Must-see restaurants in Johannesburg

  • Calexico Vinyl Lounge and Restaurant

    Johannesburg

    A California-inspired Tex-Mex restaurant with a hint of craft beer and vinyl mixed in. The mix is delightful. The simple menu (nachos, ribs, sandwiches),…

  • Yeoville Dinner Club

    Johannesburg

    Jo'burg's most memorable meal out is in this artily decorated cramped room with a balcony overlooking Rockey St, heart of the much-bad-mouthed, inner-city…

  • Breezeblock

    Johannesburg

    The designers have a done a grand job transforming this old Chinese restaurant into a pastel-shaded haven of mid-century cool amid the gritty 'burb of…

  • Urbanologi

    Johannesburg

    Even if Mad Giant's very quaffable beers are not your thing, do not pass over on the microbrewery's fabulous restaurant. Serving an inventive range of…

  • Marble

    Johannesburg

    Currently one of Jo'burg's hottest restaurants, this is braai (barbecue) given a luxe makeover. Chef David Higgs and his cloth-capped team in the open…

  • Patisserie de Paris

    Johannesburg

    Patisserie de Paris owner Paul Zwick spent 30 years in the television business before moving to France to train as a chef. He eventually returned to South…

  • La Boqueria

    Johannesburg

    Taking inspiration from global street food, La Boqueria serves up gourmet snacks and meals in a dramatic double-storey space with walls covered with…

  • Lucky Bean

    Johannesburg

    Low lighting, slick tunes, a decked-out cocktail bar and waiters who happily skip down a flight of stairs to serve – Lucky Bean is one of most atmospheric…

  • Coalition Pizza

    Johannesburg

    The whitewashed walls and simple decor of this little hole-in-the-wall eatery belie the excellence of the food on offer. Specialising in Neapolitan pizzas…

  • Cheese Gourmet

    Johannesburg

    The Cheese Gourmet sells a dizzying selection of South African cheeses, olives, breads and spreads. The staff members are incredibly knowledgable,…

  • Bergbron Plaaskombuis

    Johannesburg

    Bergbron Plaaskombuis serves authentic Afrikaans cooking at rock-bottom prices in a setting right out of the South African Karoo. Modeled after a…

  • Kolonaki

    Johannesburg

    Opened in 2018 on a street crammed with popular high-end restaurants, Kolonaki became an immediate 'must-book-well-in-advance' kind of place. This modern…

  • Il Contadino

    Johannesburg

    Chef James Diack owns several restaurants in Jo'burg, serving food primarily from his family's farm in the nearby town of Magaliesburg. Il Contadino is…

  • NGC

    Johannesburg

    In a city filled with high-end tapas bistros, NGC is among the best. Situated on an unlikely corner in the quiet suburb of Blairgowrie, NGC (which stands…

  • Chez Fong

    Johannesburg

    Pan-Asian chef Su-Yen Thornhill cooks up delightful ten-course dinners – complete with hilarious, Oscar-worthy running commentary – most Wednesday…

  • Saigon Suzy

    Johannesburg

    Saigon Suzy can be summed up in three letters: F, U and N. The food, inspired by pan-Asian street cuisine, is delicious, and the restaurant's interior is…

  • City Perk Café

    Johannesburg

    Good luck with securing a seat at this deservedly popular cafe, which makes splendid breakfasts, sandwiches, wraps, grills and salads, as well as serving…

  • Lexi's Healthy Eatery

    Johannesburg

    In a city with limited meat-free dining choices, Lexi's is a vegetarian/vegan Nirvana. The menu, filled with salads, smoothies and tasty breakfast bowls,…

  • Troyeville Hotel

    Johannesburg

    This character-filled hotel is a memorable place for a long meal. It has been frequented by the Portuguese community since well before the paint began to…

  • Sumting Fresh

    Johannesburg

    Ironically named considering the focus of this eatery is fried chicken, Sumting Fresh started out as a food truck on the Jo’burg market and festival scene…

  • Roving Bantu Kitchen

    Johannesburg

    Sifiso Ntuli is the genial patron of this great little spot keeping it real in Brixton. Bookings are essential and there's no written menu – instead the…

  • PRON

    Johannesburg

    When the craving for Asian street-food hits, PRON delivers both on food and experience. The menu, designed by chef and owner Emma Chen, mentions the word …

  • Perron

    Johannesburg

    Tex-Mex cuisine is wildly popular in Jo'burg, and Perron is one of the best examples. Located on a prominent Melville corner, Perron is decorated with a…

  • Bounty of healthy treats on offer at Fresh Earth

    Fresh Earth

    Johannesburg

    Vegetarian and vegan restaurants in Jo'burg are few and far between, making Fresh Earth a breath of fresh air on the city's dining scene. From tofu…

  • Solly's Corner

    Johannesburg

    Solly's Corner, a legendary cafe in Fordsburg serving Indian-style comfort food, is most famous for its masala-seasoned fish and chips. But the menu…

  • Leopard

    Johannesburg

    Chef Andrea Burgener is known for her excellent take-out deli food, which includes a changing rainbow of eclectic dishes such as taro-leaf masala, and…

  • Service Station

    Johannesburg

    In a far corner of Melville, Service Station is that easy-to-miss 'secret spot' that locals like to recommend. Come here for bountiful breakfasts…

  • Tropical paradise at Brian Lara Rum Eatery

    Brian Lara Rum Eatery

    Johannesburg

    Now you're on holiday – you've entered tropical paradise. When you're sipping a pina colada out of a real pineapple and enjoying old fashioneds made the…

  • Il Giardino Degli Ulivi

    Johannesburg

    Inside the hip 44 Stanley precinct, Il Giardino feels like a charming old-world trattoria, its leafy courtyard the backdrop to nourishing dishes at…

  • Baha Taco

    Johannesburg

    Using the freshest ingredients and traditional cooking methods, Baha started as a food market stall. But it has grown into the Grant Ave institution that…

  • Sweet treats in a tropical paradise at Glenda's

    Glenda's

    Johannesburg

    Glenda’s is a romantic tropical kingdom where the floral detailing extends from the decor and table settings to the impeccable presentation of the meals…

  • Interior at Bolton Road Collection

    Bolton Road Collection

    Johannesburg

    Different shades of blue and trendy design choices make Bolton Road Collection easy on the eye while the original and thoughtful menu is certainly easy on…

  • Cappucinos at Nice

    Nice on 4th

    Johannesburg

    Mismatched crockery and bunches of fresh wildflowers adorn all surfaces of this quirky cafe-cum-bookshop, but the main reason to visit Nice is for the…

  • Salvation Cafe

    Johannesburg

    Organic deliciousness awaits at this casual cafe (bonus points for the covered veranda and inviting courtyard). All bases are covered, from baked treats…

  • Decor at Momo Baohaus

    Momo Baohaus

    Johannesburg

    Minimalist decor greets visitors to Momo Baohaus, where fusion Asian tapas is the order of the day. Dine on crispy pork potstickers, sushi rolls and the…

  • Croft & Co

    Johannesburg

    This popular suburban cafe is the perfect spot for a leisurely brunch or quick coffee. The menu is simple and uses locally sourced ingredients. Bacon and…

  • Brunch at Pablo Eggs Go Bar

    Pablo Eggs Go Bar

    Johannesburg

    You have to love this place for the name alone, but the Middle Eastern–inspired all-day breakfast menu also keeps the hipsters and foodies coming back…

  • Dukes Burgers

    Johannesburg

    Elevating the humble burger to high art, this eatery on lively 7th St serves up a wide variety of options. The vegetarian picks are tops, especially when…

  • Ritual Cafe

    Johannesburg

    Ritual Cafe is a small, simple, yet stylish restaurant serving traditional South African favourites (think curry and oxtail stew) with a modern twist…

  • De Backery

    Johannesburg

    De Backery opened in 1963 as a small bakery in the far-eastern suburb of Edenvale. Thirty years later the owners expanded the premises by building an…

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