Fast facts 

Address: 1 Pienaar Road, Pennington

Phone number: 071 492 5647

Opening times: 12noon to 2.30pm and 5.30 to 9pm

Average price of main meal: R250

Corkage fee: R50

Parking situation: Situated in a lifestyle estate

Food type: Contemporary bistro dining

Food

Chef Kayla-Ann Osborn had enormous success at Chefs’ Table Umhlanga, where she brought world-class standards and five-star food to KZN. So it’s not hard to believe that you can expect an exquisite culinary adventure when you visit her eponymous restaurant in Pennington. Chef Cairn Hanafey heads up the kitchen and passionately crafts each dish to perfection. It’s not just a meal, it’s an experience.

 

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The menu changes almost daily, keeping it fresh and exciting and locally sourced. When it comes to mains, you can’t go wrong with the grass-fed beef fillet cooked to perfection on the fire, accompanied by beef jus, green beans, burnt onions and potato gratin. The tender beef melts in your mouth. The potato gratin is made pommes Anna style (shaved and cooked layered with butter and Parmesan) and then later cut and deep fried (chips and potato bake all in one!). Another recommendation is the handmade fettuccine generously coated in Napoletana sauce, succulent smoked pork, Parmesan and a subtle hint of chilli.

 

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From decadent chocolate creations to delicate fruit-infused delights, each dessert on offer is a flavour explosion and reflects their unwavering commitment to excellence.

Drinks

Although the wine list is small, whether you’re seeking a bold red, a crisp white, or a refreshing bubbly, Kayla-Ann’s collection ensures that there’s something to suit every palate and complement every dish. The wine list features many of SA’s top women winemakers. They serve wine by the glass or bottle and there’s a corkage fee of R50 per bottle (wine only). While they currently don’t offer wine- and food-pairing options, they express aspirations to introduce this in the near future.

Service

From the moment you walk in, you are greeted with genuine hospitality and eagerness to ensure your comfort and satisfaction. Kayla-Ann regularly checks in. The staff’s knowledge on the menu is commendable and they guide you through the journey without being obtrusive. The team portray a genuine passion for creating a memorable dining experience.

 

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Ambience

With tasteful modern design and bright interiors, the space provides a tranquil oasis ideal for intimate conversations and moments of reflection. The setting is serene and relaxed. You can expect a diverse crowd of people. Nestled within a picturesque lifestyle estate (Umdoni Point), Kayla-Ann’s offers a beautiful setting. There are padel and pickleball courts being built out front and an AstroTurf bowling green on the side. The restaurant is above a gym which gives it great views of the suburb stretching to the sea.

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