Best of Zululand 2025/2026 1st Place: Eat, Drink and be Merry

Best Bakery

Dessert’ed (Richards Bay)

Best ‘Beat the Budget’ Restaurant

Mavericks Pub & Grill (Empangeni)

Mavericks Pub & Grill in Empangeni has received an astounding acknowledgement of their outstanding
food, drinks and service with a grand five first place spots in the Eat, Drink and Be Merry category this year. For
a laid-back yet trendy environment to enjoy a drink, your favourite sports and a classic pub meal, Mavericks is a must-visit.

Best Biltong

Banana Box Butchery (St Lucia)

Best Buffet / Salad Bar

Gecko Inn (Richards Bay)

Best Burger

Mavericks Pub & Grill (Empangeni)

Best Butchery

Banana Box Butchery (St Lucia)

Best Catering Company

Collette’s Kitchen (Empangeni)

Best Coffee Shop

Gather Culture & Coffee (Richards Bay)

One of Richards Bay’s hotspots, Gather Culture & Coffee is a place many locals can’t go without.
So much so, they have been voted Zululand’s Best Coffee Shop and also came second in the
Best Outdoor Dining category. For the best coffee, lovely meals and beautiful ambience,
gather at Gather.

Best Family Restaurant

Mavericks Pub & Grill (Empangeni)

Best Fine Dining

Porky’s At The Lake (Richards Bay)

Best Fresh Product

Woolworths (Richards Bay)

Best Hotel Restaurant

Gecko Inn (Richards Bay)

Best Indian Food

KNK Curries (Richards Bay)

KNK Curries has once again been voted as the Best Indian Food in the area.
Town locals and visitors alike flock to Richards Bay’s Small Craft Harbour to devour the restaurant’s
variety of authentic, tasteful, fiery dishes and experience
the impeccable and friendly service the town’s landmark is known for.

Best Liquor Store

Tops at Town Square (Richards Bay)

TOPS is tops! Richards Bay’s Town Square branch claimed first place in Best Liquor Store, while
Empangeni’s 5 Five Ways Mall branch secured third. From premium whiskies to refreshing ciders, these
stores have become go–to destinations for stocking up before celebrations.

Best Outdoor Dining

Gecko Inn (Richards Bay)

Best Pizza

Roman’s Pizza (Richards Bay)

Best Place to Have Breakfast

Gecko Inn (Richards Bay)

Best Pub

Mavericks Pub & Grill (Empangeni)

Best Restaurant

Mavericks Pub & Grill (Empangeni)

Best Seafood

John Dory’s (Richards Bay)

Centrally located at the Boardwalk Inkwazi Shopping Centre, John Dory’s has once again been
voted Zululand’s number one for seafood and sushi. With a range of grilled meals, seafood, shellfish
and sushi, they have something to satisfy each and every taste bud – the votes don’t lie!

Best Spice Shop

Papas Spice Café (Richards Bay)

Best Steak

Porky’s At The Lake (Richards Bay)

Best Sushi

John Dory’s (Richards Bay)

Best Takeaway Fish

Mac’s Fish & Chips

Best Takeaway

Kals Curry Lounge (Empangeni)

Best Water Shop

Oasis Water Zululand

Oasis Water Zululand is the region’s reigning champion in the Best Water
Shop category. Offering the finest quality reverse osmosis purified water at
affordable prices, with instore refills and now also a delivery option available
– there is no better place to quench your thirst!

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