Welcome To Max's

Experience The Lifestyle

Max’s Lifestyle Village is one of the best restaurants in Umlazi, Durban (KwaZulu Natal) with traditional “kasi” culture. We are the only venue that tourists and locals alike can enjoy, feel, and experience unique township culture in upmarket trendy and safe surroundings. People from all walks of life, cultures and races, young and old come to enjoy our best service when they want something to eat or drink and maybe just to wind down for the day.

We welcome all our customers with warm hospitality. We are known for our Sunday Sessions where top DJ’s perform for those who enjoy good music and dancing, and our VIP Lounge is available for anyone who prefer a relaxed and less noisy environment.

Our History

Max Mqadi is the name and business owner behind Max’s Lifestyle Village and he is considered one of Umlazi’s very own hero. Max Mqadi is an entrepreneur who has built a highly successful international brand, which attracts tourists from all over the world. In 2016, Max’s Lifestyle was selected as one of the top 207 restaurants in the world by Condè Nast Traveller magazine.

From humble roots Max’s Lifestyle started out as just a butchery and “shisa nyama” place (a Zulu term used to describe where people make and serve burn cooked meat in a ‘buy-and-braai’ chill spot that you would usually find in the South African townships). Max’s Lifestyle Village was once a one room shack near a stream and built in front of a former taxi rank back in the year 2000. In 2005, Max Mqadi expanded and included a “tuckshop” giving customers cool drinks, snacks, airtime, etc. to enjoy with their braai’d meat.

Luxury Experiences

Today, Max’s Lifestyle Village is a hugely popular venue frequented by all cultures and races from all over the world. We strive to keep up our good reputation and keep improving to enhance the excellent ambience and customer service.

Many well known local celebrities, sportspersons and politicians are to be found unwinding here. Max’s Lifestyle Village is known as the place to be for big post-event parties, such as the annual Vodacom Durban July horse race party, post Metro FM Awards, the annual All White Day Party and the annual All Black Winter Shutdown party with all the luxury and prestigious Lifestyle experience our customers encounter.

Max’s Lifestyle Village is a very popular venue for year-end functions, baby showers and product launches. We have top security who ensure nothing illegal is brought into our safe environment.

The common goal is to have a good time, feel the warmth, and to become a part of Max’s Lifestyle family.

Drinks & Dining

Whether you are local or on holiday, come and enjoy our hospitality combined with the amazing experience and ambience of being at a traditional establishment where you can dine on traditional meals featuring meat cooked on a “Braai” (Barbecue) with traditional side dishes as well as a custom restaurant.

Let Us Host You, With Our Private Event Services

Max's Lifestyle Village is proud to be at the forefront of warm hospitality, good food and a state-of-the art venue with a Conference Centre featuring everything needed to make your company occasion one to remember.

We specialise in conferences and can accommodate around 250 delegates in an amazing environment. Large tourist groups are welcome too. Our VIP area has amazing views of Umlazi and offers a special experience on our expansive deck overlooking the township. As Max’s Lifestyle Village, we also cater for private functions, such as birthday parties, bridal showers, staff parties, weddings, business conferences/meetings and many more.

Experience The Lifestyle

An Authentic Township Experience in a VIP Setting