City Guide
Johannesburg
Restaurants
Johannesburg Restaurants
Most Popular Hotels in Johannesburg:
1, Ambleside Lakefield, 1501
1 Melrose Square, Melrose Arch,, 2196
Airport Grounds, Jones Road, 1627
Shaft 14, Northern Parkway, Ormonde, 2091
The selected restaurants have been divided into five categories: Gastronomic, Business, Trendy, Budget and Personal Recommendations. The restaurants are listed alphabetically within these different categories, which serve as guidelines rather than absolute definitions of the establishments.
By law, VAT, which currently stands at 14%, must be included in all prices on menus and will, thus, already be included in restaurant bills. Most restaurants do not charge a service fee and ‘waitrons' (local term which incorporates waiters and waitresses) expect to be tipped 10 to15%; however, tables of over six or eight are often charged an automatic 15% service charge. During the peak season, it is advisable to always book a table in advance. Diners should also take note that smoking laws are strict in South Africa and smoking is not permitted in all restaurants; in most there is a separate enclosed space, which usually covers about 25% of the dining area.
The restaurants below have been grouped into four different pricing categories:
$$$$ (over R300)
$$$ (R200 to R300)
$$ (R100 to R200)
$ (up to R100)
These prices are for a three-course meal and for a bottle of house wine or equivalent, including VAT but excluding service charge.
By law, VAT, which currently stands at 14%, must be included in all prices on menus and will, thus, already be included in restaurant bills. Most restaurants do not charge a service fee and ‘waitrons' (local term which incorporates waiters and waitresses) expect to be tipped 10 to15%; however, tables of over six or eight are often charged an automatic 15% service charge. During the peak season, it is advisable to always book a table in advance. Diners should also take note that smoking laws are strict in South Africa and smoking is not permitted in all restaurants; in most there is a separate enclosed space, which usually covers about 25% of the dining area.
The restaurants below have been grouped into four different pricing categories:
$$$$ (over R300)
$$$ (R200 to R300)
$$ (R100 to R200)
$ (up to R100)
These prices are for a three-course meal and for a bottle of house wine or equivalent, including VAT but excluding service charge.
Gastronomic
La Belle Terrasse and Loggia
Perched at the top of the cliffs, into which the Westcliff Hotel has been carved, this terrace certainly has one of the city's most beautiful and surprisingly pastoral views. The décor, in quiet pastels, is elegant, opulent and unabashedly colonial, while the service is confident and competent. The Sunday brunch (a weekly pilgrimage for discerning folk in search of refuge from the bustling city streets) offers a cold buffet that includes French oysters, Caspian Sea caviar, queen prawns, smoked salmon and charcuterie, as well as a host of terrines and salads. The hot buffet includes eggs Benedict, as well as other lunch specialities, such as roasted spring lamb in a rosemary-scented jus. It is a fantastic place to dine in luxury while watching elephants (in the zoo) amble across the paddocks below.
The Westcliff Hotel, 67 Jan Smuts Avenue, Westcliff
Tel: 011 481 6000.
Website: www.westcliff.com
Price: $$$$
Perched at the top of the cliffs, into which the Westcliff Hotel has been carved, this terrace certainly has one of the city's most beautiful and surprisingly pastoral views. The décor, in quiet pastels, is elegant, opulent and unabashedly colonial, while the service is confident and competent. The Sunday brunch (a weekly pilgrimage for discerning folk in search of refuge from the bustling city streets) offers a cold buffet that includes French oysters, Caspian Sea caviar, queen prawns, smoked salmon and charcuterie, as well as a host of terrines and salads. The hot buffet includes eggs Benedict, as well as other lunch specialities, such as roasted spring lamb in a rosemary-scented jus. It is a fantastic place to dine in luxury while watching elephants (in the zoo) amble across the paddocks below.
The Westcliff Hotel, 67 Jan Smuts Avenue, Westcliff
Tel: 011 481 6000.
Website: www.westcliff.com
Price: $$$$
Le Canard
A stately suburbian Georgian homestead has become this elegant, romantic rendezvous with noble halls decorated with sweeping drapes, antique furniture and Persian rugs, while outside are flower-filled courtyards. Dishes are typically timeless with duck, veal and seafood dishes that are Le Canard's signature. Try the queen prawn and fruit salad on gingerbread for starters, followed by the drunken chicken, which is flamed at the table in coconut milk seasoned with ginger, juniper and brandy. Top it all with baked cheesecake.
163 Rivonia Road, Morningside, Sandton
Tel: 011 884 4597.
Website: www.lecanard.co.za
Price: $$$$
A stately suburbian Georgian homestead has become this elegant, romantic rendezvous with noble halls decorated with sweeping drapes, antique furniture and Persian rugs, while outside are flower-filled courtyards. Dishes are typically timeless with duck, veal and seafood dishes that are Le Canard's signature. Try the queen prawn and fruit salad on gingerbread for starters, followed by the drunken chicken, which is flamed at the table in coconut milk seasoned with ginger, juniper and brandy. Top it all with baked cheesecake.
163 Rivonia Road, Morningside, Sandton
Tel: 011 884 4597.
Website: www.lecanard.co.za
Price: $$$$
Dino's
Visitors should not be put off by Dino's bland Bedford Shopping Centre location. With décor resembling the opulent dining carriage of South Africa's five-star 'Blue Train', with wood panelling and rich carpets and upholstery, it is certainly a 'dress for dinner' establishment. The ambience is sophisticated and dignified, the staff highly trained and the menu a fusion of gourmet indigenous African and French colonial. Notable are the wild duck in a honey and thyme sauce, the ostrich fillet, cooked in a delicious plum and port sauce, and roasted quail stuffed with nuts, dates and apricots.
Bedford Centre, corner of Smith and Bedford Streets, Bedfordview
Tel: 011 622 3007/8.
Price: $$$
Visitors should not be put off by Dino's bland Bedford Shopping Centre location. With décor resembling the opulent dining carriage of South Africa's five-star 'Blue Train', with wood panelling and rich carpets and upholstery, it is certainly a 'dress for dinner' establishment. The ambience is sophisticated and dignified, the staff highly trained and the menu a fusion of gourmet indigenous African and French colonial. Notable are the wild duck in a honey and thyme sauce, the ostrich fillet, cooked in a delicious plum and port sauce, and roasted quail stuffed with nuts, dates and apricots.
Bedford Centre, corner of Smith and Bedford Streets, Bedfordview
Tel: 011 622 3007/8.
Price: $$$
Linger Longer
Set in the converted mansion of a former mining magnate, the classic décor with a romantic feel recommends smart to formal dress. Service is skilful (menus are superfluous and the waitrons can rattle off all the standard and special dishes) and the haute cuisine is top class. As a starter, lobster bisque or foie gras, followed for the main event with either crusted rack of lamb, Atlantic salmon or the duck (an all-time favourite) or one of the tempting specials are recommended, topped with homemade assorted sorbet. The Linger Longer first opened its doors in 1961 and can be relied on to impress the pickiest of palates - ideal for business lunches or dinners. Guests are advised to book well in advance.
58 Wierda Road, Wierda Valley, Sandton
Tel: 011 884 0465.
Price: $$$$
Set in the converted mansion of a former mining magnate, the classic décor with a romantic feel recommends smart to formal dress. Service is skilful (menus are superfluous and the waitrons can rattle off all the standard and special dishes) and the haute cuisine is top class. As a starter, lobster bisque or foie gras, followed for the main event with either crusted rack of lamb, Atlantic salmon or the duck (an all-time favourite) or one of the tempting specials are recommended, topped with homemade assorted sorbet. The Linger Longer first opened its doors in 1961 and can be relied on to impress the pickiest of palates - ideal for business lunches or dinners. Guests are advised to book well in advance.
58 Wierda Road, Wierda Valley, Sandton
Tel: 011 884 0465.
Price: $$$$
Vilamoura
Vilamoura has been considered one of the city's best Portuguese/seafood restaurants for long enough that the label has firmly stuck. It is smart and quite formal, with a cream and gold interior and stiff, unconvincing art prints decorating the walls. It has a renowned seafood platter that will delight any fish fanatic and is the ideal place to impress important guests (with price tag to match). In addition to seafood, Vilamoura's piri-piri chicken, Portuguese steak and chouriço (Portuguese traditional sausage) are consistently delicious. A Latin American band plays most nights.
Intercontinental Sandton Towers, corner of Fifth and Alice Streets, Sandhurst, Sandton
Tel: 011 884 0360.
Website: www.vilamoura.co.za
Price: $$$$
Vilamoura has been considered one of the city's best Portuguese/seafood restaurants for long enough that the label has firmly stuck. It is smart and quite formal, with a cream and gold interior and stiff, unconvincing art prints decorating the walls. It has a renowned seafood platter that will delight any fish fanatic and is the ideal place to impress important guests (with price tag to match). In addition to seafood, Vilamoura's piri-piri chicken, Portuguese steak and chouriço (Portuguese traditional sausage) are consistently delicious. A Latin American band plays most nights.
Intercontinental Sandton Towers, corner of Fifth and Alice Streets, Sandhurst, Sandton
Tel: 011 884 0360.
Website: www.vilamoura.co.za
Price: $$$$
Bistro 277 on Main
Really want to impress your company CEO or a visiting member of the Maîtres Cuisiniers de France (patron Marc Guebert is a member)? Then Bistro 277 (formerly Ile de France until 2004) has been under Guebert for a magnificent 30 years and is by far your best bet for French cuisine in Johannesburg. Outside of France, it is difficult to find dishes such as Toulouse cassoulet (duck, lamb, sausage and bean casserole), tripe in Calvados and cider and duck and cherry pie. It is expensive but for the Francophiles out there, with snails, baked camembert and seafood vol-au-vents on offer, it is money well spent. Oh and remember to end off with the signature dessert: a Grand Marnier soufflé.
Cramerview Centre, 277 Main Road, Bryanston
Tel: 011 706 2837,
Website: www.bistro277onmain.co.za
Price: $$$$
Really want to impress your company CEO or a visiting member of the Maîtres Cuisiniers de France (patron Marc Guebert is a member)? Then Bistro 277 (formerly Ile de France until 2004) has been under Guebert for a magnificent 30 years and is by far your best bet for French cuisine in Johannesburg. Outside of France, it is difficult to find dishes such as Toulouse cassoulet (duck, lamb, sausage and bean casserole), tripe in Calvados and cider and duck and cherry pie. It is expensive but for the Francophiles out there, with snails, baked camembert and seafood vol-au-vents on offer, it is money well spent. Oh and remember to end off with the signature dessert: a Grand Marnier soufflé.
Cramerview Centre, 277 Main Road, Bryanston
Tel: 011 706 2837,
Website: www.bistro277onmain.co.za
Price: $$$$
Business
Browns of Rivonia
Occupying a charming old farmhouse, in the relatively rural suburb of Rivonia close to a major freeway, Browns offers elegant 'impress-your-clients' dining, a large patio, a cosy fireplace, a 40,000-bottle cellar and a fromagerie (cheese room) where diners can go to choose their own platter. Recommended are the fresh oysters, the calamari, the roast glazed duck, Eric's prawns, and the ever popular lamb shanks. The restaurant can accommodate private groups of up to 50.
21 Wessels Road, Rivonia, Sandton
Tel: 011 803 7533.
Website: www.browns.co.za
Price: $$$. Closed Sundays.
Occupying a charming old farmhouse, in the relatively rural suburb of Rivonia close to a major freeway, Browns offers elegant 'impress-your-clients' dining, a large patio, a cosy fireplace, a 40,000-bottle cellar and a fromagerie (cheese room) where diners can go to choose their own platter. Recommended are the fresh oysters, the calamari, the roast glazed duck, Eric's prawns, and the ever popular lamb shanks. The restaurant can accommodate private groups of up to 50.
21 Wessels Road, Rivonia, Sandton
Tel: 011 803 7533.
Website: www.browns.co.za
Price: $$$. Closed Sundays.
Carnivore
Situated just off the N1 highway on the outskirts of the city, with a dozen types of flesh on offer, Carnivore clearly aims to beat the appetite of the most ravenous of meat-eaters. Waitrons carve meat off converted Masai spears, while patrons sit round a huge, open central fire and scoff everything, from tame chicken legs and lamb with mint sauce to the wilder crocodile, eland and zebra. It is the local version of the original Nairobi Carnivore and not a pretty sight for vegetarians. Guests lower a white flag to show when they are totally stuffed. Some of Johannesburg's tour operators can arrange transport out here.
69 Drift Boulevard, Muldersdrift
Tel: 011 950 6061.
Website: www.rali.co.za
Price: $$$
Situated just off the N1 highway on the outskirts of the city, with a dozen types of flesh on offer, Carnivore clearly aims to beat the appetite of the most ravenous of meat-eaters. Waitrons carve meat off converted Masai spears, while patrons sit round a huge, open central fire and scoff everything, from tame chicken legs and lamb with mint sauce to the wilder crocodile, eland and zebra. It is the local version of the original Nairobi Carnivore and not a pretty sight for vegetarians. Guests lower a white flag to show when they are totally stuffed. Some of Johannesburg's tour operators can arrange transport out here.
69 Drift Boulevard, Muldersdrift
Tel: 011 950 6061.
Website: www.rali.co.za
Price: $$$
Trendy
Giles
The English evergreen cartoonist Giles and, closer to home, the writers of the Madam and Eve newspaper cartoons are much in evidence on the walls, tablecloths and menus of Giles the restaurant. This is a homely, convivial and unpretentious place, offering the most cosmopolitan collection of English cuisine. For starters, the Giles' trout salad is recommended, followed by traditional English fish and chips served in a newspaper cone, ended off with 'Madam and Eve' chocolate brownies with cream or ice cream. It is very pleasant to sit outside under the South African sun on the terrace-balcony and sip one of the excellent beers, while another awesome Highveld sunset spreads itself across the horizon above an urban forest. There is a cosy wooden-panelled traditional British pub for pre-dinner drinks.
9 Grafton Avenue, Craighall Park
Tel: 011 442 4056.
Price: $$
The English evergreen cartoonist Giles and, closer to home, the writers of the Madam and Eve newspaper cartoons are much in evidence on the walls, tablecloths and menus of Giles the restaurant. This is a homely, convivial and unpretentious place, offering the most cosmopolitan collection of English cuisine. For starters, the Giles' trout salad is recommended, followed by traditional English fish and chips served in a newspaper cone, ended off with 'Madam and Eve' chocolate brownies with cream or ice cream. It is very pleasant to sit outside under the South African sun on the terrace-balcony and sip one of the excellent beers, while another awesome Highveld sunset spreads itself across the horizon above an urban forest. There is a cosy wooden-panelled traditional British pub for pre-dinner drinks.
9 Grafton Avenue, Craighall Park
Tel: 011 442 4056.
Price: $$
Moyo Melrose Arch
While the fenced and safely patrolled Melrose Arch development may look about as African as Buckingham Palace, Moyo manages to be fixed firmly deep within the soul of this enigmatic continent. Mimicking the impressive subterranean scale of Jo'burg's famous goldmines, Moyo's eclectic African décor of beaten copper ceilings, Ali Baba lanterns, brightly painted columns and mosaic patterned tables set with wicker mats and oil lamps extends down five levels to accommodate smokers, cocktail bar, function basement built around huge granite boulders, sofa-lined cigar lounge, wine-cellar and daily live musicians. Expect wondrous dishes such as samaki kavu from Kenya, chicken yassa from Nigeria, venison babootie from South Africa, and from Morocco, varieties of fragrant tagines. Highly recommended too is the Mozambican grilled barracuda topped with tomato and basil, served on a bed of garlic and herb mash garnished with stuffed grilled pimento on the side. There are several set menus to choose from, which are ideal to share among a group.
5 Melrose Square, Melrose Arch, Melrose (off Atholl Oaklands Drive or Corlett Drive)
Tel: 086 100 6696.
Website: www.moyo.co.za
Price: $$$
While the fenced and safely patrolled Melrose Arch development may look about as African as Buckingham Palace, Moyo manages to be fixed firmly deep within the soul of this enigmatic continent. Mimicking the impressive subterranean scale of Jo'burg's famous goldmines, Moyo's eclectic African décor of beaten copper ceilings, Ali Baba lanterns, brightly painted columns and mosaic patterned tables set with wicker mats and oil lamps extends down five levels to accommodate smokers, cocktail bar, function basement built around huge granite boulders, sofa-lined cigar lounge, wine-cellar and daily live musicians. Expect wondrous dishes such as samaki kavu from Kenya, chicken yassa from Nigeria, venison babootie from South Africa, and from Morocco, varieties of fragrant tagines. Highly recommended too is the Mozambican grilled barracuda topped with tomato and basil, served on a bed of garlic and herb mash garnished with stuffed grilled pimento on the side. There are several set menus to choose from, which are ideal to share among a group.
5 Melrose Square, Melrose Arch, Melrose (off Atholl Oaklands Drive or Corlett Drive)
Tel: 086 100 6696.
Website: www.moyo.co.za
Price: $$$
Buzz 9
With an owner from the Czech Republic and patrons from the 'hipper' parts of Johannesburg, Buzz 9 has become a quirky but reliable landmark in Bohemian Melville. The interior is industrial-style and the menus are like mini-art folders where listing what food is on offer is secondary to making a statement. The main attraction here is the vast cocktail selection. The Beach Buzz house special is highly recommended - vodka, peach schnapps and gin tipple, mixed with grapefruit and orange juice. If eating, something simple like the huge and delicious nacho platter is a good bet. Diners can eat outside at pavement tables, watching the eclectic street life cruise by.
9 Seventh Street, Melville
Tel: 011 726 2019.
Price: $$
With an owner from the Czech Republic and patrons from the 'hipper' parts of Johannesburg, Buzz 9 has become a quirky but reliable landmark in Bohemian Melville. The interior is industrial-style and the menus are like mini-art folders where listing what food is on offer is secondary to making a statement. The main attraction here is the vast cocktail selection. The Beach Buzz house special is highly recommended - vodka, peach schnapps and gin tipple, mixed with grapefruit and orange juice. If eating, something simple like the huge and delicious nacho platter is a good bet. Diners can eat outside at pavement tables, watching the eclectic street life cruise by.
9 Seventh Street, Melville
Tel: 011 726 2019.
Price: $$
Circle
Circle is owned by the same couple who run The Singing Fig (see below) and the service and menu are on a par. The décor is in warm, natural tones with some interesting modern art and black and white photographs on the walls, and there's a jazzy, fresh-faced ambience and a young, opinionated clientele. Located on a row of curiosity shops in the fashionable suburb of Greenside, easily reached from Rosebank or Sandton, Circle's dishes, such as duck with beetroot mash, roast loin of springbok with wild mushrooms and the to-die-for dark Belgium chocolate soufflé, are highly recommended.
141 Greenway Road, Greenside
Tel: 011 646 3744.
Website: www.circlerestaurant.co.za
Price: $$$
Circle is owned by the same couple who run The Singing Fig (see below) and the service and menu are on a par. The décor is in warm, natural tones with some interesting modern art and black and white photographs on the walls, and there's a jazzy, fresh-faced ambience and a young, opinionated clientele. Located on a row of curiosity shops in the fashionable suburb of Greenside, easily reached from Rosebank or Sandton, Circle's dishes, such as duck with beetroot mash, roast loin of springbok with wild mushrooms and the to-die-for dark Belgium chocolate soufflé, are highly recommended.
141 Greenway Road, Greenside
Tel: 011 646 3744.
Website: www.circlerestaurant.co.za
Price: $$$
The Singing Fig
With secure parking behind and a location close to main through routes, The Singing Fig's ambience, which lies somewhere in-between Italians-at-home and trendy pop-art, has made it one of Jo'burg's 'places to be seen'. Some of the dishes prepared with an unusual mix of fresh ingredients (no preservatives here) are the tiger prawns wrapped in filo pastry with melon and cinnamon as a mouthwatering starter, and crisp free-range duck drizzled with lacquer sauce and grilled vegetables.
44 The Avenue, Norwood Gardens
Tel: 011 728 2434.
Website: www.singingfig.co.za
Price: $$$
With secure parking behind and a location close to main through routes, The Singing Fig's ambience, which lies somewhere in-between Italians-at-home and trendy pop-art, has made it one of Jo'burg's 'places to be seen'. Some of the dishes prepared with an unusual mix of fresh ingredients (no preservatives here) are the tiger prawns wrapped in filo pastry with melon and cinnamon as a mouthwatering starter, and crisp free-range duck drizzled with lacquer sauce and grilled vegetables.
44 The Avenue, Norwood Gardens
Tel: 011 728 2434.
Website: www.singingfig.co.za
Price: $$$
Yo! Sushi
Yo! Sushi, part of the international chain, is modern, spacious and Western-Zen inspired (low-cost décor) and claims to be 'a keen participant in avant-garde international culture'. While the sushi and other similar dishes are certainly fresh and healthy, master sushi chef (with seven years of study in Japan under his belt) adds a 'funky' touch to time-honoured tradition. Sushi trundles past on the conveyor-belt, while stir-fries and grilled tuna and salmon come out of the kitchen. Yo! Sushi is ideal for folk who take 10-minute lunch breaks and want to avoid junk food. There's plenty of sake to wash it down with.
Shop 49, Village Walk Shopping Complex, corner of Rivonia Road and Maude Avenue, Morningside, Sandton
Tel: 011 783 6166.
Price: $$$
Yo! Sushi, part of the international chain, is modern, spacious and Western-Zen inspired (low-cost décor) and claims to be 'a keen participant in avant-garde international culture'. While the sushi and other similar dishes are certainly fresh and healthy, master sushi chef (with seven years of study in Japan under his belt) adds a 'funky' touch to time-honoured tradition. Sushi trundles past on the conveyor-belt, while stir-fries and grilled tuna and salmon come out of the kitchen. Yo! Sushi is ideal for folk who take 10-minute lunch breaks and want to avoid junk food. There's plenty of sake to wash it down with.
Shop 49, Village Walk Shopping Complex, corner of Rivonia Road and Maude Avenue, Morningside, Sandton
Tel: 011 783 6166.
Price: $$$
Budget
Black Steer Grillhouse and Bulldogs Pub
Black Steer is primarily a steakhouse/sports bar and, with its garish (but strangely comforting) Wild West décor (complete with the obligatory 'Wanted' poster), it has no pretensions of being anything else. Located in the Rosebank Mall, here is a chance to tackle the awesome pork rib rack and steaks or the succulent calamari surrounded by an eclectic selection of the city's inhabitants. The service is friendly, competent and attentive. A quiz night is held here every Wednesday.
Shop 171, The Mall of Rosebank, corner of Baker Street and Cradock Avenue, Rosebank
Tel: 011 447 6918.
Price: $$
Black Steer is primarily a steakhouse/sports bar and, with its garish (but strangely comforting) Wild West décor (complete with the obligatory 'Wanted' poster), it has no pretensions of being anything else. Located in the Rosebank Mall, here is a chance to tackle the awesome pork rib rack and steaks or the succulent calamari surrounded by an eclectic selection of the city's inhabitants. The service is friendly, competent and attentive. A quiz night is held here every Wednesday.
Shop 171, The Mall of Rosebank, corner of Baker Street and Cradock Avenue, Rosebank
Tel: 011 447 6918.
Price: $$
Chon Hing
Any restaurant that can boast that it has been presenting authentic and delicious Chinese fare for over 40 years must be doing something right. And just when this part of Johannesburg's supposed 'zone of decay' is being upgraded as part of the Newtown cultural precinct, the Nelson Mandela bridge happens also to lead almost directly over the tracks to Chon Hing. Here hostess Yvonne will sit you down at a gaudy plastic table on rickety schoolroom chairs and regale you with tales of a city which has seen it all, and serve the best prawns chow mein (one of over 100 dishes) this side of Beijing. Charming and timeless.
26 Alexander Street (off Commissioner), Ferreirastown
Tel: 011 834 3206.
Price: $
Any restaurant that can boast that it has been presenting authentic and delicious Chinese fare for over 40 years must be doing something right. And just when this part of Johannesburg's supposed 'zone of decay' is being upgraded as part of the Newtown cultural precinct, the Nelson Mandela bridge happens also to lead almost directly over the tracks to Chon Hing. Here hostess Yvonne will sit you down at a gaudy plastic table on rickety schoolroom chairs and regale you with tales of a city which has seen it all, and serve the best prawns chow mein (one of over 100 dishes) this side of Beijing. Charming and timeless.
26 Alexander Street (off Commissioner), Ferreirastown
Tel: 011 834 3206.
Price: $
Fourno's Bakery
The best spot in the northern suburbs for breakfast with a newspaper at a table in the sun. Bakers work throughout the night to provide a bewildering range of delicious still-warm breads, pastries, quiches, cakes, samosas, pies and sausage rolls, and full meals extend to pastas, salads and deluxe sandwiches. The farmhouse breakfasts are superb and will keep you going all day, or try toasted rye bread topped with goats' cheese, spinach and poached eggs. For lunch opt for half a roast chicken taken straight off the spit with a crunchy salad and potato wedges. There's also a full range of coffees and an extensive deli to shop at.
Dunkeld West Centre, Jan Smuts Avenue, Dunkeld
Tel: 011 325 2110.
33 Baker Square, Rosebank
Tel: 011 447 3392.
OR Tambo International Airport
Tel: 011 390 3502.
Website: www.fournos.co.za
Price: $
The best spot in the northern suburbs for breakfast with a newspaper at a table in the sun. Bakers work throughout the night to provide a bewildering range of delicious still-warm breads, pastries, quiches, cakes, samosas, pies and sausage rolls, and full meals extend to pastas, salads and deluxe sandwiches. The farmhouse breakfasts are superb and will keep you going all day, or try toasted rye bread topped with goats' cheese, spinach and poached eggs. For lunch opt for half a roast chicken taken straight off the spit with a crunchy salad and potato wedges. There's also a full range of coffees and an extensive deli to shop at.
Dunkeld West Centre, Jan Smuts Avenue, Dunkeld
Tel: 011 325 2110.
33 Baker Square, Rosebank
Tel: 011 447 3392.
OR Tambo International Airport
Tel: 011 390 3502.
Website: www.fournos.co.za
Price: $
The Radium Beer Hall
The Radium is the oldest surviving bar and grill in Johannesburg, with a genuinely historic ambience that is just as enticing as the good food on the menu and as authentic as the foot-tapping live jazz that makes the embossed tin ceiling vibrate in sympathy. One of the oldest pubs in Johannesburg, once frequented by celebrated local author Herman Charles Bosman, now by loyal but loud regulars, it is a no-nonsense pub/restaurant with enough authentic character to make it a tourist attraction. This is the closest to experiencing what Jo'burg was like during the gold-rush era - the walls are covered in memorabilia, from photos of pre-war soccer teams and jazzmen who have played there, to vintage posters and press clippings that record The Radium's history, beginning in 1934. Delicious prego rolls, excellent ribs, 1kg of prawns for R150 and a wide selection of local and imported beers. The Radium is a great live music venue, with the accent on jazz. Owner Mannie has been known to evict obnoxious guests with his baseball bat.
282 Louis Botha Avenue, Orange Grove
Tel: 011 728 3866.
Website: www.theradium.co.za
Price: $$
The Radium is the oldest surviving bar and grill in Johannesburg, with a genuinely historic ambience that is just as enticing as the good food on the menu and as authentic as the foot-tapping live jazz that makes the embossed tin ceiling vibrate in sympathy. One of the oldest pubs in Johannesburg, once frequented by celebrated local author Herman Charles Bosman, now by loyal but loud regulars, it is a no-nonsense pub/restaurant with enough authentic character to make it a tourist attraction. This is the closest to experiencing what Jo'burg was like during the gold-rush era - the walls are covered in memorabilia, from photos of pre-war soccer teams and jazzmen who have played there, to vintage posters and press clippings that record The Radium's history, beginning in 1934. Delicious prego rolls, excellent ribs, 1kg of prawns for R150 and a wide selection of local and imported beers. The Radium is a great live music venue, with the accent on jazz. Owner Mannie has been known to evict obnoxious guests with his baseball bat.
282 Louis Botha Avenue, Orange Grove
Tel: 011 728 3866.
Website: www.theradium.co.za
Price: $$
Personal Recommendations
The Butcher Shop and Grill
Another on the list of renowned dining venues that lean over Nelson Mandela Square (formerly Sandton Square). Diners should book well in advance to get an evening table here. Granted, the 'Barnyard' décor may be a little 'standard steakhouse' and 'childish' (ironic as no one under 14 is allowed in), but for some of the best steaks (pork, ostrich, lamb, beef and game) in town, this is definitely the spot. For starters, the snails, done in garlic, lemon and other ingredients unique to The Butcher Shop, are great, and to end up, there is a straightforward but delicious ice cream in rich chocolate sauce. The menu also offers poultry, schnitzels, and sausage or seafood platter. The waitrons have been known to intimidate guests into choosing one of the truly world-class wines before letting the implications of the price tag set in.
Shop 30, Nelson Mandela Square, Sandown, Sandton
Tel: 011 784 8676.
Website: www.thebutchershop.co.za
Price: $$$
Another on the list of renowned dining venues that lean over Nelson Mandela Square (formerly Sandton Square). Diners should book well in advance to get an evening table here. Granted, the 'Barnyard' décor may be a little 'standard steakhouse' and 'childish' (ironic as no one under 14 is allowed in), but for some of the best steaks (pork, ostrich, lamb, beef and game) in town, this is definitely the spot. For starters, the snails, done in garlic, lemon and other ingredients unique to The Butcher Shop, are great, and to end up, there is a straightforward but delicious ice cream in rich chocolate sauce. The menu also offers poultry, schnitzels, and sausage or seafood platter. The waitrons have been known to intimidate guests into choosing one of the truly world-class wines before letting the implications of the price tag set in.
Shop 30, Nelson Mandela Square, Sandown, Sandton
Tel: 011 784 8676.
Website: www.thebutchershop.co.za
Price: $$$
Pappas on the Square
From the murals on the walls to the breaking of plates (R3 each), apart from its location overlooking a fairly successful attempt at an Italian piazza (Nelson Mandela Square), everything about Pappas is loudly and proudly Greek. The chef once cooked for Christine Onassis and he produces kleftiko (lamb shank) and a meze platter delicious enough to prove it. Here it is acceptable to shout across the tables for a fresh bottle - something like eating in a Greek home. Guests should hang around long enough for the Greek dancing and (Egyptian really) belly dancer. There is an impressive wine list and big functions are readily catered for.
Nelson Mandela Square (Level 1), corner of Fifth and Alice Streets, Sandton
Tel: 011 884 9991.
Price: $$$
From the murals on the walls to the breaking of plates (R3 each), apart from its location overlooking a fairly successful attempt at an Italian piazza (Nelson Mandela Square), everything about Pappas is loudly and proudly Greek. The chef once cooked for Christine Onassis and he produces kleftiko (lamb shank) and a meze platter delicious enough to prove it. Here it is acceptable to shout across the tables for a fresh bottle - something like eating in a Greek home. Guests should hang around long enough for the Greek dancing and (Egyptian really) belly dancer. There is an impressive wine list and big functions are readily catered for.
Nelson Mandela Square (Level 1), corner of Fifth and Alice Streets, Sandton
Tel: 011 884 9991.
Price: $$$
Rodizio Bedfordview
This Brazilian restaurant is an excellent choice for lovers of spicy food and the dinner/dance experience. Those feeling in the mood for beef must try the house speciality, 'Rodizio', which begins when a plate of rice, big bowls of spinach in white sauce and chips and vegetables arrive. Guests are then presented with a wooden 'robot' (local term for traffic light) with which they can signal for a variety of roasted meat as often as they wish. The meal is only over when you instruct for your plate to be removed. The platter of Mozambique prawns grilled in lemon butter or simmered in beer are excellent too. Large groups of regulars usually patronise the evening live act, sometimes accompanied by bands and Latin American dancers. The service does match the laid-back but fairly festive ambience. For a different drink, the guarana, which tastes like apples, or the caparinha, a sweet Brazilian cocktail, are both recommended.
Shop 35, Village View Shopping Centre, corner of Kloof and Van Buuren Roads, Bedfordview
Tel: 011 455 1093.
Website: www.rodizio.co.za
Price: $$; seafood $$$
This Brazilian restaurant is an excellent choice for lovers of spicy food and the dinner/dance experience. Those feeling in the mood for beef must try the house speciality, 'Rodizio', which begins when a plate of rice, big bowls of spinach in white sauce and chips and vegetables arrive. Guests are then presented with a wooden 'robot' (local term for traffic light) with which they can signal for a variety of roasted meat as often as they wish. The meal is only over when you instruct for your plate to be removed. The platter of Mozambique prawns grilled in lemon butter or simmered in beer are excellent too. Large groups of regulars usually patronise the evening live act, sometimes accompanied by bands and Latin American dancers. The service does match the laid-back but fairly festive ambience. For a different drink, the guarana, which tastes like apples, or the caparinha, a sweet Brazilian cocktail, are both recommended.
Shop 35, Village View Shopping Centre, corner of Kloof and Van Buuren Roads, Bedfordview
Tel: 011 455 1093.
Website: www.rodizio.co.za
Price: $$; seafood $$$
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