Review The Lighthouse Bar - Umhlanga Rocks

Beautiful views from the balcony. The bar has a very extensive collection of alcohol. The whiskey selection is fantastic. Decor is stylish and plush. The staff are friendly and professional, they go above and beyond from a service level point of view. Menu selection is small and the food is good. A nice way to spend and afternoon or evening.

Always a great place to enjoy a drink and watch the ocean. Ended up on the balcony of the Lighthouse Bar recently for cocktails and had a great evening overlooking the ocean and the lighthouse. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable about the menu. Be prepared to pay a premium for the drinks, but still worth the experience! Also pay a visit to the bathrooms.

Such a nice place to have drinks, enjoy the beautiful view and just relax! They have THE BEST Hot Chocolate, I 100% recommend!

Right now, Lighthouse has an amazing ribs special. Not on the menu so its a top tip if you plan to go. Love the view, love the history. Definitely worth setting aside an afternoon to have some great time with your family and friends.

Absolutely stunning setting for sundowners and reasonably priced. Beautiful hotel, but the bar is rather casual which was perfect for us.

Nice place with sea views. Friendly staff. Nice food and mixed drinks. Martinis were my favorite

Been here several times and it never disappoints from the views to the food to the professional service. It is an indulgence but well worth the treat now and again.

Wow, what a stunning pub. Great views, amazing service & delicious cocktails.

Lovely view and amazing waiter! We loved the place. I will go back there everytime I go to South Africa again. The monkeys and pigeons are a problem, but the moment they start bothering you, the staff bring a bottle of water to spray them with. Have them leave the bottle with you. Then I promise you you'll enjoy a meal with no problems. The platter was increadible and value for money! My husband and myself did not want to leave. Best place in Umhlanga by far.

I had an amazing experience. The staff is super friendly. Food is good. The area is very relaxed. Very relaxing to have a sit up there and look at the lighthouse and the ocean. A must visit even if it is for drinks.

It's an exquisite upmarket bar with outdoor seating overlooking the ocean. It's impeccably decorated in the hotel's red and white theme, with a really classic traditional wooden bar inside which has some really comfy seating areas, and then a light, playful outside area with a handful of very friendly pigeons. What a wonderful place to grab a few drinks (which are slightly pricey) but I thought it was overall worthwhile. Excellent service from the staff!

Amazing food and service We were 8 of us and we were served by Noluvuyo and she was outstanding The warm welcome of Mr Wesley made us feel very happy Thank you and keep it up 👍🏼👍🏼👏🏼👏🏼

I had the best time of my life yesterday it was my birthday 😊😊 Wow your customer service is the best

Excellent service as well as great oysters, appetizers and tasty drinks!

Absolutely love this place! Enjoy the magnificent view of the Indian Ocean while you sip on your drinks.

Lighthouse Bar at the Oyster Box was such a treat. From the excellent service the moment you walk into the hotel to the amazing view from the restaurant itself I will visit again the moment I get back to Umhlanga. The waiters were very friendly and quick, when asked about the various drinks on the menu they were clued up on all aspects of the drink. My partner asked the waiter what gin and tonic he would recommend and after giving his insights he brought one made with Ginoligist which was one of the best my partner and I have tried. I ordered a pina colada (which was not featured on the menu) but it was no problem what so ever. The drink was a classic made with a white rum, coconut cream and fresh pineapple juice. We were even given a fair amount of free snacks to enjoy while we sat. I would not recommend going here if money is a bit tight as the cocktails can run up to R100 each but the cocktails and experience as a whole is really worth it. Also the elevator in the hotel is amazingly smooth, would totally ride again.

My favourite place in Umhlanga. Gorgeous views and perfect position near the lighthouse and ocean. Beautiful decor and attentive staff. Great cocktail selection. Feel completely spoilt but comfortable each time I visit.

My friend and I visited the light house bar two weeks ago. We were warmly hosted and had received exceptional service. Absolutely comfortable.

Amazing view and great cocktails. I do advise you take sunglasses if sitting on the open patio. Everything is light and brightly reflects sunlight even on a mildly overcast day. The cocktails are well planned and tasty. Note that bookings to need to be made currently due to the COVID crisis.

Its an absolute cut above!! The service is something we've never experienced before. The staff are so polite, and so efficient.We had the curry buffet on the ocean terrace. Such a special experience and the food absolute top class!! My new favourite place, can't wait to go back again

We had dinner at the Grill room tonight. We had the chefs menu with wine tasting. Angel and Zama were outstanding servers and made sure we were taken care of every step of the way. Nathi was incredibly knowledgable with his wines and gave us a great tour through each course. What a fantastic evening! Thank you to the staff for all their hard work and attentiveness.

My friend Monisha and I went for the high tea for the experience We were made very welcome and comfortable. The event was well organized. Our waiter was super attentive and on point. Would I go back. Yes I think so

best service, friendly staff, and it is just one of the best hotels in the country.

The courteous hotel staff, the delicious food and spectacular views are all absolutely top notch. We couldn’t have been happier with our stay!

Class & elegance is hard to find these days but the Oyster Box has it all. Well trained staff makes it even more pleasurable. So lovely to be greeted and served by people with genuine smiles and concern.

Ryan the waiter gave us the best service. The men is on point.

Had an amazing experience staying at the oyster box. Room and view was out of this world and so was the service. Thank you for making it special

Best service, beautiful space, best option to stay in Durban.

Simply the best on all fronts - Faiza our Waitron was a fine Brand Ambassador for the Oyster Box in respect of their business ethos and service delivery. A suggestion ...possibly a dessert of choice should be included in the Curry Buffet pricing per head!

Fantastic experience, exceptionally friendly staff and attentitive service. Our suite was magnificent and thouroughly enjoyed our stay.

Magical views especially at night. The lighthouse offers class and a place to just unwind. <br/>A must visit for a beer, cocktail or just a cup of tea and enjoy the magical views of the ocean.

Excellent service. Delicious good. Lovely ambiance. The Oyster Box hotel is knows how to deliver. I have it 4/5 stars as in the evenings it gets overly crowded with people just randomly standing around waiting for tables to open up, so it makes those with tables feel abit akward.

By far one of the prettiest drinks spots in Umhlanga. The lighthouse bar sits at the top of the oyster box and has a beautiful sea view with a great selection of drinks to go with it.

Omw what an amazing experience!! The crayfish and the fish & chips are to die for! Some of the best creme brûlée I’ve ever had. Great service!

Lovely evening! We decided on pre-drinks before heading off to dinner. Great view, amazing cocktails and a good vibe. Loved the complimentary snacks! Worth a visit.

This place is very unwelcoming. My sisters and I had been to the beach earlier this morning's and stopped for lunch while waiting so long behind a chain to be seated. Squished 6 of us in a 4 seater . Service was super slow. By then I was even more hungry and drinks order not taken yet. Then the waiter asks for ID, I mean who asks for ID especially you can see we are all waaaay above the drinking age and we just came from the beach and asked if we can show our ID that we had copies on our phone. The waiter said no, so we asked for the manager and that was a no show, we got up and left as the staff here are so uninterested and unaccomodating.

This bar is absolutely phenomenal and I visit it whenever I am in Umhlanga. The views are stunning and the service is great. I love the complimentary snacks and the retro/ vintage decor.

The place is quite small as compared youngest I expected... striking red colours ... pretty enough though ... the outside deck has a nice view of the ocean and light house ... their coffee is good however is over priced ... Staff very friendly and attentive ...

Great view and fantastic service. Decor is simple but yet quite refined and elegant.<br/>Fantastic for a relaxed drink out after work or with the "crew".

Food: 3<br/>Ambiance: 4<br/>Service: 4<br/><br/>Notoriously known for the view of the lighthouse, patrons somehow always find themselves at this bar paying far too much for less than premium alcohol, but hey if you rolling in the cash then why not just sit back and chill...

A breathtaking view of the ocean sets the scene for a relaxing kick back cocktail moment. Sipping a cosmopolitan and a Pina Colada whilst watching the ships from a distance makes its so much more special...love this place way too much...Hendrik F Kotze

@QuintonIngram<br/>For an unforgettable experience, an awesome view (day and night), a fresh breeze coming in from the ocean, visit the The Oyster Box - Lighthouse Bar on the roof terrace. The Oyster Box hotel with fans like sails hanging from the sealing, is synonymous with all things luxurious, 5 star quality and service. <br/><br/>If you'd expect to bump into Nicki Minaj or Queen Latifah, you are not reaching for the stars, as many a star including them have stayed over at The Oyster Box hotel.<br/><br/>We've had the Snack Platter with fried halloumi cheese, deep-fried calamari, sesame chicken strips and delicious fishcakes which contended very strongly with my favourite fishcakes from Tashas restaurant in Menlyn Maine Pta.<br/><br/>I can highly recommend the Lighthouse Bar, The Oyster Box hotel and lovely Simonsig Bubbly from the menu.<br/><br/>The perfect place to celebrate, enjoy the end your day or fall in love ❤️

The Oyster Box is synonymous with all things luxury and as long as I can remember, each and every trip to the coast over the years has not gone without a visit here for that particular reason. <br/><br/>Not only, is it an award-winning 5 star luxury boutique hotel, but also has possibly the best views of Umhlanga's iconic lighthouse.  As such, on a rather rainy day in Durban us girls could not resist a cheeky bottle of champers or two on their terrace with 180 degree views across the Indian ocean. <br/><br/>*Recommendation: Come rain or shine, you cannot go wrong with a visit here.  For the cocktail lovers, try their signature Umhlanga Schling cocktail or Apple Mint Cosmopolitan!<br/> <br/><br/>For more, find me on Instagram & Twitter: LaurasWorldza

If you're looking for a bar with a view, a perfect place to watch the sun set over the Indian ocean on a warm summer's evening or watch sport with friends while nibbling on snacks, then look no further. The Lighthouse Bar is located on the top floor of the Oyster Box Hotel and boasts an ideal spot to come an enjoy a drink and relax.<br/><br/>We came for some drinks over lunch time and chose to sit outside on the patio, facing the lighthouse. These semi-private two-seater tables are ideal for enjoying your drinks in privacy with a magnificent view. I had the raspberry martini and my better half had their signature cocktail - the Umhlanga Sling. The martini was delicious, and the twisted orange peel really added that extra bit of kick and also looked beautiful in the glass. The Umhlanga Sling was quite sweet with the taste of mango being quite dominating. The mint leaves add that bit of freshness, but if you're not a fan of mint then I wouldn't recommend ordering it.<br/><br/>We returned the following night to have some sundowners, but the bar was packed to the brim. And it was very noisy - in my opinion, the music was simply too loud and everyone was shouting at each other. So I wouldn't recommend it for a quite, private evening. Rather, it seems like the ideal place to enjoy some cocktails on a lazy summer afternoon.<br/><br/>The service is great! Friendly and fast, they really do their best to make you feel like royalty. Our drinks arrived promptly and they did not compromise on the quality. <br/><br/>I can't comment on the food, but their snack platters sound amazing and I'd love to give them a try some day.<br/><br/>Overall, good drinks but totally overpriced. Great view, but too noisy and crowded at night. Go at a time when it's not busy, when there isn't live music and just after you've received your pay cheque, with someone who either only drinks one cocktail or are willing to pay for themselves.

I can only rate this place purely on the bar and not the food. <br/><br/>The cocktails are the most expensive i have ever paid and actually poorly and very below average made. <br/><br/>But the one undeniable truth is the awe and beauty of the view. <br/><br/>The deck is so narrow that doors open into your seats and you struggle to find some leg space, but when you do it has such an incredible vibe. <br/><br/>A stunning, romantic, relaxing and classy bar. I could spend all day here looking at the lighthouse and the ocean.

My experiences at Oyster box in general have been amazing. Particularly, the Lighthouse Bar, definitely a favorite among my friends and I for a casual drink. The service is always great, whether you're inside or outside overlooking the ocean.

The view is spectacular, great bar to catch up with friends and listen to the waves crashing on the rocks. Either than that, food is average.

I love this place. So opulent yet warm and inviting. Best place to go at sunset. The staff are efficient and very well trained so the service is excellent. We didn't order any food (looked delicious after sneaking glances at other tables) so will need to go back!

Wow<br/>What a beautiful late afternoon for sundowners at this amazing location <br/>Service is superb and the staff are super professional and friendly<br/>No sunsets to speak of on our East Coast but as the moon starts to rise on the horizon of the ocean it's a setting one expects on postcards<br/>No dinner as we have dinner arrangements but the sundowners we're fantastic

We visited the Lighthouse Bar during Easter weekend for some cocktails and views before heading down to the beach. What an amazingly beautiful space, with friendly staff, yummy pub snacks and situated in the most gorgeous hotel. We don't even need to describe the views - just see pics.<br/><br/>Their cocktails were very nice and refreshing and it was truly so relaxing to sit on the balcony and look at the ocean while sipping on some of our favourite mixes. Definitely only for special occasions, though, as the prices are quite hefty.

This beautiful spot offers a breathtaking view.. pictures certainly dont do justice.. We just stopped over for drinks, the cocktails were tasty and service was good.. oh and that view😍

If you're looking for a place to have sundowners in Umhlanga, this place is it! Beautiful view and delicious cocktails, one of the best margaritas I've had. It's quite a fancy venue, so dress up rather than down, but dont worry about feeling out of place the staff are all friendly. I'll definitely be going back...maybe after payday though.

Went there this past weekend and had a really nice time. We sat on the balcony (which is a bit tight given the size of the furniture) and enjoyed the view over cocktails. Unfortunately the cocktail I had tasted like cough syrup but my friends had martini's which they enjoyed. The service was really good as they accommodated our table preferences and were attentive.

The most incredible oysters we have ever had ! Beautiful setting. Service needs work, it's a little slow. Lovely live music played in the background creates a great atmosphere!

Great atmosphere, beautiful view, and excellent service. We watched the Springbok / Japan RWC match there the staff really how to read their patrons.

Worth the pizazz and the ceremony. Cocktails were really good and their signature one is a must. Had the snack platter and this in itself was absolutely worth it. I would recommend sitting outside if weather permits just watch out for the over-zealous pigeons and your snacks

The views were absolutely spectacular of the ocean and the lighthouse, but was pretentious and totally stuck up. The snack menu was just as pretentious as the cocktail menu and the patrons. <br/>Service was definitely lacking as well to say the least, which is why we then declined the snack menu and decided to opt for a decent restaurant.

Legend bar looking out onto the lighthouse and over the ocean and beach of Umhlanga. Just went for drinks so can't comment on much other than the venue and location. Was pretty busy, and made it a great vibe!

Such an amazing place for a catch up. Visited the bar today with two good friends and it was breathtaking. The view is absolutely stunning and the sea air brings such calm. The pigeons can be a nuisance but it is a lovely place for a drink or two.

Best Raspberry Martini under the sun! Beautiful location and yummy snacks. Service is good and really beautifully decorated. Especially good for a special occasion! <br/>

Great view and awesome drinks. The snacks are good and the music was relaxing. The main issue is that the drinks are very pricey, un reasonably so<br/>

One of my fav spots in durban for sundowners. The view, the wine list, the service. ? you really won't be disappointed.

I've been to the Oyster Box a few times (all excellent experiences - the buffet breakfast is a win!) but had never tried the Lighthouse Bar. You have to catch the lift up a few floors, which is maybe why I never knew it existed, but I'm glad I do now. The view is incredible and the snacks are pretty great (sweet cinnamon-crumbed nuts and spicy corn bites), and although the cocktails are pricey, they are good. Go for a chilled pre-dinner date!

Even the monkeys add to the colonial atmosphere! Great service and an amazing view...just the place to watch the dolphins and share a sundowner with someone special

This bar is really exclusive with a classy and exclusive feel, I see everybody else on here says it is pricey but coming from Johannesburg the prices are inline with normal prices there.<br/><br/>The service is good maybe slow at times but the bar is so comfortable that a little wait doesn't really matter,<br/><br/>The view of the beach as well as the lighthouse is amazing both during the day and the night and the live entertainment just makes it a great place to chill out.

Very awesome bar! Has a nice view and the staff service is beyond excellent. Cocktails are very good. Great place to chill and have a relaxing night out.

Such a disappointment. Poor management and poor customer service. After calling to make a reservation on the 2nd of Jan we were advised to come through as bookings are only done on first come first serve basis. Upon arrival we were told that the Bar is closed for a function, only to find out that this was a lie and that the Bar was open only to 'guests'. Another disappointment in terms of quality of service.

Although this is a very expensive bar, it is worth it! <br/><br/>The view is absolutely spectacular. It was so great to sit and watch the ocean while having a few drinks with close friends. You can also order some snacks which we did. It was great. The service is also excellent....very friendly and happy. Loved this place!!!

Amazing place for a cocktail and a amazing view of the sea, staff are friendly and worth the extra money to sit by the beach and feel luxurious even for a few hours.