Easily accessible off the M4 and one of the first places you’ll see as you enter Ballito, is the continental eatery you have been waiting for – La Piazza Cafe and Restaurant.
Durbanite contributor, Cristy Gibbons, gives us the lowdown on Ballito’s best little-known restaurant.
“I’ll be honest. I had never heard of La Piazza. I asked around and found that friends and family knew this place pretty well. Having heard rave reviews, I was my usual skeptical self… How could a self-confessed foodie not have tasted the delights of such a fine establishment? This revelation only made me more eager to delve into the undiscovered delights that La Piazza had to offer.

I arrived at around 19h00, date in tow, with little idea of what to expect, other than being told the place was “fancy-ish”. Walking up to the door, I was impressed with the scale of place. A large courtyard and lounging area, with an European fountain, preceded an open plan deck and veranda with a modern bar space meeting them in the middle. Subway tiles, high ceilings and suggestive lighting set the mood as incredibly helpful staff led us to our table.
I felt very fancy. Not to mention that it was inviting, upmarket and family friendly!
My handsome companion and I were impressed. Looking at the menu, it was clear why La Piazza is called a “continental” restaurant. They offer everything. Opening at 07h00 and closing at roughly 22h00 – you can make your way there for breakfast, brunch, lunch dunch and dinner… and drinks.

It took us a while before we realised that there were two discrete children’s play areas – perfect for parents looking for a casual date night, with loads of activities to keep the kids preoccupied.
Soaking up the opportunity to indulge, I ordered the Pan Seared Quail and my compadre cosseted some Carpaccio. Now, because I was the chosen one (to test the tastiness) – I got to eat both. The Carpaccio was light and fresh. Perfect for a humid evening. My quail was succulent and served with a light salad. Slightly sweet, with some much needed crunch. But also, where else can you find Quail? We paired these dishes with the fine red wine on offer. Our waitron, Fikile, was knowledgeable, witty and an overall darling – she assisted us in choosing our mains.

What should you order? Well, like Marco (the owner) says – everything is great. He suggests the Baby Chicken, a firm fan favourite, as well as the Chicken Parmesan (my date’s choice). The portion sizes are well worth the price and the taste is abundant.
Now – for the most important part – dessert. Here is where La Piazza deserves a special mention… say it with me “may I please have the Semi Freddo.” These are words you will not regret. I was advised by Vineshree or “V”, the seriously hospitable manager, to try this delicious milky, ice-creamy, sweet, biscuity magic dessert. I did my best to try coax the secret recipe out of all the staff, but no amount of bribery would work, so you will have to make a trip to taste this treat for yourself.

So – my verdict? La Piazza is “fancy-ish” place you can go, with (or without) the kids, to enjoy a wide selection of really well made, generous meals, any time of day.”
Check them out:
www.lapiazzarestaurant.co.za
WIN WIN WIN!!!
We have a R500 La Piazza voucher up for grabs!
How to enter:
1) Drop us a comment below and like the La Piazza Facebook page here
OR
2) Visit La Piazza and fill out a Durbanite entry form
Competition closes on Friday 13 January.
Nicole
23 December 2016 at 3:12 pm
Awesome stuff Love to win
Janet Moses
23 December 2016 at 3:25 pm
Would really love to win this amazing prize from Lake Piazza
Samantha Scott
23 December 2016 at 3:49 pm
Oh my. This place looks AMAZING!!!
Andi
23 December 2016 at 7:37 pm
Please pick me! I would love to take my husband on a date here!
Jessey Pan
23 December 2016 at 9:36 pm
Oooooo~~~I am always on the look out for new exciting restaurants to try out, and this could be the next best thing! Amped to try it out with my besties 😉😆😎😙
Jessica Aberdein
24 December 2016 at 9:01 am
This looks fantastic! Always on the lookout for the Golden Gems of Durban and this may be one of them! I will definitely have to check La Piazza out <3
Homaira Khan
29 December 2016 at 9:42 am
Gorgeous establishment. Definitely on our to-visit list!
Tina Naidu
2 January 2017 at 9:02 pm
Durbanite reviews only the best places, so I know that La Piazza is top quality. Please pick me so that I can experience this gem La Piazza
Sanelisiwe Soni
3 January 2017 at 10:55 am
Please pick me, I would like to come and visit with my children as we never had Chrismas, just before they go to school and have something to share with their friends and to experience the good food.
Lizeldi Baars
3 January 2017 at 3:55 pm
OMG this would be foodtastic!!! Its almost my 6 year anniversary and the experience would be Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious 🙂
Nikki Vermaak
3 January 2017 at 5:32 pm
Wow this place look absolutely delish! Must try I out~ That prize voucher would definately help.
Logie Thaver
5 January 2017 at 7:01 am
Beautiful review. Sounds like an excellent restaurant with delicious food
Penelope Ann Gerrard
5 January 2017 at 8:40 am
Wow, sounds incredible. As Ballito ‘newbies’, we’re always on the lookout for great restaurant recommendations. I would love to take my husband to La Piazza for date night!
Harsha
5 January 2017 at 3:12 pm
My new favourite restaurant in Ballito since I celebrated my 40th there last year. Planning my anniversary dinner there this month so would be a bonus to win…
Willem Venter
6 January 2017 at 11:41 am
Hey Durbanites !!!
Myself and the Soon to be Wifey will be visiting Ballito this coming March for our Honeymoon!!This would be an awesome addition to the “to do list”… and we could sure do with a voucher after all the wedding costs if you know what I mean… “nudge nudge… wink wink…” lol!!
Big fan of the site guys!! keep up the good work!!!
Greetings from Joburg… 🙂
Chantell van den Blink
23 January 2017 at 3:08 pm
Love Balito and would love to get to know La Piazza!