"Durban's most theatrical dinner — fresh Indian Ocean seafood served beside a floor-to-ceiling shark tank in the hull of uShaka's Phantom Ship."
Cargo Hold is built into the stern of the Phantom Ship at uShaka Marine World on the Durban beachfront, and its trump card is one entire wall: a floor-to-ceiling tank where ragged-tooth sharks and reef fish glide past the tables. It is one of South Africa's genuine spectacle restaurants — a dinner that doubles as an aquarium — spread over two levels for the best viewing.
For Durban's other landmark tables, compare the Indian dining at Mali's or Indian Summer.
The kitchen leans on the Indian Ocean on its doorstep, plus flavours pulled from around the world: freshly shucked oysters, honey-ginger prawns, grilled crayfish and seared Norwegian salmon among the seafood, alongside options like citrus duck and an ostrich-and-venison duo for non-fish eaters. Desserts run to a chocolate brownie fondant and a cashew-cinnamon parfait. Expect upper-mid-range pricing for the setting and the seafood.
The room is the whole point — dim, nautical and dominated by the blue glow of the shark tank, with the best seats pressed right against the glass. Two levels mean most tables get a view; the sharks are most active around the timed feeds. It is loud with wonder rather than hushed, and children are as transfixed as adults.
A wall of sharks turns an ordinary dinner into an event, which makes Cargo Hold a memorable birthday or anniversary table in Durban. The spectacle also makes it a standout family dinner — few rooms hold children's attention like this one.
Not for diners seeking a quiet, romantic hush or a chef-driven tasting menu — the draw here is spectacle and seafood, and the shark-tank room runs busy and full of wide-eyed tables.
Cargo Hold is a seafood and international restaurant set in the stern of the Phantom Ship at uShaka Marine World on the Durban beachfront, where one wall of the dining room is a floor-to-ceiling shark tank.
Yes. One entire wall of the restaurant is a tank holding ragged-tooth sharks and reef fish, which swim past the tables throughout the meal. They are most active around the timed feeds.
Mostly seafood from the Indian Ocean — oysters, honey-ginger prawns, grilled crayfish and salmon — plus international dishes like citrus duck and an ostrich-and-venison duo, and desserts such as a chocolate brownie fondant.
Inside uShaka Marine World at 1 King Shaka Avenue, on the Point at the southern end of the Durban beachfront in KwaZulu-Natal.
Booking is strongly recommended, especially for a table by the glass, and dinner runs Monday to Saturday evenings. The shark tank makes it one of Durban's best restaurants for children.
Book ahead, especially for a table against the shark-tank glass.
Affiliate disclosure: Restaurants for Kings may earn a commission when you book through our reservation links, at no cost to you. Our scores are editorial and never paid for.
A wall of live sharks holds every age at the table. See where Cargo Hold ranks among the rooms built for dining as a family.
Read the family-dinner guide →