7 Best Restaurants in Johannesburg, South Africa

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). Although the decor may be simple, comprising a few photos and paintings of Ethiopia, the food steals the show. 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. 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. 

Vilakazi Street is the most well-known street in Soweto, but toward the top of the road, away from the hustle and bustle is this gem. Once a wine bar, this elegant restaurant elevates classic South African dishes that the in-house sommelier expertly pairs with wines from the temperature-controlled wine cellar. The views of the Orlando and FNB stadiums from the balcony are an added bonus. 

A collaboration between musician J'Something and the Black Brick Hotel, this three-level immersive experience provides a place to dine, dance, and play. Start with scrumptious apps like Spanish-style garlic shrimp or barbecued Karoo lamb ribs before digging into piri piri prawns, grilled Karoo lamp chops, or a rib eye. The views from the rooftop restaurant are great, as are performances in the theater and the party atmosphere in the street-level lounge bar. 

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-and-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.

Stop by for an on-the-go breakfast or picnic takeaway, 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 Coffefe 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.

The grassy plateau of the Highveld makes for a magnificent backdrop for a bite to eat in this charming farmhouse-style setting. Freshly made meals range from boerie naan (think a sausage-stuffed pita) to delicious breakfasts and pizza or house-made baked goods and preserves—every choice is one to remember.

Across the street from the Hector Pieterson Memorial and Museum, Vilakazi Espresso is recognizable for its geometric Ndebele-inspired mural and colorful graffiti artwork. It serves deep-fried and filled South African vetkoek (dough bread) and sandwiches, along with its wide coffee selection and smoothies.