During the September school holiday I met friends for lunch at the Circus Circus Beach Cafe on Durbanโs beachfront. Circus Circus has been around in Durban since 1996 and although Iโve frequented both the Musgrave and Gateway franchises (and the Pietermaritzburg branch come to think of it); Iโd never visited the beach cafรฉ.
To be honest, it had been many a year since Id last been to the Durban beachfront. I certainly hadnโt been since the area had been redeveloped for the 2010 FIFA World Cup and I was pleasantly surprised with the upgrades.
Located below Mini Town, the Circus Circus Beach Cafรฉ boasts the most magnificent views; looking directly across the promenade to the beach. There is a constant stream of walkers, runners, cyclists and even rickshaw riders up and down the wide expanse of bricked walkway which gives the cafรฉ a vibey, holiday atmosphere.
There is a selection of seating โ choose from a courtyard area at the back of the restaurant (perfect for parents with children who want out of the pushchair but canโt necessarily get too far!), interior seating, outdoor seating under umbrellas or alternatively a small number of tables are located on the beach across from the main restaurant area.
How wonderful to eat lunch with your toes in the sand โ and perfect if you need to call children who have scampered off for a dip in the sea while waiting for lunch!
The breakfast menu is varied with a good selection ranging from various frittatas to croissants, traditional breakfasts, health breakfasts and specialty breakfasts such as French toast, Lebanese flat bread, Canadian breakfast and the Californian breakfast. Smoothies and a range of โfruit frenziesโ round off the list.
The main menu is extensive with anything from soups or salads, pasta dishes , burgers, seafood, steaks and schnitzels, flat breads, tramezzinis and toasted sandwiches to wraps and vegetarian options such as a vege burger and vege mezze platter.
Two of our party of four opted for tramezzinis; one had the bacon, avo and halloumi while the other settled on the spinach feta and mushroom. The third member of the group thought the prego roll sounded like a good choice while I went for the home made wrap with a very tasty filling combo of honey roasted butternut, feta, hummus, rocket, avo, onion marmalade and coriander pesto.
I wasnโt disappointed with my choice and thought mine looked the best… it was definitely the most colourful! Served with either a portion of chips or a side salad, the meals are substantial. My wrap, which had been preceded by a chocolate milkshake certainly left me feeling full enough.
I really enjoyed my time at Circus Circus Beach Cafรฉ and would recommend it as a child friendly place to eat where both the food and service are good.
Contact Circus Circus Beach Cafรฉ:
Telephone: ย +27 (0)31 337-7700
Address: Shop 1, Snell Parade, Bay of Plenty, Durban, KwaZulu Natal
Stay: Book accommodation in Durban
