9th Avenue Bistro, which opened in 2001, has an excellent reputation for delicious light meals that are inventive yet honour classical cooking traditions. Menus are reinvented to match the season in an atmosphere that is sophisticated yet laid-back, in true Durban style.

The multiple award-winning 9th Avenue Bistro in Durban certainly lives up to its name, offering its faithful clientele the finest of bistro fare.

Modern criteria such as seasonality and quality local produce guide its menu choices. And it is fortunate in that Durban’s subtropical climate lends itself to the serving of light fare all year round (although winter evenings between June and August are also ideal for comfort food).

Good bistro food is all about a one-plate offering that is innovative, flavoursome and has a certain wow factor. Think steak frites with a knock-out sauce, à la blue cheese or béarnaise.

The bistro, in the upmarket suburb of Morningside, has regionalised its plates, with seafood much in evidence. The stuffed calamari is a favourite, while the pasta and shellfish combinations are pure bliss. The dishes come alive with seasonal fruit and vegetables, such as litchi, pawpaw, avocado and aubergine.

The KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, known for cottage industries, are easily accessible, 9th Avenue Bistro is spoilt for choice when it comes to high-quality cheeses, pickles, olives, olive oil, pork and charcuterie. The invigorating salads are eye-candy that is actually good for you. The chocolate gateau is optional…

Husband and wife team Graham and Gina Neilson are at the helm, and strive to deliver the best produce, as fresh as possible, to their diners. They are both international travellers, and have worked in top eateries around the world, including in the United States, the United Kingdom, Bermuda, South America and the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands.

The restaurant setting is crisp, clean and uncluttered, the service matches the excellence of the food, and the wine list can complement any dish you choose.

This establishment has received many an online rave review from satisfied customers and critics alike – one of the latter proclaiming his meal there the best he’s ever had in Durban.