Olive & Oil — Restaurant in KwaZulu-Natal

I returned to Durban on holiday and of course had to try out Olive & Oil again, in Umhlanga after their revamp which has included new dishes on their menu. We can see how popular the restaurant is, on a week day many of all ages are dining for lunch enjoying the food.

We were greeted upon arrival in an exceptionally friendly & professional manner. I noticed the revamp immediately with a NEW private dining area for functions, the addition of a cellar and a kids play area at the back with food all, PlayStation and toys. (Kids eat free on Sundays) On the balcony there was a birthday and free wine (contact the restaurant for more information on group bookings and the freebie as you need to subscribe to the database)

Let’s get to the food; I rarely give a place five stars...A bowl of starter olives were placed on the table - some of the most delicious olives we’ve had and this was just the start. The waiter was exceptionally knowledgeable with regards to the menu, the favorites and the most popular dishes. For drinks we decided to have the two most popular gin cocktails paired with the two most popular starters! For all the gin lovers out there: my personal favorite was the Musgrave gin (fruity flavor) Or the Cruxland gin cocktail (a more floral taste)

Recommendations: Creamy herb & Garlic prawns (mature flavors) Phyllo pastry parcel of Camembert (also matured) The manager even caught me licking the bowl! They have TOTALLY UNIQUE dishes - 2 I noted was the prawn starter dish and the Tuscan chicken (a local favorite)

For those who like variety the seafood platter (with chips, rice or cinnamon veg) the MUSSELS did it for me in the creamy sauce (Cheese is a commonality amongst all their dishes and they are perfection when it comes to sauces) My guest thought the STEAK was cooked to perfection and the Dijon sauce DELICIOUS The Creme Brûlée is definitely up there with my favorite desserts

I am delighted to report that the menu caters incredibly well for vegetarians and pescatarians. The atmosphere: relaxed and comfortable Service: well presented, eloquent waiter & the nicest manager, Pappy

I’d highly recommend this restaurant to tourists and locals and is quickly becoming...

ATE HERE ON THE 8TH MARCH 2025 AT 12:00

OLIVE AND OIL UMHLANGA OCEANS MALL

Every aspect of our visit was truly exceptional, from the delicious and perfectly seasoned food to the excellent atmosphere and service.Each dish we ordered was a masterclass in culinary excellence. The flavors were bold, the presentation was stunning, and the quality of the ingredients was evident in every bite.

●WHIPPED FETA WITH RED PEPPER, TOMATO, AND HERB FOCCACIA (A starter that set the tone for the rest of the meal. The whipped feta was creamy and tangy, paired perfectly with the sweet red pepper, fresh tomato, and fragrant herb focaccia.)

●CHEESY GARLIC OVEN BAKED PRAWNS WITH PARMESAN AND HERBS (Succulent prawns smothered in a rich, cheesy garlic sauce and baked to perfection. The parmesan and herbs added a delightful depth of flavor.)

●PERI FRAGO PIZZA (A flavor explosion on a plate! The spicy chicken, onion, and avocado paired perfectly with the creamy mozzarella and tangy tomato sauce, all on a crispy, wood-fired crust.)

●WHOLE RED ROMAN FISH GRILLED WITH SPICY CAJUN AND CHILLI BASTING (The fish was cooked to perfection, with a crispy exterior giving way to tender, flaky flesh. The spicy Cajun and chilli basting added a delightful kick and enchanced the flavours even more)

●MASHED POTATOES (Creamy, fluffy, and utterly divine. The perfect accompaniment to the grilled fish)

●CHOCOLATE BROWNIE DRIZZLED WITH CARAMEL AND VANILLA ICE CREAM (A decadent dessert that satisfied every sweet tooth craving. The rich, fudgy brownie was paired perfectly with the sweet caramel and creamy vanilla ice cream.)

●DRINKS (The cocktails and frozen daiquiri were expertly crafted and deliciously refreshing. The perfect accompaniment to our meal)

●ATMOSPHERE (The atmosphere at Olive & Oil Umhlanga was warm and inviting, with a sophisticated yet relaxed vibe. The décor was stylish and modern, with comfortable seating and ample space for large groups.)

●SERVICE (The service was exceptional, with friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable staff who went above and beyond to ensure our dining experience was nothing short of...

We were a party of four dining out to celebrate a special evening, but unfortunately, the experience was deeply disappointing due to poor service and miscommunication.

I had made it very clear to our waitress that one of our guests could not eat tomato and that we wanted a prawn pasta prepared with no tomato, no cream - just olive oil. I personally ordered the creamy wine prawn gembo. When the meals arrived, two tomato-based prawn pastas were served instead. This not only disregarded our specific request but posed a health risk.

In the confusion, my husband ended up eating my daughter’s Chicken Thermidor—her long-anticipated choice—just because he was starving and we were unsure what was happening with the orders. I had to send my dish back, and sadly, no apology was offered by the waitress. In fact, she disappeared for the remainder of the meal. No one checked in to offer us drinks or service. The floor manager eventually stepped in to assist—clearing the table and bringing us cutlery—but by then the evening had already been impacted.

What was most concerning was when the bill was brought and placed directly in front of my 14-year-old daughter, without any engagement from the waitress. We then had to request the card machine from the manager ourselves.

We did leave a tip out of respect for the effort made by the floor manager, but we left disappointed, and my daughter never received the meal she had come for. Given the price point of the evening, the lack of care and professionalism was unacceptable. We won’t be returning. Especially in the face so so many other great restaurants ...