Cargo Hold Restaurant

Durban



At a glance

Ideal for
Cuisine
Known for
dining beside a shark tank aboard a themed ship
Features
Price
$$$$ Moderately Priced
Local tip
Reservations are advised, especially when a tank-side or upper-level railing table is preferred, as those tables are in high demand.

Cargo Hold Restaurant occupies the stern of the Phantom Ship at uShaka Marine World, with a dining setting beside a shark tank and views towards the ocean. The ship-based location gives the restaurant a maritime character, while the interior is presented in a refined style that recalls the atmosphere of an earlier era.

The menu draws on flavours from different parts of the world, combining spicy, fruity and exotic influences with fresh produce associated with KwaZulu-Natal. The result is an internationally minded dining experience with a clear local connection. Cargo Hold suits diners looking for a restaurant setting that places equal emphasis on food and surroundings, as well as groups arranging a hosted meal or function.

Located at 1 King Shaka Ave in the Point area of Durban, the restaurant forms part of the uShaka precinct. Its position within the Phantom Ship makes it distinct from a standard waterfront dining room, with the shark tank providing a central feature of the experience. The setting is suited to occasions that call for a more formal or themed atmosphere, including group gatherings and corporate functions.

Lunch is served from Monday to Sunday between 12:00 and 15:00, while dinner is available from Monday to Saturday between 17:00 and 20:00. Trading times can change according to the season and business demand, so confirmation before arrival is sensible. Reservations are recommended, particularly for tables near the tank or on the upper-level railing. Bookings are handled by the restaurant through its reservation email or telephone contact.

Cargo Hold also offers function and group-booking arrangements, with options that can be tailored for organised events. The restaurant’s published menu information includes vegetarian choices, while specific dietary requirements can be discussed with the Cargo Hold team when making a reservation. The described dining area is aboard the ship, centred on the indoor restaurant setting and its aquarium-side views.

Reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

Cargo Hold Restaurant is at 1 King Shaka Ave, Point, Durban, within the uShaka Marine World precinct and aboard the Phantom Ship.
Reservations can be requested by emailing cargohold@ushakamarineworld.co.za or calling 031 328 8037. The restaurant advises booking to secure a table.
Published service times are lunch from Monday to Sunday, 12:00 to 15:00, and dinner from Monday to Saturday, 17:00 to 20:00. Seasonal or operational changes may apply.
The menu combines international flavours, including spicy, fruity and exotic influences, with fresh KwaZulu-Natal produce.
Yes. The restaurant offers function and group-booking arrangements, including options for corporate events and year-end gatherings.
Vegetarian choices are included in the restaurant’s menu information. Specific dietary requirements should be discussed with the restaurant team when booking.
The restaurant is described as a dining venue inside the stern of the Phantom Ship, with the experience focused on its onboard setting, ocean outlook and shark tank.
The venue suits diners seeking an occasion-oriented meal, an aquarium-side setting, international flavours and organised group dining.
The restaurant allows a 30-minute grace period for late arrivals before the table may be released.

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