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$$$$ | Melrose Arch |
This is fine dining at its finest, according to the 2021 Luxe Restaurant Awards which conferred the title of Fine Dining Restaurant of the Year on Basalt. This intimate, dinner-only establishment prides itself on attention to detail with immaculate plating that plays on a fusion of color, texture, and storytelling. It hosts chefs-in-residence who design tasting menus (from three to seven courses; price quoted for seven courses), with options for meat lovers, pescatarians, and vegetarians, that can be complemented with a wine pairing selected by an experienced sommelier. It’s a memorable culinary experience that is accentuated by a sophisticated, yet comfortable, atmosphere in The Peech Hotel’s heritage house, with its parquet flooring, Basalt-gray walls and backlit bar.
61 North St., Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
Known For
- A romantic night out where the prix-fixe menu is served at a leisurely pace
- Quality service and attention to detail
- Regularly changing menu in line with seasons and fresh produce
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. and Tues. No lunch, Reservations essential, Children aged 16 or over are welcome
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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 Africa
Known 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
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$$$$ | Parkhurst |
While Parkhurst is known for the countless restaurants that line 4th Avenue, the refined space at Embarc is in a league of its own making fine dining accessible to all through its relaxed environment. Fusing high-quality local produce and artisanal products with international flavors, coupled with a thoughtful combination of contrasting flavors and hues to create delectable dishes that can be eaten as starters or shared as mains. Embarc is owned by a chef-sommelier duo who pay utmost attention to every aspect of this welcoming establishment. Highly recommended, especially if you only have one night out on the town.
Corner 13th St. and 4th Ave., Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
Known For
- Co-owner is a sommelier who compiled an extensive collection of local and international wines
- Supporting small artisans and sustainable suppliers
- Displaying and selling local artworks that enhance the ambience of the space
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. and Tues.
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$$$$ | Rosebank |
The relaxed fine-dining, Mediterranean-inspired fare at Ethos has as much appeal as its decor and design, which is characterized by beige hues, Doric columns, brass accents, and flowing ceiling baffles. Dishes are carefully curated to highlight how the natural flavors of various foods also complement each other in terms of texture, color, and thoughtful presentation. Servers are astute in advising how to best pair meals with the restaurant's extensive collection of South African wines.
Corner Eastwood and Parks blvds., Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
Known For
- Prix-fixe menus also available
- Stylish eatery with comfortable ambiance
- Sophisticated tapas and elegant main meals
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$$$$ | 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 Africa
Known For
- Sundowners
- High-end dining at the Four Seasons Hotel
- Wagyu prime cuts
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Reservations essential, Cashless restaurant
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Recommended Fodor’s Video
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Kassa and his friendly staff serve up affordable and delectable Ethiopian cuisine at this small restaurant at 44 Stanley—there's a selection of options for meat lovers and vegans (as Ethiopians regularly fast by not eating animal products). While the decor may be simple, comprising of a few photos and paintings of Ethiopia, the food steals the show like Beyaynetu, a vegan combo dish where lentil stew, pumpkin, chickpea gravy, sautéed spinach, curried potatoes, pickled beetroot, and tomato salsa is laid out on injera (a sourdough flat bread). The food is intended to be shared and eaten with your hands, ask Kassa can show you how, after you thoroughly wash your hands at the outdoor sink (you can also ask for cutlery). Top off your meal with a traditional coffee—after all Ethiopia is said to be the birthplace of coffee.
44 Stanley Ave., Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
Known For
- As authentic as it gets
- Best value for money by far
- Friendly and polite service
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon.
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$$ | Oaklands |
This small and unpretentious restaurant and deli has legendary food, especially the pasta. Try the Parma ham and melon as an antipasto, and then get a pasta for your main course, such as the tortellini, which is filled with a mixture of ham, mortadella sausage, chicken, and Parmesan cheese, then served with mushroom cream, or butter and sage sauce. The service is as outstanding, as is the food, and there’s an excellent wine list. Be sure to book ahead. Run by an Italian family, Tortellino’s is popular for both lunch and dinner.
Pretoria St. at Victoria St., Johannesburg, Gauteng, 2192, South Africa
Known For
- <PRO>outstanding service</PRO>
- <PRO>excellent wine list</PRO>
- <PRO>authentic pasta</PRO>
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No dinner Sun., Reservations essential
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$$ | Dube |
Smartly dressed waiters in ties serve truly African food—meat stews, sweet potatoes, beans, a stiff corn porridge, traditionally cooked pumpkin, chicken, and tripe laid out in a buffet of pots and containers—to a steady stream of hungry patrons. The food is hot, the drinks are cold, and the conversation flows, especially if you happen to meet Wandie, who frequently still runs operations. While you may end up here on a private tour or with a tour bus, it's big enough to cope. It's not that difficult to find, and parking is safe, but it's probably better to organize a visit on a guided trip. The decor is eclectic township (a bit makeshift), and the walls are adorned with signatures and business cards of tourists and dignitaries who have dined here.
618 Makhalamele St., Johannesburg, Gauteng, 1801, South Africa
Known For
- Best-known township restaurant in Soweto
- Eclectic decor
- Tour groups
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$$ | |
This small, casual restaurant offers memorable food and quick, professional service, whether you choose to sit down or grab a quick bite. The atmosphere can be quite noisy and energy-packed, as friends catch up over lunch and businesspeople chat animatedly about work over a plate of legendary potato rostis: try one with smoked salmon or a pepper fillet. Many people return to this local favorite which was founded in 1992 and hasn't changed its menu since.
18 Chaplin Rd., 2196, South Africa
Known For
- House-baked cakes, particularly the carrot cake
- Good selection of South African wines
- Bellinis
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun.
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$$$ | City Center |
One of the coolest places to be seen in Maboneng, Bertrand Café exudes a shabby chic style with its mirror and portrait walls, chandelier, mix-match pops of color, and bookshelves lined with bric-a-brac. The food is a fusion of French and African flavors thanks to inspiration from the Congolese co-owner Bertrand Mampouya.
296 Fox St., Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
Known For
- People watching from the outside seating
- Good Wi-Fi
- An ideal spot for remote working
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$$$$ | Parkview |
This intimate, modern eatery specializes in small plates that cater to conscious foodies and those with restrictive diets—vegan, keto-friendly, or gluten-free or lactose-free options available. The minimalist decor draws focus to the flavors and colors of the food, which is meant for sharing so as to avoid order envy—three plates per person should do the trick. It's ideal for a quick bite at lunchtime or a leisurely dinner. Outside of the most popular signature dishes, the menu changes seasonally (three times a year) and can be complemented with a selection of local wines from smaller wine estates with a deliberate focus on female and Black female winemakers.
66 Tyrone Ave., Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
Known For
- Quality ingredients that keep sustainability in mind
- Unsigned Nelson Makamo mural on the wall
- Weekend brunches (closed for brunch during the week)
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. and Tues. and mid-Dec.–mid-Jan.
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In a building dating from 1905, Café Riche is one of the better coffee shops in the center of town. It also serves tramezzini (toasted sandwiches) and salads.
2 Church Sq., Pretoria, Gauteng, 2001, South Africa
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$$ | Rosebank |
Doppio Zero serves wholesome, tasty Mediterranean-inspired meals with ingredients like grilled halloumi, fresh tomato, arugula, avocado, and salmon. More substantial meals such as pastas and pizzas are also on the menu. The outdoor seating is delightful on warm days. This chain of restaurants is found across Johannesburg, but the Rosebank branch is well located if you are peckish after a morning shopping at the nearby Rosebank Art and Craft Market or Rosebank shopping centers.
Cradock St. at Bierman St., Johannesburg, Gauteng, 2196, South Africa
Known For
- Outdoor seating
- Nearby shopping district
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Credit cards accepted
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$$ | 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 Africa
Known For
- Takeaway patisserie counter
- Trendy cocktails, craft brews and local wines
- Being an any-time-of-day kind of place
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$ | 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 Africa
Known 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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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 Africa
Known For
- Great bar vibe
- Always being busy
- Live music on weekend afternoons
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$ | City Center |
Surely one of the most picturesque coffee shops in town, this is a fusion between a tea garden and an open-air, urban farm that sells indigenous plants, flowers, and herbs. Bask in the sunshine at this matchbox-sized, inner-city establishment as co-owner Ashleigh "Ash" Machete gives you tips on how to best look after your plants while you sip on your coffee.
70 Juta St., Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
Known For
- Elephant graffiti by artist Falko One
- Only being accessible by a short but steep ladder
- A popular stop on inner city tours
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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 Africa
Known For
- You can also order from Dukes Burgers next door
- Half-price toasties on Tuesdays
- Seating around the bar
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$$$$ | Rosebank |
Famed for award-winning chef and co-owner David Higgs (whose cookbook, Mile 8, can be purchased on-site), Marble plates epicurean meals that can be expertly paired with wine. The open-plan kitchen is the restaurant’s focal point, where the chef’s table presents an intimate look into how Higgs and his team prepare food over a live wood fire in a quintessentially South African manner. Marble draws its elegant style from its location along the Keyes Art Mile (opposite the Everard Read Gallery and next to Circa) which is accentuated through its high ceilings, plush bar, and sweeping landscape views that flaunt Jo'burg's sunsets. Head sommelier Wikus Human—named Best Sommelier in South Africa for 2021 by the South African Sommeliers Association—curated his cellar from scratch when the restaurant opened in 2016. He can advise how to pair your meal based on your preference and budget, whether it’s with a R300 bottle or one that will set you back R250000; though the average ranges from R400–R700 for a white wine, and R800–R1500 for a red, and he’s not afraid of disgorging a premium bottle by the glass. Because of its off-site storage facilities, Marble has the opportunity to store and age wines, giving oenophiles the chance to savor older vintages.
corner Keyes and Jellicoe Aves., Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
Known For
- Multiple awards since it opened
- Interior design shaped by four local artists and artisans
- Premium flame-grilled meat
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Reservations essential
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$$ | Parktown North |
At Mike's Kitchen in Parktown, you'll find an extensive menu with hearty fare and a convivial atmosphere. The steak house is housed in an old mansion called Eikenlaan, which was built in 1903 for James Goch, a professional photographer and the first to use flash photography in South Africa. In 1985 the home was turned into a franchise of the Mike's Kitchen steak-house chain. There's a garden for kids to play in.
15 St. Andrew's Rd., Johannesburg, Gauteng, 2193, South Africa
Known For
- Steak-house chain
- Historic location
- Outdoor garden
