With beautiful views, glamorous décor and mouth-watering meals, every visit to Café La Plage is guaranteed to be a memorable one. The Get It girls were recently ‘wined-and-dined’ at this exclusive Umhlanga hotspot.
From the moment you walk in, it’s clear that Café La Plage is no regular restaurant. Unequivocal glamour, style and opulence are evident in every element of the décor – from gold-rimmed, plush velvet couches to crystal glasses and marble tabletops – and the staff are attentive and eager to serve.
Owned by well-known entrepreneur and self-made millionaire, David Manal, this exclusive fine-dining destination is the culmination of years of experience and a dream to create a luxurious, high-end restaurant and event venue, with exquisite décor and cuisine.
Having flown to Egypt, Dubai and China to source various pieces for the interior, self-taught chef David has also put careful thought into the extensive menu, which has a strong French and Mediterranean influence.
On arrival, we were immediately seated in a comfortable lounge in the ‘glass house’ area of the restaurant, which overlooks the outdoor gin garden.
Framed by surrounding palm trees with breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean and Umhlanga’s whalebone pier, this is the perfect spot to enjoy alfresco dining and take in the area’s surrounds.
With various venue options on offer, Café La Plage also has a 250-seater main dining area (perfect for large weddings, corporate events and lavish birthday celebrations), as well as a very opulent and exclusive ‘gentleman’s room’, which houses 300 years of fine single malt Scotch Whisky.
Seated at our lounge table with glasses of ice-cold, bubbling Pongracz in hand, our lunch comprised of a ‘tasting menu’, featuring a variety of nibbles from the restaurant’s menu.
On offer is a wide selection of French-inspired salads, entrees and mains, including pasta, pizza, burgers, poultry, grilled dishes and exquisite seafood (think grilled King Prawns, Langoustines grilled in garlic butter and pan-cooked Crayfish Gratinee served with prawn risotto and Gruyere cheese). Yum. They also have a delectable sushi offering, which tastes as good as it looks!
Dessert at Café La Plage is as decadent as you can imagine, with the delicious Lover’s Fondant (featuring two chocolate fondants with all the gooey, delicious trimmings to share) as a definite must-try for date night.
Cocktails at Café La Plage is a treat as well, with warm dessert cocktails (like the Minty Irish Coffee, Warm Strawberry Kiss and Spanish Zesty Coffee, among many others) being especially enticing.
Whether you’re looking for a spot to have a special celebration, a romantic date night or even host a wedding or elegant corporate function, Café La Plage is the perfect space to indulge in stylish glamour, fine dining and an all-round special experience.
Details: Café La Plage, The Pearls Umhlanga, 031 561 9999 / 072 222 9188
IG @cafelaplage.sa www.cafelaplage.co.za [email protected]
Text: Leah Shone
