Zweli's

4.4 ( 541 reviews )
Checking... 5:00 AM - 10:00 PM See Hours
905 W Main St Suite 19C, Durham, NC 27701, United States
+1 919-251-8501

Zweli's, located at 905 W Main St in Durham's Brightleaf Square, offers a culinary journey into South African flavors that’s hard to resist. Stepping inside, diners are greeted by vibrant décor that combines rustic charm with an African touch, setting the stage for an unforgettable dining experience.

Patrons rave about the rotisserie chicken, masterfully seasoned and bursting with flavor—an essential dish for first-time visitors. The menu features a diverse array of dishes, including the rich Dovi shrimp and memorable chakalaka, perfect for those eager to indulge in Zimbabwean cuisine. The sweet potato samosas are also a must-try, hailed for their delightful taste.

Reviewers consistently highlight the exceptional service, with staff eager to guide guests through the menu and ensure a welcoming atmosphere. The drinks, like the fresh strawberry lemonade, enhance the experience, showcasing the attention to detail that Zweli's prides itself on. While some mention prices on the higher side, the value lies in the extraordinary flavors and the overall ambiance that transports you to another world. For anyone in Durham looking for both visual and culinary delight, Zweli's stands as a vibrant culinary oasis worth exploring.

Amenities and More

  • Accessibility
    • Has wheelchair-accessible car park
    • Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
    • Has wheelchair-accessible seating
  • Service options
    • Has no-contact delivery
    • Offers delivery
    • Offers takeaway
    • Serves dine-in
  • Highlights
    • Has fast service
    • Has great tea selection
  • Popular for
    • Popular for lunch
    • Popular for dinner
    • Good for solo dining
  • Offerings
    • Serves alcohol
    • Serves beer
    • Serves cocktails
    • Serves coffee
    • Serves comfort food
    • Serves healthy options
    • Quick bite
    • Serves small plates
    • Serves vegan dishes
    • Serves vegetarian dishes
    • Serves wine
  • Dining options
    • Serves brunch
    • Serves lunch
    • Serves dinner
    • Has catering
    • Serves dessert
    • Has seating
  • Amenities
    • Has bar on site
    • Has toilet
  • Atmosphere
    • Casual
    • Cosy
    • Trendy
  • Crowd
    • Good for groups
    • Popular with tourists
  • Payments
    • Accepts credit cards
    • Accepts debit cards
    • Accepts NFC mobile payments
    • Credit cards
  • Children
    • Good for kids
    • High chairs available
    • Has kids' menu
  • Parking
    • Free of charge street parking
    • Free parking lot
    • Plenty of parking

Reviews For Zweli's

luther kincade
Jun 23,2025
Step into Zwelis, the South African gem nestled in Durham’s Brightleaf Square, and you’ll feel like you’ve been transported straight to a vibrant Johannesburg eatery. The aesthetics are nothing short of stunning – think warm hues, rustic charm, and a dash of African flair that makes the entire dining experience feel like a mini-vacation. The location itself is excellent, boasting plenty of room for gatherings big and small. Now, let’s talk about the star of the show: the food. The rotisserie chicken at Zwelis is, hands down, the best-seasoned bird I’ve ever had the pleasure of devouring. Each bite is a symphony of spices, making it clear that the chefs here know their craft. While the prices might seem a tad high for the portions, the taste more than makes up for it. You’re not just paying for a meal; you’re paying for an experience that tantalizes your taste buds and leaves you craving more. So, if you’re in Durham and looking for a place that offers both a feast for the eyes and the palate, Zwelis is your go-to spot. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
Lauren Jackson
Jun 4,2025
This was my first time trying Zimbabwean cuisine. I didn’t know much about the flavors or the menu but our server was able to cover the whole menu for us! I was absolutely blown away by the rich flavors in the Dovi shrimp and the chakalaka! The peanut sauce was so good I took a box of it home to have. If you need an app, the sweet potato samosas are the best!!!
James Goerke
May 13,2025
I really like the decor and ambience this place has created. It’s got a neat mix of outdoor rural flair but is still nice and clean. Food was good and I’d recommend the African soup dishes. The Pickled onions were delicious as well as the spicy beans. Oh, and also the fresh strawberry lemonade. You could see the strawberry seeds at the bottom so you know it’s fresh pressed.
James Kempski
Apr 30,2025
The food was fantastic. I was a little shy on the goat, but I was very surprised. The food was amazing. You must have the plantains also. The service was great also. They made you feel wanted and were happy you were there. Thank You all. Oh by the way they do add on the tip automaticly with an option to tip more when you pay.
Daniel BAGUMA
Apr 28,2025
Food was amazing! I had the Samosa and wings with Margaritas. The hospitality was remarkable, server was so sweet.
J Cianca
Apr 10,2025
This location seems to have undergone a very nice remodel. The old photos don't look anything like what it looks like now, it's much nicer. The staff was super friendly and helped us navigate the menu (which is minimal which I like). They said that in order to foster the tradition of family style sharing, you can pick two sides to be "bottomless" for the whole table. I like the idea of not just saying the food should be shared around the table, but actually helping make that happen by providing bottomless sides. Now to the food - what an experience!! I haven't had food like this before, and was instantly in love with each thing I tried. This is a must visit for anyone who wants to expand their tastes. Located just a few blocks from the bus station there's easy access. We hopped on the bus station near our house and took it to the terminal (I love Durham's free bus system, it's so easy) and then walked a few minutes to Zweli's. I recommend this restaurant for anyone who wants a unique experience and wants to support a great local restaurant doing things right!
katina graham
Mar 21,2025
From the moment I walked in, it felt like I was stepping into another world with a VIP Invitation. I felt Welcomed. The Food was AMAZING!!! especially those Dovi Collards & Chakalaka. I have wanted the Zweli’s Experience for quite some time and it DID NOT DISAPPOINT! The Chef even came out to talk to me & make sure my meal was as expected! Thank You Zweli’s! I have More dishes I plan to try
Anthony Henderson
Mar 13,2025
There were great vibes from the moment we entered the space. Quick seating, engaging server who explained the inspiration behind the restaurant, and exciting menu options all contributed to an overall excellent experience. And dinner was delicious. Favorite items included the oxtails, curried cabbage, beef samosas, jollaf rice, and 'The Mayor' signature bourbon drink.

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