Zai Restaurant is an authentic Argentinian grill-house specializing mainly in marbled meats with a fusion of Durban cuisine. Opened on the 1st of August 2022, the restaurant provides an alternative to the dining space of Durban. The restaurant’s exquisite interior matches the delicious dishes coming from their kitchen. The staff is friendly and well-mannered, and the service is quick.
Zai is a culmination of true flavor and a unique fine dining experience. You get a true Argentinian experience at Zai with their steaks and most of their meals being prepared on the Santa Marina grill over wood fire and charcoal. Their cuisine allows you to have a taste of the authentic dishes made deep in Argentina, complemented by the Durban spicy cuisine. Zai’s cuisine gives you the experience of that wood-fired feel and flavor with a bit of theatrics with their flambeed steaks. It offers breakfast, sales, meat & poultry items, desserts, and drinks.
Zai Breakfast Menu
Served from 7 am till 11:30 am
| Menu Item | Description | Price (R) |
|---|---|---|
| English Breakfast | 2 eggs any style, streaky bacon, mushrooms, tomato, and toast. | R45 |
| Fresh Fruit Salad | Muesli, fresh fruits, and plain yogurt drizzled with a little honey. | R45 |
| Zai Benedict | Two poached eggs on an English muffin with bacon, topped with Spicy Hollandaise sauce and rocket. | R75 |
| Zai Breakfast | Two eggs, bacon, pork sausages, grilled mushrooms, and toast of your choice. | R85 |
| Breakfast Wrap | Scrambled egg, bacon, cherry tomatoes, feta, spinach, and avocado. | R85 |
| French Toast | Served with Maple Glazed Bacon. | R75 |
| Salmon Ciabatta | Smoked salmon trout and scrambled egg on ciabatta with chives. | R45 |
| Continental Breakfast | Freshly baked pastries, assorted cereals, tea, coffee, and juice. Comes with eggs, bacon, and baked beans on request with your server with chives. (Friday – Sunday or on request for tables of 15 or more.) | R150 |
| Shakshouka | Two poached eggs in a spicy tomato sauce, beef strips, Mozzarella Cheese on Garlic, and herb ciabatta. | R105 |
| Muesli | Served with plain yogurt. | R45 |
| Zai Open Sandwiches | – Smoked Salmon, cream cheese, avo, capers on a bagel. – Chicken mayo, Celery, Grapes, caramelized Walnuts, toasted pumpkin seeds. | R65 R60 |
| Extras | Avo Egg Bacon Baked Beans Mushrooms Beef/Pork Sausage Toast. | R25 R10 R15 R15 R15 R20 R10 |
Zai Continental Breakfast Menu
R150 – R200 per Person with bottomless cinzano prosecco mimosa
Available every Friday – Sunday (8 am – 12 pm) or for tables of 15 or more during the week
| Item | Category |
|---|---|
| Rice Krispies | Cereals |
| Muesli | Cereals |
| Bran Flakes | Cereals |
| Corn Flakes | Cereals |
| Coco Puffs | Cereals |
| Scones, Plain | Bakery & Pastries |
| Plain Croissants | Bakery & Pastries |
| Choc Croissants | Bakery & Pastries |
| Cookies | Bakery & Pastries |
| Assorted Muffins | Bakery & Pastries |
| Fruit Platter | Fresh Items |
| Plain Greek Yogurt | Dairy & Yogurt |
| Strawberry Yogurt | Dairy & Yogurt |
| Milk | Beverages |
| Orange Juice | Beverages |
| Strawberry Juice | Beverages |
| Cold Meat | Other |
| Artisanal Bread | Other |
| Waffles | Other |
| Hot Breakfast | Other |
| Eggs, bacon, sausages, | Other |
| baked beans, and mushrooms | Other |
| Tea and Coffee | Other |
Zai Ensalada – Salads Menu
| Item | Description | Price (R) |
|---|---|---|
| CHICKEN EMPANADAS | Homemade pastries made with savory chicken. | R85 |
| VEGETARIAN EMPANADAS | Home-made pastries are made with vegetables, red peppers, onions, and mozzarella. | R65 |
| CREAMY MUSSELS | Creamy white wine mussels served with toasted ciabatta. | R80 |
| LAMB RIBLETS | Grilled lamb ribs with parsley and garlic, served with a chili sauce. | R115 |
| SOUTH COAST OYSTERS | Fresh wild oysters off the coast of Scottsburg. Served six a portion. | R200 |
| CHICKEN LIVERS | Pan-fried livers in a spicy, creamy sauce served with ciabatta. | R75 |
| ALBONDIGAS (MEATBALLS) | Slow-cooked pure beef meatballs in a Napolitano sauce. | R70 |
| CHIMICHURRI CHICKEN WINGS | Chimchuri spiced, chili flakes, and coriander chicken wings roasted on the wood fire. | R85 |
| CHICKEN COUSCOUS | Grilled chicken breasts, cucumber, couscous, cherry tomatoes, and fresh parsley. | R85 |
| ROCKET SALAD | Fresh rocket, Parmesan shavings, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and house-made lemon dressing. | R68 |
| SMOKED SALMON SALAD | Smoked salmon, Avo, feta cream cheese, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber. | R135 |
| GREEK SALAD | Olives, Feta, mixed greens, onions, and cucumber. | R65 |
Zai Carne – Meat Menu
Sides: Rice, Chips, Mash, Vegetables
| Item | Description | Price (R) |
|---|---|---|
| RABO DE TORO (OXTAIL) | Oxtail stew is slow-cooked to perfection and served with jasmine rice or rosemary mashed potatoes. | R295 |
| CHICKEN COUSCOUS | Grilled chicken breasts, cucumber, couscous, cherry tomatoes, and fresh parsley. | R85 |
| ROCKET SALAD | Fresh rocket, Parmesan shavings, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and house-made lemon dressing. | R68 |
| SMOKED SALMON SALAD | Smoked salmon, Avo, feta cream cheese, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber. | R135 |
| GREEK SALAD | Olives, Feta, mixed greens, onions, and cucumber. | R65 |
| CORDERO (LAMB CHOPS) | 450g Lamb loin chops, marinated in homemade chimichurri. Served with a side of your choice. | R245 |
| LOMO (BEEF FILLET) | 300g Fillet steak, very tender and lean cut. Flambéed with brandy and compound butter. | R190 |
| COSTELETA (T-BONE) | 500g T-Bone, dry-aged with a generous amount of fat, combining sirloin & fillet all in one steak. | R245 |
| PICANHA (RUMP STEAK) | 300g prime rump steak served with compound butter. | R190 |
| BIFE DE CHORIZO (SIRLOIN STEAK) | Sirloin steak, juicy with a robust flavor. | R190 |
| CARNE ARGENTINA (MEAT PIZZA) | Tenderized sirloin topped with mozzarella cheese, chorizo, and ham. The horse meat pizza. | R355 |
| CERDO (PORK RIBS) (500g) | Loin pork ribs with sticky barbecue marinade. Served with chips. | R250 |
| CERDO (PORK RIBS) (1kg) | Loin pork ribs with sticky barbecue marinade. Served with chips. | R335 |
| SIGNATURE TOMAHAWK | House premium steak is done with bone marrow compound butter and served with mushroom sauce. | R495 |
| PLATO PARA PLATA | Pork Ribs, chicken wings, lamb chops, meatballs, mixed espatada, and two sides of your choice. | R750 |
| MIXED ESPETADA | Beef and chicken kebabs served with a side of your choice. | R195 |
| PANCETA DE CERDO (PORK BELLY) | 300g Crispy Pork Belly with cauliflower puree, rum, orange glazed, and baby carrots or veg medley. | R255 |
| ASADO (BEEF SHORT-RIB) | 400g Short beef ribs have a rich flavor and an addictive crisp. | R245 |
| ESPATADA (Beef fillet kebabs) | Beef fillet kebabs served with a side of choice. | R195 |
| CHEF’S CURRY OF THE DAY | Please ask your server for the chef’s specialty curry. | SQ |
| LAMB SHANK | Smoked lamb shank is slowly roasted for 4-5 hours until the meat is soft and falls off the bone. Served with mashed potatoes and vegetables. | R305 |
Zai Mariscos – Seafood Menu
| Item | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| CAMARONES DIABLO (PRAWNS) | Eight king-size prawns chargrilled with a choice of peri-peri, lemon butter, or Cajun spice. | R290 |
| PLATA PARA PLATA | Grilled calamari, fried calamari, grilled prawns, mussels, and two grilled swordfish served with two sides of your choice. | R750 |
| LINE FISH OF THE DAY | Chef’s catch of the day served with a side of your choice. | R265 |
| CALAMARES GRILLADDO (CALAMARI) | Grilled and fried calamari served with a side of your choice. | R195 |
| STUFFED WHOLE FISH PLATTER | Signature stuffed whole fish served with eight king prawns, fried calamari, creamy mussels, and two sides of your choice. | R1250 |
| STUFFED WHOLE FISH | Smoked fresh whole-fish stuffed with pepperdews, red onions, peppers, coriander, and asparagus and seasoned with chimichurri. Served on a bed of baby potatoes, asparagus, cherry tomatoes, and corn. | R410 |
Zai Hamburguesas Menu
| Item | Description | Price (R) |
|---|---|---|
| CHICKEN BURGER | Grilled tender and juicy chicken breast, Avo, tomato, onions, pickles, and cheddar cheese. | R135 |
| ZAI HOUSE BURGER | Doubled beef patty, roasted egg, bacon, and cheese. Served with chips. | R170 |
| STEAK & CHEESE BURGER | 200g pure beef burger patty topped with provolone cheese and bacon, red wine onion glazed. | R155 |
| ZAI MIXED HOUSE BURGER | 200g beef patty, chicken fillet, roasted egg, bacon, and cheese. Served with chips. | R160 |
Zai Pollo – Poultry Menu
| Item | Description | Price (R) |
|---|---|---|
| CHICKEN PINCHO | Chicken fillets with red peppers, sundried tomatoes, and onions with a choice of lemon butter or peri-peri (served on a skewer). | R145 |
| BABY CHICKEN | Chargrilled and served with a choice of peri-peri or lemon butter. | R205 |
Zai Pasta Menu
Option of Penne, Fettuccine, Spaghetti
| Pasta | Description | Price (R) |
|---|---|---|
| PESCADERO | Creamy and spicy garlic prawns | R195 |
| OXTAIL PASTA | Slow-cooked oxtail ragu in penne pasta with Napolitano and topped with Grana Padano. | R265 |
| POLLO PESTO | Pan-fried chicken breast with crispy bacon, basil pesto, and Grana Padano. | R165 |
| HOUSE LASAGNA | Beef mince, bacon, mushrooms, bechamel, and three cheeses. | R160 |
| VEGETARIAN | Mushrooms, green and yellow peppers, a hint of chili, garlic, parmesan, cream, and a dash of Napolitano. | R135 |
| SEAFOOD PASTA | Pasta de Mare is a creamy-based pasta with mussels, prawns, calamari, and prawns. | R295 |
Zai Dolce – Desserts Menu
| Dessert | Description | Price (R) |
|---|---|---|
| CAPE MALVA | Home-made malva pudding served with either ice cream or hot custard. | R85 |
| CREME BRULEE TART | Citrus-infused creme brulee tart served with hazelnut ice cream. | R85 |
| WAFFLES | Zai’s signature blueberry waffles are served with vanilla ice cream and maple syrup. | R85 |
| CAKE OF THE DAY | Please inquire with your server about the chef’s cake of the day. | R95 |
| CHEESECAKE | Chef’s signature cheesecake. Please inquire with the waiter about the cheesecake of the day. | R95 |
Zai Champagne Menu
| Type | Name | Vintage/Non-vintage | Price (Bottle) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Champagne | |||
| DOM PERIGNON BRUT | Non-vintage | R7500 | |
| MOET & CHANDON BRUT NV | Non-vintage | R1600 | |
| MOET & CHANDON NECTAR IMPERIAL NV | Non-vintage | R1750 | |
| BOLLINGER ROSE | Non-vintage | R3500 | |
| VEUVE CLIQUOT NV | Non-vintage | R1950 | |
| VEUVE RICH | Non-vintage | R2200 | |
| G.H MUMM GRAND CORDON | Non-vintage | R1650 | |
| G.H MUMM OLYMPE DEMI-SEC | Non-vintage | R1800 | |
| BILLERCART RESERVE BRUT | Non-vintage | R2400 | |
| RUINART BLANC DE BLANC | Non-vintage | R3500 | |
| Methode cap Classique | |||
| GRAHAMBECK BRUT | Non-vintage | R470 | |
| MARTINI PROSECCO BRUT | Non-vintage | R500 | |
| KRONE NIGHT NECTAR | 2020 | R460 | |
| AMARI LUSH | 2014 | R460 | |
| BOSCHENDAL BRUT | Non-vintage | R460 | |
| PONGRACZ NOBLE NECTAR | Non-vintage | R480 | |
| LE LUDDE RESERVE BRUT | Non-vintage | R900 | |
| Methode cap Classique | |||
| CINZANO PROSECCO (DRY) | Non-vintage | R475 | |
| GRAHAMBECK BLISS NECTAR | Non-vintage | R480 | |
| White Wine Sauvignon Blanc | |||
| OAK VALLEY FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH | 2021 | R245 | |
| KLEIN CONSTANTIA | 2022 | R300 | |
| STEENBERG THE BLACK SWAN | 2020 | R650 | |
| White Wine Sauvignon Blanc | |||
| DURBANVILLE HILLS | 2021 | R220 | |
| ANURA | 2022 | R220 | |
| Chenin Blanc | |||
| KEN FORRESTER PETIT | 2022 | R190 | |
| RAATS ORIGINAL | 2021 | R370 | |
| Chardonna – Bottle | |||
| PAUL CLUVER VILLAGE | 2021 | R435 | |
| WATERFORD | Vintage – region | R700 | |
| White Blends & Other Single Varietals | |||
| B VINTNERS HAARLEM TO HOPE | 2018 | R450 | |
| HAUTE CABRIERE | – | R385 | |
| Rose & Semi Sweet | |||
| DARLING SWEET ROSE | Non-vintage | R165 | |
| SOPHIE ROSE | 2022 | R300 | |
| DE KRANS MOSCATO | 2020 | R235 | |
| SIMONSIG GEWURTZTRAMINER | 2022 | R240 | |
| Chardonnay Pinot Noir | |||
| DURBANVILLE | 2021 | R195 | |
| RUPERT & ROTHSCHILD BARONESS NADINE | 2018 | R790 |
Zai Red Wines Menu
| Name | Vintage | Price (Bottle) |
|---|---|---|
| DU TOITSKLOOF | 2018 | R240 |
| DURBANVILLE HILLS | 2020 | R240 |
| FAIRVIEW | 2020 | R325 |
| MEINERT | 2017 | R590 |
| FLEUR DU CAP | 2017 | R790 |
| HARTENBERG | 2017 | R390 |
| BOSCHENDAL | 2018 | R365 |
| DELHEIM | 2019 | R450 |
Zai Wines From the Cellar Menu
| Name | Vintage | Price (Bottle) |
|---|---|---|
| VILAFONTE SERIES C | 2019 | R3150 |
| RAATS MR DE COMPOSTELLA | 2017 | R3050 |
| BEESLAR PINOTAGE | 2020 | R1985 |
| MEERLUST RUBICON | 2018 | R1350 |
| SHANNON MOUNT BULLET MERLOT | 2018 | R900 |
| ANURA PRIVATE CELLAR SIGNATURE CAPE CUVEE | 2014 | R1050 |
| DE TOREN Z | 2017 | R730 |
| LUDDITE SHIRAZ | 2018 | R1300 |
| THE FMC | 2020 | R1650 |
| BABYLONSTOREN NEBUKADNESAR | 2019 | R1650 |
Zai Whiskey Menu
| Whisky | Price (Bottle) |
|---|---|
| GLENLIVET FOUNDERS | R1300 |
| GLENLIVET 12 | R1450 |
| GLENLIVET 15 | R2800 |
| GLENLIVET 18 | R4200 |
| GLENFIDDICH 12 | R1200 |
| GLENFIDDICH 15 | R1950 |
| GLENFIDDICH 18 | R4000 |
| GLENMORANGIE 10 | R990 |
| GLENMORANGIE QUINTA RUBAN | R1750 |
| GLENMORANGIE LASANTA | R2100 |
| GLENMORANGIE NECTAR D’OR | R3500 |
| GLENMORANGIE 18 | SQ |
| MACALLAN 12 | SQ |
| MACALLAN 15 | SQ |
| MACALLAN 18 | R900 |
| JAMESON | R1200 |
| JAMESON SELECT RESERVE | R1600 |
| WOODFORD RESERVE | R900 |
| JOHNNIE WALKER BLACK | R2000 |
| JOHNNIE WALKER GOLD | SQ |
| JOHNNIE WALKER DOUBLE BLACK | R1500 |
| JOHNNIE WALKER 18 | R3500 |
| JOHNIE WALKER KING GEORGE V | R26 000 |
| JOHNNIE WALKER BLUE | R7000 |
| LAGAVULIN 16 YO | R4200 |
| MONKEY SHOULDER | R990 |
| DEWARS 12 YO | R900 |
| DEWARS 15 YO | R1500 |
| HIBIKI | R3600 |
| BALVENIE 12 YO | R3000 |
| LAPHROAIG 10 YO | R1200 |
The Zai Signature Drinks
| Drink Name | Ingredients | Price (R) |
|---|---|---|
| ORANGE JULEP | Inverroche Amber gin, orange, pineapple, elderflower syrup, topped with Cinzano Prosecco | R95 |
| MOONLIGHT | Beefeater Pink, purple sweet potato syrup, fresh lemon juice, orange bitters, apple juice, chilled coupe glass | R105 |
| SWEET ESCAPE | Beefeater Pink gin, strawberry puree, honey syrup, fresh pineapple juice, shaken, chilled coupe | R95 |
| SUMMER HENNY | Hennessy VS, Cointreau, peach puree, cinnamon syrup, apple juice | R145 |
| MAGIC X | Glenmorangie X, blueberry syrup, lemon juice, Fitch and Leeds Blue Tonic | R105 |
| CINNAMON TART SOUR | Jameson Select whiskey, cinnamon syrup, fresh lemon juice, dash of bitters, whiskey glass | R140 |
| THE ZAI SUNSET | Beefeater Pink, elderflower syrup, watermelon, cherry liquor, topped with Cinzano Prosecco. | R120 |
| THE HALLOWEEN | Don Julio, pineapple juice, Barcadi, lemon juice, grapefruit, topped with Fitch and Leeds Pink Tonic | R135 |
The Zai Signature Classics Menu
| Drink Name | Ingredients | Price (R) |
|---|---|---|
| LONG ISLAND ICED TEA | El Jimador reposado, Barcadi rum, triple sec, Absolut Vodka, Bombay Sapphire, Coke | R150 |
| STRAWBERRY DAIQUIRI | Bacardi white, strawberry puree, strawberry liquor, lemon juice, grenadine, strawberry juice | R105 |
| WHISKEY SOURS | Jameson, fresh lemon juice, Angostura bitters, pineapple juice | R105 |
| OLD FASHIONED | Bourbon whiskey (Woodford Reserve), homemade sugar syrup, Angostura bitters, stirred. | R105 |
| CLASSIC MOJITO | Bacardi rum, triple sec, lemon wedges, mint leaves, soda | R90 |
| NEGRONI | Bulldog gin, Campari, Cinzano Rosso | R110 |
| SIDECAR | Hennessy VS, triple sec, lemon juice | R110 |
| COSMOPOLITAN | Absolut vodka, triple sec, cranberry juice | R95 |
| MARGARITA | El Jimador reposado, triple sec, lime juice | R95 |
| APEROL SPRITZ | Cinzano Prosecco, Aperol, Fitch and Leeds soda water | R80 |