Sunday has a different rhythm on the KZN South Coast. The N2 is quieter, the sea breeze comes in off the Indian Ocean, and the only sensible thing to do is slow down. If you’re in Umtentweni, Port Shepstone, or anywhere on the Hibiscus Coast and you’re looking for Sunday breakfast or brunch, we think you should know about us — because not much beats sitting in the Zizi’s garden on a Sunday morning.

We open our doors at 09:00 every Sunday and trade through until 19:00. That’s ten hours of Sunday for you to use however you like — early risers, late brunchers, afternoon lunchers, and everyone in between.

Why Sunday Brunch on the South Coast is Special

There’s a particular kind of Sunday morning that only exists near the coast. You’ve had a walk on the beach, the kids are sandy, the dogs are tired, and everyone is hungry. You want food that’s good — real food, made properly — and an atmosphere that doesn’t make you feel rushed.

Umtentweni is just five minutes from the main beach. Zizi’s is five minutes from that. So the weekend morning loop becomes: beach, then breakfast, then — because it’s Sunday — probably another coffee.

“I want brunch to feel like the best part of the weekend. Good food, open sky, no hurry. That’s what Sunday morning in the garden is about.”

Chef Dillon grew up learning to cook from his mother in KwaZulu-Natal — he was her sous chef at 13. His approach to food is deeply practical: use what’s fresh, season generously, and cook it with care. The Sunday brunch menu reflects that. Nothing fussy, nothing pretentious — just food that’s genuinely good.

The Garden Setting — Worth It

The Zizi’s grounds are part of the 4-star Umdlalo Lodge property — beautifully landscaped, with mature trees, firepits, a kids’ playground, and plenty of shaded outdoor seating. On a Sunday morning when the light comes through the garden, it’s one of the nicest spots on the South Coast to sit with a coffee and a plate of food.

If you’ve got kids, they can run while you eat. If you’ve got a dog, Danny (our resident house dog) will be delighted to meet them — we’re pet-friendly in the garden. And if you just want to sit quietly with a Bloody Mary and no one talking to you, that’s completely acceptable too.

  • Gorgeous landscaped garden with shade and open lawn
  • Two outdoor firepits (evenings and cooler mornings)
  • Kids’ garden playground
  • Pet-friendly outdoor area
  • Alfresco and covered seating options
  • Fully licensed bar — yes, even before noon on a Sunday

What to Eat — From Our Own Garden

Zizi’s has an on-site herb and vegetable garden that feeds the kitchen with fresh, seasonal produce. Chef Dillon uses it daily — so the garnishes on your plate this Sunday were likely growing on the property this time last week.

Our Sunday menu spans the full range — from lighter brunch plates to heartier meals that work equally well as lunch. If you’re visiting from further afield, Sunday is also a great day to try Chef Dillon’s seafood. His speciality is coastal KZN cooking: fresh, flavourful, and proud of where it comes from.

For the full current menu, see our menu page here. We update it seasonally, and Sunday often brings specials that aren’t on the regular menu.

Sunday Drinks — Fully Licensed from 09:00

One of the things that makes Sunday brunch an occasion rather than just breakfast is the drinks. Zizi’s is fully licensed, and yes — that means from 09:00 on Sunday morning. Our bar team does proper Bloody Marys, mimosas, and other brunch cocktails alongside craft coffee, freshly squeezed juice, and a cold drinks menu that’s genuinely worth browsing.

If you’re doing the genteel Sunday morning thing, a coffee and eggs. If you’re celebrating something (or just pleased it’s the weekend), a Bloody Mary and something from the grill. We don’t judge — we’ve seen both on the same table.

Getting Here — 5 Minutes from the Beach

Zizi’s is at 5 Rethman Drive, Umtentweni, inside Umdlalo Lodge. We’re a 5-minute walk from Umtentweni main beach, accessible from the N2 Hibiscus Coast, and well-signposted from Shelly Beach and Port Shepstone. There’s ample parking on the property.

If you’re coming from further up the coast — Margate, Ramsgate, Uvongo — it’s a short, scenic drive and very much worth the trip. If you’re a lodge guest, the walk from your room to the restaurant is about 90 seconds.

We don’t take walk-in reservations for Sunday brunch — just turn up. For groups of 8 or more, give us a call or WhatsApp so we can be ready for you: +27 67 599 6546.

A Note on What Makes Sunday Different

We close on Mondays and trade regular lunch and dinner hours Tuesday through Saturday. But Sunday is its own thing. Starting at 09:00 gives us time to be genuinely ready for brunch — the kitchen is properly set up, the coffee machine is warm, and the garden is at its best in the morning light.

We trade until 19:00 on Sundays, which means you can start with morning coffee, stay for a long brunch, and end with an early sundowner before heading home. That’s a full day spent well, and honestly one of our favourite things about Sundays at Zizi’s.

Come hungry. Bring the family, the dog, the friends from out of town. We’ll look after the rest.