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Discover the Best Restaurants In Hillcrest: Explore our curated list of top-rated restaurants, cafes and eateries serving delicious cuisine in this charming KwaZulu-Natal suburb.”
Located in the Upper Highway Area of Durban, approximately 32 kilometres (20 mi) north-west of the city and is bordered by Gillitts and Everton to the east, Waterfall to the north-east and Botha’s Hill and Assagay to the north-west.,
Hillcrest is well renowned for its dynamic dining scene that boasts an eclectic mix of culinary delights. If you’re a foodie on a mission, you’ll want to uncover the best restaurants in Hillcrest. This trendy neighborhood offers everything from laid-back brunch spots to high-end fine dining experiences.
Join us as we explore the top five must-visit eateries that promise to tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for more.
Top 5 Best Restaurants in Hillcrest
(01) Oscars Cafe Hillcrest
| Friday | 7 am–10 pm |
| Saturday | 7 am–10 pm |
| Sunday | 7 am–10 pm |
| Monday | 7 am–10 pm |
| Tuesday | 7 am–10 pm |
| Wednesday | 7 am–10 pm |
| Thursday | 7 am–10 pm |
Service options: Has outdoor seating · Serves great cocktails · Serves vegan dishes
Address: 12 Old Main Rd, Hillcrest, Durban, 3610
Phone: 031 765 7322
Website: www.oscarscafehillcrest.co.za
This relaxed, modern restaurant with white-painted brickwork offers grills, pizza and pasta dishes.
When it comes to Oscars Cafe Hillcrest, has truly set the bar high. You’ll find here more than just your standard breakfast fare, transforming late-morning meals into unforgettable culinary experiences.
The Mission is a standout spot that exemplifies this. With a cozy atmosphere and a menu that masterfully blends Unforgettable Flavors of Europe flavors, this eatery offers dishes that cater to a variety of tastes.
From a wide selection of vegan dishes, every item is thoughtfully prepared. Their beans are 100% arabica and UTZ certified. and much more.
(02) Stretta Cafe: Italian restaurant
| Friday | 7 am–9 pm |
| Saturday | 8 am–9 pm |
| Sunday | 8 am–9 pm |
| Monday | 7 am–9 pm |
| Tuesday | 7 am–9 pm |
| Wednesday | 7 am–9 pm |
| Thursday | 7 am–9 pm |
Service options: Has outdoor seating · Has fireplace · Serves vegan dishes
Address: Shop 8, The Colony Shopping Centre, 50 Old Main Rd, Hillcrest, 3610
This cool restaurant with bare-brick and white-tiled walls offers wood-oven pizzas and pasta dishes.
Stretta Cafe is Another must-visit. well Known for its colorful interior and friendly service, Stretta Cafe is the ideal place for a leisurely weekend brunch. The menu is as creative as it is generous, featuring unique dishes like Bacon & Scrambled Egg and Slice of toast topped with fried onions. Fresh, local ingredients are a staple here, ensuring each bite is bursting with flavor.
(03) Butlers Restaurant and Bar
| Friday | 12–11:30 pm |
| Saturday | 12–11:30 pm |
| Sunday | 12–5 pm |
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | 12–11:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 12–11:30 pm |
| Thursday | 12–11:30 pm |
Service options: Has outdoor seating · Has fireplace · Serves great cocktails
Address: 24 Old Main Rd, Hillcrest, Durban, 3650
Then there’s Butlers Restaurant and Bar, a spot that takes classic brunch items and gives them a modern twist. Famous for its chicken and prawn and Vegetable Curry, Butlers Restaurant and Bar offers a menu that’s both innovative and comforting. The stylish, mid-century decor adds to the overall dining experience, making it a great place to relax and enjoy a meal.
(04) Punjabi’s Restaurant & Take Away
| Friday | 10 am–9 pm |
| Saturday | 10 am–9 pm |
| Sunday | 10 am–8 pm |
| Monday | 10 am–9 pm |
| Tuesday | 10 am–9 pm |
| Wednesday | 10 am–9 pm |
| Thursday | 10 am–9 pm |
Service options: Has all you can eat · Serves happy-hour food · Has private dining room
Address: Hillcrest Oxford Village, 5 Old Main Rd, Hilldene, Hillcrest, 3610
Phone: 031 765 4779
Website: www.punjabisrestaurant.co.za
For those who love punjabi recipes Punjabi’s Restaurant & Take Away is a must-visit. one of the best restaurants in hillcrest offers best food, from vegan meals to chana masala. Their breakfast menu is amazing,
(05) Xinyuan Chinese Restaurant
| Friday | 11 am–8 pm |
| Saturday | 2–8 pm |
| Sunday | 10:30 am–8 pm |
| Monday | 11 am–8 pm |
| Tuesday | 11 am–8 pm |
| Wednesday | 11 am–8 pm |
| Thursday | 11 am–8 pm |
Address: 48 Old Main Rd, Hillcrest, 3650
This is by far the greatest Chinese restaurant in Hillcrest that I’ve ever been to. The proprietor is really nice and welcoming, and the environment is serene and majestic (exactly what you need after a hard day). 10/10 would recommend.
The restaurant’s wheelchair ramp at the entrance is a clever touch that ensures accessibility for wheelchair users.
(06) Papa Giovanni’s Trattoria & Grill
| Friday | 11:30 am–10 pm |
| Saturday | 11:30 am–10 pm |
| Sunday | 11:30 am–9 pm |
| Monday | 11:30 am–9 pm |
| Tuesday | 11:30 am–10 pm |
| Wednesday | 11:30 am–10 pm |
| Thursday | 11:30 am–9 pm |
Service options: Has outdoor seating · Serves vegan dishes · Has kids’ menu
Address: Centre, 42 Old Main Rd, Hillcrest, 3610
Website: www.papagiovannis.co.za
Lovely restaurant with excellent cuisine and unexpectedly nice service. The staff is kind and helpful. the atmosphere, cuisine, pricing, and really nice weekly specials often.
They have an excellent gin assortment with a variety of tastes, makes, and finishes. Newly redesigned and looks great.
(07) Waxys Hillcrest : Irish Restaurant
| Friday | 11 am–11 pm |
| Saturday | 11 am–11 pm |
| Sunday | 11 am–9 pm |
| Monday | 12–11 pm |
| Tuesday | 12–11 pm |
| Wednesday | 12–11 pm |
| Thursday | 12–11 pm |
Service options: Has outdoor seating · Has fireplace · Serves great cocktails
Address: 50 Old Main Rd, Hillcrest, Durban, 3650
Waxy Connors, Hillcrest is a great place for socializing and watching sports. Food is excellent quality and plentiful. Beers are ice cold. Service is excellent.
Ambiance is perfect for watching sports. Many TV’s in evidence. Has outdoor seating and a fireplace. Prices are competitive and reasonable.
Dogs are not allowed indoors. Very spacious seating arrangements. Good food, great specials and helpful management,
(08) Meraki by Charlie Lakin
| Friday | 6–11 pm |
| Saturday | 12–1:30 pm, 6–11 pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday | 6–11 pm |
| Thursday | 6–11 pm |
Service options: Reservations required
Address: 7 Builders Way, Hillcrest, 3650
Phone: 067 346 5995
Website:www.merakibycharlie.co.za
Charlie is one of the best restaurants in hillcrest well known for his innovative approach to cooking, fusing traditional techniques with modern flair to create dishes that are both unique and unforgettable.
Charlie Larkin has created a truly incredible dining experience. The restaurant is set up to feel like you’re in someone’s home, it’s cosy and intimate and the atmosphere is a perfect pairing to the menu.