A leader of French-Mauritian cuisine in Durban, you get authentic French dishes with a special focus on sea food.
Food
The food is made excellently that even though it is pricey, you get value for your money. Entrees include the enticing Pâté à Choux à L'Épinard et SaumonFumé (Choux pastry filled with spinach, Scottish smoked salmon and cottage cheese) and the beautifully-made Champignons de Beauchamp (sautéed mushrooms and prawns, tossed in a light béchamel sauce) which melts in your mouth.
For soups, try the Soupe de Crabe (tomato-based soup, simmered with freshly shelled Mozambican crab meat) or the Soupe Mulligatawny (Creole and Indian Fusion, cooked with tamarind seeds, dhal and coriander). Mains include specialties like line fish of the day, (try the Daube de Poisson à la Maurice -baked and topped with a coconut milk and tomato based sauce); grilled langoustines and the prawn and chicken curry with Chinese and French influences. You could find a special sea bass dish at a cost of about R400, as Ile Maurice is the only restaurant in the country that serves this kind of fish.
Desserts boast an elegant mix of classic and chic sweet treats like crème brulee or the crepe Suzette (light crepe flambéed in a grand Manier and orange sauce); and the Poires au Vin Rouge (fresh pears poached in red wine and cinnamon, served with whipped cream and almonds).
Drinks
Wine list includes award-winning South African wines in their special cellar; a selection of Bordeaux blends and French wines. Cocktails, cognac and Mauritian rums are also available.
Service
Professional and knowledgeable about food, attentive without being intrusive.
Ambience
Rebuilt from an old Umhlanga house, there’s a vintage feel that’s unassuming and the quiet luxury of old money that colours the fine dining experience here. The veranda seating with close proximity the sea is calming.
Best for...
An easy, Durban sunny Sunday lunch; romantic dinners on warm evenings or a designed occasion of your choice.
(2018)
Eat Out critics dine anonymously and pay for their meals in full. Read our editorial policy here.
User reviews
★★★★★
6 Reviews
Lenel Erwin
★★★★★
Average food, dreary decor needing an update, and restrooms that has seen better days. By international standards, the cuisine is certainly not French, in fact it makes one wonder if the owner is really French, as he proclaims to be. He did not sound French, but more to the point: the food was a mix of South African and Mauritian Creole, not unpalatable, but certainly not in true French style. This was our 2nd visit to this restaurant and the menu also has not ever changed; it is staid and boring. In general everything is overpriced by South African standards, and the wine prices are preposterous considering a lot of the wines can be purchased just around the corner ar a quarter of the prices. It is not like one wants to actually pay a premium to sip one's wine in an outdated house that hasn't seen a decorator's touch this century! We won't be back.
Nishta Maharaj
★★★★★
My parents have been going to Ile Maurice from its inception in Durban Town (when it was called St Geran). As vegetarians we have had the same meal, starters to end for over 30 years. Every time the quality of food is superb. Still my all time favourite restaurant.
Naren Mahabeer
★★★★★
The French cuisine and experience of dining in the finest restaurant in Durban remains the benchmark in Durban. The food is exquisite and well matched to an excellent wine collection. A great evening guaranteed.
Mignon Brooks
★★★★★
Ile Maurice, You must either have been arrogant, ignorant or just plain rude! The restaurant compared to any other is in a league of its own. The food is incredible. That being said, I don’t know if you are aware but they are still humans preparing the meals, not automated chefs, so mistakes are bound to happen as Im sure even you yourself make on a daily basis. Its patrons like you that expect the world then still complain about the price, I would have done the same and thrown you out, as your support is defintely not needed. There are plenty of well educated people out there able to enjoy the finer, delicious things in life and willing to pay a little extra. I myself have had a bad meal there, but love the whole experience and atmosphere, plus the food is amazing and the owners a pleasure to converse with. Even on its worst day it’s still far better than any of the mediocre restaurants Im sure you love and enjoy.
Rod Van Deventer
★★★★★
We had a bad meal between four of us on Friday 24 October. After complaining to the owner. He verbally attacked us and threw us out of his restaurant. He told us to never come back again which is fine because at those prices for that disgusting quality... I wont be returning. The waiter was good though.
