7 Best Restaurants in Johannesburg, South Africa

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, and the walls are adorned with signatures and business cards of tourists and dignitaries who have dined here.

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. 

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.

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.

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. 

Meat is the specialty at this upmarket steak-house chain, with a wide range of steaks, ribs, and burgers to choose from. For something very South African—and yet a little different from the popular oxtail dish—try the lamb steak slow-cooked in a rich brown gravy. Aside from the Illovo branch, there are other Turn 'n Tender outlets in Bryanston, Parktown North, Bedfordview, and Boksburg. Details for each can be found on the chain's website.