Amidst the ever changing restaurant scene in Umhlanga, there is a haven of calm. Around the corner from the Beverley Hills Hotel, facing the Ocean, the ubiquitous oasis which is Ile Maurice Restaurant remains, producing wonderful food and offering a throwback to years when the Chef’s reputation rested on the dishes coming out of the kitchen and on the front of house service.
This is Mauritian food at its best. The crayfish curry is the stuff of legends, and the deep fished seabass, done simply with a beurre blanc, was the best plate of fish I have ever eaten, and I have eaten many. I am happy in restaurants where the ambiance is gentle, and welcoming. The background noise so prevalent in many Umhlanga eateries is absent here, and the charming team that run the place have as much enthusiasm for the menu as they did in 1976 when they opened in the middle of Town.
One of the most beautiful places to watch the sun go down, relax while Robert Mauvais runs the front of house, and his brother Jean cooks the dishes his mother passed down to him. I suggest a baked camenbert with sesame seeds and almonds, and a glass of unoaked Chardonnay. The main courses are a challenge, as I am never sure which dish is my favourite, but the Crepes Suzette are so good there is never any other choice dessert choice for me.
This is a place to spoil yourself, to sit and remember why we dine out, and an oasis of calm. If you haven’t visited for a while or are yet to discover it, I suggest very strongly you get along there. As a European in Durban I love having finding restaurants that would fit in on a London or Paris street, with food to match, and if that sounds like your cup of tea, look no further.