Located on 9th Avenue in Morningside, Durban, 9th Avenue Bistro might initially appear to be just another neighborhood bistro, but don’t let its unassuming exterior fool you. Inside, this cozy eatery offers an exceptional dining experience that defies expectations. Situated in a chic development with stunning colored stone architecture, this restaurant combines casual elegance with top-notch cuisine, making it a must-try for anyone in Durban.
I visited on a Saturday night and was immediately welcomed with warm smiles from the staff, who escorted us to our reserved table. The restaurant had a lively, inviting atmosphere, with conversations and laughter filling the air. It was just past 7:00 p.m., and the bistro was already bustling, with every table quickly filling up.
Service That Shines
Our waiter for the evening, Mike, introduced himself promptly and took great care of us throughout the meal. Despite attending to several tables, he remained attentive, ensuring we had everything we needed. He brought us water as we settled in and presented the menu, which offered a range of tempting dishes.
For starters, we ordered the homemade marlin bacon and the soup of the day, which happened to be a chili pepper tomato soup. As we awaited our starters, the restaurant surprised us with a basket of freshly baked half-baked ciabatta bread. The bread was warm, with a yeasty aroma, and served with a smooth balsamic vinegar and olive oil dip. The crust was crisp and flavorful, with the olive oil adding a smooth richness and the balsamic vinegar giving a sharp kick. It was a simple yet enjoyable start to the meal, and I had to stop myself from devouring the entire basket to save room for the courses to come.
A Flavorful Start
The soup of the day arrived, a rich and flavorful chili pepper tomato soup, garnished with croutons and a drizzle of coconut milk. The soup was smooth and velvety on the tongue, with just the right amount of heat from the chili. The coconut milk added a creamy richness that balanced the spice beautifully. The homemade marlin bacon was an unexpected delight. My first time trying marlin bacon, I found it perfectly seasoned—not too salty—and with a satisfying texture. It was a dish that was as pleasing to the eye as it was to the palate, showing true culinary care and craftsmanship.
Main Courses That Impress
For the main course, we opted for two standout dishes: the organic free-range beef steak and the grilled queen prawns.
The beef steak, served with dripping chips, smoked garlic aioli, spinach, and a brandy green peppercorn sauce, was cooked to a perfect medium-well. The steak was tender, juicy, and easy to cut, with a lovely smokiness that paired wonderfully with the garlic aioli. The spinach and peppercorn sauce added both texture and flavor, elevating the dish to a new level of indulgence.
The grilled queen prawns, served with Thai Panang spices, coconut Basmati rice, and lemon & garlic butter sauce, were simply divine. The prawns were perfectly cooked—pink, opaque, and brushed with just the right amount of oil. They had a gentle seasoning of salt and pepper, allowing the delicate flavors of the seafood to shine through. The accompanying rice, infused with Thai spices and coconut, was the ideal side dish, and the lemon garlic butter sauce was the perfect finishing touch.
Sweet Endings
For dessert, we chose the classic vanilla cream brûlée, served with a scoop of mango sorbet. The brûlée was executed to perfection: the custard was rich and smooth, with a crispy, caramelized top that added the perfect amount of crunch. The diced pineapple on top offered a refreshing contrast, bringing a new twist to the traditional dessert. The shortbread accompanying the brûlée was soft and crumbly, adding another delightful texture. The mango sorbet, creamy and vibrant, was the ideal complement, melting delicately on the tongue.
A Rare Culinary Find
In many high-end restaurants, the experience itself—service, ambiance, and luxury—often takes center stage. However, 9th Avenue Bistro is a rarity in that the food truly steals the show. The cooking here is vivid, inventive, and full of personality, with each dish demonstrating careful attention to detail and passion. This is a restaurant that places its focus firmly on the quality of its food, and it delivers in spades.
Despite its humble exterior and somewhat unassuming décor, 9th Avenue Bistro is a hidden gem in Durban. The food is absolutely fantastic, and the service is attentive and personable. Whether you’re dining as a group, with family, or on a casual date night, this bistro is the perfect place to enjoy an unforgettable meal.
