I-Rate : Caffe Java, Ushaka Marine World, Kwazulu Natal
During our recent holiday to Salt Rock, just outside Ballito in Kwazulu Natal, we decided to take a day to go visit UShaka Marine World (as we tend to do if we find ourselves within a few kilometers from Durban). As always, a day out would not be complete without an eatery break and I was in my fifth element with the fabulous service and scrumptiousness of Caffe JAVA, a coffee-shop/mediterranean restaurant in the centre of the Ushaka shopping area. Especially after my very (VERY) disappointing “grilled vegetable” wrap at a bistro/deli type restaurant in Ballito Junction …. it was, I am completely convinced, simply a packet of McCain seasonal veg BOILED and loosely tossed into a wrap. There were carrots, mushrooms and a few yellow and green peppers. Not even a hint of the “Balsamic Splash” mentioned in the menu, nor the “Crumbs of Feta”. No taste. I sent it back. On a positive note for them though, they made a really awesome berry milkshake thingy – both Rick and Miya were well pleased by their drinks.
Anyway, back to this JAVA place. Man oh man! I ventured to ask for Grilled Mediterranean Vegetables and Blue Cheese on a Panino after making sure what kind of veggies they meant. It was SUBLIME! Really, really very good. Did I mention it was delectable? 
I think Rick eventually got bored by how much I was raving about my lunch. He himself had a grilled chicken and vegetable salad and the bite I stole from his stacked plate was really good too. Besides these very lovely grown-up plates, the pizza Miya and Leia devoured was also oh-so-yummy! The base sauce was rich tomato with a hint of herbs and I understand completely why Miya and Leia did not want to share with us!
The prices were do-able, not the cheapest on the block, but also not exaggeratively expensive. And I don’t mind to pay a little extra if the food is of such a high standard.
The other all important factor at eating establishments, service, was also good. The waitron was friendly and knowleadgeable and efficient. She came to check in on us just the right amount of times and we also had a visit from the restaurant manager, who I spied chatting happily earlier on with some of his regular customers. I also overheard him speak with one of his staff members about how he would not have a problem to invite any of his patrons to come and view his kitchen – something that I’m sure not many eateries would proclaim!
We were there on a week day and although they had a couple of full tables, they were not nearly as bustling as I can imagine they get over peak periods of time. I trust though that the food and the service would not suffer too badly in such circumstances in any case.
All in all I give this place 5 stars.