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

People!!!! I highly recommend this place to everyone, the food is out of this world delicious and Philile was such a vibe, we loved her! But guys honestly the food is next level, the perfect balance of flavour, each bite is such a sensation. You will be thinking of this food for the rest of your life. 😍

On our recent trip to Durban, we couldn’t resist checking out the buzz around Chef Sam at Surf Riders. Let me tell you—every bit of the hype is well-deserved and then some! The food was absolutely incredible, cooked to perfection, and bursting with flavor. The service was equally outstanding, with a warm, family-like atmosphere. The team went above and beyond, checking in on us regularly to ensure everything was perfect. We were lucky enough to meet Chef Sam herself, who graciously took a photo with my cousin (a big fan of her cooking). To top it all off, she surprised us with two complimentary carrot cakes, which were absolutely delicious. This was more than just a meal—it was an experience. I can’t wait to return on my next visit to South Africa. Thank you, Chef Sam and the entire team at Surf Riders, for making our visit so memorable!

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.