The eating scene in Johannesburg, like the city itself, is ever-changing. New spots and trends come and go, but the must-tries stay (and they have you coming back for more and more). In addition, there are other top restaurants in Johannesburg to choose from.
From street food to five-star gourmet cuisine, Johannesburg has it all. On Thursday through Saturday nights, most restaurants require reservations, while some restaurants close on Mondays. In the summer, reserve an outdoor table to take advantage of the beautiful weather while taking some Instagram-worthy photos. I don’t know how to say this but I will be disappointed if you visit Johannesburg and not eat at any of their fine restaurants (lol, was that funny). So if you are now planning your trip or already in Jozi, check out some of the best restaurants in Johannesburg that suit your travel type.
In this post, Mrpocu.com will list some of the best restaurants in Johannesburg you should try. From luxurious restaurants to some of the popular restaurants, there are plenty to choose from.
Check out top. places to visit in Johannesburg.
Top Restaurants In Johannesburg
Cafe del Sol
Location: Olivedale Corner Centre Corner of Olive & President Fouche Roads, Johannesburg
Cafe del Sol’s menu offers a complete and delectable exploration of Italy’s rich gastronomy, and it is said to be one of the greatest Italian restaurants in town. Choose Cafe del Sol for an intimate meal lighted by candlelight, or indulge in a bowl of simply exquisite, house-made pasta for an indulgent lunch. Allow the significant quotes of luminaries such as Buddha, Nelson Mandela, and Albert Einstein to provide food for thought and solace for your soul as the great Italian dish satisfies your appetite. Cafe del Sol is a superb Italian restaurant in Johannesburg, as it is in any major city.
Cube Tasting Kitchen
Location: 24 Albrecht St, Jeppestown, Johannesburg
The Cube Tasting Kitchen in Johannesburg offers a unique dining experience. A reservation is required because the kitchen only serves 30 people at a time. The lucky 30 are then served a pre-determined 10-course tasting menu, which is gradually revealed dish by dish over the period of three hours. The proprietors’ idea of dining as a community-building occasion, a spark to ignite discourse and community, has resulted in this unusual structure. The menu at Cube Tasting Kitchen changes monthly and is inspired by well-known world cuisines.
DW 11-13
Location: Dunkeld West Shopping Centre, Jan Smuts Ave, Dunkeld West, Johannesburg
Chef Marthinus Ferreira opened his own restaurant, DW 11-13, in Johannesburg in 2009 after years of experience in the UK and South Africa. Ferreira spoils his visitors here, greeting them in a modern, stylish dining room with a variety of inventive dishes based on regional cuisine. This is one of Joburg’s top fine-dining restaurants, with dishes like hammed kroon duck, oxtail wellington, and roasted hake. If you’re looking for a more relaxed supper, head to the restaurant’s Grazing Room and dine on Spanish tapas featured on the menu alongside the many young people who frequent this venue.
Marble Restaurant
Location: Trumpet on Keyes Corner 19 Keyes and, Jellicoe Ave, Rosebank, Johannesburg, 2196, South Africa
A well-regarded dining establishment in Rosebank called Marble offers modernized African food. Diners will experience a distinctive ambiance because of the restaurant’s spectacular rooftop location, which offers breathtaking views of the metropolitan skyline. The menu combines flavors from Africa and other countries, displaying South Africa’s rich culinary tradition.
The food at Marble is expertly prepared with locally sourced, fresh ingredients and is artistically presented. The restaurant is particularly well-known for its open-fire cooking methods, which give the food a distinctively smoky flavor. At Marble, meals like the pan-seared kingklip with chorizo and butterbean stew, the Cape Malay spiced ostrich fillet, and the grilled beef sirloin with sweet potato and smoked bone marrow are some of the must-try options.
Marble’s exceptional service and attention to detail make it a popular destination for special occasions and fine dining experiences. The restaurant’s innovative take on traditional African cuisine and stylish setting create an unforgettable culinary journey for diners.
Yeoville Dinner Club
Location: 24 Rockey St, Bellevue, Johannesburg
This artfully appointed tiny room with a balcony overlooking Rockey St, the center of the much-maligned inner-city district of Yeoville, is home to Jo’burg’s most memorable lunch out. Sanza Sandile is your host and chef, and what an impact he leaves with both his fascinating talks about the city and his delectable vegetarian dishes based on pan-African cuisine (there is fish).
Dining is done in a family-style setting, with up to 20 additional people seated around one large table. You won’t go hungry, and it’ll feel like you’re at the nicest home party ever. Sanza also offers food-related walking tours of the neighborhood (R800 including dinner).
Breezeblock
Location: 29 Chiswick St, Brixton, Johannesburg
This ancient Chinese restaurant has been transformed into a pastel-shaded oasis of mid-century style amid the rough ‘burb of Brixton by the designers. Many people come here for the great breakfast dishes, which include tempting selections like huevos rancheros and baked pancakes, but many end up staying for coffee because of the inviting ambiance.
There’s also a shaded courtyard with potted succulents and cacti, as well as a wide assortment of vegetarian and vegan cuisine.
Urbanologi
Location: 1 Fox St, Ferreiras Dorp, Johannesburg
Even if Mad Giant’s highly drinkable beers aren’t your taste, the microbrewery’s fantastic cuisine should not be overlooked. You can’t go wrong with taste sensations like yakitori chicken with spicy chimichurri sauce or teriyaki poached heirloom baby carrots with kumquat marmalade, which are served alongside a creative choice of tasty Asian-inspired tapas dishes.
Momo Baohaus
Location: 139 Greenway, Greenside, Randburg, 2034, South Africa
Momo Baohaus is a highly acclaimed restaurant located in Greenside, Johannesburg that serves up delicious Asian fusion cuisine with a unique twist. The restaurant has a trendy, modern interior and a casual atmosphere that is perfect for a quick bite or a leisurely meal with friends and family.
Momo Baohaus specializes in a variety of steamed buns, or baos, which are a staple of Chinese cuisine. The baos at Momo Baohaus are filled with a variety of savory and sweet ingredients, such as crispy pork belly, grilled chicken, tofu, and custard. They also serve a variety of other Asian-inspired dishes such as stir-fries, noodles, and rice bowls.
What sets Momo Baohaus apart is the unique fusion of flavors that they bring to their dishes. For example, their Korean-style fried chicken baos are filled with tender chicken, kimchi, and spicy mayo, while their tofu bao is topped with Japanese-style pickles and crispy tempura flakes.
The restaurant also has an impressive selection of drinks, including a variety of Asian-inspired cocktails and imported beers, to complement your meal. Momo Baohaus is the perfect spot for those looking to explore a unique and delicious twist on Asian cuisine in a laid-back and trendy setting.
Parreirinha
Location: 9 6th St, La Rochelle, Johannesburg
The restaurant is housed in a small, former jail, with one of the jail cells serving as one of the dining rooms. As you enter the restaurant, you’re greeted by a tavern-like ambiance, and as you approach the courtyard, you’re greeted by a sea of neckties hanging from the rafters, vestiges of an old tradition that obliged patrons to leave their ties at the door. The tradition no longer holds true because there is simply no more room, but if you wish to leave a tie behind as a memento of your visit, they will gladly remove it from your neck!
The meal at Parreirinha is simply fantastic! Even the Portuguese bread rolls are wonderful! On this particular occasion, I shared a single-serving Seafood Kebab with a friend, and we were both rather stuffed by the time the last remnants made their way into our stomachs. If you’re having trouble deciding, something with prawns is a great option. The prawns are delicious! If you don’t want to eat, you may always sit at the bar and order one of the many cocktails on offer. Parreirinha is one of the best restaurants in Johannesburg.
Carnivore Restaurant
Location: 69 Drift Blvd, Estate, Muldersdrift, 1747, South Africa
The Carnivore has long been a favorite of residents and tourists looking for a fantastic game meat buffet.
On the menu, you’ll find giraffe, crocodile, impala, kudu, and springbok, among other traditional and more Western meals, all of which are delicious! The restaurant operates on a stop-go system, with servers bringing big skewers of sizzling meat right off the grill to your table and only stopping when the stop sign is displayed.
If red meat isn’t your thing, there are also vegetarian and fish options. Even though you’re only a stone’s throw away from civilization, the decor makes you feel like you’re in the deepest, darkest parts of Africa!
The Local Grill
Location: 50 7th Ave, Parktown North, Randburg, Jozi
The Local Grill is a highly regarded steakhouse located in Parktown North, Johannesburg. This restaurant is known for its high-quality steaks, and they take pride in their use of locally sourced, premium-grade beef that is carefully aged and cooked to perfection.
The menu at The Local Grill features a wide variety of steak options, including dry-aged, wet-aged, and grass-fed cuts. They also offer other meat options, such as lamb, pork, and chicken, as well as seafood and vegetarian dishes. The restaurant’s signature dishes include the slow-roasted prime rib, the dry-aged T-bone steak, and the Wagyu beef burger.
Aside from the exceptional quality of its meat, The Local Grill also has a reputation for their excellent service and welcoming atmosphere. The restaurant has a cozy, rustic interior with warm lighting and comfortable seating, making it an ideal place for a romantic dinner or a celebratory meal with friends.
In addition to its delectable steaks, The Local Grill also has an extensive wine list that features a wide selection of local and international wines. The restaurant’s knowledgeable staff can help you choose the perfect wine to complement your meal. The restaurants is arguably one of the best restaurants in johannesburg
Tasha’s
Location: Shop G28, The Zone Rosebank, Oxford Road, Rosebank, Johannesburg
Tasha’s is well-known among locals for its delicious meals and lively atmosphere. The numerous branches each have its own menus, and if you don’t get there early enough for lunch, it can be tough to secure a table because they are so popular!
Sandwiches and pasta are available, as well as steaks and fish, as well as cool, refreshing drinks like the Rose and Lemon Ice Tea Granita. Finish your dinner with some sweet delights from the deli table once you’ve finished your main course.
African Pride Melrose Arch Hotel
Location: 1 Melrose Blvd, Melrose Arch, Johannesburg
Many parts of Johannesburg aren’t quite walkable, but Melrose Arch, a stylish complex filled with some of the city’s best restaurants, galleries, and stores, is an exception. If they stay at the African Pride Melrose Arch Hotel, a slick facility with 118 trendy, contemporary rooms filled with modern African art, they will be in the thick of the excitement. Now that the hotel is part of the Marriott family, guests can enjoy all of the amenities and upgrades that come with the Marriott name.
Moyo
Location: 5 The High St, Melrose, Johannesburg
This Parkview branch, at Zoo Lake, is the loveliest during the day of the two Moyo locations in Johannesburg since you can dine with a view of the lake and then enjoy a stroll or a rowboat trip afterward. The branch maintains the classic Moyo ambiance, with the option to dine outside in the lush gardens or inside in the African-inspired design. The deck is a great setting for a late-afternoon cocktail or a leisurely lunch.
Coalition Pizza
Location: 2 Bolton Rd, Parkwood, Randburg, 2193, South Africa
This modest hole-in-the-wall eatery’s whitewashed walls and plain decor belie the quality of the food on offer. The menu is simple, with only a few options, but the crispy pies are baked daily in a wood-fired oven with traditional ingredients and will have you saying mama mia!’
Level Four
Location: on Bath Hotel, 54 Bath Ave, Rosebank, Johannesburg
Level Four is a highly acclaimed restaurant located in Sandton, Johannesburg that is known for its stunning views of the city skyline and exceptional international cuisine. The restaurant is situated on the fourth floor of the luxurious 54 on Bath Hotel, offering a chic and sophisticated setting for diners.
The menu at Level Four features a diverse selection of international dishes that draw inspiration from a variety of culinary traditions. From succulent seafood dishes to perfectly cooked meats and delicious vegetarian options, the restaurant has something for every taste preference. Signature dishes include grilled lamb chops with roasted vegetables and pan-seared sea bass with fennel puree.
But it’s not just the food that sets Level Four apart – the restaurant also boasts breathtaking views of the city skyline that can be enjoyed from the dining room or the outdoor terrace. The restaurant’s stylish decor, including sleek furnishings and modern lighting, adds to the overall dining experience.
In addition to its exceptional cuisine and views, Level Four is also known for its impeccable service. The attentive and knowledgeable staff are always on hand to provide recommendations and ensure that diners have an unforgettable dining experience.
Whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner with a view or a sophisticated venue for a special occasion, Level Four is definitely worth a visit and one of the best restaurants in Johannesburg.
District Six Eatery
Location: 35 Greenhill Rd, Emmarentia, Randburg, 2195, South Africa
Before Apartheid, locals dominated Cape Town’s historic District Six; however, in the 1960s, the structures were demolished and the neighborhood’s residents were evicted to make way for whites. Despite its location in Johannesburg, District Six Eatery honors the ethos of this region of South Africa by serving homey, traditional Cape Malay cooking in a bright and joyous environment. Old family photos and Panama hats hang on the brightly colored walls, overlooking the happy patrons who come to this small but unusual restaurant to socialize and taste specialties like bredie (mutton stew), boboties (spiced mince meat pie), and koeksisters (doughnuts coated with syrup).
Luce at Hyde Park
Location: Southern Sun Hyde Park, 1st Road, Hyde Park, Sandton
Luce at Hyde Park is a highly regarded Italian restaurant located in Hyde Park, Johannesburg. This restaurant is known for its authentic Italian cuisine and romantic ambiance, making it an ideal choice for a special occasion or a romantic night out.
The menu at Luce at Hyde Park features a range of classic Italian dishes, including homemade pasta, wood-fired pizzas, and delicious seafood and meat dishes. Some of the restaurant’s signature dishes include the linguine with prawns and cherry tomatoes, the slow-cooked lamb shank, and the Margherita pizza.
What sets Luce at Hyde Park apart is its romantic and cozy ambiance. The restaurant has a warm and intimate interior, with soft lighting and plush furnishings, creating the perfect atmosphere for a romantic evening. The outdoor seating area is also popular, offering a charming and picturesque setting for alfresco dining.
In addition to its exceptional cuisine and ambiance, Luce at Hyde Park also has an impressive selection of wines and cocktails to complement your meal. The restaurant’s knowledgeable staff can help you choose the perfect wine to enhance the flavors of your meal. The restaurant is also one of the best restaurants in Johannesburg you can trust,
Koi
Location: Cnr. Biermann, Cradock Ave, Rosebank, Johannesburg
In Johannesburg, choose Koi for a delectable Asian meal. Koi is a fascinating blend of Japanese and Chinese food with influences influenced by Western fare, with two sites in the city, in Sandton and Rosebank, and two more in Pretoria and Cape Town. The Koi restaurants combine Oriental charm with a fast-food diner style, allowing them to handle a large number of customers while still maintaining a nice environment. The Rosebank Koi, in particular, features a beautiful outside area for a charming al fresco eating experience. Koi’s outlets are widely recognized as some of the greatest sites in Johannesburg to sample delicious sushi.
Mythos
Location: Corner William Nicol Drive and Leslie Avenue, Fourways, Johannesburg
Mythos is a popular Greek restaurant located in the Design Quarter of Johannesburg, known for serving up delicious Greek cuisine in a welcoming and casual atmosphere. The restaurant’s traditional and modern décor, combined with its lively atmosphere and friendly service, creates a perfect dining experience.
The menu at Mythos offers a range of classic Greek dishes, including mezze platters, souvlaki, moussaka, and spanakopita, all made with the freshest ingredients and authentic flavors. Some of the restaurant’s signature dishes include grilled halloumi cheese, succulent lamb chops, and mouth-watering chicken gyros.
What makes Mythos stand out is the quality of its food and the generous portions. The restaurant’s dishes are made to share and are perfect for large groups, making it an ideal spot for family gatherings or casual get-togethers with friends.
Aside from its delicious food, Mythos also has an extensive drinks menu that includes a variety of Greek wines, beers, and cocktails. The friendly and knowledgeable staff can guide you in selecting the perfect drink to accompany your meal.