This neighbourhood gem is lucky to have Chef Adam Robinson, of Glenwood Bakery fame, who shows no signs of stopping. His knowledge and skill around the beauty of fresh ingredients is simplistic yet ingenious. The homemade pastas are exceptional and hard to resist, but other dishes also shine bright with flavour.

Fast facts

Cost: Average main meal is R90
Corkage: R40
Serves: bistro fare, Italian, contemporary fare
Star ratings: Food and drinks: 5, Service: 5, Ambience: 4

Food

For starters, the specials will entice, with delicate options like crab bisque with a refreshing dollop of crème fraîche, or joy-inducing zucchini flowers generously stuffed with creamy ricotta. The antipasto boards heave with local meats and Mediterranean-style accompaniments, perfect for feeding a large group. Try not to fill up on the expertly made breadsticks that are presented beforehand.

Expect simple dishes made with fresh ingredients at The Glenwood Restaurant. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

With Adam’s knowledge of all things flour, it’s no surprise that the pastas here are a main event. Rabbit pappardelle, with a gloss of tomato-dotted sauce, is richly tossed with sheets of perfectly cooked pasta, while the simple cherry tomato tagliatelle is delicious enough to please the most refined palates. Non-pasta dishes also prove their worth, with options like fresh West Coast sole roasted to perfection and served with leeks; or a truffle risotto made with indulgent Périgord truffles from Kokstad.

An antipasto board is perfect for a crowd of friends dining together. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

Everything on the ever-changing dessert menu will satiate your sweet tooth. Ice creams are an easy choice, with beautiful flavours of saffron, vanilla and grapefruit sorbet. The chocolate brownie-and-pomegranate sundae is rich and decadent. The soufflé beignets smothered in dark chocolate sauce are intensely delicious. If all else fails, order something baked – after all, chef Adam is Durban’s master baker.

One of the decadent baked desserts you could be treated to. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

Drinks

Now that the restaurant has a liquor licence, wine enthusiasts will be thrilled with the concise but exciting list here. There are also delicious cocktails made with local Durban spirits.

Service

The manager is Adam’s daughter, Adelaide Robinson, and she’s here to please, making dining an enjoyable, comfortable experience. The service is knowledgeable and efficient – plus, your glass will never be empty.

Ingredients are fresh as can be. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

Ambience

An old Glenwood home creates a charming setting for the beautiful food. The white walls are warmed by old wooden floors and each room buzzes with happy tables and soft music. During the day, sunbeams dapple the floor and the stoep outside is in prime position, while evenings are softly lit and romantic.

The garden area at Glenwood Restaurant. Photo supplied.

And…

The restaurant also offers Ottolenghi-inspired harvest tables during weekday lunches.

Eat Out critics dine unannounced and pay for their meals in full. Read our full editorial policy here.

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