and then complained to the manager. my wife tasted one calamari and a little fish. He promised to 'investigate', however damages to my health might already be done and no amount of investigation will make up for this bad experience. The manager also suggested we ordered another dish but we declined, as the standard of the food are obviously questionable. We'll monitor our health and will surely be visiting our G.P soon as we get back home (Port Elizabeth)

What is really questionable though is the mostly positive reviews this place received on this site. Does it means Umhlanga's residents AND tourists are satisfied with such inferior food or was I "chosen" out for it.

Raymond & Rosina (Humewood,...

My recent dining experience at Ocean Basket in Umhlanga Lagoon Drive left me thoroughly impressed. This was my second visit, and I must say it stands out as one of the best Ocean Basket locations, consistently maintaining high standards of quality and taste.

Having seen numerous TikTok reviews of their lunchtime specials, my companions and I decided to give it a try, and it certainly lived up to the hype. Upon arrival, we were presented with steaming rolls accompanied by the authentic Ocean Basket tzatziki sauce, crushed chili, and crushed garlic, setting the stage for a flavor-packed meal.

For just 89 rand, I indulged in a plate of 6 tender, juicy, and perfectly cooked prawns, bathed in a creamy garlic sauce. Alongside them were 3 plump mussels, also drenched in the same delectable sauce, served with piping hot, fresh, and delightfully crispy chips. It was a mouthwatering combination of flavors and textures that left a lasting impression.

What's even more remarkable is that Ocean Basket's lunch special offerings start at an incredibly affordable 55 rand, making it accessible to a wide range of diners.

In conclusion, Ocean Basket in Umhlanga Lagoon Drive continues to excel in delivering seafood of the highest quality. Their lunchtime specials are a steal, offering fantastic value for money. Whether you're a seafood lover or just looking for a delicious and budget-friendly meal, I highly recommend giving their specials a try. You won't be...