It’s Durban’s hottest spot to wine and dine. The elegant Harvey’s Restaurant has made its way to the other end of the always-sunny city and settled in the heart of tourist-attracting, Umhlanga Rocks.
Renowned chef, Andrew Draper, relocated the popular restaurant from leafy Berea to the shores of Umhlanga and revamped it into an even more stylish eatery. Walk the red carpet and find a refined and chic interior which reflects the old Harvey’s but with some added edge – think black leather booth-seating, crisp white tablecloths and tall ceilings, all lit up by a stunning, huge chandelier. The dramatic and classy décor creates a space that could play host to one of Gatsby’s lavish parties.

The menu is enough to make your mouth water and every dish is a contemporary work of art.  To start I devoured (in my most ladylike fashion) a seasonal soup – cold watermelon soup with feta croutons and pink, fleshy prawns. What a refreshing dish for the balmy Durban heat. For mains we were spoilt for choice, I eventually narrowed it down to the Asian Roasted Fresh Linefish with Wok-fried Teriyaki Vegetables, accompanied by spicy Asian Potato Cakes and a Lime and Red Pepper Hollandaise. The linefish was Dorado – my most favourite fish and it worked perfectly with the exciting Asian flavours. The lime and red pepper hollandaise was a revelation; I had to stop myself from licking the plate.

My partner opted for a vegetarian dish of Crisp Fried Homemade Parmesan Gnocchi served on a Fondant of Butternut Puree, topped with Wild Field Mushrooms, Herb Butter, Truffle Cappuccino and Parmesan Shavings – the aroma alone was luxurious and delicious, and the crispy gnocchi made for a rich and indulgent dish.

Dessert was a toss up between a decadent sounding Chocolate Brownie Plate or Roasted Pear Tart Tatin with a thyme, honey and macaroon ice cream, corseted in a smoked salt and caramel sauce. We ended up sharing the Tart Tatin – a mistake … that we shared it. It was delectable, if not one of the best desserts I have ever tasted.

To pair with all this scrumptious food is an impressive wine list with many options for the wine enthusiasts at the table.
What’s also new to Harvey’s is the eclectic cocktail bar, Harry’s. Serving modern cocktails and the old favourites, as well as a separate bar menu which boasts more simple and easy dishes such as gourmet thin-crust pizzas. It’s a sexy addition which is great for after dinner drinks – flaming cocktails included.

This romantic and dazzling restaurant is the ideal first-date spot, or even a special place to treat your Valentine – whatever the occasion, prepare to be wooed.