9 of the KZN South Coast’s must-try fish eateries

Fish on the River
Fish on the River

As the annual Sardine Run descends on the KZN South Coast, anglers from all over arrive to land some of the best catches, while seine netters take to the waters to get their sardine catches. The ‘Greatest Shoal on Earth’ is not only a spectacle to witness, but also a treat for seafood lovers in the mood for a truly memorable dining experience.

“There is such a wonderful cultural fusion along the KZN South Coast that results in a wide variety of delicious food offerings,” said Phelisa Mangcu, CEO of Ugu South Coast Tourism (USCT). “While visitors enjoy a taste of the local seafood flavours, they can take in the stunning ocean views and even catch sight of the Sardine Run or annual whale migration that takes place in these cooler months. Now is the time to take that well-deserved seaside break and enjoy the many fish eateries along the KZN South Coast.”

  1. C- Bali Restaurant

Where? St Michael’s Beach

This relaxed beachside venue is renowned for its great food. While taking in the ocean views, patrons can try some of the freshest seafood or the restaurant’s specialty sushi made by their award-winning sushi chef. This can all be washed down with a delicious cocktail as C-Bali’s craft gin bar has the largest selection of craft spirits on the KZN South Coast.

  1. Mariners Seafood Restaurant & Shipwreck Pub

Where? Marina Beach

For some of the region’s best seafood, it’s worth stopping in at the iconic Mariners Seafood Restaurant & Shipwreck Pub. This vibrant eatery has a seafood feast with a menu boasting king prawns, langoustines and the Trawlerman’s Seafood Platter for those with an appetite!

  1. The Lobster Pot

Where? Ramsgate

The ‘seafood specialists’ for the past five decades, The Lobster Pot has a reputation for providing quality food at affordable prices. Prawns, calamari, linefish and a lovely ‘Guppy Menu’… this restaurant is a great spot for the whole family to enjoy.

  1. Crayfish Inn

Where? Ramsgate

For those who prefer to enjoy the ‘bounty of the ocean without the fuss’, Crayfish Inn is the spot to visit. They offer a variety of seafood options but the star of the show is their Specialty Seafood Platter which is loaded with mussels, prawns, linefish and crayfish served with a peri-peri sauce and a salad.

  1. Blue Lagoon Restaurant

Where? Ramsgate

Right on Ramsgate’s Blue Flag Beach is this fantastic restaurant that offers an outstanding seafood menu and ice-cold cocktails. They’re renowned for an outstanding seafood menu boasting big portions and value for money. From the open-air Blue Lagoon deck, patrons can enjoy a meal while taking in the ocean views.

  1. Shelly Beach Ski Boat Club

Where? Shelly Beach

Found at Sonny Evans Small Craft Harbour is a great place to while away a few hours watching the boats come and go while enjoying a hearty seafood meal and a cold beverage. The restaurant is open seven days a week. Alongside the clubhouse there’s a dining room, bar and swimming pool for those looking for a relaxed destination and a great fish menu.

  1. Hibiscus Beach Café

Where? Ramsgate

This hidden gem is one of Ramsgate’s best kept secrets! Situated at the Hibiscus Ski-Boat Club on Ski-Boat Bay Beach, patrons can’t get any closer to the ocean than this. Open seven days a week in season, and Tuesdays to Sundays out of season, this is certainly worth a visit. Cold beverages and good, old-fashioned seaside food is the order of the day, serving some of the area’s best calamari!

  1. Fish on the River

Where? Port Shepstone

As they say: ‘It’s not just our fish that’s fresher, but our batter that’s better!’ Fish on the River is an unforgettable seafood experience with quality food at great prices. Located on the banks of the Umzimkulu River, diners will enjoy a welcoming ambience and wonderful views.

  1. C Breeze

Where? Scottburgh

This delightful eatery is owned and run by renowned French chef, Julien le Pront. They serve a variety of excellent seafood which can be enjoyed while taking in Scottburgh’s wonderful ocean views. It boasts a 5 out of 5 rating on TripAdvisor so I s well worth a visit!

To find out more about these and other KZN South Coast eateries:

  • Download the free ‘Explore KZN South Coast’ app from Google Play and Apple stores.
  • Visit the ‘South Coast Tourism’ on Facebook or YouTube
  • Visit @infosouthcoast on Twitter or Instagram
  • Visit ‘Info Ugu South Coast Tourism’ on LinkedIn
  • Visit www.visitkznsouthcoast.co.za to check out the Events Calendar, the KZN South Coast Meeting Planner Guide and more!
  • To access previous USCT press releases, visit: https://www.visitkznsouthcoast.co.za/category/press-release/
  • Follow the hashtags #seaanddo #greatestshoalonearth #sardinerun #subtropicalparadise #kznsouthcoast