Moderna

Moderna is a restaurant in Gateway Theatre of Shopping, located at Shop G320 in Umhlanga Ridge. The venue brings Italian and Greek influences together across a broad menu that covers breakfast, starters, salads, mains, desserts and drinks. Its setting within the shopping centre makes it suited to a meal during a day of shopping, a breakfast meeting or a relaxed restaurant stop in Durban.

The breakfast menu includes familiar plates with an Italian and Mediterranean direction. Eggs are paired with bacon, pork sausage, mushrooms, tomatoes, toast, ciabatta, sourdough and focaccia, while other choices bring in ingredients such as Parmesan, rocket, ricotta, halloumi, lamb kofta, smoked salmon and avocado. Benedicts, omelettes, croissants, flapjacks, granola and fruit provide a range of options from savoury breakfasts to sweeter morning dishes.

Italian character is also reflected in dishes featuring bolognese, Parma ham, mozzarella, pesto, Parmesan and focaccia. Greek and broader Mediterranean influences appear in spanakopita, feta, tzatziki, olives, lamb, halloumi and village-style salads. The menu also includes Portuguese and peri-peri notes, with chicken livers and wings prepared with spiced sauces. This gives Moderna a varied style rather than limiting the menu to one national cuisine.

Starters include fried and baked options such as Parmesan-crusted mushrooms, cheese croquettes, calamari, halloumi, zucchini fries and spanakopita. Sharing choices include an Italian antipasto selection and a Greek mezze platter with dips and flatbread. Salads combine greens and vegetables with ingredients such as smoked salmon, chicken, feta, olives, Parmesan and lemon-based dressings, offering lighter choices alongside the richer dishes.

Vegetarian choices are clearly represented across the menu, including mushrooms, scrambled eggs, omelettes, salads, halloumi, croquettes and mezze. A vegan variation is available for the fruit, yoghurt and granola breakfast. Families are catered for with a dedicated kiddies’ menu, while the selection of sharing plates can suit guests dining together. Moderna’s menu also extends beyond food with cocktails, wine and other drinks, making the venue appropriate for more than a quick coffee or breakfast.