Joop's Place | Avonmore Cntr 9 Av, Morningside, Morningside, 4001, KwaZulu-Natal

Situated a little off the beaten track in Durban's trendy Morningside, this bistro-style steak restaurant is a well-known haven for those who love steak, but hate steakhouses. Established in 1993 by ex Capetonians Joop and Wendy Mol, the ambience is warm and welcoming. The music is strictly background to encourage conversation, while most of the noise comes from the open plan kitchen where Joop cooks all the meat, creating huge flames as he prepares his special dishes such as Joop's Special, a centre cut of super grade fillet, stuffed with pineapple and cheddar cheese, cooked to crisp perfection, finished with button mushrooms and flambéed with brandy. A former butcher, Joop selects, matures, cuts and prepares all the steaks while Wendy supervises the front of the house, ensuring efficient, personal service.