Johannesburg
During the 1980s and '90s, Ba Pita was a popular late-night dining spot in then-artsy Yeoville. Twenty years later it's come back to life in Melville, a…
Must-see restaurants in South Africa
Gauteng
At the base of the Orlando Towers, this large shisa nyama (barbecue) restaurant is popular with locals and those needing a beer after leaping from the…
Free State
Filled with old knick-knacks and antiques from the times of the Voortrekkers, this artsy coffee shop serves good, old-fashioned Afrikaner food. Expect…
Johannesburg
Chef Daniel Ribeiro, a South African of Portuguese heritage, honed his craft in the UK before returning home to open this charming cafe in 27 Boxes in…
Cape Town
Who doesn't love dinosaurs, especially when they come as part of dusky-pink, leafy green decor? You can tell from the get-go that LGBT-friendly Raptor…
Cape Town
A Columbian guy runs this pleasant, hidden-away cafe so you'll find a lot of South American–style items on the menu, including quesadillas, flour…
Johannesburg
In the heart of the mall, Walnut Grove is a handy spot for an affordable, uncomplicated, walk-in bite. Choose from tramezzini (small sandwiches on white…
Cape Town
Beatrice Holst seduces meat-loving Capetonians with her delicious raw and vegan repasts and drinks, including super vitamin-charged juices, a raw lasagne…
Franschhoek
Based at Vrede en Lust winery, this is a refreshingly unfussy place to eat in a region known for haute cuisine. You'll find salads, sandwiches and a build…
Johannesburg
Located at a prime corner on Norwood's vibey Grant Ave, Factory on Grant offers solid South African food with a friendly atmosphere and weekly jazz…
Pretoria
This historic, early-20th-century European bistro overlooking Church Sq is the ideal place to sip beer and watch the South African capital roll through…
Johannesburg
The hip crowd may have moved on, but this Maboneng classic still delivers a winning formula of rustic-chic decor, beautifully presented cuisine and…
Marné's Coffee Shop, Deli & Gifts
Free State
Pots of brightly coloured flower line the path to this cozy lunch spot, which doubles as a country store. There's indoor seating as well as outdoor tables…
Durban
Housed in the uShaka complex, Moyo is more novelty than quality cuisine, and makes for a fun (if noisy) night out. The concept is great – the decor…
Nelspruit (Mbombela)
Put on your finest and treat yourself to some beautifully prepared cuisine – from herb-crusted yellowtail, spinach and ricotta ravioli and Niçoise salad…
Cape Town
In business under various owners (and names) as a cafe and mini-deli since 1904, the Blue Cafe's latest incarnation is perhaps one of its best. It's a…
Western Cape
Once voted the top Italian restaurant in the country, La Sosta is something special. The beautifully presented food includes treats like butternut-and…
Bloemfontein
This efficient Italian trattoria serves lots of pasta choices along with pizzas and salads. It’s a cheerful, family-friendly place with a cosy indoors and…
Johannesburg
Just off 11th St, this easy-to-miss restaurant and wine bar is a stylish place with exposed beams and industrial touches, serving superb bistro food like…
Cape Town
As their name suggests, Plant serves only vegan food, and it's so tasty that you may become converted to the cause. Mock cheese and egg substitutes are…
Northern Cape
With a long bar and B&W photos of old-time prospectors, this Victorian-era saloon is a fun place to pause on a Big Hole tour. Dishes include fish and…
Sunshine Coast
This friendly, offbeat barn of a place overlooking the Sundays River serves up meat dishes such as kudu, impala or ostrich fillet as well as springbok…
Limpopo
The influence of the Portuguese owner can be seen on the Villa’s menu, and it's a nice little taster if you're on your way to Mozambique: seafood, buffalo…
Johannesburg
Rub shoulders with orthodox Jewish families in this welcoming kosher restaurant, which fills up quickly most evenings. The menu is all milk and fish…
Eastern Cape
It's official – the gourmet-burger and craft-beer craze has reached East London, and Sanook does it particularly well. Burgers are juicy, tasty and come…
Gauteng
A seductive setting complete with a breezy terrace is the draw at this well-regarded joint up the top of Vilakazi St. The chef prepares a colourful…
Johannesburg
A self-described gastropub in Melville's 27 Boxes complex, the Countess is a cavernous, steampunk-style restaurant with two floors and a large patio. It's…
Johannesburg
Not your average eatery, Bambanani is a concept restaurant that caters for families. Picture this: at the back is a huge deck and garden area with a…
Simon's Town & Southern Peninsula
Free Range sells quiches, pies, burgers, wraps and other wholesome lunches. Great cakes, too. It's located at the back of a farm shop, with tables…
Cape Town
There are splashes of Lebanese and Italian cooking on the menu here – the tahini cauliflower is excellent. There's a particularly cosy whisky bar in the…
Johannesburg
Attached to the Wits Art Museum, this is one of the most popular cafes in Braamfontein – a slick, modern, design-led eatery with large picture windows…
Cape Town
There's lots of atmosphere at this upmarket Asian eatery, with its bare brick walls and tables tucked away in multi-level nooks and crannies. The menu is…
Northern Cape
Wear closed shoes and smart-casual dress to eat among Rhodes memorabilia in the one-time gentlemen's club he founded, now a boutique hotel. South African…
Dragon’s Rest Pub & Restaurant
Drakensberg & uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park
Sit outside at this delightful place and drink in the dam-side and mountain views while enjoying some fine Berg cooking and a cold drink. Inside is a log…
Johannesburg
The best spot in Maboneng to start the day. The Israeli breakfast – omelette, toasted pita, diced salad, pickled cabbage and cottage cheese – is the…
Pretoria
Since 2002, stylish Carlton Café and its associated deli Delicious (you'll find it next door) have been keeping Pretorians happy with gourmet treats. It's…
Port Elizabeth
Set in a trendily decorated dining room, this widely acclaimed restaurant run by an experienced chef serves an exquisite selection of high-quality sushi…
Cape Town
Sit at a low basket-weave table and enjoy tasty Ethiopian cuisine served traditionally on plate-sized injera (sourdough pancakes), which you rip up and…
Green Point & Waterfront
With brass-topped tables, a marble-clad bar and a photographic frieze of flowers in black and white, Lily's strikes a sophisticated note. Enjoy sea views…
Johannesburg
Over in Fordsburg you’ll find the best Indian food in Jo’burg. While it's far from fancy, Bismillah is, we reckon, the pick of the lot. The menu is…
