Amanzimtoti is a popular KwaZulu-Natal tourist attraction, largely thanks to its picture-perfect ocean setting, excellent surf and annual sardine run.
It is blessed with numerous beaches, a balmy climate and some great family-friendly experiences – including local eateries.
Here are the top ten restaurants in or near Amanzimtoti for families to enjoy together:
#1 Chatterbox Cafe
This cosy cafe is suitable for the whole family and you can even hire the cafe as a venue for your children’s parties.
With a good kiddies’ menu (complete with toasted sandwiches, fish fingers, kiddies chicken salad and mini pizzas), a homely atmosphere and good, simple food, Chatterbox Cafe is a joy for all to visit.
Join them for a good cup of coffee, dear catch-ups with friends or simply some quiet time together as a family.
Contact: +27 (031) 171 0985, chatterboxcafe22@gmail.com
Website: www.22onrockview.co.za/chatterbox-cafe/
Address: Chatterbox Cafe, 22 Rockview Road, Amanzimtoti, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
#2 Cafe Amanda
This charming cafe, with its beautiful garden setting, is a lovely spot to go as a family.
They can also host great kiddies’ parties and the cafe is equipped with a great kids’ play area, making them very child-friendly.
Overall, food is wholesome and tasty; service is good; and the setting is relaxing and family friendly.
Visit Cafe Amanda for a delightful family experience.
Contact: +27 (082) 371 6814
Website: www.cafeamanda.co.za
Address: Cafe Amanda, Corner of 16 Rockview Road and 1 Seaforth Lane, Amanzimtoti, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
#3 Friends Family Restaurant and Pub
Both child- and dog-friendly, Friends Family Restaurant and Pub is naturally a really great place for the whole family to enjoy.
They offer a chilled restaurant experience, great food and some good meal ideas, like their Sunday Roast, which is ideal for adults and kids alike.
Visit this lovely gastro pub for a good family time, with great service and tasty food.
Contact: +27 (031) 903 1713
Website: friendsintoti.co.za
Address: Friends Family Restaurant and Pub, Amanzimtoti, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
#4 Tiago’s
Equipped with a delicious kiddies’ menu, Tiago’s is a place where the whole family can go enjoy excellent food.
Staff are friendly; their open flame grilled chicken and food flavours are out-of-this-world; and the restaurant atmosphere is welcoming.
Kiddies’ food options include: two wings and chips; toasted cheese and chips; chicken burger and chips; and a few more tasty choices to entice little eaters.
Tiago’s is small, so dining space is a bit limited – but whether you visit and sit down or simply stop by to pick up some takeaway meals to enjoy at home, Tiago’s has you covered.
Contact:+27 (031) 903 2070, info@tiagos.co.za
Website: www.tiagos.co.za
Address: Shop G5, Seadoone Mall, 21-37 Seadoone Road, Amanzimtoti, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
#5 Ollie’s Pub and Grill
At Ollie’s Pub and Grill, kids are welcome so parents can head to this popular eatery with a sense of ease.
While it is not the most child-friendly spot for very young children, it is a good idea for families with older kids who are past the need for playtime and can simply enjoy sharing a meal with their family.
And with meal options like toasted sandwiches and burgers, everyone can find something to tuck into.
Here you can enjoy great food; a fun vibe; and friendly, dedicated staff who do their best to make you feel completely at home.
Ollie’s also enjoys lovely sea- and lagoon-views, adding an extra element of beauty to this already much-loved pub and grill.
Contact: +27 (031) 903 7912
Website: N/A
Address: Ollie’s Pub and Grill, Corner of Beach and Rosslyn Road, Amanzimtoti, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
#6 19 Beach Road Restaurant
This casual eatery offers a pleasant experience for families. It is friendly, welcoming and geared at those with kids too, thanks to the play area and TV on-site to entertain the little ones.
Adults, meanwhile, can enjoy delicious food and refreshing cocktails, while their children play.
Visit them for a great family meal.
Contact: +27 (031) 903 1068
Website: N/A
Address: 19 Beach Road Restaurant, Amanzimtoti, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
#7 Life Cafe
Family and friends are firmly the focal point at this charming cafe.
Not only are they a local favourite for hosting events, functions and kids’ parties – but they are a quiet, cosy place to enjoy with the whole family.
And best of all, they even lay claim to serving the best milkshakes in Toti… Mmm!
Contact: +27 (031) 903 7539
Website: sites.google.com/cedarhill.email/life-cafe/events-and-functions
Address: Life Cafe, 54 Bhengu Road, Amanzimtoti, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
#8 The Thirsty Whale and Splash World
With entertainment for the kids and good fare for the adults – this pub and grill is a crowd-pleaser no matter your age.
Situated on Toti Main Beach, alonside the popular Splash World, it offers a great beach atmosphere and even better views.
And with its good menu – including its famous Mojo Jam Jars, cocktails/sundowners and seafood platters – The Thirsty Whale is sure to make for a memorable family meal.
Contact: +27 (031) 904 2273/(031) 904 2385
Website: www.thirstywhale.co.za
Address: The Thirsty Whale and Splash World, Amanzimtoti Main Beach, 97 Beach Road, Amanzimtoti, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
#9 Lords and Legends Sports Cafe
This popular, long-standing spot is a great place to go as a family.
With good food (especially their burgers) and service; outside space for play; and a dedicated, well-priced kiddies’ menu, they are certainly a family-orientated eatery.
Join them for a special time out together with your loved ones – and give your kiddies the freedom to run and play or sit together and eat as they choose.
Contact: +27 (031) 903 4534
Website: lordsandlegends.co.za/2017/
Address: Lords and Legends Sports Cafe, 1600 Riverside Road, Amanzimtoti, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
#10 Indian Origin Family Restaurant
A bit further out, we find the tempting Indian Origin Family Restaurant.
This family eatery is perhaps best suited to families with older children who can quietly enjoy a family meal out – but it welcomes children regardless of age.
Still, even if you don’t take the family with, you can order some amazing takeaways and enjoy quality family time together at home… A win-win situation either way!
Their amazing, fragrant foods, all-day breakfast and great coffee are sure to win you over, as much as the friendly service and lovely restaurant atmosphere.
Menu highlights include: beef curry, Aloo Paratha roti, Butter Chicken and other mouth-watering delicacies.
Be sure to check them out for a delicious sit-down or takeaway meal!
Contact: +27 (064) 031 3501
Website: indianoriginfamilyrestaurant.business.site/
Address: Indian Origin Family Restaurant, 117 – 122 Kingsway St, Warner Beach, Kingsburgh, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
These are just some of the family friendly spots in and around Toti!