Johannesburg 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.

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  • 1. Flames

    $$$$ | Saxonwold

    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.

    67 Jan Smuts Ave., Johannesburg, Gauteng, 2132, South Africa
    011-481–6190

    Known For

    • Sundowners
    • High-end dining at the Four Seasons Hotel
    • Wagyu prime cuts

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Reservations essential, Cashless restaurant
  • 2. Little Addis Cafe

    $

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

    44 Stanley Ave., Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
    082-683–8675

    Known For

    • As authentic as it gets
    • Best value for money by far
    • Friendly and polite service

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon.
  • 3. Bespokery

    $$$$ | Parkview

    This intimate, modern eatery specializes in small plates that cater to conscious foodies and those with restrictive diets—vegan, keto-friendly, or gluten-free or lactose-free options available. The minimalist decor draws focus to the flavors and colors of the food, which is meant for sharing so as to avoid order envy—three plates per person should do the trick. It's ideal for a quick bite at lunchtime or a leisurely dinner. Outside of the most popular signature dishes, the menu changes seasonally (three times a year) and can be complemented with a selection of local wines from smaller wine estates with a deliberate focus on female and Black female winemakers.  

    66 Tyrone Ave., Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
    072-752–4184

    Known For

    • Quality ingredients that keep sustainability in mind
    • Unsigned Nelson Makamo mural on the wall
    • Weekend brunches (closed for brunch during the week)

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon. and Tues. and mid-Dec.–mid-Jan.
  • 4. Gourmet Grocer

    $ | Melrose Arch

    Stop by for an on-the-go breakfast or picnic take-away, 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 Cofeffe 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.

    St. Andrew St. and Wrenrose Ave., Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
    011-442–6965

    Known For

    • Extensive selection of goods that cater to any taste and dietary preference
    • Friendly, family-run establishment
    • Continuously supporting community causes and charities
  • 5. Trabella Pizzeria

    $$ | Illovo

    Trabella's strength is its pizza, whether it's with the Brie and cranberry topping; or smoked salmon, sour cream, and caviar, sprinkled with spring onion. If you can't decide which one to choose go with Tracy's Special, which includes every topping, with a vegetarian or meat-lovers option; the pasta and gnocchi are also good choices. This restaurant faces the street on a busy street corner, with two other chain pizzerias within walking distance, in an accessible but not attractive position.

    Oxford Rd. 3, at Corlett Dr., Johannesburg, Gauteng, 2196, South Africa
    011-442–0413

    Known For

    • Peanut butter chocolate cheesecake
    • Wheat-free and gluten-free pizza bases (at additional charge)
    • Fresh porcini mushrooms

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon. No lunch Sun.
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