Joop's Place
A legendary steakhouse serving high-quality, perfectly cooked steaks since 1993. Known for its cozy atmosphere and family-run charm.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Joop's Place
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A legendary steakhouse serving high-quality, perfectly cooked steaks since 1993. Known for its cozy atmosphere and family-run charm.
"If you want to have a great steak, consider Joop's place and be blessed with a steak out of this world."
Book in Advance
The restaurant is very popular and can get busy, so booking ahead is essential, especially on weekends.
Try the Specialties
Don't miss out on their specialities like the pepper fillet or pork ribs for a truly memorable meal.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Steakhouse
Price
$$$
Phone
+27 82 551 7199
Address
14, Avonmore Centre, NINTH Avenue, Essenwood, Durban, 4001, South Africa
Website
joopsplace.co.za/Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Perfectly Cooked Steaks
Indulge in mouthwatering steaks cooked to perfection, including blue steak options. A must-try for any meat lover.
Unique Side Dishes
Enjoy unique and flavorful sides like their style of butternut, which is described as hearty and scrumptious.
Cozy & Welcoming Atmosphere
Experience a cozy, family-run atmosphere ideal for family dinners or date nights, making it a beloved local spot.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book in Advance
The restaurant is very popular and can get busy, so booking ahead is essential, especially on weekends.
Try the Specialties
Don't miss out on their specialities like the pepper fillet or pork ribs for a truly memorable meal.
Off-Peak Dining
If you prefer a quieter experience, consider visiting during off-peak hours.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book in Advance
The restaurant is very popular and can get busy, so booking ahead is essential, especially on weekends.
Try the Specialties
Don't miss out on their specialities like the pepper fillet or pork ribs for a truly memorable meal.
Off-Peak Dining
If you prefer a quieter experience, consider visiting during off-peak hours.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Joop's Place is celebrated for its exceptionally good steaks, with many diners highlighting the perfect cooking and unique preparations like the pepper fillet. The cozy atmosphere and friendly service also receive praise, contributing to a warm dining experience. However, some recent reviews indicate a decline in food quality and inconsistencies in service, with specific complaints about tough cuts of meat and disappointing starters.
"Oh what a great experience. Highly recommend Joop's Place for Meat. If you want to have a great steak, consider Joop's place and be blesses with a steak out of this world.
I had a Tomahawk and my partner had a Lamb Shank. We both enjoyed our meals to the core. Lol, I even put the cutlery to decisively deal with the bone. We were both so full we had to take dessert away.
Service was great, though it was packed due to the occasion of that day.
Atmosphere is well balanced. Definitely going back for another steak!"
Errol Pilusa
"Joops place is under New Management in the last year or so and the quality of food has really deteriorated. Dined in on 19/02/25. Requested for a fillet and ribeye steaks. There were none in stock as per our waiter Connor. Ordered a rump steak and it was sent back as it was tough and sinewy. The manager on duty agreed that it was cheap cut as he had same for lunch! 😳. If it’s a cheap cut, why serve this to customers?). It’s not okay!!!
Falkland calamari was tasteless and dry.
The chicken livers had a weird texture sauce. The Jalapeno cheesey chips were over-fried and baked further for the cheese to melt and resulted in dehydrated chips.
The bread offered with the livers was a burger 🍔 bun cut in half , toasted and served. 😏. Not impressed!
The only decent starter was the Peppered boerewors. 😕"
Shamila Moodley
"Booking is essential. Nice place to chill with family and friends. Inside and outside seating. Free Parking available. Food is delicious. If you looking for blue steak, it's the place to go or you can choose how you like it done. Everyday specials available. Menu caters for everyone."
Essop Jogee
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, booking is highly recommended due to the restaurant's popularity, especially during peak times.
Diners rave about the steaks, particularly the pepper fillet and blue steak. Pork ribs and lamb shank are also highly recommended.
Joop's Place offers a cozy, intimate, and homey atmosphere, ideal for family dinners or a relaxed evening out.
While known for steaks, the menu also features dishes like chicken Cacciatora, schnitzel, and curries.
While specific hours aren't detailed, some reviews mention being rushed out by 9pm on a Friday, suggesting kitchen closing times.
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No trip to South Africa would be complete without a good traditional steak, and without a doubt, Joop's (pronounced yopes) is the best and most popular steak house in Durban. It goes without saying that most customers are regulars. It has an intimate, homey atmosphere, though the interior design is certainly nothing special.
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In a most unlikely location at the rear of a shopping centre, unpretentious Joop's Place has Durbanites flocking in for high-quality steaks – each cooked…
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A Durbanite stated recently that this is the best steak spot in Durban, and this wouldn’t be the first time Joop’s has taken on this title. There is a reason this cosy, unpretentious restaurant has been open for over 20 years, and it’s because they continue to serve good food that sticks to a formula based on consistency and high quality. It is owned by a husband and wife duo, Joop and Wendy, with Joop gaining his steak and meat expertise from previously being a butcher.
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Situated in trendy Morningside, this bistro-styled steak restaurant, established in 1993 by former Capetonians, Joop and Wendy Mol, offers a warm and welcoming ambience. Chef-patron Joop – formerly a butcher – cooks all the meat, with special dishes like Joop’s Special or Joop’s Chicken Cacciatora. Other highlights include: chicken/veal schnitzel, oxtail casserole, lamb-, chicken- or prawn-curry – and of course, the ‘steaks with a difference’!
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Wethers you are looking for a quick bit to eat or a fine dining experience, Joops Place has it all. This restaurant is well known for creating mouthwatering steak dishes that will leave you returning for more. Now, if you enjoy seeing how your food is made, you will be pleased to know that Joops has a display window to the grill area, so you get some behind-the-scenes action.
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Joop’s Place is a cosy, family-run steakhouse that focuses on well-cooked steaks and a friendly atmosphere. What makes it stand out is the way they cook their meat to exactly your preference, ensuring a hearty and satisfying meal. One of my personal favourites is the lamb shank and mash; it’s tender and flavorful.
Best Restaurants and Popular Food Places in Durban
Joops Place is a cosy, family-run steakhouse known for its tender steaks and welcoming atmosphere, offering a hearty dining experience in Durban. The restaurant prides itself on serving high-quality meats cooked to perfection, making it a favourite among meat lovers.
To Thai for: Where to meat in Durban
I heard Joop’s is closed,” I say, referring to the legendary Durban steakhouse, immediate neighbour to Green Mango and there even longer (since 1993).
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