Must-see restaurants in South Africa

  • Lekker Vegan

    Cape Town

    Even those who usually give vegan eateries a wide berth will be intrigued by the concept here – vegan junk food. The menu features burgers and gatsbys,…

  • Duchess of Wisbeach

    Sea Point to Hout Bay

    Under the stewardship of a celebrated Jo’burg chef, this Duchess is one romantic-looking lady who raises Sea Point’s dining bar by several notches. The…

  • 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…

  • Swan Cafe

    Cape Town

    Staff greet you with a cheery chorus of bonjour as you enter this Parisian-inspired crêperie. The menu features both savoury and sweet crepes with…

  • Giulio's

    Cape Town

    This popular corner cafe rocks a Roman theme with its faux columns and outsized golden wreath. It's bustling at breakfast time, when locals come for the…

  • 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…

  • Burger & Lobster

    Cape Town

    There are no prizes for guessing what's on the menu at this convivial Bree St hangout. The main menu consists of just three items: a juicy burger, lobster…

  • Upper Bloem

    Green Point & ­Waterfront

    The team from popular Sea Point restaurant La Mouette is behind this innovative South African tapas joint. The three-course set menus include three…

  • The Bistro @ Klein Constantia

    Cape Town

    Wine estate lunches can be a little stuffy and formal, but Klein Constantia's restaurant is an unpretentious affair. The seasonal menu features upscale…

  • 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…

  • Burrata

    Cape Town

    There's a cosy, convivial feel to this longstanding Italian haunt, despite the minimalist decor of all bare brick and exposed piping. It's one of those…

  • Jessy's Waffles

    Cape Town

    Perched on the edge of Dunkley Square, Jessy's is another addition to Cape Town's single-dish restaurant series. The gluten-free waffles come in both…

  • Jason Bakery

    Cape Town

    Move fast to secure a seat at this super-popular street-corner cafe that makes splendid breakfasts and sandwiches. It also serves decent coffee, a few…

  • Light at Africa Cafe.

    Africa Café

    Cape Town

    Touristy, yes, but it's still one of the best places to sample African food. Come with a hearty appetite as the set feast comprises some 15 dishes from…

  • Royale Eatery

    Cape Town

    They've been grilling gourmet burgers to perfection here for years; downstairs is casual and buzzy while upstairs is a restaurant where you can book a…

  • 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…

  • Between Us

    Cape Town

    Bright and airy Between Us specialises in brunch, serving fragrant frittatas, charcuterie platters and silky porridge topped with lavender, cashews or…

  • Bread, Milk & Honey

    Cape Town

    The spirited debate of politicos and bureaucrats from nearby parliament rings through this smart family-run cafe. The menu is delicious: the cakes 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…

  • Tossd

    Cape Town

    You'll find one of the city's best-value lunches at this family-run salad bar. Choose your own base, protein and toppings for R65 or opt for one of their…

  • A Tavola

    Cape Town

    This spacious, classy neighbourhood joint, its walls hung with photos of people tucking into food, starts proceedings with antipasti and salads, before…

  • 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…

  • Posticino

    Sea Point to Hout Bay

    The popular Italian restaurant has opened a pizza and pasta kiosk next to the Sea Point pools. Grab a pizza or panzarotti to eat at outdoor picnic tables…

  • Halfway House

    Northern Cape

    After a revamp, 'The Half' has sadly lost a little of its soul. Dating back to 1872, this was once one of Cecil Rhodes' watering holes and today it might…

  • Duck & Trout

    Drakensberg Escarpment

    On chilly nights, a fire crackles in every corner of this converted dairy, which has an extensive menu featuring all-day breakfasts and pub grub. It's a…

  • Rhodes Memorial Restaurant

    Cape Town

    This pleasant restaurant and al-fresco tearoom is located in a 1920 thatched-roof cottage behind the Rhodes Memorial. It’s family-run and specialises in…

  • 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…

  • Roundhouse

    Sea Point to Hout Bay

    Overlooking Camps Bay, this heritage-listed 18th-century building, set in wooded grounds, houses an elegant restaurant. The menus mix South African…

  • Deer Park Café

    Cape Town

    Fronting a kid’s playground in Rocklands Rd Park, this relaxed cafe has chunky wooden furniture that gives it the feel of a big nursery. The tasty food is…

  • Pucketty Farm

    Drakensberg & uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park

    Beatrix Potter meets Jamie Oliver: there’s more to this extraordinarily cute place than meets the eye. There’s a huge selection of great-value gourmet…

  • Transkaroo Country Lodge

    Northern Cape

    The charming restaurant here really sets Britstown apart from other Karoo dorps (villages). Chequered tablecloths in the leafy courtyard give a provincial…

  • La Terrasse

    Pretoria

    Above a shop selling Moroccan handicrafts and interior design, this rooftop cafe and deli transports you from Pretoria to Marrakesh. Dishes include tasty…

  • Harrie’s Pancakes

    Drakensberg Escarpment

    The chic white minimalist interior of Graskop's original pancake house, full of modern art and quirky touches, often fills with coach parties. You won’t…

  • Freedom Cafe

    Durban

    An upmarket, colourful, funky place in an imaginatively converted space with a pebble-strewn courtyard. Asian-influenced food includes Vietnamese pulled…

  • Hail Pizza

    Cape Town

    The Capetonian equivalent of a pizza speakeasy, Hail hides in plain sight behind another popular eatery. Their delish thin-and-crispy pizzas, cooked in a…

  • Che

    Johannesburg

    This seductive restaurant occupies a dimly lit former warehouse space. On the menu are real-deal Argentine dishes such as mollejas (veal sweetbreads…

  • Codfather

    Sea Point to Hout Bay

    Book ahead to get a table at this Camps Bay institution, where an enjoyable meal awaits, whether you spend it at the sushi bar or dining with a view of…

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