The new 9th
Durbanites have always seen 9th Avenue Bistro as a place of celebration – of community, friendship, good wine, and – of course – great food. The recipe for success here has been a simple one; owners who are just as passionate about serving delicious meals as they are about every guest who walks through their doors. And it’s Graham and Gina Neilson’s passion that has made 9th Avenue Bistro the iconic restaurant it is today.
It was back in 2010 that this husband-and-wife team took over the Durban bistro, which had opened its doors in 2001 under the helm of chef-owner Carly Goncalves and made its first appearance on the Eat Out Top 10 in 2005. Since then, they have run an incredibly tight ship and have multiple awards to their name.
“Buying the restaurant was a big decision and we were given three months to think about it,” says Gina. “Carly was emigrating and no one wanted to buy the restaurant as it had been so successful with him at the helm – he was very much a part of its identity. We went about it in a very cautious way. We didn’t change the décor or menu for the first
