2 Best Restaurants in Johannesburg, South Africa

Background Illustration for Restaurants

Jo'burgers love eating out, and there are hundreds of restaurants throughout the city to satisfy them. Some notable destinations for food include Melrose Arch, Parkhurst, Sandton, and Greenside. Smart-casual dress is a good bet. Many establishments are closed on Sunday night and Monday.

There's no way to do justice to the sheer scope and variety of Johannesburg's restaurants in a few examples. What follows is a (necessarily subjective) list of some of the best. Try asking locals what they recommend; eating out is the most popular form of entertainment in Johannesburg, and everyone has a list of favorite spots, which changes often.

Flames

$$$$ | Saxonwold Fodor's Choice

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.

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. 

Jan Smuts Ave. and North Rd., Johannesburg, South Africa
011-268–6369
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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