Must-see restaurants in Gauteng

  • 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),…

  • Broodhuijs

    Pretoria

    On a peaceful stretch of Bronkhorst St, this neighborhood charmer makes a great setting for a meet-up with a friend or a fine spot to linger over a light…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • Geet

    Pretoria

    Around the back of Brooklyn Mall, Chef Gita Jivan concocts first-class Indian dishes, fusing Indian flavours with European presentation. The huge menu…

  • TriBeCa CBD

    Pretoria

    This popular downtown business-lunch place is safe and welcoming. Spitting distance from Church Sq, this chain restaurant is popular with public servants…

  • Forkies

    Pretoria

    With influences taken from Cuba, Mexico and the US Deep South, Forkies is a cool spot for a tasty lunch. Alongside the nachos, burritos and brisket you'll…

  • 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…

  • Ginger & Fig

    Pretoria

    This highly reliable cafe has on-trend industrial-chic decor and a tempting range of breakfast and lunch dishes, all homemade, free range and organic…

  • 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…

  • Picobella

    Johannesburg

    Nothing too fancy here, just good, honest wood-fire pizza, delicious pasta – try the oglio with pecorino cheese – and reliable salads and starters on a…

  • La Pentola

    Pretoria

    This well-established eatery is still going strong, with patrons enjoying its old-fashioned decor and an excellent menu that transgresses all culinary…

  • Pastelaria Princesa

    Johannesburg

    Pastelaria Princesa is an authentic Portuguese bakery/cafe: On an average day you'll hear as many customers speaking Portuguese as English and the menu is…

  • Sha'p! Braai Corner

    Johannesburg

    This cooler-than-cool little braai stand offers some of the cheapest food in trendy Maboneng, attracting both penny-pinching locals and thrifty visitors…

  • Delhi Dharbar

    Johannesburg

    Far from the fanciest Indian restaurant in Jo'burg, but the setting is cosy and the North Indian cuisine gets rave reviews. The menu has plenty of…

  • Blackanese Sushi & Wine Bar

    Johannesburg

    Sushi with an African twist? Yes, it's possible at Blackanese which attempts to fuse some African ingredients with sushi rice. The result: so-so. On top…

  • Cynthia’s Indigo Moon

    Pretoria

    You'll enjoy this place almost as much for the decor as the food, with nods to Paris and New York, dimly lit corner tables and plenty of mirrors adorning…

  • TriBeCa Original

    Pretoria

    Laid-back and stylish, this cafe is the perfect place to chill out in the middle of Brooklyn Sq with a latte and browse the magazines for a few hours, or…

  • Deli on Duncan

    Pretoria

    This groovy place provides an unceasingly cool terrace for summer chillin'. An array of pastries, cakes, tarts and quiches will tempt the devil in you, or…

  • Café 41

    Pretoria

    A huge menu and a plethora of seating options – go for the outdoor deck – make this one of Pretoria’s more enjoyable lunch spots. The pasta dishes and…

  • Harrie’s Pancakes

    Pretoria

    Harrie's Pancakes is renowned for its delicious pancakes. Where else could you savour a pancake stuffed with biltong and mozzarella? Or dark-chocolate…

  • Velo

    Johannesburg

    This sweet little spot just off the street has gained a die-hard following for its appetising sandwiches, creative salads, excellent coffee and friendly…

  • Harrie's Pancakes

    Gauteng

    This enticing crêperie, one of a small local chain, has a bumper selection of gourmet crêpes and substantial salads. The outdoor tables occupy a prime…