Must-see restaurants in Johannesburg

  • 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…

  • Grillhouse

    Johannesburg

    Get an honest-to-goodness Jozi steakhouse experience at this New York–style institution. Rub elbows with other red-meat lovers and choose your cut: prime…

  • Whippet Coffee

    Johannesburg

    The Whippet Coffee's bright interior, with a view of the leafy patio area outside, provides a pleasing backdrop for a leisurely brunch. Meals feature…

  • The Bull Run

    Johannesburg

    Famous for the imposing bronze bull statue on the pavement outside, the Bull Run Restaurant is across the street from the Johannesburg Stock Exchange in…

  • Great Eastern Food Bar

    Johannesburg

    If you think Jozi is a dud at creative Asian food, prepare to eat your words – and everything in sight – at this well-priced, obscenely delicious eatery…

  • Ben's Pizza

    Johannesburg

    Ben's Pizza is notable for its location in the centre of Jo'burg's central business district, where the sight of a New-York-style pizzeria with red…

  • Kafe Noir

    Johannesburg

    Opened by one of South Africa's leading fashion designers, Congolese-born Papy Nakuw, Kafe Noir serves a simple Pan-African menu in a cool but…

  • Ba Pita

    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…

  • Reserved Cafe

    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…

  • Walnut Grove

    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…

  • Factory on Grant

    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…

  • Pata Pata

    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…

  • Thief

    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…

  • Next Door

    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…

  • Bambanani

    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…

  • The Countess

    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…

  • WAM Cafe

    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…

  • Eat Your Heart Out

    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…

  • Bismillah

    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…

  • Schwarma Co

    Johannesburg

    This Jo'burg institution is renowned for delicious platters of shwarma (meat sliced off a spit, served in pitas with chopped tomatoes), yummy kebabs and…

  • O' Peri Peri

    Johannesburg

    Portuguese food is common in Jo'burg, but few Portuguese restaurants offer the authenticity and local charm of O' Peri Peri. Hidden in an unremarkable…

  • Cremalat

    Johannesburg

    Cremalat is a delightful Italian deli and cafe in an unlikely location: inside an industrial complex on the east side of Johannesburg. Cremalat offers a…

  • Die Kneipe German Pub

    Johannesburg

    Serving authentic German schnitzel, bratwurst, eisbein, and beer, Die Kneipe (which means 'The Pub' in German), is a great place to go for a drink and…

  • Bukhara

    Johannesburg

    One of the best Indian restaurants in town, Bukhara manages to be atmospheric despite its mall location. It serves authentic, richly flavoured tikka…

  • Love Me So

    Johannesburg

    Besides having a clever name, Love Me So is one of very few ramen restaurants in Jo'Burg. Located on a busy culinary corner in Melville, it offers 'build…

  • Little Addis Café

    Johannesburg

    A great experience for gastronauts, this eatery is all about spicy doro wot (chicken stew), kitfo (mince meat) and tibs (fried meat and vegetables),…

  • 86 Public

    Johannesburg

    Right in the heart of Braamfontein, 86 Public does brisk business with students and office workers – always a sign that you’ve found a good bargain. The…

  • Momo & O

    Johannesburg

    Sister restaurant to the similarly delicious Momo Baohaus in Greenside, Momo & O specialises in ramen, but also serves boas and other Asian fusion…

  • Cut and Craft Artisan Bistro

    Johannesburg

    Popular with Kensington locals, this relatively new (unusual on a street filled with dusty old favorites) coffee shop/restaurant/bar serves a huge variety…

  • Chinese Northern Foods Restaurant

    Johannesburg

    In the heart of Jo'burg's main Chinatown area, this simply decorated restaurant serves up some of the city's most authentic Chinese fare. The handmade…

  • Smokehouse & Grill

    Johannesburg

    Students, hipsters, moms and pops: everyone dives into this busy steakhouse for a rockin’ feed. Get messy with slow-pit-smoked ribs, slabs of juicy steak…

  • James XVI Ethiopian

    Johannesburg

    Sit at outdoor tables shaded by trees and enjoy the excellent, great-value Ethiopian cuisine served from this hole-in-the-wall unit. The injera (sourdough…

  • Canteen

    Johannesburg

    One of the best spots to chill in the 'hood, this lively eatery inside hip Arts on Main boasts a lovely setting, with a large, festive 'garden party'…

  • Doppio Zero

    Johannesburg

    This is where the hugely popular Italian cafe franchise first started – and you can easily see why it's been such a success. The corner terrace is packed…

  • Post

    Johannesburg

    Fill up at this great little cafe before (or after) delving into Braamfontein. Come for delicious breakfasts, gourmet sandwiches, fresh salads and…

  • Homestead

    Johannesburg

    On the ground floor of the Reef Hotel, this large restaurant has a relaxed vibe and pleasingly kooky industrial interior. The visibly busy kitchen…

  • Moyo Zoo Lake

    Johannesburg

    South Africa’s ‘chic-est’ chain restaurant is feeling a little tired but still draws the family crowd thanks to its great location, atmospheric decor and…

  • Paul’s Homemade Ice Cream

    Johannesburg

    Paul started making frozen delights for friends after receiving an ice-cream maker for his birthday. The popularity of his innovative flavours has…

  • BGR

    Johannesburg

    As you've probably guessed from the name, BGR focuses on doing just a few things, but it does them right. Customise your burger (including veggie options)…

  • Mama Mexicana

    Johannesburg

    Rustic Mama Mexicana serves up all the Tex-Mex favourites, from nachos and quesadillas to soft- and hard-shell tacos and hearty burritos. The Hot Mama…

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