Best ladies' night specials in and around Durban

Mamma Luciana's is a colourful, distinctly Italian trattoria with an open kitchen, great bar, and al fresco deck overlooking the sea. Its menu is influenced by Mamma Luciana's hometown of Modena, with homemade pasta among the restaurant's signatures.

The restaurant's story began with Mamma Luciana, who was born in Modena, Italy, where her Nonna ran a locanda. After beginning her restaurant career near Springs and moving to Durban, Mamma Luciana developed her own style of food preparation and became known for her homemade pasta. Her son Marco joined her, opening Mamma Luciana's Restaurant on the Berea in 1999, followed by the Glenashley branch in 2010.

Ladies' Night special

Every Tuesday night, ladies get 50% off their food bill. That means you and your girlfriends can tuck into pasta, pizza, chicken, steak and more for half the price. 

Note: The special is not available on public or school holidays.

Contact details:

• Location: Shop 14, Glenore Shopping Centre, 10 Harold Place, Glenashley
• Phone: 031 562 1405
• Website: www.mammalucianas.co.za 

Nestled in Emberton Estate, Ray's Kitchen describes itself as a place for honest, well-made food in a safe and unique environment. The restaurant serves everything from brunch and leisurely lunches to dinner, making it a versatile spot for a midweek catch-up.

Ladies' Night special

Every Thursday, women dining with women get 50% off their main meals.

Note: The special excludes seafood specials, and no corkage is permitted for ladies dining with ladies.

Contact details:

• Location: 90 Ashley Drive, Emberton Estate, Hillcrest 3610
• Phone: 066 511 0252
• Email: raysemberton@gmail.com
• Website: www.rayskitchen.co.za 

Marco's Italian is an authentic Italian trattoria with roots going back to 1999. This is the same family that started Mamma Luciano’s in Durban, bringing that delicious flavour to Umhlanga.

Today, the Umhlanga restaurant offers an Italian dining option in Protea Mall, making it a handy choice when your ladies' night calls for pasta, good food and a proper catch-up.

Ladies' Night special

Every Tuesday from 5.30 pm, ladies can enjoy half-price mains.

Contact details:

• Location: 40 Lighthouse Road, Protea Mall, Umhlanga Rocks 4319
• Phone: 031 561 1926
• Hours: Monday to Sunday, 12pm–10pm
• Website: www.marcositalian.co.za 

A little further inland, The Hedgehog Bar and Kitchen has been serving as a go-to authentic English pub for 16 years. Its menu includes steaks, jumbo burgers, ribs, and its iconic baskets, while the pub atmosphere makes it an easy choice for a relaxed evening with friends.

Ladies' Night special

Every Wednesday from 5 pm, ladies get 25% off their meal.

Contact details:

• Location: 585 Town Bush Road, Montrose, Pietermaritzburg
• Phone: 033 347 0001
• Email: info@thehedgehog.africa
• Website: www.thehedgehog.africa 
• Trading hours: Monday to Sunday, 10 am–11 pm

If your idea of ladies' night involves good food, drinks, and a lively Florida Road atmosphere, The Keys on Florida offers a casual spot for a Thursday night out.

The restaurant at 170 Florida Road has a relaxed setting and offers everything from food specials and happy-hour options to cocktails, beers, and ciders. 

Ladies' Night special

Every Thursday from 6 pm to 10 pm, enjoy a meal for R95, including one glass of wine or one cider. Choose between a glass of wine or a cider such as Savanna or Brutal Fruit.

Note: The special is available for dine-in only on Thursdays and is valid for the duration of the special on the Ladies' Night menu. 

Contact details:

• Location: 170 Florida Road, Morningside, Durban
• Ladies' Night: Thursdays, 6 pm–10 pm
• Trading hours: Monday 10 am–10 pm; Tuesday to Sunday 10 am–late