50 TASTE MARCH 2020
SCENE STEALERFor the best woodfired
pizza in town: STR ADA
CUCINA
Durban’s restaurant scene is
abundant when it comes to hearty Italian
fare; it seems the city’s residents just can’t
get enough. Greg Clelland of Stretta fame
has opened his newest venture in the up-
and-coming Umhlanga Ridge area and
locals are flocking there for the woodfired
pizzas. The thin bases are topped with
excellent-quality Italian ingredients (the
margherita and Siciliana get our vote), then
fired to crispy perfection. They also offer
affordable pastas and meaty mains, as well
as morning options including breakfast
pans (eggs, bacon and potatoes baked
in the oven) and frittatas. The Boulevard,
19 Park Lane, Umhlanga Rocks; stradacucina.co.za,
@stradacucina16
For sushi and cocktails: MARY & JOE
Umhlanga Village is generally heaving with tourists looking for
a good coffee or spot to get that ’gram. Enter Mary & Joe, located
where Vovo Telo once was and run by the same team. It’s fast
become the place to be both before and after your beach session. Light wood
and pink neon signage set the scene for patrons sipping on stylish cocktails
paired with sushi, or enjoying picture-perfect eggs or a towering chocolate
waffle. Little ones tagging along? Mary & Joe offers a mini baking session
where budding chefs can bake their own bread to enjoy at the table.
Shop 9, Lighthouse Quarter, 14 Chartwell Drive, Umhlanga; @mary_and_joe_5