Must-see restaurants in Southern Africa

  • Fermier

    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…

  • 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),…

  • Yeoville Dinner Club

    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…

  • Breezeblock

    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…

  • Urbanologi

    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…

  • Sugarbush Cafe

    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…

  • Amanzi

    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…

  • Shortmarket Club

    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…

  • Restaurante Maúa

    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…

  • Courtyard Cafe

    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…

  • Casa Rossa

    Malawi

    In an atmospheric old colonial house, this Italian-owned guesthouse restaurant serves the best pasta dishes this side of Naples, including unique local…

  • Marble

    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…

  • Boma

    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…

  • Greenhouse

    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…

  • Chefs

    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…

  • Potluck Boskombuis

    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…

  • Ad Lib

    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…

  • Chef's Warehouse & Canteen

    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…

  • Grounded At Echo

    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…

  • Biques

    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…

  • Da Canton

    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…

  • Remo's

    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…

  • Saskia Restaurant

    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…

  • Casa Mia

    Malawi

    Don your smarts for dinner at this classy guesthouse restaurant. The wine-stacked interior, with its antique Cinzano prints, white tablecloths and expat…

  • Pot Luck Club

    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…

  • Hog House Brewing Co.

    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…

  • Carlucci's Deli

    Cape Town

    This relaxed, family-friendly restaurant at Meerendal wine estate has outside tables overlooking a jungle gym and sweeping lawn – perfect for enjoying…

  • Lihawu Restaurant

    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…

  • Gardener’s Cottage

    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…

  • Starlings Cafe

    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…

  • Tutto D'Italy

    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…

  • Aubergine

    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…

  • Kitchen

    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…

  • Huntingdon House

    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…

  • Bistro Sixteen82

    Cape Town

    Perfectly complementing the slick and contemporary wine-tasting lounge at Steenberg Farm, this appealing bistro serves everything from oysters for…

  • Cafe Zambezi

    Livingstone

    Head straight through to the courtyard, sunny by day and candlelit by night. Bursting with local flavour, the broad menu covers local favourites of goat…

  • Mandala Cafe

    Malawi

    Sit on a breezy stone terrace in the grounds of Mandala House, or inside at this chilled cafe adorned with artworks and guidebooks. Regulars love the…

  • Moira Jane's Blue Bird Cafe

    Zimbabwe

    A genuine reason to stop by Masvingo is this attractive little cafe that does 10 different kinds of burgers (including some good gourmet varieties), steak…

  • Hotel Milénio Restaurant

    Northern Mozambique

    Equipped with a chef from Mumbai, this sleek restaurant at Hotel Milénio knocks out the best Indian food in northern Mozambique, with excellent meat and…