Love great food and breathtaking views? This Umhlanga restaurant is a must-try

Summer is almost here, and that means long afternoons, warm evenings and the perfect excuse to enjoy good food and drinks with a view.

If you’re looking for a restaurant to visit this season, Bardot Restaurant & Bar in Umhlanga should be at the top of your list.

Located along the coastline, Bardot offers a calm and stylish setting with sweeping ocean views.

From the moment we arrived, the staff made us feel welcome, greeting us with genuine warmth.

The restaurant’s interior combines elegance with a relaxed vibe, featuring soft lighting, tasteful décor and an inviting atmosphere.

It’s the kind of place that encourages you to slow down, savour your meal and snap a few photos for social media along the way.

The décor draws inspiration from the French Riviera, exuding sophistication and style. 

We started with some small bites. My friend ordered the cheese korokke - crumbed, deep-fried mixed cheese balls. They were crisp on the outside, soft inside and full of flavour.

I ordered six fresh oysters topped with caviar, served with mignonette sauce and lemon, on a bed of crushed ice. Each bite was clean, fresh and perfectly balanced. 

To go with our meal, we tried a few of the restaurant’s signature cocktails. Not only do they taste good, but they also look beautiful, making them ideal for those who enjoy an Instagram-worthy drink.

For the main course, my friend had the lamb shank served with vegetables. It was tender and well-seasoned, the meat falling off the bone easily.

I ordered a whole grilled fish - and before you judge, that was the chef’s idea. It arrived beautifully prepared and seasoned with the restaurant’s signature seafood spices.

One of the servers deboned it right at our table, finishing it with a drizzle of olive oil and fresh lemon juice. The fish was perfectly cooked, light yet full of flavour. The portion was so generous that I had to take some home. 

The only letdown was the side of chips, which were undercooked and too salty. It didn’t spoil the meal, but it stood out among otherwise excellent dishes.

For dessert, I went for a simple chocolate cake, while my friend chose the chocolate and almond brownie with ice cream. She said that she’s had better, but it was still a satisfying way to end the meal.  

Overall, the restaurant delivered a solid dining experience - great food, good service and unbeatable views. If you plan to sit outside, bring a jacket as the breeze can pick up in the late afternoon.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.

Lutho Pasiya’s meal was by invitation of the restaurant.