Johannesburg Restaurants
We’ve compiled the best of the best in Johannesburg - browse our top choices for Restaurants during your stay.
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18 Recommendations
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1. Black Horse Restaurant
$$ | |Set in manicured, terraced gardens that stretch out onto paddocks where grazing Friesian horses idle away afternoons, the family-owned Black Horse Estate Restaurant predominantly serves bistro staples like burgers and wood-fired pizzas, though Stables Café, open during the week, can easily accommodate walk-ins. While you’re here, you can also do a tasting and tour of the craft brewery, run by one of the country’s youngest female brewers, and gin distillery (1 hour, R287.50 for both). It’s such a popular weekend venue for families, bikers, cyclists, and out-of-towners that it’s essential to book if you want to secure a place for lunch.
32 Zeekoeihoek Rd., Magaliesberg, North-West, South Africa082-453--5295Known For
- Gorgeous outdoor setting surrounded by nature
- Brewery and distillery tours, tasters and gift shop
- Quaint and affordable accommodation options
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Reservations essential on weekends -
2. Embarc
$$$$ | Parkhurst |While Parkhurst is known for the countless restaurants that line 4th Avenue, the refined space at Embarc is in a league of its own making fine dining accessible to all through its relaxed environment. Fusing high-quality local produce and artisanal products with international flavors, coupled with a thoughtful combination of contrasting flavors and hues to create delectable dishes that can be eaten as starters or shared as mains. Embarc is owned by a chef-sommelier duo who pay utmost attention to every aspect of this welcoming establishment. Highly recommended, especially if you only have one night out on the town.
Corner 13th St. and 4th Ave., Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa081-848–6480Known For
- Co-owner is a sommelier who compiled an extensive collection of local and international wines
- Supporting small artisans and sustainable suppliers
- Displaying and selling local artworks that enhance the ambience of the space
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. and Tues. -
3. Ethos
$$$$ | Rosebank |The relaxed fine-dining, Mediterranean-inspired fare at Ethos has as much appeal as its decor and design, which is characterized by beige hues, Doric columns, brass accents, and flowing ceiling baffles. Dishes are carefully curated to highlight how the natural flavors of various foods also complement each other in terms of texture, color, and thoughtful presentation. Servers are astute in advising how to best pair meals with the restaurant's extensive collection of South African wines.
Corner Eastwood and Parks blvds., Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa010-446–9906Known For
- Prix-fixe menus also available
- Stylish eatery with comfortable ambiance
- Sophisticated tapas and elegant main meals
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4. Flames
$$$$ | Saxonwold |A golf cart whisks you up the hill followed by a glass elevator ride to this chic establishment with an infinity fountain that appears to overflow into Zoo Lake and faces the direction of Sandton and Rosebank. It's a popular sundowner spot as it beautifully displays Jo'burg's urban man-made forest and the menu showcases seasonal, regional cuisine with vegan and gluten-free options, but has a particular flair for South African meats, such as lamb chops, oxtail, pork belly, and a selection of locally-bred Wagyu prime cuts. Though it's based at the Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff, the majority of its diners are not hotel guests—testimony to how good it is.
67 Jan Smuts Ave., Johannesburg, Gauteng, 2132, South Africa011-481–6190Known For
- Sundowners
- High-end dining at the Four Seasons Hotel
- Wagyu prime cuts
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Reservations essential, Cashless restaurant -
5. Wandie's Place
$$ | Dube |Smartly dressed waiters in ties serve truly African food—meat stews, sweet potatoes, beans, a stiff corn porridge, traditionally cooked pumpkin, chicken, and tripe laid out in a buffet of pots and containers—to a steady stream of hungry patrons. The food is hot, the drinks are cold, and the conversation flows, especially if you happen to meet Wandie, who frequently still runs operations. While you may end up here on a private tour or with a tour bus, it's big enough to cope. It's not that difficult to find, and parking is safe, but it's probably better to organize a visit on a guided trip. The decor is eclectic township (a bit makeshift), and the walls are adorned with signatures and business cards of tourists and dignitaries who have dined here.
618 Makhalamele St., Johannesburg, Gauteng, 1801, South Africa081-420–6051Known For
- Best-known township restaurant in Soweto
- Eclectic decor
- Tour groups
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Recommended Fodor’s Video
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6. Bertrand Café
$$$ | City Center |One of the coolest places to be seen in Maboneng, Bertrand Café exudes a shabby chic style with its mirror and portrait walls, chandelier, mix-match pops of color, and bookshelves lined with bric-a-brac. The food is a fusion of French and African flavors thanks to inspiration from the Congolese co-owner Bertrand Mampouya.
296 Fox St., Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa011-614–0261Known For
- People watching from the outside seating
- Good Wi-Fi
- An ideal spot for remote working
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7. Bespokery
$$$$ | Parkview |This intimate, modern eatery specializes in small plates that cater to conscious foodies and those with restrictive diets—vegan, keto-friendly, or gluten-free or lactose-free options available. The minimalist decor draws focus to the flavors and colors of the food, which is meant for sharing so as to avoid order envy—three plates per person should do the trick. It's ideal for a quick bite at lunchtime or a leisurely dinner. Outside of the most popular signature dishes, the menu changes seasonally (three times a year) and can be complemented with a selection of local wines from smaller wine estates with a deliberate focus on female and Black female winemakers.
66 Tyrone Ave., Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa072-752–4184Known For
- Quality ingredients that keep sustainability in mind
- Unsigned Nelson Makamo mural on the wall
- Weekend brunches (closed for brunch during the week)
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. and Tues. and mid-Dec.–mid-Jan. -
8. Glenda's
$$ | Rosebank |This cozy, atmospheric restaurant is always busy because of the quality of its food and the gorgeous bucolic murals on its walls that complement the retro design elements, making it oh-so Instagram-worthy. The all-day menu serves breakfast, light lunches, high tea coupled with its in-house baked goods and treats, and dinner. Glenda’s prioritizes seasonal produce and supports local farmers and sustainability efforts, which gives it an even greater appeal.
Corner Jan Smuts Ave. and North Rd., Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa011-268–6369Known For
- Takeaway patisserie counter
- Trendy cocktails, craft brews and local wines
- Being an any-time-of-day kind of place
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9. Gourmet Grocer
$ | Melrose Arch |Stop by for an on-the-go breakfast or picnic take-away, or a sit-down coffee and brunch at the old-style Gourmet Grocer. This is a specialist grocer, deli, bakery, coffee shop, and restaurant, all rolled into one, so you’re sure to find what you’re looking for, whether it’s a scrumptious bagel, toasted sarmie, healthy snack, or decadent treat from their niche, family-run suppliers. It also sells fresh and frozen homemade meals, and stocks craft beers as well as a decent selection of wines. If you like their coffee, you can buy their Birdhaven blend to take home, which is roasted on site at Cofeffe Coffee Bar & Roastery. It’s within safe walking distance of The Peech Hotel and the James and Ethel Gray Park, and deliveries within a 5 km (3 miles) radius are free.
St. Andrew St. and Wrenrose Ave., Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa011-442–6965Known For
- Extensive selection of goods that cater to any taste and dietary preference
- Friendly, family-run establishment
- Continuously supporting community causes and charities
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10. Hell's Kitchen
$$ | |The neon "Be naked when I get home" sign draws lots of attention, but so do the antlers on the wall, black subway tile bar, and the checked floor of this 1920s New York-esque speakeasy. Try their signature Hellfire, a cinnamon-infused whiskey, to go along with your braai (barbecue) meat, pizza, or burger.
4 7th St., Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa079-980–9591Known For
- Great bar vibe
- Always being busy
- Live music on weekend afternoons
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11. Jo'Anna Melt Bar
$ | |Known for its hearty toasted sandwiches like the Popeye with a beef patty, bacon, caramelized onions, tomatoes, gherkins, cheddar, and a squirt of mustard and ketchup, Jo'Anna Melt Bar's name speaks for itself. Wash it down with the Give Me Hope Jo'anna—a mixture of locally-made Klipdrift brandy, passion fruit, and pineapple syrup shaken with a shot of red wine and a dash of bitters—at the seemingly oversized bar, which is the central feature of this small establishment. The eponymous drink is named after Eddy Grant's iconic song, Gimme Hope Jo'anna (a reference to Johannesburg), which he wrote after visiting South Africa. It was scathing of the apartheid government and encouraged freedom, which lead the ruling National Party at the time to ban it. And what better way to pay tribute to the country's liberation struggle than by "squeaking your takkies" (dancing) when the jukebox or karaoke get going in the evenings.
7 7th St., Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa072-733–5966Known For
- You can also order from Dukes Burgers next door
- Half-price toasties on Tuesdays
- Seating around the bar
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12. Marble
$$$$ | Rosebank |Famed for award-winning chef and co-owner David Higgs (whose cookbook, Mile 8, can be purchased on-site), Marble plates epicurean meals that can be expertly paired with wine. The open-plan kitchen is the restaurant’s focal point, where the chef’s table presents an intimate look into how Higgs and his team prepare food over a live wood fire in a quintessentially South African manner. Marble draws its elegant style from its location along the Keyes Art Mile (opposite the Everard Read Gallery and next to Circa) which is accentuated through its high ceilings, plush bar, and sweeping landscape views that flaunt Jo'burg's sunsets. Head sommelier Wikus Human—named Best Sommelier in South Africa for 2021 by the South African Sommeliers Association—curated his cellar from scratch when the restaurant opened in 2016. He can advise how to pair your meal based on your preference and budget, whether it’s with a R300 bottle or one that will set you back R250000; though the average ranges from R400–R700 for a white wine, and R800–R1500 for a red, and he’s not afraid of disgorging a premium bottle by the glass. Because of its off-site storage facilities, Marble has the opportunity to store and age wines, giving oenophiles the chance to savor older vintages.
corner Keyes and Jellicoe Aves., Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa064-439–2030-WhatsAppKnown For
- Multiple awards since it opened
- Interior design shaped by four local artists and artisans
- Premium flame-grilled meat
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Reservations essential -
13. Modena Italian Eatery
$$$ | Parkhurst |It's hard to find a table inside without a dinner booking (even during the week) at this father-and-son-owned restaurant simply because the food always delivers on taste, portion size, and how it's plated. The jovial ambience and pastel colors reminiscent of a Modena sunset add to the flavor of their modern Italian fare. With handmade pasta by chef son Vassilios Holiasmeno and Neapolitan-style pizzas (the kind where the dough is left to rise for at least two days before being wood-fired) on the menu, you can't go wrong for a quick breakfast bite, hearty lunch, or a romantic dinner date at this corner-side eatery, where locals return again and again.
4th Ave., Johannesburg, Gauteng, 2120, South Africa010-900–0912Known For
- Handmade and imported Italian products
- Relaxed and unpretentious atmosphere
- Being busy, which talks to the quality of the food
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14. Nice on 4th
$ | Parkhurst |This easygoing, unpretentious café serves only breakfast, brunch, and lunch, but is always busy, mostly because the food is so fresh and good. Breakfast is a specialty—do try one of their six wholesome breakfast egg baskets—but you could also pop by for high tea and a taste of their homemade cakes. The croissants are also good, as are their home-baked pies, and the popular half and half—a mixture of a egg basket and crumpets.
Corner of 4th Ave. and 14th St., Johannesburg, Gauteng, 2193, South Africa011-788–6286Known For
- Fresh ingredients
- Healthy breakfasts
- Busy atmosphere
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. No dinner -
15. Old East Precinct
$$ | |The Old East Precinct is a suburban development in Hazelwood with a village feel to it, as a wide selection of coffee shops, restaurants, bars and bespoke stores line the leafy streets of Hazelwood Road and 16th Street. If you’re hungry, you’ll have plenty to choose from here, from Lexi’s Healthy Eatery (our number one choice which serves a selection of vegan, but not only, dishes) to Alfie’s Pizzeria and Deli, and you can never go wrong with Cowfish, which as the name suggests serves a combination of fish, seafood and meat-lovers dishes, alongside cocktails. The gelato at Aroma Coffee Roastery is a must (you’ll recognize it from the giant mural of a tucan at its entrance) and pop by Spout Coffee Company housed in repurposed shipping containers for a cuppa and baked goods. Once you’re satiated, you can browse the handmade leather goods at Freedom of Movement and go off in search of some of the murals and artworks that give this precinct even more character. Certain establishments may be closed on Mondays.
Hazelwood Rd. and 16th St., Pretoria, Gauteng, South AfricaKnown For
- Lively atmosphere with plenty of options to choose from
- Establishments spill out onto the sidewalk creating an open-air dining experience
- Being the trendiest place to eat in Pretoria
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. -
16. Saint
$$$$ | Sandton |Thanks to the Bermar preserving system, you can sip on bubbles by the glass at this high-end establishment while you feast on Neapolitan-style pizza prepared in an imported pizza oven, topped with handmade local Buffalo Mozzarella and served on terracotta pizza plates. But don't assume this is just an Italian restaurant or a fancy pizzeria, as renowned chef and business partner David Higgs (the very same of Marble Restaurant) adds signature dishes like wood-fired pawns, smokey Bistecca alla Fiorentina, and frutti di mare onto the ever-changing menu, to be degusted with the restaurant’s extensive wine collection. The window seating gazes upon the Johannesburg Stock Exchange in the heart of the financial district, where after dusk the street is lined with flashy sportscars—indicative of its patrons. You’ll need to book a table to partake in its energetic vibe, particularly from Thursday through to Sunday when the bar with its live DJ set becomes the place to be seen before or after dinner.
corner Maude St. and Rivonia Rd., Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa010-594--5888Known For
- Serves limited edition and rare vintage Champagne and Méthode Cap Classique (South Africa’s alternative)
- The bar, separated by the front of house, is a lively nightlife venue
- Design is prioritized, like the giant cupped hands in the bathrooms by Damien Grivas
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Reservations essential -
17. The Carnivore
$$$$ | |Don't come expecting a quiet romantic lunch or dinner, as the huge space lends itself to a loud and sometimes frenetic scene. Game meat such as warthog, impala, and crocodile vies with tamer fare such as pork and mutton for space around an enormous open fire in the center of the restaurant. Great hunks of meat are brought around to your table on Masai spears and carved directly onto your plate until you surrender by lowering the flag on your table. It's an African twist on the traditional Argentinian churrascaria. A limited vegetarian and pescatarian à la carte menu features uniquely African dishes such as aviyal (a spicy mixed vegetable dish cooked in coconut milk) and maafe (a vegetable and fruit curry with peanuts).
69 Drift Blvd., Muldersdrift, Gauteng, 1739, South Africa011-950–6000Known For
- Sunday eat-as-much-as-you-can lunch
- Churrascaria-style service
- Vegetarian and pescatarian options
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. -
18. Truffles on the Park
$$$ | Sandton |For a time out from Sandton’s skyscrapers, head to this bistro-style eatery with floor-to-ceiling windows and a living plant wall and planters that give it an urban jungle feel; there's even access to walking paths and a children’s play area. The menu features small plates, hot and cold salads, and a wide selection of main meals (try the Truffles Risotto Fillet) and vegan options. No matter where you choose to enjoy their signature elderflower gin and tonic---be it on the wooden deck or the casual beach area with its reclining benches and sand---you’ll be surrounded by a relaxed atmosphere.
125 Daisy St., Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa010-025--0436Known For
- Large menu caters to all palates
- Extensive gin cocktail selection
- Lovely, relaxed setting in an urban oasis with outdoor seating
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon.
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