2 Best Restaurants in Cradle of Humankind, Johannesburg

The Carnivore

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Don't come expecting a quiet romantic lunch or dinner, as the huge space lends itself to a loud and sometimes frenetic scene. Game meat such as warthog, impala, and crocodile vies with tamer fare such as pork and mutton for space around an enormous open fire in the center of the restaurant. Great hunks of meat are brought around to your table on Masai spears and carved directly onto your plate until you surrender by lowering the flag on your table. It's an African twist on the traditional Argentinian churrascaria. A limited vegetarian and pescatarian à la carte menu features uniquely African dishes such as aviyal (a spicy mixed vegetable dish cooked in coconut milk) and maafe (a vegetable and fruit curry with peanuts).

69 Drift Blvd., Muldersdrift, Gauteng, 1739, South Africa
011-950–6000
Known For
  • Sunday eat-as-much-as-you-can lunch
  • churrascaria-style service
  • vegetarian and pescatarian options
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon.

The Cradle

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The Cradle is a great choice for a lunch or dinner if you're spending the day or more in the Cradle of Humankind area, which is about a 90-minute drive from Johannesburg or Pretoria, but it's only open on weekends. Tables here overlook a 7,413-acre game reserve. The overall impression is one of space and silence. The frequently changing menu is impressive, including among other dishes sage pork chops, springbok shank, veal saltimbocca, and venison-and-pancetta stew. The extensive wine list has many local specialties.