Route 62
Specialising in South African classics like oxtail, Karoo lamb and bunny chow (a hollowed-out loaf of bread filled with curry), this is the town's…
Must-see restaurants in South Africa
Sunshine Coast
In its sunny rear courtyard and roomy interior with exposed beams, Saint's is known for its eclectic menu, which includes sushi. The food, however, is…
Sunshine Coast
This low-key venture occupies a flowery courtyard scattered with pastel furniture. It has pizzas, sandwiches and salads. Not a bad place for a light meal,…
West Coast & Swartland
In a town with a dearth of eating options, Grapevine is a pleasant place for a light lunch in the pretty garden. It serves decent coffee and a range of…
Western Cape
This bright, cosy house offers the best coffee in town, a selection of South African dishes and stocks home-baked goodies and crafts. The menu offers a…
Stellenbosch
Tucked away in the corner of the botanical garden and surrounded by exotic plants, this is a lovely spot for coffee, cake or a light lunch. Some…
Cape Town
Fancy teas by Mariage Frères and delicious home-made, sweet and savoury French-style tarts are served at this cafe with street-side tables. However, it's…
The Wild Coast
In a thatched lapa (semiopen entertainment area) with views across the golf course and town, Mthatha Country Club's restaurant serves a varied menu…
Drakensberg & uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park
After you’ve stuffed yourself with savoury and sweet waffles, get your fill of handmade rugs (some locally made, others imported) at this cafe located at…
Cape Town
This charming cafe, decorated like your granny’s kitchen, serves sweet and savoury tarts and other delish confections. You'll also find their tarts on…
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…
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…
Western Cape
This appealing tearoom had the honour of serving Nelson Mandela in 1999. In an old Masonic lodge with shaded outdoor tables beside the Koornlands River,…
West Coast & Swartland
The music and the menu at this à la carte restaurant will take you back 50 years, but it's a long-standing favourite and there are few other places to eat…
Cape Town
Tripe curry and grilled meats are among the traditional dishes served at this pleasantly decorated and spacious restaurant and bar at the base of Lookout…
Western Cape
Beaufort West doesn't have much of a dining scene but you'll get a decent burger here. The lamb curry is also recommended. Grab a table outside if you can…
West Coast & Swartland
For an afternoon coffee or all-day breakfast, this is the place to go. It also serves sandwiches, delicious cheeses and homemade sweet treats. Friday…
Route 62
It's a jack-of-all-trades menu, but locals love this long-running restaurant. There are a few South African specialities like bobotie and Cape Malay curry…
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…
Cape Town
Not big on atmosphere, Biesmiellah nonetheless offers authentic and spicy Cape Malay and Indian food in a room decorated with tapestries of Mecca. It’s…
Cape Town
It doesn't have a sign but you'll know this butchery and braai (barbecue) joint by the many cars parked outside on a weekend afternoon – and the happy…
Simon's Town & Southern Peninsula
Brioches, sandwiches, pastries, burgers, pies and pizzas – if it involves dough, these guys have it covered. The chandelier and mirrored tiles add glamour…
Northern Cape
A long-running restaurant with a central fireplace and a mostly meaty menu. Go for the Karoo lamb chops: the Roggeveld vegetation chomped by the sheep…
Mpumalanga
Adjoining an antique shop, this formerly North African restaurant has retained the Moroccan-themed decor but swapped the Maghrebi cuisine for a menu of…
Simon's Town & Southern Peninsula
Serving coffee that everyone raves about, this compact, French-style artisan bakery and cafe is a good spot for breakfast and light lunches. Freshly…
Sunshine Coast
This popular Greek restaurant offers perfectly acceptable seafood and meat dishes as well as great mezze. The atmosphere is convivial and relaxed and…
The Wild Coast
An inviting spot with a covered veranda and cosy bar, Steve's does a mix of pub grub and South African specialities, including burgers, wraps, pasta, wood…
KwaZulu-Natal
Dip into quiche, beef curry or lasagne at the upstairs cafe at Tatham Gallery, or grab a table on the outside balcony. Also on offer are sweet treats such…
Knysna
With outdoor tables overlooking the water, decent sushi, deli produce and lavish seafood platters, this is a nice spot for lunch. The wine selection is…
Route 62
Drawing inspiration from Portugal, Mozambique and indeed, the Karoo, this popular restaurant on the main road serves spicy seafood and meat. The chicken…
Route 62
Recommended by readers, this is a great spot to enjoy large portions of pizza, pasta, fish or steak on the covered patio. There's draught beer and a nice…
Drakensberg & uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park
There's a vast menu here featuring pasta, steak, seafood, curries and salad, but the best bet is the wood-fired pizza. It's based at Bingelela B&B, just…
Nelspruit (Mbombela)
This bright, reliable place serves good-value, no-frills breakfast and lunch, including sandwiches, wraps and quiche. It's friendly, homely and a…
Route 62
A countryside dining experience 7km north of town off Rte 318, on a working citrus farm. The menu here changes daily, but large country breakfasts are…
Sunshine Coast
Opening onto the village's main intersection, Pic-Kwick's serves two dozen varieties of pizza cooked in a wood oven as well as sandwiches and pasta in…
Northern Cape
For sundowners or an early evening meal, you can’t beat this Irish bar’s patio overlooking the river. The menu features pizza, a few salads and plenty of…
La Bamba Restaurant & Sports Bar
Limpopo
This plain, tiled-floor pub – with rugby or cricket usually on the box – is a good place to fuel up on burgers, schnitzels and steaks. It also has a salad…
North West Province
The main shopping mall in town has a handful of chain restaurants – Nando's or Ocean Basket are the best options. A supermarket and liquor store are here,…
Garden Route
Locals love the seafood dishes and ocean views at this long-standing place. It also serves salads, sushi and meat, and has a children’s menu and…
Free State
If your thirst needs quenching or if steak is on your wishlist, try Windmill Pub & Grill in town, which offers bench seating in a lush, shady setting.
