Throw it back to the classics with these deliciously nostalgic puds in Durban.

1904 Bistro Américain (Kloof)?

This American-inspired eatery serves up a wide range of retro USA-themed dishes. Follow your gourmet dog, brisket bun, or chowder with desserts like choc-nut sundaes, diner-style banana split, warming home-made apple pie and old-school milkshakes.

? Available for online bookings on the Eat Out app. 

A post shared by 1904 (@1904bistroamericain) on Apr 3, 2018 at 4:25am PDT

Butcher Block (Morningside)

Dessert fans will be pleased with the range of familiar favourites on offer here. Try the Cape Malay-style malva pudding with fresh cream or vanilla ice cream, or the home-made apple tart with poached apples baked in a sponge cake served over hot or cold fresh cream or ice cream. For chocolate fans, there’s the Mississippi Mud Pie with a rich brownie base, nuts and a decadent layer of hazelnut and chocolate mousse.

Café 1999 (Morningside)

The menu here offers a range of bistro favourites with a modern twist. The desserts are always a highlight with options like crème brûlée flavoured with vanilla and rooibos, or comforting roasted apple bread-and-butter pudding with salted-caramel ice cream. The retro crème caramel gets a quirky twist with a kick of coffee and salted caramel, and classic flavours of red wine, pear and pastry come served with rich gorgonzola ice cream.

The red wine and pear tart at Café 1999. Photo by Shirley Berko.

Ile Maurice (Umhlanga Rocks)

This Durban stalwart continues to serve up fragrant French-Mauritian cuisine that’s influenced by the classics. Traditional style desserts include house crème brûlée; crêpes Suzette flambéed in a Grand Marnier and orange sauce; gâteau au fondant with Belgium chocolate and vanilla ice cream; and poires au vin rouge (pears poached in red wine) served with whipped cream and almonds.

Ile Maurice. Photo by Jan Ras.

Little Havana (Umhlanga Rocks)

Steaks are not the only name of the game at this grillhouse. End your feast on comforting desserts like crème brûlée or hot chocolate fondant made with liquid Callebaut dark chocolate centre. For a real dose of nostalgia, go for the apple and pecan-nut bread pudding served with a gloss of butterscotch sauce, apple compote and cooling ice cream.

The chocolate fondant at Little Havana. Photo supplied.

La Casa Nostra (Umdloti)

Order the tiramisu here and be transported to a mama’s house in Italy. The light-as-air classic is served the traditional way with soft layers of creamy mascarpone, coffee-soaked biscuits, and a kick of liqueur. Order a side of Italian Kisses for a sweet touch of the eighties.

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