Pop in and park off… that’s the vibe at parc. café nestled in the heart of Glenwood in Durban. The laid back, chilled vibe is synonomous with its Durbs-by-the-sea location and while this is true of the setting, the food and service go way beyond that.

parc. café has quickly become a hub for Durban foodies. Since it’s inception, it has consistently been voted as one of the top 500 eateries in South Africa (EatOut Awards) – an achievement owners and sibling duo, Lara and Brett Gentles, are very proud of.

parc. has a refreshing and unique ambience, from the gorgeous mural at the back of the café by Durban’s famed graffiti artist Pastel Heart to the colourful, mismatched chairs and ecletic décor. 

parc. is well known for its out-of-this-world breakfasts. The Not-so-Benedict is a delicious spin on the traditional recipe – potato and rosemary bread topped with bacon, poached eggs, lemon hollandaise and capers or The Green Asparagus – poached eggs, rocket, parmesan, brown butter vinaigrette, truffle oil and flaked almonds served on toast, are scrumptious breakfast choices.

Lunch options run the gauntlet from soups to tarts of the day, to salads and über sandwiches. When my partner and I visited, I selected the pulled pork open sarmie, served with tzatziki, homemade pickles, radish and peaches – it was positively delicious. My dining partner was not to be swayed from his selection of the Soy-glazed rare roast steak sarmie, topped with grilled aubergine, wasabi mayo, chilli jam and pickled onion. This combination of fresh flavours and perfectly rare beef packed a delicious punch. We’ve been back a few times since then and have not been disappointed.

Chef and co-owner Brett, aims to offer the best possible cafe experience by focusing on ‘real food’ that is seasonal and locally sourced. Sandwiches on offer are served on a choice of Rye, Ciabatta or Potato and Rosemary bread (sourced from the Glenwood Bakery next door) and Brett and his team make many of the jams, pickles and preserves used in-house.

If it’s not made at parc., it is sourced from sustainable, localand artisanal producers.

The menu, which is chalked up on the blackboard wall, changes regularly and plays with intelligent and thoughtful flavour combinations. The food is not only delicious, but is a visual treat too.

A good café is not just about the food though, the drinks are just as important. At parc. the team are passionate about coffee, having attained a top 10 position in the 2013 Cafe Society cappuccino competition. They also have a passion for milkshakes – all made from local, free-range Ayrshire ice cream and fresh milk from grass fed cattle in the Kwazulu-Natal Midlands. In fact, the team on the early morning TV show Expresso (SABC 3), rated the ingenious flavour creation, the ‘Free’s Shake’ (avocado and vanilla bean) as one of the top five milkshakes in South Africa!

The café is fully licensed and currently serves select wines from boutique South African vineyards, all available by the glass or bottle. Talks are also underway with the local craft brewery, located just down the road, to add craft beers to the menu.

Whether you’re a local or a visitor to the area, parc. café is the perfect place to ‘pull in’ as they say and enjoy great atmosphere, excellent food and an award-winning milkshake that will blow your socks off!

great atmosphere, excellent food and an award-winning milkshake that will blow your socks off!