Surf Riders Cafe

Late post from Jan. Yum Yum Yum. Food was delicious. Weather was scorching. Service was tops. Was very comfortable to sit at my table and soak in the sun, ambience and positive vibes. Food was well prepared, delicious and too much to eat. Those milkshakes are the BOMB. Wow, divine.

I love it here, we usually get some breakfast after our beach walk. The staff is very attentive and the service is quick. I love how they treat doggies, my dog usually enjoys his chicken supreme.

Excellent service. We went on a particularly busy time which was sunday morning for breakfast and there was 11 of us. After much trying they made space for us outside and added one extra umbrella. They kept checking up on us and everyone was so kind. The food did take long to arrive but I totally understand there was 11 of us and the restaurant was quite busy. This was my second visit and I will definitely keep coming back.

Due to its popularity, both the Umhlanga and DBN South Beach branch sometimes have a waiting period 5-10min for a table and it's worth it unless you make a booking in advance. Their menu is outstandingly unique and well priced. The quality is proven in the layout and taste of the dishes.

First timer. (Edit 4 June. Visited again and as good again. Oh my word... TRY THE VEGAN STRAWBERRY MILKSHAKE. It is the best "milkshake:I have EVER had (I am not Vegan, it just sounded interesting and it was fabulous!) . And bonus that it is made with almond milk etc. Half way down promenade on Rollerblades decided to sit here and order a regular Burger and chips, a Protein smoothie and a Coke. Wow. Very impressed. The burger was amazing for a regular burger. Great ataff and atmosphere. Will recommend and visit again. Also, pick the right seat and you have a mini ocean view

My first visit and definitely won't be the last. The food was amazing, the service was fantastic and the vice was chilled. The famous Chef Sam is creating wonders at Surf Riders.

Surf Riders in South Beach, Durban, is one my absolute favourite eating / coffee spots! Whilst we have tried quite alot of their menu, today I decided to go back to my favourite - their vegan pizza which is without a doubt, the best in town! The veggies were bursting with flavour and perfectly cooked - the artichokes definitely took that pizza to a whole new level. And don't even get me started on their chicken ramen noodles which my daughter order; they were simply out of this world! I also had the pleasure of tasting Chef Sam's fish taco, which was incredibly generous and satisfying according to the hubby. The quality of the food is consistently top-notch. Beyond the amazing food, the staff at Surf Riders are incredibly friendly, efficient, and patient. They create a welcoming atmosphere that makes every visit enjoyable. We always leave feeling like we've gotten excellent value for our money. If only they had an upper deck! It would be incredible to enjoy those delicious meals with an even better ocean view. That would truly elevate the experience. I'm already looking forward to my next visit to Surf Riders, and I'm especially excited to try out their Umhlanga branch! Highly recommend this gem of a restaurant.

Great Food & Vibes, But Missing the Basics Visited Surf Riders Café in South Beach for their wood-fired fish and overall had a good experience. The wait was quite long — over an hour — but the meal was mostly worth it. The fish was tasty and well-cooked, though not without some issues. There were a few leftover scales, and it didn’t quite deliver on the expected wood-fired flavor. The prawns (which seemed more like shrimp) were de-shelled — I personally would’ve preferred them with shells on for more flavor and texture. That said, the peri peri sauce was excellent and brought the dish together nicely. My wife had an iced coffee and a Cosmo cocktail — both of which she enjoyed. The pet-friendly environment was a major plus for us. We brought our dogs along and were pleasantly surprised when they were served complimentary treats — ice cream and Digby biscuits. A really thoughtful touch! The vibe was relaxed and beachy, just what you’d expect from a coastal café. However, a major drawback was the lack of on-site toilets for customers. Being directed to public toilets in the neighboring building felt out of place for an otherwise quality establishment. This could be a deal-breaker for some. I’m hopeful the new Umhlanga branch maintains the charm and improves where it counts — especially by ensuring basic facilities are available for guests.