If you know, you know. Tucked away behind a discreet entrance in the basement parking of Marine Walk in Umdloti, The Room feels like you’ve stumbled upon a sophisticated speakeasy. Hidden from the bustle outside, it has an exclusive, tucked-away charm that’s elegant and intriguing.
From the moment you step inside, the outside world disappears, replaced by moody lighting, plush seating and elegant French bistro-inspired interiors that instantly set the scene for a memorable evening.
We kicked things off with the irresistible rock shrimp – perfectly crisp tempura-fried morsels paired with a creamy spicy mayo that had us reaching back for “just one more”. The truffle tortellini was pure comfort food elevated to fine dining, with ricotta, cheddar, toasted pine nuts and a bright hint of lemon balancing the rich truffle flavours beautifully.
But the standout starter? The beef tataki. Delicate cured beef topped with fragrant coriander pesto, sweet hoisin dressing, pickled jalapeños and crispy sweet potato delivered layer upon layer of flavour in every bite.
The mains continued to impress. The baby chicken arrived with impossibly crispy skin, smoky peri-peri sauce, crunchy smoked almonds and burnt lemon for a citrusy punch. The fish, wrapped in a light, golden vodka batter, was flaky and fresh, perfectly complemented by tangy lime aioli and a spicy ketchup.
For seafood lovers, the charcoal-roasted grilled lobster with chilli-lime butter is reason enough to book a table. Rich, buttery and kissed with just enough smokiness, it’s indulgence at its finest.
Alongside it, the classic wedge salad offered a crisp, refreshing contrast with baby gem lettuce, creamy Caesar dressing and generous shavings of Parmesan.
The Room strikes that elusive balance between sophisticated and welcoming. It’s intimate without being intimidating, refined without feeling overly formal, and every detail – from the impeccable presentation to the thoughtfully curated interiors – has been carefully considered.
Details: IG: @ the.room_
Photos: Supplied by The Room
