12 Best Restaurants in Johannesburg, South Africa

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.

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. 

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.

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. 

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.

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 gets going in the evenings.

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 crowd and pastel colors reminiscent of a Modena sunset add to the flavor of their modern Italian fare. With handmade pasta by the chef's 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 eatery, where locals return again and again.

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.

Under the shade of oak trees, this is the perfect space for a whimsical, summer experience or a cozy, indoor winter meal. The elegant aesthetics pair seamlessly with the healthy and wholesome Mediterranean-inspired food created with fresh ingredients. Join their signature high-tea experience on the first weekend of the month; reservations are essential.

At this Greek taverna, music floats above the buzz of conversation, a souvlaki spit turns slowly near the door, and a refrigerated case displays an array of meze (small appetizers)—which you can also select as a takeaway, if you're on the go. Start with a meze platter of souvlaki, feta, olives imported from Greece, tzatziki, and dolmades, followed by the line fish, grilled on an open flame with olive oil and lemon, or kleftiko (lamb slow-cooked in a clay oven) and a carafe of wine. On weekend evenings, belly dancers perform between the tables against a backdrop of murals of Santorini, and Greek dancers do the Zorba, while patrons partake in "controlled" plate breaking—all while sipping on a glass of ouzo. The dress is casual and the atmosphere very relaxed. Choose from the set or à la carte menus. In summer, most people sit outside beneath the faux grape vines at the street-side tables.

The town of Cullinan has a series of delightful tea gardens to choose from, but for pleasant outdoor dining, this café is the spot serving breakfast and lunch. It's also a great spot to stop before or after a visit to the Cullinan Diamond Mine.