Pretoria
Some of South Africa's best contemporary cooking is being served in a large mud-walled and tin-roofed shed in the east of Pretoria. Chef Adriaan Maree…
Must-see restaurants in Southern Africa
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),…
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…
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…
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…
Lusaka
This picture-postcard idyllic cafe is worth every kwacha of the journey it takes to get here. Chill out for an afternoon at one of the picnic tables…
Harare
Don some nice threads as Amanzi is a class act and still the special night out. In a stunning colonial house with African decor, local art (for sale) and…
Simon's Town & Southern Peninsula
Offering a gastronomic take on False Bay cool, Salt serves mains such as wild kudu goulash, but your best bet is to focus on the small plates (R45), which…
Cape Town
Star chef Luke Dale-Roberts' latest venture hides in plain sight on the street it is named after. It's a gorgeous attic space with a wall of paper…
Mozambique
Tap any local with taste buds and they'll probably tell you that this place – one of several restaurants in the Feira Popular complex – serves the best…
Zambia
A part of the boutique Mukwa Lodge, this attached restaurant is hands down Kitwe's best place to eat. Its menu is split between Portuguese and Indian, and…
Drakensberg Escarpment
There’s a meat-driven menu and a warm atmosphere here, amid candles, wildlife photos and artworks. It's a great place to sample traditional South African…
Malawi
In an atmospheric old colonial house, this Italian-owned guesthouse restaurant serves the best pasta dishes this side of Naples, including unique local…
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…
Simon's Town & Southern Peninsula
Expect rustic, delicious bistro dishes with suggested wine pairings at master chef Franck Dangereux's restaurant in the relaxed surrounds of Noordhoek…
Victoria Falls (town)
Enjoy a taste of Africa at this buffet restaurant set under a massive thatched roof. Here you can dine on smoked crocodile tail, BBQ warthog, guinea fowl…
Cape Town
Chef Peter Tempelhoff's culinary imagination runs riot in this elegant restaurant that's one of the Cape's top dining destinations. The finest local…
Cape Town
So called because you can see all the chefs at work in the open kitchen, this is a fab new addition to Cape Town's dining scene with an original concept…
Blyde River Canyon
Look out for the South African flag and follow the red-dirt track to this 'bush kitchen', a makeshift shelter beneath gnarly boulders and trees decorated…
Lilongwe
An adventurous extension of a hip Glaswegian diner chain, this popular local gathering spot has a covered street-front terrace and a jolly red-walled…
Cape Town
Hurry here for a delicious and very generous spread of small plates from chef Liam Tomlin and his talented crew. Flavours zip around the world, from a…
Pretoria
It's easy to love this design-savvy cafe run by the nonprofit Echo Youth Development. It's a great spot for breakfast, with a variety of granolas…
Mozambique
Biques (pronounced beaks) is a sight for sore eyes if you've just emerged bleary-eyed from the bush. Perched on a rise overlooking a windswept scoop of…
Free State
Part restaurant, part chocolate factory and part theatre, this is Ficksburg's top eatery and de facto cultural centre. Popular items include homemade…
Livingstone
While all the Italian food here is tasty and authentic, it's the homemade gelato that has locals raving. The Italian owner makes all 18 flavours,…
Lola's Tapas & Carnivore Restaurant
Victoria Falls (town)
Run by welcoming host Lola from Barcelona, this popular eatery combines a menu of Mediterranean cuisine with local game meats. The result is anything from…
Port Elizabeth
You really need to know this place is here, but luckily now you do. What was once a warehouse in a derelict area is now a snazzy cafe with an industrial…
Limpopo
Decorated with Rembrandt replicas and stories from the master painter at every turn, you might expect this place at Fusion Boutique Hotel to be a bit…
Malawi
Don your smarts for dinner at this classy guesthouse restaurant. The wine-stacked interior, with its antique Cinzano prints, white tablecloths and expat…
Cape Town
The sister restaurant to Test Kitchen is a more affordable Luke Dale-Roberts option. Sitting at the top of an old silo, it offers panoramic views of the…
Cape Town
It couldn't be in a more obscure spot – within a business park in an industrial part of town – but this barbecue restaurant is perpetually busy. The…
Cape Town
This relaxed, family-friendly restaurant at Meerendal wine estate has outside tables overlooking a jungle gym and sweeping lawn – perfect for enjoying…
eSwatini (Swaziland)
Within the swish Royal Villas resort nestles eSwatini’s most elegant restaurant, with a tastefully decorated dining room and an outdoor eating area that…
Cape Town
After exploring the Montebello craft studios, relax at this lovely cafe, which occupies the estate's original gatekeeper's cottage. Beyond the leafy…
Cape Town
One of the Southern Suburbs' most charming dining spots. With its relaxed, arty cottage and shady garden environment, it's great for a lazy breakfast or…
Mozambique
Top of the list of 'weird epiphanies in Beira' is this fabulous Italian restaurant hidden (there's no sign) in a children's park on the cusp of the Ponta…
Cape Town
German-born Harald Bresselschmidt is one of Cape Town’s most consistent chefs, producing creative, hearty dishes served with some of the Cape's best wines…
Cape Town
Of all the swanky restaurants in town, it was this little charmer that Michelle Obama chose for lunch, proving the ex-First Lady has excellent taste. Tuck…
Malawi
If you're driving between Blantyre and Mulanje, don't miss lunch or afternoon tea (minimum two people for tea, and do book ahead) at this historic…
Cape Town
Perfectly complementing the slick and contemporary wine-tasting lounge at Steenberg Farm, this appealing bistro serves everything from oysters for…
