The Oyster Box is a luxury five-star hotel in Umhlanga, just north of Durban, South Africa. It is known for its spa and outdoor pools, with views of the Indian Ocean. The restaurant started in March 1954. The restaurant has outlets at 22 locations. The staff is friendly, and the service is quick.
With its unobstructed sea views, signature candy-stripe décor and wide-ranging menu of bistro-style plates, The Ocean Terrace of Oyster Box has become a firm favorite with both in-house guests and local visitors, who return time and again to enjoy family-friendly al fresco dining in sunny Umhlanga.
The extensive menu offers something for every palate, with a well-priced selection of dishes inspired by the freshest local produce and South Africa’s diverse culinary heritage. Seafood is a specialty, while wood-fired pizzas and the famous Curry Buffet add even more choice for diners. Overall, it is a go-to restaurant while you are in South Africa.
Oyster Box’ A La Carte Menu
| Category | Item | Description | Price (R) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starters | (V) Roasted Funghi | Caramelized onion and truffle mushroom tart, apricot confiture, balsamic red onion | R150.00 |
| (V) Asparagus and Ricotta | Charred asparagus, oven-baked ricotta cheese, micro leaves, blue cheese custard, toasted walnut sprinkles | R165.00 | |
| Native Oysters Au Natural (6 oysters) | Parsley, garlic and lemon gremolata, red wine mignonette, toasted brioche | R150.00 | |
| Flame Grilled Oysters | Burnt scallion butter, green garlic, mustard beads, parmesan floss | R160.00 | |
| Salmon and Tuna Ceviche | Tossed in lime, red chili, ginger and coriander, orange and avocado, seed crackers | R150.00 | |
| Cipollini and Parsley Prawns | Onion dusted, caviar and chardonnay cream, preserved lemon, quinoa, and cashew nut brittle. | R165.00 | |
| Butter Poached Crayfish | Garden pea mousse, fresh garden salad, butter-poached baby crayfish, citrus sesame dressing | R195.00 | |
| McCarty Salad | Chicken, bacon, beetroot, cheese, avocado pear, hardboiled egg, lettuce and tomato | R145.00 | |
| Tandoori Spiced Chicken | Red lentil soup, crunchy potato nest, fresh mint and nut raita, lemon pearls | R140.00 | |
| Asian Duck | Balsamic and honey reduction, soy and chili duck, spring onion and chive salad, nectarine compote | R155.00 | |
| Venison Carpaccio | Venison and Cumberland lollipop, cashew nut and Dijon mustard dressing, beetroot gel | R155.00 | |
| Snail Cassoulet | Parsley, garlic, and lemon gremolata, red wine mignonette, toasted Brioche | R140.00 | |
| Hors D’oevres Trolley | An array of delectable cold hors d’oeuvres served table style from our vintage carousel. | R155.00 | |
| Main Course | (V) Truffle Ravioli | Black olives, grilled artichokes, roasted chickpeas, preserved grapes, white wine butter, chardonnay cream | R160.00 |
| An array of delectable cold hors d’oeuvres served table style from our vintage carousel. | Sustainable linefish, parsley creamed potato, brunoise of plum tomato, capers, warm sauce tartar. | R220.00 | |
| Earl Grey Smoked Salmon | Cos lettuce, honey soy, fried capers, crisp bacon, anchovy and mustard dressing, rose balsamic pearls. | R250.00 | |
| Lemongrass Poached Linefish | Prawns, saffron brisque, pickled white radish, stewed orange, blistered tomatoes, lumpfish caviar, chili pearls | R240.00 | |
| Whiskey Prawns | Jack Daniels, garlic, red chili flakes, cream, lemon-infused Jasmine rice, burnt lime | R290.00 | |
| Baby Crayfish (3) | Your choice of thermidor or plain grilled, lemon-infused Jasmine rice, burnt lime | R420.00 | |
| Butter Basted Baby Langoustines | Dill and caper butter, OBH rosemary and caper butter potatoes | R390.00 | |
| Chicken and Wild Mushroom Ballotine | Pan-roasted preserved figs, potato Savaron, artichoke and capsicum purée, butter-glazed pan jus | R190.00 | |
| Five Spiced Duck a La Peach | Garden pea purée, French potato cake, duck bobotie spring roll, roast peach and honey jus | R220.00 | |
| Roast Rolled Pork | Confit of fennel, dry sherry sauce, bacon and red cabbage criollo, roasted baby apple, cinnamon caviar | R185.00 | |
| Summer Crumbed Venison | Parsnip and pea purée, red wine poached pear, carrot chips, orange foam, orange-scented jus | R220.00 | |
| Dyad of Lamb | Braised shank, roast rack, duo of purée, shaved radish, minted potato galette, coffee butter, jus | R220.00 | |
| Oyster Steak Diane | Oysters, flambéed medallions of beef, rich brown mushroom sauce laced with brandy, parsley buttered mash | R270.00 | |
| Josper Grilled Fillet Béarnaise | Bone marrow and herb crust, basil and tomato caprice, simmered peas and turnip, Beurre Noisette and sage jus | R220.00 | |
| Charcoal Grilled Chateaubriand (Serves Two) | Fish Pie “Avant-Garde” | R490.00 | |
| 500g T-Bone | Seasonal vegetables, OBH rosemary and caper butter potatoes, Café de Paris butter | R220.00 | |
| Journey to India | Butter chicken, traditional Natal lamb, and Singaporean fish curry served with steamed basmati, roti, and sambals. | R290.00 | |
| Seafood Platter (Serves Two) | Maître d’ carved, charred leeks, roast baby potatoes, flamed mushrooms, sauce béarnaise, wine merchant jus | R1600.00 | |
| Desserts | Baby crayfish, ten baby langoustines, ten prawns, 250g (SASSI approved) linefish, 200g calamari, ten local mussels, Prawn Cinglaise (Hendry’s creation) | Bea’s Cheese Cake | R95.00 |
| Crème Brûlée Tart | Amarula tart base, crispy sugar glaze, raspberry coulis, raspberry sorbet | R85.00 | |
| Lindt Chocolate Brownie | Candied orange rind, fresh rosemary, Lindt 70% chocolate mousse | R95.00 | |
| Coffee and Chocolate | Dark chocolate slab, full cream coffee ice cream, honeycomb, wafer crumbles | R95.00 | |
| Fruits of the Forest | Almond Macaroon, Blue Berries, Raspberry Cream, Orange Blossom Passion Fruit Cheesecake, White Chocolate and Strawberry Mousse, Crème De Watermelon, Kiwi and Pineapple Salsa | R110.00 | |
| Cherries Jubilee Shortcake | “American Styled” cheesecake with strawberry coulis | R95.00 | |
| Crêpe Suzette | Flambéed traditionally at your table, fresh orange segments, homemade honeycomb ice cream | R120.00 | |
| Cheese Trolley | Kirsch flamed and served with Bea’s honeycomb ice cream | R95.00 | |
| Dessert Wines | Waterford Heatherleigh NV – Stellenbosch | Opulent botrytis dessert wafts apricots, almonds, and a complex, luxurious sweet sugar with cleansing acidity. | R65.00 |
| Klein Constantia Vin de Constance 2008 | Anchovy cream, parsley, capers, toasted Brioche, burnt lemon | R115.00 | |
| Beaumont Goutte d’Or 2014 – Walker Bay | A blend of honeyed Semillon and fresh Sauvignon with dusty botrytis complexity. | R65.00 | |
| A selection of South Africa’s finest cheeses, homemade preserves, OBH bread selection | Great depth of structure, endless ripe blackberry finish | R155.00 | |
| Port – Local Allesverloren 2007 | Velvety and rich with a soft, smooth lingering fruit cake finish | R30.00 | |
| Cognac – Courvoisier VSR | Amber in color, silky smooth with some chocolate overtones and a nutty, slightly citrus finish. Hints of vanilla, grilled almonds and port wine | R55.00 | |
| Cognac – Hennessy VSOP | Delicate, subtly wooded, and slightly peppery on the nose. There are also hints of clove and cinnamon. | R90.00 |
Oyster Box’ Dinner & Dance Menu – R470.00
| Category | Item | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Amuse Bouche | Tantalizing pre-starter by Chef | Mouth-watering chef special starter |
| Starters | (V) Roasted Funghi | Caramelized onion and truffle mushroom tart, apricot confiture, balsamic red onion |
| Oysters Au Natural (6 oysters) | Parsley, garlic and lemon gremolata, toasted brioche | |
| Garlic-Dusted Chardonnay Prawns | Caviar and Chardonnay cream, preserved lemon, quinoa and cashew nut brittle, micro greens | |
| McCarty Salad | Chicken, bacon, beetroot, cheese, avocado pear, hardboiled egg, lettuce and tomato | |
| Reminiscent Classic | Hors D’oeuvres Trolley | An array of delectable cold hors d’oeuvres served table style from our vintage carousel. |
| Sorbet | Seasonal Frozen Fruit | Frozen, tasteful seasonal fruits of all kinds |
| Main Course | (V) Truffle Ravioli | Black olives, grilled artichokes, roasted chickpeas, preserved lemon, blue cheese and sage butter, Chardonnay cream |
| An array of delectable cold hors d’oeuvres served table style from our vintage carousel. | Sustainable Kabeljou, parsley creamed potato, brunoise of plum tomato, capers, warm sauce tartar. | |
| Tarragon Chicken | Sautéed free-range chicken breast, garlic and herb-crusted thigh, truffle potato purée, tarragon chicken glaze | |
| Josper Roasted Lamb Loin | Wilted kale, crisp potato galette, cream, chestnut and butter sauce, poached radish, minted jelly | |
| Desserts | Fish Pie “Avant-Garde” | Bea’s Cheese Cake |
| Crème Brûlée | A traditional vanilla-scented brûlée with a crisp sugar crust, chocolate tuile | |
| Summer Fruit Pavlova | Meringue basket, Chantilly cream, roasted peaches, passion fruit ice cream, granadilla coulis | |
| Dark Chocolate Brownie | Popcorn ice cream, caramelized orange, and Lindt chocolate sauce | |
| Note | The menu is subject to change | Depending on the availability of products and continuous menu changes. Please note that some menu items may contain or have traces of nuts. |
The Ocean Terrace Menu
The Ocean Terrace menu offers breakfast items, sushi, salads, pizza, desserts, and many more tasty items.
The Ocean Terrace Signature Breakfast Menu – R550 per Person
| Category | Item | Description |
|---|---|---|
| CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST | Seasonal Sliced | Whole and stewed fruit |
| Cereals | Bran flakes, corn flakes, muesli, granola, Bircher muesli, rice krispies accompanied by a selection of Greek and flavored yogurts | |
| Sliced Meat Selection | Parma ham, Black Forest ham, salami, pastrami | |
| Cheese Board | Gouda, Brie, Camembert, blue cheese, goat’s cheese, assorted crackers and preserves | |
| Gouda, Brie, Camembert, blue cheese, goat’s cheese, assorted crackers and preserves | Health bread, 50% rye bread, brown bread, seed loaf, multi-grain | |
| Selection of Pastries | Croissants, Danish pastries, doughnuts, scones, sticky cinnamon buns, bran, carrot and banana muffins | |
| Condiments | Strawberry jam, apricot jam, orange marmalade, whipped cream, cherry tomatoes, dill cucumber, olives, cream cheese, feta cheese, lemon wedges, preserved and pickled ginger, figs, onion marmalade, grated carrots, peppadews, gherkins, capers, nuts and seeds | |
| HOT ENGLISH BREAKFAST | Scrambled Eggs | Tasty scrambled eggs |
| Savoury Mince | Mouth-watering savory mince | |
| Pork and Beef Sausages | what tasty sausages! | |
| Back and Streaky Bacon | Beautiful bacon | |
| Spiced Lamb Shish Kebabs | Wonderful kebabs | |
| Poached Haddock in Cream | You love this! | |
| Sautéed Potatoes and Onion | Nice toppings | |
| Sautéed Mushrooms | Beautiful mushrooms | |
| Baked Beans, Grilled Tomatoes with Basil Pesto | Some other tasty toppings | |
| Condiments | Mustard, fruit chutney, sweet chili sauce, capers, tartare sauce, basil pesto, lemon wedges, gherkins, tomato and onion sambals, horseradish sauce, barbeque sauce | |
| FROM THE KITCHEN | Jungle Oats (v) | Cinnamon sugar, honey, berry compote |
| Vegan Granola (VG) | Soy/coconut milk, peanut butter, brûlée apple | |
| OBH French Toast (v) | Toasted Brioche, stewed berries, icing sugar, homemade syrup | |
| Eggs Florentine (v) | Toasted English muffin, wilted spinach, poached eggs, sauce hollandaise | |
| Indian Breakfast (v) | Chilli scrambled eggs, butter bean curry, grilled soya sausage, sambals, roti. | |
| Vegan Omelette (VG) | Chickpea flour, wilted spinach, blistered tomato, mushroom, grilled vegan cheese | |
| Eggs Benedict | Toasted English muffin, crisp back bacon, poached eggs, sauce hollandaise | |
| Eggs Royal | Toasted English muffin, home-cured Salmon, poached eggs, sauce hollandaise | |
| Oyster Mornay | Toasted English muffin, wilted spinach, steamed oysters, poached eggs, sauce mornay | |
| Chicken Liver Stroganoff | Lightly spiced cream sauce, toasted croissant, soft-poached egg, caramelized onion | |
| PANCAKE AND WAFFLE STATION | Whipped cream, maple syrup, cinnamon sugar, Astros, smarties, strawberries, bananas, chocolate sauce, toffee sauce and berry sauce | Sweets station where you can choose any sweet |
| BEVERAGES | Fruit smoothies, chocolate milk, green juice, sparkling and still water, sparkling wine, orange, apple and fruit cocktail juice | You can choose the beverage of your choice. |
The Ocean Terrace Light Meals Menu
| Item | Description | Price (R) |
|---|---|---|
| Mushroom Schnitzel (VG) | Panko crumbed black mushroom, grilled asparagus, sweet red onion, fresh rocket, garlic aioli. | R220 |
| Tandoori Chicken Wrap | Baby lettuce greens, coriander mayo, carrot and onion sambals | R220 |
| Fish Croquettes | Crumbed Salmon and linefish, pear, walnut and rocket salad, lime mayonnaise | R220 |
| Crispy Calamari | Sauce tartare, rocket, fresh lemon | R220 |
| House Cured Salmon | Avocado, rocket and mint salad, red onion, horseradish cream | R240 |
| Pukka Lamb Sandwich | Traditional Natal curry, sambals, fries | R290 |
| Bobotie Spring Rolls | Curried raisin beef, crisp pastry, pear chutney | R190 |
| Beef Burger (200g) | Fries, side salad | R220 |
The Ocean Terrace Wood-Fired Pizza
| Pizza | Description | Price (R) |
|---|---|---|
| Focaccia | Garlic, olive oil, herbs | R140 |
| Margherita | Napolitana sauce, Fior di Latte, Grana Padano, basil | R190 |
| Gamberi | Mozzarella, prawns, zucchini, salsa verde, chili | R340 |
| Capricciosa | Mozzarella, artichoke, salami, mushroom, olives | R250 |
| Butter Chicken | Mozzarella, fresh coriander, crispy onions | R220 |
| Pulled Lamb | Caramelized onions, goat’s cheese, rocket | R290 |
| Marinated Steak | Mozzarella, BBQ sauce, mushrooms, green peppers | R250 |
The Ocean Terrace Sushi Menu
| Sushi Dish | Description | Price (R) |
|---|---|---|
| Norwegian Salmon Rolls | Spicy mayonnaise, spring onion, toasted sesame seeds, teriyaki sauce | R170 |
| Rainbow Rolls | Salmon, tuna, prawn, or vegetarian | R160 |
| Fashion Sandwich | Salmon, tuna, prawn, or vegetarian | R160 |
| Seared Salmon Sushi Salad | Lettuce, radish, cucumber, avocado, red onion, pickled ginger, and soya dressing | R250 |
| Absolute Beachfront | Avocado, deep-fried prawns, teriyaki sauce | R190 |
| Nigiri | Salmon, tuna, prawn, or vegetarian | R160 |
| Sashimi | Salmon or tuna | R160 |
The Ocean Terrace Salads Menu
| Salad | Description | Price (R) |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken Caesar | Cos lettuce, Parmesan, anchovy dressing, croutons | R240 |
| Wood-Roasted Eggplant (v) | Toasted pumpkin seeds, goat’s cheese, burnt butter dressing, crisp seeded flatbread | R220 |
| The Greek (v) | Cucumber, tomato, red onion, olives, feta, garlic focaccia | R190 |
| Quinoa Salsa Salad (vg) | Cucumber, spring onion, peppers, diced pineapple, lime and mint dressing | R240 |
| On The Rocks | Crispy spinach, chicken, prawns, calamari, julienne veg, spicy Asian dressing | R250 |
| Prawn and Avocado | Lettuce, tomato, cucumber, Marie Rose sauce | R250 |
The Ocean Terrace Curry Buffet – R550.00
Available Monday – Sunday for dinner only and Friday – Sunday for lunch and dinner
| Course | Items |
|---|---|
| Starters | Potato Samosas |
| Chilli Bites | |
| Chicken Tikka | |
| Shish Kebabs | |
| Main Course Served with papadum, roti, steamed basmati, traditional accompaniments | Traditional Natal Lamb |
| Minced Beef Vindaloo | |
| Butter Chicken | |
| Singaporean Fish | |
| Chicken and Prawn | |
| Biryani | |
| Chana Masala | |
| Spiced Dhal | |
| Mushroom and Pea Curry | |
| Sugar Bean Curry | |
| Dessert | Gulab Jamun with Kulfi Ice Cream |
| Or | Saffron Soji, Cinnamon Milk, Almond Praline |
The Ocean Terrace Seafood Menu
| Item | Description | Price (R) |
|---|---|---|
| Portuguese Style Grilled Prawns | Tomato braised rice, garlic, peri-peri sauce, side salad | R420 |
| Baby Crayfish | Grilled or Thermidor, Mediterranean rice, peri-peri, fresh lemon | R590 |
| Classic Fish and Chips | Warm tartare, minted crushed peas, fries, fresh lemon | R240 |
| Linefish Princess | Grilled prawns, warm green beans, pea and spinach salad, garlic cream | R390 |
| Prawn Linguine | Roast pepper, garlic, tomato, fresh chili, white wine | R420 |
| Crayfish & Prawn Rigatoni | Panfried crayfish, prawns, mushrooms, white wine garlic cream, rocket | R490 |
| Ocean’s Catch | Plain grilled fish of the day, roasted vegetables, fries, fresh lemon | R340 |
The Ocean Terrace Meat & Poultry Menu (Steak and Oyster Menu)
| Category | Item | Description | Price (R) |
|---|---|---|---|
| MEAT | Citrus Braised Lamb Shank | Buttered mashed potatoes, green beans, roasted cauliflower, young tomato salad | R320 |
| Captain’s Steak | Grilled baby crayfish, garlic parsley cream, fries, roasted vegetables | R490 | |
| Fillet Steak (250g) | Carrot purée, wilted spinach, exotic mushroom jus, fries | R320 | |
| Pork Ribs on the Bone | Smoked BBQ sauce, coleslaw, smoked beans, fries | R290 | |
| POULTRY | Peri-Peri Chicken | Whole baby chicken, side salad, fries, or savory rice | R320 |
| Grilled Chicken Espetada | Garlic flatbread, baba ganoush, tzatziki, salad greens, garlic and parsley cream | R290 | |
| Confit of Duck | Quinoa and lentils, orange segments, pea purée, orange jus | R250 |
The Ocean Terrace Vegetarian Menu
| Item | Description | Price (R) |
|---|---|---|
| Marinated Mozzarella Sandwich | Sliced tomato, roasted bell peppers, lettuce, basil pesto, toasted rye | R140.00 |
| Capsicum and Artichoke Tart | Onion soubise, slow-roasted tomatoes, baby leaf salad, sunflower seed, mustard vinaigrette | R160.00 |
| Vegetable Korma | Creamy vegetable curry, basmati rice, sambals, chutney, roti | R150.00 |
The Ocean Terrace Extras Menu
| Ingredient | Price (R) |
|---|---|
| Cheddar Cheese | R30 |
| Bacon | R40 |
| Side Seasonal Vegetables | R40 |
| Creamed Spinach | R40 |
| Side Salad | R30 |
| Mornay Sauce | R40 |
| Garlic Parsley Cream | R40 |
| Mushroom Sauce | R40 |
The Ocean Terrace Desserts Menu
| Dessert | Description | Price (R) |
|---|---|---|
| Bea’s Famous Baked Cheesecake | Stewed berry compote and Midland’s butter tuille | R150 |
| Madagascan Hot Chocolate Fondant | Candied ginger sauce, vanilla bean ice cream, brandy snap, white chocolate lace | R95 |
| Triple Chocolate Mousse | White, dark and Belgian chocolate, Victoria sponge, Chantilly cream | R125 |
| Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée | Madagascan vanilla, baked custard, sugar brittle, sugar palmier | R110 |
| OBH Banana Split | Waffle cone, vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry ice cream, chocolate brownie, choc nut sauce | R120 |
| Tiramisù | Mascarpone cheese, espresso and rum, ladyfingers, cocoa dusting | R140 |
| Sachertorte | Vanilla ice cream, chocolate sauce, rich chocolate sponge | R120 |
| Selection of Homemade Ice Cream | Your choice of three decadent flavors – Honeycomb, Turkish Delight, Double Chocolate, Cinnamon, Vanilla, Cardamom | R110 |
| Cake of the Day | Please ask your waiter about the delicious cakes we have available | R120 |
The Ocean Terrace Beverages Menu
| Beverage | Price (R) |
|---|---|
| Americano | R40 |
| Cappuccino | R45 |
| Pot of Tea | R35 |
| Latte | R45 |
| Single Espresso | R30 |
| Fresh Fruit Juice | R45 |
| Double Espresso | R40 |
| Macchiato | R50 |
| Milo | R50 |
| Hot Chocolate | R45 |
| Chai Latte | R45 |