If the peri peri chicken platter special ran everyday instead of just Sunday, my boyfriend and I would be broke. Rays Hillcrest serves the best food, and amazing drinks. My personal favorite items are the Tuna Lollipops, peri peri chicken livers, BAF pizza, and of course the Sunday Peri chicken platter special. As for drinks, I have never been disappointed here either. Wine by the glass is totally reasonable, I almost always get a glass or two of the Oak Valley Fountain Of Youth Sauv Blanc. The staff are always so friendly and attentive. 10/10
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
R 100–150
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Bread and Butter Pudding, Tuna Lollipops, Seafood Platter for Two
Vegetarian options
Plenty vegetarian options. The veg mezze platter and Melanzane are to die for.
Parking space
Plenty of parking
Parking options
Free parking lot
Kid-friendliness
100% family friendly.
Wheelchair accessibility
There is a ramp provided. A small step at the entrance but manageable with a little assistance.

We have been long time fans of Rays in Salt rock. So we will always compare. Unfortunately the Hillcrest Rays is a different vibe and clientele (and I will leave it at that). Its really not enjoyable trying to eat inside and someones sitting right by the entrance smoking up a storm. And people have to enter and walk though this too. Rays food in Salt rock always had this sense of passion when you received your meal. As much as the Hillcrest food is still good. Its missing the passion. E.g no fresh pasta. We have had that dish many times in Salt Rock and it comes with fresh pasta. But Hillcrest it does not. But it still commands the same price. Our waiter however was great and very attentive. Overall the food here is still way better than the vast majority of the upper highway restaurants.

Went here for our anniversary last night. I had one of the specials of the day which was pan seared sesame crusted tuna on a bed of grilled vegetables in honey soy sauce and sweet potato mash. It was one of the best dishes I have ever eaten and I'm a regular at resturants local and internationally. Could not fault the dish at all. Fundi our waitress was a delight also!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
R 250–300
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Crispy Squid
Dietary restrictions
Well balanced generally for most meal dietary requirements. Maybe please look at including some lamb dishes into your menu if possible.
Parking space
Plenty of parking
Parking options
Free parking lot

What a cool place! Tucked away in a beautiful estate. This restaurant is definitely for a tad bigger budget. I had the Yellowtail fish with rice and veggies and let me just say...it was the BEST fish I've ever had! The veggies were also so yummy, crunchy and full of flavor. My hubby had a pizza which was also yum, fresh and flavorsome. Their cocktails are super strong, they are not shy about alcohol - don't plan on driving if you're having more than 1 cocktail. Staff are super helpful and friendly. Upper class/club house/country club vibe, dress the part.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
R 500+
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

It was absolutely lovely, just sooooo noisy on ladies night for me. Will definitely be back. Photo was before the masses arrived.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
R 150–200
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Vegetarian options
There is a lovely pizza that has all the toppings on for vegetarians.
Parking space
Somewhat difficult to find parking
Parking options
Free parking lot
Parking
It is in an Estate, so not too much parking , but very safe!
Wheelchair accessibility
There is a ramp.

I usually enjoy the food at Ray's Kitchen and often recommend them to friends and colleagues. Today, however, was very disappointing. We ordered a simple herb and garlic focacia and peri-peri chicken livers to share. The focacia was dripping in oil and didn't taste fresh and the bread that comes as a side with the livers was similarly oily. We decided against ordering any mains and sadly Ray's will not be a top choice when next we dine out.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
R 100–150
Food: 1
Service: 2
Atmosphere: 3

The food was exceptional and the staff were so friendly with amazing service. Thanks for the amazing evening!
Service
Dine in
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Vegetarian options
I am vegan and there were several items on the menu that cater for me including a health bowl and falafel. I opted for the vegetarian pizza without cheese, but our waiter said vegan cheese was available if I wanted. They were super accommodating and the food was incredible
Dietary restrictions
Several vegan options

Very pleasant. In Embarton Estate. We sat in a quiter area. There was live music and a Pizza Oven. Staff all very friendly and efficient. Nice menu. Fair price.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
R 250–300
Food: 4
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 4
Recommended dishes
Slow Roasted Pork Belly
Parking space
Plenty of parking
Parking options
Free street parking
Parking
In front of Restaurant and quite a few. In the Estate so safe but there was a guard as well.

Ray's Kitchen is a wonderful hidden gem in the Emerton Estate. Away from the main street of Hillcrests restaurant scene, this exclusive restaurant offers a wide variety of modern Mediterranean African menu items. Its old English Victorian Building style with the modern accentuated Interior creates a calm esthetic environment. Be wary on a full night that with a buzzing experience the volume of fellow patrons might be overwhelming but sitting a little closer for romantic conversation is a wonderful way to spent the evening.

Food was good, service good. Our waitress was very attentive. We were the first to be seated in the area just off the pub area. 3 other tables arrived after us. The manager NEVER checked on us. He did, however do so with the other patrons. Baffles my brain. Treat everyone the same. Just left a bad taste in my mouth to be honest.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
R 500+
Food: 4
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 3

LOVE LOVE! Best food ever, and such a hidden gem in Emberton Estate. The Tuna Lollipops are mind blowing, the pork belly was out of this world and their wine selection is great! The old fashioned cocktail I had needs a bit of attention. The service is phenomenal, the vibe is great. A bit on the pricey side so be prepared, but honestly a truly great place, truly one of my most favorite places to have a spoil because I just want to eat everything on the menu.

Felt like delicious Sunday comfort food that wasn’t cooked by me and headed off to Rays. What a good decision. Had their beef short rib served on a generous portion of lovely mash and perfect cooked veggies, topped with the best onion rings I’ve tasted. The meal felt like a warm hug from inside.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
R 250–300
Parking
There’s ample parking right in-front of the restaurant.

The chef created some of the most delicious dishes I have tasted in my life!! We had a private room for a birthday function and had several starters to share. They were magnificent! The steak mains were cooked to perfection. Highly recommended!!!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Food: 5
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
House Salad, Focaccia, Slow Roasted Pork Belly

I don't know why it took me so long to visit this restaurant. The food was amazing! Great portions. Impeccable service from staff. My friends and I loved it. I would highly recommend it, and I would definitely return.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
R 450–500
Food: 5
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 4
Recommended dishes
Tikka Chicken, Seafood Platter for Two

Great place for a variety of occasions. Whether you want to have a few beers alone ore with friends, have an office function or celebrate a friend's birthday or special achievement Ray's Kitchen is the place for you. The staff is supper friendly, welcoming and attentive. The range on their menu is great as it can accommodate the entire family. Visit them, you will not be disappointed!!!

I have been frequenting this restaurant for many years. The food & service is excellent each time. The staff are all wonderful.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
R 300–350
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Tuna Lollipops
Parking space
Plenty of parking
Parking options
Free parking lot

Had my sister's wedding in thier private dinning room. The management and staff absolutely brilliant. The food out of this world
Service
Take out
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
R 250–300
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 4
Recommended dishes
Pepper Fillet, Crispy Squid, Focaccia, Slow Roasted Pork Belly, Boneless Chicken

Food is absolutely fabulous, wonderful menu and pensioners menu as well. They also allow our doggie and that is marvelous. Well done guys keep it up!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
R 200–250
Food: 5
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 4
Recommended dishes
Pepper Fillet
Parking space
Plenty of parking

Had a really good experience overall. Service was exceptional. Cee was very friendly, helpful and timely. We ordered their beef, bacon and cheese burgers which were amazing! Lots of flavour. Really liked the fact it had onion rings and chips and didn’t have to pick either/or.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
R 200–250

Excellent food but TERRIBLE service. Waitrons know nothing about Vegans or Vegetarian meals. They also confirmed that they use the same SINGLE pizza slicer for ALL pizzas. So if you are vegan or vegetarian, this place is definitely not suitable for you as hygiene AND FOOD CONTAMINATION is a HUGE risk... Rather try other places in Hillcrest to be safe....

Service was good and atmosphere was okay. I had the pork neck schnitzel and I was highly disappointed with the presentation of this. A massive pork neck which was flattened to smithereens and then deep fried. I had foccacia for starter which was very good. Overall was disappointed but I will be back as I thoroughly enjoy this restaurant

Blown away by the food. Really excellent stuff. Pricey, so get ready to pay for what you get but the value is there. Portions are generous and tasty. Will be back for sure.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
R 350–400
Vegetarian options
Nice range
Parking
Secure and spacious

Absolutely recommend Food is on point, great tastes and big portions. A little on the pricey side, but totally worth it Great vibe Ample parking Great customer service Definitely recommend
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Consistently fresh and delicious food and drinks served. Lovely local restaurant that I will forever recommend. Secure as it is in an estate, service is very welcoming, and no complaints with bookings. Thank you so much, it’s always a treat to come by :)
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner

This place is a real gem. Wonderful staff. Excellent food from a varied menu. We have eaten there four times and have never been disappointed. Highly recommended.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
R 300–350
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

This one of my favorite places to go and eat. All their food is awesome and staff is always very friendly
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
R 100–150
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 3
Recommended dishes
Pork Neck Schnitzel

A busy evening and the kitchen appeared to deliver everything timously.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
R 500+
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 4
Parking space
Plenty of parking
Parking options
Free parking lot

Our food (mushroom risotto, pizza, chicken burger and Cape salmon) was superb and the service was excellent, in spite of it being a busy evening. Mohitos just need sweetening.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Thursday night ladies night. Half price on meals for ladies dining with ladies. Beware its really noisy by 6.30 /7 pm.full of ladies.we booked for 5 pm straight after work. Perfect time to go if you want to talk at the table. Good food. Value for money most definitely …

Great cocktails and the pig neck meal, delicious
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
R 200–250
Recommended dishes
Slow Roasted Pork Belly
Parking space
Plenty of parking
Parking options
Free parking lot

Lovely building to have lunch and drinks. Just a pity that the burger which looked great didn't taste great, very dry. Waitering staff don't follow up after they have served you, seining if you need anything or more drinks. Not a place to rush back to.

Ray's Kitchen is not a Fine Dining restaurant as suggested by the menu or website. Good food and service but very informal, some diners were not wearing shirts or shoes for the evening sitting. Good place for a pizza and a beer after a game of squash.

Great restuarant. A good choice for a date night or with family and friends. The food is excellent and more than enough choices on the menu. Staff are friendly and we were well looked after. Contact the restuarant for daily specials. We'll worth it.

Ray's kitchen was fabulous, the reviews were good, and they did not disappoint, the hospitality was wonderful, loved the setting, it's in an estate, safe and secure. Food was 5star. Service was first class. We even had wine tasting as an added bonus

The slow roasted pork belly was melt-in- your-mouth phenomenal (and yes...that's a HUGE piece of crackling you see!). Everything was perfect from the fried rosemary down to the sweet potato fries. 10/10
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch

This original old homestead has a nostalgic feeling about it with a beautiful veranda and a fire place and a little pub . Food is excellent and service top class . My favourite are the tuna pops
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Fresh looking elegant building, open areas (not cramped), good service. Food (pork belly) was delicious. Little more expensive than I expected but worth the money.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
R 200–250

Great place to relax and enjoy a great meal. The service is always great. Managers service exceptional .
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
R 100–150
Food: 4
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 4

Beautiful spot. Food can only get better. Keen to sit in front of that fireplace. Waiters need training on product knowledge (liquor selection, etc.) and confidence, but nature of interaction is spot on. Will be back for dinner sometime.

Amazing staff, beautiful place to hang out for lunch or dinner. Great food at a great price. This place is situated in a beautiful Estate with great security
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
R 250–300

Family lunch on Sunday and we couldn't have been any more happy! A great spot for adults to catch up while the kids play and I can't decide if the calamari salad or the gin was more delicious. Our waiter was also great. Lovely lunch out!

Nonsense booked a table got there they showed us to our table and we sat there for close to 30 minutes without a waiter.. this is after we were told Fundi will be our waiter but that Fundi didn’t arrive until we left
Service: 1

Inside Emberton residential complex. Service and meals are very good. Prices reasonable. Parking minimal. Could not see wheelchair access. Stairs to entrance with wobbly handrail.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner

This was the most incredible experience of fine dining for a 70th Birthday Celebration. Outstanding hospitality by all staff members. Well done Rays Kitchen - Emberton
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

It's always good to come dine here on Thursday night as it is ladies night and there's a discount too. I wish they could expand their menu
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
R 150–200

Thursday is ladies' night, 35% off mains
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
R 300–350
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Parking options
Free parking lot

Lovely food with welcoming and friendly staff.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Food: 4
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 4
Recommended dishes
Parking space
Plenty of parking

The best fish dish I've ever had
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
R 200–250
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Lemon Butter

1st time at Ray's and the Pork Belly was one of the best we've had ! Absolutely devine supper , I loved the choice and the way the veges were cooked too !
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner

Food excellent. Service excellent. But there is No Air Conditioning. 32 degrees. How can a restaurant in Durban not have air conditioning. I will only visit again on a cold day. Be warned.

A very warm and cozy environment...friendly staff...especially our waiter Slindile..an amazing personality...food was absolutely delicious and presentation on point ❤❤ …

Amazing food and lovely staff! Thoroughly enjoyed our time and waiter.
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
R 150–200
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 4

What awesome gem in the middle of Emberton Estate in Hillcrest. Great atmosphere and highly recommend the food. Had the Billy Bob burger, definitely the best burger in town by far!

Great vibe. Amazing food. Great service. kid friendly. beautiful dinner like atmosphere. great interior lighring in both dinning area and around the bar. Staff are always smiling.

I had the melanzane main and it was delicious and a very generous portion. They have great weekly specials and a warm homely vibe.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner

Awesome day spent with the kids at Ray's. Saturdays they have busy ballers for the kids and Siya entertains the kids all afternoon. Food was top notch and waiters very friendly

Absolutely 5 star from beginning to end. We were treated like royalty (from age 4 to 90) and feasted like the same. Well done to all who contributed to such a fine experience.

Amazing food. Great setting for kids with the pool on its doorstep. Bring the family. Order the deboned peri peri chicken... Heck order anything off the menu....its all good.

This is one of the best unknown restaurants in hillcrest. Food and service excellent. Will definitely be back for the pork belly and refer u to our neighbourhood watch group

Awesome spot to grab a bite or have a drink. Food was delicious and the service was excellent, a really good evening
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Absolutely World-class service with a smile. Brilliant staff, fantastic menu at the right prices. Family friendly. Highly recommended. Placed in a very safe environment.

Had the tuna lollipop starters and pork belly main- a lot of food all in one go but oh so delicious!! The service was also really good. Really enjoyed our evening there

The lollipops and the deboned chicken… game changer! The cocktails are also world class. Beautiful family friendly restaurant in a safe estate.
Meal type
Lunch

The food was worth every penny. The staff was friendly. Thabo, our waiter was efficient and very well spoken.
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Went there on Friday evening. Service was superb, both from our waitron & the manager. Food wasn’t the cheapest, but incredibly tasty. You get what you pay for.

Amazing food, very friendly, and excellent staff. Tuna lollipops fantastic!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
R 100–150

The food are realy very pricey. We ate at a few places this holiday and they were the most expensive.
Food: 4
Service: 3
Atmosphere: 3

A superb meal at Ray’s Kitchen! The Calamari, and Pork Schnitzel were so tasty. Great service and atmosphere too. Definitely recommend.. we will be back!

Nice place nice food, a bit disappointed with no lighting on steps going up the stairs, no ashtrays outside for smokers and gents toilet needed cleaning

Tops!! These guys have certainly got a great recipe! Excellent venue, good service and very tasty and well conceived items on the menu …

Normally like it here but my burger was rare when I asked for medium. Made the texture unpleasant. The pork someone else had was awesome though.

Great Restaurant, service and Teamwork... presentation of food and portion sizes amazing !!!!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner

Apart from the slow service, we had a great experience! Food was great, and there's an outdoor seating area for the more Covid-19 conscious.

Really good food. Never had a bad meal.
Price per person
R 400–450
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 3

The manager is the most amazing man you will meet and the staff are so awesome and friendly I love this place so much 5stars

Interesting menu and delicious meal every time! Service is excellent.
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Very pleasant destination for a special dinner within a secure estate. Food and service were very good. Will go back again

Excellent food, great service and a peaceful atmosphere. Thanks guys
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

My 1st time there and certainly won't be my last!! Great place, great food and our server was tops!! Well done!!

The best Cape Salmon in all of KZN (Erika) The Rays Chicken Burger was more like a glory tower of awesomeness.

A lovely restaurant with really good food and always a great atmosphere. A treat to eat here …

Lovely atmosphere, great cocktails and delicious food. Will definitely be back for more.

The best good food ever, service the best love it well.done ray kitchen you rock...xxxx

Fantastic atmosphere, great food and secure surroundings - its inside Emberton Estate.

What a lovely spot. Food excellent. Staff friendly. Great place. Always a great option

Our go to restaurant, we cannot fault the service or quality!
Service
Di…
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Excellent service and scrumptious food.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch

Great food, great service. Reasonable price. Probably my favourite local spot.

Great restaurant,good quality.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner

Great food! Ladies night Thursday - place to be.
Service
Dine in…
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I only had red wine & the creme Brule desert, both were delicious though

With friendly staff and exquisite food, you can't really go wrong.

Lovely place with a beautiful menu. I had a lovely calamari salad.

Nice vibe, great service, generous portions!
Food: 5…
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One of the best meals I've had in a long time. Pork Belly …

Good atmosphere. Great service. Food could have been better.

Great food and atmosphere
Service
Dine in…
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Good food nice atmosphere! Quite pricey but worth it!

Food is delicious. Check out the piri piri chicken!

Excellent food, absolutely awesome waiters