Café 1999 

Food:

Marcel Roberts has stuck to a winning formula that offers a feast of tantalising and different flavours in this fun and funky café. Bowls of crispy anchovies mingle with sesame and prawn lollipops; coriander fish cakes; figs wrapped in Parma and gorgonzola; and fresh flatbreads with dipping sauces like orange, avo and chilli. Finger licking stuff. Mains are served as titbits or larger portions, allowing you to taste even more sensations. Think soy and ginger glazed cutlets, or duck leg on a beetroot and goat’s cheese tartlet. The apple and brioche pud with rum and raisin ice-cream takes the traditional bread and butter variety to a new level.

Wine:

Partner Sean has sauced a good range of boutiques. There will be something new to tickle your fancy.

Service:

It’s good, swift and friendly, in keeping with the vibe.

Ambience:

It’s been swished up a couple of times in its illustrious history, but essentially it’s eclectic, fun and anything goes. The real vibe is made by the patrons: it’s often packed and everyone enjoys themselves.

And...:

The deep-fried stuffed olives are a must. They’re so good that they’ve been on the menu since day one. (FC, October 2011)

Sara Greene
18-Apr-2012

It vibes (though can get a bit too noisy at times). A gem among most restaurants in Durban because the staff are efficient, knowledgeable and give great service even when the restaurant is slammed. Food is tasty, a bit overpriced on some things but overall well worth the visit. The first place in Durban that has had soft shelled crab! Thank you for offering something different.

Comment on this review

Les Broude
30-Nov-2011

Living in Johannesburg surrounded by a plethora of restaurants varying in quality, most of them mediocre to say the least. I have been consistently impressed with the Cafe 1999 food and service delivery over the 8 years I have had the pleasure of savouring Marcelle and Sean's cuisine and vibe. I have never had a bad meal or evening there on my visits during the December holidays and various business lunches during that time. They can be proud of the consistent quality they deliver. Something restaurants in Johannesburg don't seem to master. If only there was a Cafe1999 in Johannesburg!

Comment on this review

Read all reviews for Café 1999