Kgomotso Moncho

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)

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