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Elephant & Co Athlone in Pietermaritzburg

Discover Elephant & Co Athlone in Pietermaritzburg. Explore menu, hours, reviews, and enjoy casual dining with great cocktails, vegan options, and outdoor seating.

4.3 781 reviews Restaurant American · Southern

Athlone Circle, Athlone, Pietermaritzburg, 3201, South Africa

FoodPlacee Passport South Africa · Pietermaritzburg · 74910
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Elephant & Co Athlone

Pietermaritzburg, South Africa

Churros Beef Burger with Brie Bacon and Balsamic Onion Chutney Tapas Cheesecake
Rating★ 4.3 / 5
CategoryRestaurant
Today 09:00 AM - 09:00 PM

Overview

About This Food Place

Located in the vibrant Athlone Circle of Pietermaritzburg, Elephant & Co Athlone offers a modern dining experience blending casual and upscale vibes. This stylish restaurant showcases a globally inspired menu featuring everything from hearty breakfast options to late-night bites. Guests can enjoy inventive cocktails, a well-curated wine list, and a variety of healthy, vegan, and vegetarian dishes in an atmosphere that is both trendy and cozy.

With a welcoming environment that caters to groups, tourists, and solo diners alike, Elephant & Co combines attentive service with a lively setting. Accessibility is thoughtfully addressed, ensuring ease of access for all patrons. Whether seeking brunch with friends or a romantic dinner, this Pietermaritzburg hotspot delivers quality food and drinks alongside a memorable ambiance.

Gallery

Photos from Elephant & Co Athlone

Real shots of the food, atmosphere, and signature dishes at this location.

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Local favorites

Why People Come Here

Elephant & Co Athlone attracts visitors with its vibrant atmosphere and diverse menu, perfect for any dining occasion in Pietermaritzburg.

Exceptional Drinks Selection

Enjoy a great variety of cocktails, beers, wines, and happy hour drinks crafted to complement every meal.

All-Day Dining Options

Popular for breakfast, lunch, and dinner with menu choices like tapas, vegan options, and small plates.

Group-Friendly and Cozy Atmosphere

The casual, trendy space suits groups, tourists, and solo diners alike, offering a romantic yet upscale vibe.

Convenient Service Options

Dine in, takeout, or enjoy outdoor seating with attentive table service and onsite bar amenities.

Accessible for Everyone

Wheelchair accessible entrance, parking, restrooms, and seating ensure a comfortable visit for all guests.

Prime Location in Athlone Circle

Situated in a vibrant neighborhood with free parking options close to the restaurant for easy access.

Highly Rated and Well Reviewed

With over 780 reviews and a strong 4.3 rating, the quality of food and service consistently impresses visitors.

Delicious Popular Dishes

Seasonal favorites like churros, cheesecake, lamb shank, halloumi salad, and expertly crafted cappuccinos.

Experience

When & How to Enjoy This Place

This venue suits a range of dining occasions, from casual breakfasts to elegant dinners, with flexible options for all guests.

Visitors typically spend between 10 minutes and 1.5 hours here, making it ideal for quick bites or relaxed meals. The inviting atmosphere, combined with a diverse menu and excellent drink selections, makes any visit enjoyable and memorable. — FoodPlacee editorial note

Breakfast & Brunch Delight

Start the day with flavorful breakfast or brunch options paired with great coffee or tea, served in a cozy, casual setting perfect for solo diners or small groups.

Group Dining & Celebrations

Hosting a gathering or special event is effortless thanks to table service, catering options, and a comfortable atmosphere that accommodates groups with style.

Evening Cocktails and Dinner

Unwind with an impressive cocktail or wine from the extensive list, paired with inventive small plates or popular dishes like the Lamb Shank or Tapas during dinner hours.

Quick Takeout

For those on the go, efficient takeout service offers access to favorites such as the Beef Burger or Cheesecake, making quality dining convenient and flexible.

Reservation-Recommended Visits

Planning ahead is advised for brunch, lunch, or dinner to secure preferred seating, especially during busy times or special occasions.

Best for

Breakfast Lunch Dinner Groups Takeout Athlone Circle Reservations Accepted Wheelchair Accessible

Guest sentiment

What People Feel

A snapshot of what local diners frequently mention about this location.

CW
Caitlin Widdop 4 week ago

"A wonderful experiance with delicous food i definitley reccomend so very beautiful and the vegatarian sushi was delectable and the interior was livley i will definetly be back"

DC
Delaine Cools 1 month ago

"Elephant & Co has carved out a stylish niche in Pietermaritzburg’s dining scene, with a varied menu, awesome food and dessert offerings, and a great cocktail selection. The ambiance is a standout with its high ceilings, bold decor, and a trendy, modern vibe that makes it a go-to for date nights and social meetups. They have friendly staff, inventive drinks, and dishes and specially curated menus like the 5-course meal nights that hit the mark. They are open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. You can also chat to them about hosting a party for a large group of people or celebrating your special occasion at their venue. One things for sure, if you're after a vibey spot with great aesthetics, a good variety of fresh, great tasting good and more, choose Elephant & Co."

NZ
Nokuthula Zungu 1 month ago

"Great atmosphere . The sushi special was great I’ll come back for it. We were served by Nonjabulo, great host, thank you"

IM
innocent mbatha 1 month ago

"Beautiful place, dedicated staff. Sadly i cant remember the young dark lady that was helping us keep up the good work. And the desert , LOVED IT."

MV
Marissa Viljoen 1 month ago

"They have an incredible variety and every single dish was delicious. They have generous portions and good prices. The waiters are excellent. Quick service. Underground parking if stormy weather. We will be back."

SS
Stephanie Szecsei 2 month ago

"Delicious sushi, fresh and beautifully presented. Stunning restaurant. Clean and immaculate. Greeted in a friendly manner. Need to try come here more often."

RG
Ravin Gareeb 3 month ago

"Food was average however the waitress was excellent Various alcoholic drinks available however cocktails was satisfactory The dessert was the best"

JYC
John Yahya Campbell 3 month ago

"Nestled in the heart of Athlone, Pietermaritzburg, Elephant & Co delivers a contemporary dining experience that’s as visually appealing as it is flavourful. The restaurant’s chic, modern interior pairs perfectly with its vibrant, globally inspired menu making it a go to spot for both casual lunches and special occasions. On our visit, we sampled three standout dishes that showcased the kitchen's skill and creativity. The Seared Spicy Tuna Poke Bowl was a refreshing yet satisfying start beautifully balanced with just the right amount of heat and texture. The Sushi Prawn Crunch Roll was expertly prepared, with crisp tempura and a silky prawn filling that made each bite a delight. For something heartier, the Thai Red Coconut Prawn Curry impressed with its bold, fragrant flavours and creamy coconut base a warm, comforting dish perfect for any time of day. Service was attentive and friendly throughout, and the drinks menu added an extra layer of indulgence, from craft cocktails to a thoughtful wine selection. Whether you're a sushi lover, a fan of fusion cuisine, or just looking for a stylish spot to unwind, Elephant & Co more than delivers. It’s a must visit that continues to raise the bar for dining in Pietermaritzburg."

Visit info

When to Visit

Weekly hours below — always confirm with the business before holidays or special events.

Today Open now · until 9:00 PM
Weekly hours
Monday 10:00 AM - 09:00 PM
Tuesday 10:00 AM - 09:00 PM
Wednesday 10:00 AM - 09:00 PM
Thursday 10:00 AM - 09:00 PM
Friday 09:00 AM - 09:00 PM
Saturday 09:00 AM - 09:00 PM
Sunday 09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Hours may change. Please confirm with the business before visiting.

Best time to visit

Planning ahead helps make the most of a visit, whether for a quick bite or a leisurely meal in a stylish setting.

Open daily from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM (Sunday closes at 5 PM) Reservations recommended for brunch, lunch, and dinner to secure a table Perfect for groups or solo dining with seating options inside and outdoors Late-night food available on weekends until 9:00 PM Typical visits last between 10 minutes and 1.5 hours

On the map

Where This Food Place Lives

Find your way to Elephant & Co Athlone in Pietermaritzburg .

Address Athlone Circle, Athlone, Pietermaritzburg, 3201, South Africa
Phone +27 87 821 3138
Area Pietermaritzburg
Call Address copied ✓

Questions answered

Food Place Questions

Find answers to commonly asked questions about Elephant & Co Athlone to help plan your visit and dining experience.

Elephant & Co Athlone is open Monday to Thursday from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM, Friday and Saturday from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM, and Sunday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Please note that hours may vary on holidays or special occasions.

The restaurant provides a variety of vegan and vegetarian options, ensuring that plant-based diners can enjoy a satisfying meal. Menus and availability may change, so it’s a good idea to check in advance.

Yes, this location is wheelchair friendly with accessible entrances, parking, restrooms, and seating to accommodate guests with mobility needs.

Highlights include the Beef Burger with Brie Bacon and Balsamic Onion Chutney, Churros, Tapas, Cheesecake, Creme Brulee, and Halloumi Salad. These dishes are favorites among customers and reflect the diverse menu offerings.

Reservations are recommended for brunch, lunch, and dinner to secure seating, especially during peak hours. The restaurant accepts reservations for groups and special events.

Options include dine-in, takeout, onsite services, and outdoor seating. The restaurant offers breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, catering, and table service to suit various occasions.

Children are welcome at Elephant & Co Athlone, which provides a dedicated kids' menu to cater to younger guests’ tastes and preferences.

Payments can be made using credit cards, debit cards, and NFC-enabled mobile payment methods for convenience and ease.

For owners

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Menus, prices, hours, services, and availability may change. Please contact the food place directly before visiting or ordering.