Nestled amidst the urban landscape of Johannesburg, a hidden culinary world awaits atop the city’s skyscrapers. Rooftop restaurants have become a trend, offering a unique dining experience that elevates both cuisine and ambiance. From panoramic views of the bustling city to the charm of starlit dinners, these elevated gems beckon diners seeking a taste of the extraordinary.
In this article, mrpocu.com embark on a gastronomic adventure, exploring the best rooftop restaurants Johannesburg has to offer. From chic and contemporary to rustic and enchanting, each destination promises to tantalize the senses while leaving patrons with unforgettable memories.
So buckle up, as we ascend to the heights of epicurean delight and savor the finest rooftop dining experiences this vibrant city has to offer.
Best Rooftop Restaurants in Johannesburg
EBar at Thaba Eco Hotel
Contact: +27 11 959 0777
The opulent Thaba Eco Hotel, located in Johannesburg’s lush Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve, offers a special fusion of comfort and relaxation. Nowhere more so than on the lovely E|Bar rooftop.
The EBar’s dedication to sustainable methods, which ensures that whatever visitors take from the environment is returned, is how it received its name. Three recycled shipping containers were used to build the lush, natural, and opulent terrace, which also includes several other environmentally friendly design elements including living plant walls and 720 glass bottles used to make an eye-catching logo.
Enjoy a menu that includes everything from chilling champagne, signature cocktails, craft beers, expertly chosen spirits, and a wide selection of high-quality wines to delectable bar nibbles and platters while taking in the magnificent views of the nature reserve that surround you.
The EBar rooftop is a great place to unwind in style, with live music events every month, in a setting that is both lively and modern with touches of heritage And is one of the best Halaal restaurants in Johannesburg you must visit
Alto234
Contact: +27 11 806 6888
One of the most upscale locations in South Africa, Alto234 opened in early September 2021 and can be summarised in three words: High. On. Life. The sleek, minimalist rooftop is located on the 57th level (234 meters high) of the magnificent Leonardo in Sandton. It has both indoor and outdoor seats and offers amazing 360-degree views of Johannesburg and its surroundings.
Alto234 is divided into seven sections, each featuring a spacious lounge area, an eating area, a lookout point, and a combination of custom-made furniture and modern African fabrics. On cooler days, firepits warm the lounge areas.
A luxury tapas menu is available here from the hotel’s award-winning AURUM Restaurant on the 7th floor, along with fun, trendy, and edgy specialty cocktails, top-shelf spirits, and a wide range of wines. Additionally, there is a Mot Mini Machine where you may use Mot & Chandon tokens to enjoy French savoir-faire with golden sippers.
Every day, Alto234 is open and provides a range of experiences, each at a different hour. ‘Afternoon Experience’ (12.30 p.m. to 4 p.m.), ‘Sunset Experience’ (4 p.m. to 7 p.m.), and ‘Night Light Experience’ (7 p.m. to 11 p.m.) are all included. The admittance charge is R330 and includes a glass of Moet & Chandon as well as an extraordinary rooftop experience.
San Deck, Bar & Restaurant
Contact: +27 11 780 5000
San Deck Bar and Restaurant, often known as SanDeck Rooftop, is a fantastic five-star Sandton Sun Hotel rooftop terrace where you can eat and drink all day long. This expansive venue, which is north of the city center, provides a number of distinctive outdoor locations as well as a wonderful perspective of Johannesburg’s commercial and entertainment district.
This amazing Johannesburg rooftop bar and restaurant serves lunch and dinner and is open from early in the morning until late at night. The food is a modern interpretation of South African flavors and is offered as sliders, shared plates, and complete meals.
A large variety of South African beers, wines, and spirits are available on the drink menu, and they are also incorporated into exclusive SAN cocktails. The San Deck rooftop bar is modern and stylishly furnished with standard dining tables, front-row bar stools, lounge sofas, and extremely cozy bean bags next to the fireplace.
Although the top terrace has extremely accommodating hours, it is advised to attempt to schedule some drinks and bites around sunset because the view is simply magnificent from up here. Or, for a livelier ambiance, visit on Thursday through Saturday between 6 and 10 p.m., when resident DJs typically take over the decks and raise the otherwise upscale ambiance to somewhat higher levels.
Elevate
Contact: +27 11 689 1000
Elevate is a hip rooftop bar and lounge built atop the Reef Hotel in Marshalltown, right in the center of Johannesburg. Elevate, which is located 16 stories above the major business center and has a chic inside lounge and a patio with white lounge furniture, provides stunning 360-degree views of the city skyline.
A terrific place to unwind after work while enjoying the view of the city is the Elevate rooftop bar, which serves a variety of drinks and small nibbles. Later on in the evening, the ambiance typically shifts toward a club lounge setting with DJs and city lights illuminating the dance floor.
With seating for 150 people for seated dinners and 350 people at cocktail parties, Elevate is a well-liked event location. Therefore, it is wise to check for availability before traveling. The Elevate is marked as one of the best rooftop restaurants in Johannesburg in can visit.
Rooftop BBQ
Contact: +27 68 579 0000
The menu at this restaurant features a variety of meat, seafood, sushi, and barbecue platters that have been put together to give you the kind of South African-style dining experience you would expect. You can order wings, sausages, lamb, and steak separately or combined to sample all of the available flavors. Sushi rolls with vegetarian choices, such as California, rainbow, and bean curd rolls, are available upon request.
The amazing ocean views at Rooftop BBQ add a pleasant touch and provide opportunities for breathtaking photos that you’ll cherish forever. There is little doubt that you will never grow weary of Rooftop BBQ’s distinctive menu items, and is one of the best rooftop restaurants in Johannesburg you must visit.
Flames at Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff
Contact: +27 11 481 6000
Flames is a stunning and opulent rooftop bar and restaurant of the excellent Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff, which is near to the Johannesburg Zoo. The hotel’s rooftop, which has both chic inside sitting and a sizable outdoor terrace, is not particularly high, but thanks to the building’s elevated location, it nevertheless offers some breathtaking views of Johannesburg and the surrounding vegetation.
Fine drinks and a wide range of champagne are available up here. When beverages aren’t enough, the rooftop restaurant offers grilled local specialties like dry-spice-rubbed sea bass and the 600g Tomahawk Ribeye steak, as well as pizza, spaghetti, and sushi. Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff is marked as one of the best places to stay in Johannesburg.
The Four Seasons rooftop is available every day for supper, as well as lunch on weekdays and brunch on weekends, and it has an upscale, exclusive setting and ambiance. Or you might simply savor some beverages while taking in the scenery.
Living Room
Contact: +27 82 370 9284
On the fifth story of the Main Change Building, in the center of Maboneng, lies The Living Room, an urban and lush rooftop café and event space. You may enjoy beautiful views of the Johannesburg skyline from this inner-city rooftop retreat, especially during sunset, which is exceptionally up here.
This Johannesburg rooftop bar is extremely environmentally conscious and is situated in a stunning environment with natural features incorporated throughout the decor. The atmosphere of the Living Room, a rooftop bar, and event space, varies depending on the day.
The weekdays are typically set aside for private parties, while Fridays are open to everyone to enjoy a leisurely lunch or sundowners, and Saturdays and Sundays are filled with lively vibes, live DJs, and party vibes where everyone is welcome. However, because weekend events tend to be very popular, reservations are highly advised.
The rather extensive food and beverage menu reflects the eco-friendly, “fresh” atmosphere on the top terrace. Gourmet tapas, salad bowls, and larger bites are all available, with several vegetarian alternatives. There is a decent wine selection and a variety of drinks, including well-made specialty cocktails, classic favorites, and homemade mocktails.
Sir James van der Merwe
Contact: +27 72 607 4235
One of Johannesburg’s most beautiful sites, Sir James van der Merwe is situated in Kramerville. It is a section of Katy’s Palace Bar and is located in a converted warehouse. The venues are primarily utilized as event spaces, but every Wednesday night Sir James opens to the public and turns into the ideal place for after-work drinks.
Sir James van der Merwe boasts a real open-air terrace with stunning views of the Sandton skyline in addition to a blend of minimalist glass-and-metal design and a sizable collection of nostalgic things.
On Wednesdays starting at 4 p.m., Sir James Rooftop offers a hip, stylish, and active ambiance that is matched with a fully stocked bar, bottles of champagne, and delectable food boards served buffet-style.
Sir James van der Merwe, a favorite hangout for the area’s young professionals, is the place to be on any given Wednesday. They occasionally also hold a ton of great and fun events, so it’s worth keeping an eye out to find out what’s coming up.
Copper Bar
Contact: +27 71 516 4846
Nestled away on a rooftop in Bryanston is an upscale and modern rooftop bar called The Copper Bar. The rooftop is only accessible to the general public on Thursday and Friday evenings when it serves primarily as a location for special events.
The outdoor terrace is beautiful and stylish with a garden-like layout and offers lovely panoramic views of the surrounding area. When the sun sets behind the magnificent Magaliesberg mountain range, it is very beautiful.
The Copper Bar offers upscale drinks and small meals on days and nights when it is available to the public, typically with live DJs providing the music. The rooftop event space here is great and can accommodate up to 150 people.
Flames Restaurant
Contact: +27 11 481 6000
The Flames Restaurant is among the top eateries with a view. This location commands a commanding view of Johannesburg, South Africa’s skyline. The restaurant defies modernism with a blend of an urban ambiance and perfectly prepared meals. There are also drinks and snacks available that can be enjoyed on the rustic-themed balcony.
The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner and is accessible to customers all day. By offering deals at arbitrary times throughout the day, the restaurant does give a sense of surprise. You can make reservations or change them with a walk-in. The Flames restaurant is one of the best places to visit in Johannesburg for couples.
The Roof Fourways
Contact: +27 10 822 3574
On the second story of the Infinity Serviced Office Park in Fourways, Johannesburg’s The Roof Fourways is a chic, modern, and upscale rooftop. The rooftop patio offers a 180-degree view over Fourways and breathtaking Broadacres sunsets.
The Roof Fourways is primarily a location for parties and can host up to 250 guests for business events, product launches, and high-end gatherings. But it’s also accessible to the public for breakfast, lunch, and evenings on the first Thursday of the month from 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
The rooftop restaurant has a menu that includes everything from granola bowls and avocado toast to juicy burgers, pasta, and light salads. It also has a trendy indoor bar and lounge that blends with a wonderful outside patio. You might perhaps just take in the views while sipping coffee and is marked as one of the best rooftop restaurants in Johannesburg you must visit.
Island Bar
Contact: +27 11 341 8080
The Southern Star Hotel’s Island Bar, a poolside deck, is the ideal spot to unwind and unwind at the end of the day. The highlight of this scene is the stunning sunset. This impeccably clean palace is perfect for kings and queens who simply need some downtime, whether you wish to have some snacks with friends or just spend some quality time with your significant other.
It is entirely up to you how you choose to spend your time here. You can take a swim in the infinity pool or simply watch the sunset. You won’t soon forget this location for sure because is one of the best rooftop restaurants in Johannesburg.
Level Three Rooftop Deck (Kramerview)
Contact: +27 83 415 5023
Level Three Rooftop Deck, located in Kramerview, is a captivating urban oasis that transcends expectations. With an array of modern amenities and breathtaking views, this rooftop sanctuary beckons those seeking an elevated experience. Boasting a sleek design, the deck features comfortable lounges, stylish dining areas, and an inviting bar, all complemented by lush greenery.
Whether unwinding with cocktails against the vibrant sunset or hosting memorable gatherings under the starry night sky, Level Three exudes sophistication and relaxation. The rooftop’s ambiance is further enriched by the harmonious blend of city sounds and the gentle rustle of leaves. Indulge in an extraordinary escape amidst the bustling city, where tranquility meets urban allure.
The Union Bar – Gin Rooftop Garden (Benmore)
The Union Bar – Gin Rooftop Garden in Benmore is an enchanting haven for gin enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Nestled atop a vibrant urban setting, this rooftop gem offers a delightful escape from the hustle and bustle. With its extensive selection of premium gins and handcrafted cocktails, the bar promises a sensory journey like no other.
The botanical-inspired rooftop garden captivates guests with its lush greenery and aromatic herbs, creating a serene ambiance that complements the refreshing drinks. The Union Bar is one of the top restaurants in Johannesburg.
Whether relishing the city lights from cozy seating or savoring the gin-infused creations, The Union Bar radiates a harmonious blend of sophistication and relaxation. Discover a true gin lover’s paradise, where spirits soar and worries fade away.
The Westcliff, Four Seasons Hotel
Contact: +27 11 481 6000
Watch as Joburg’s greener side progressively grows darker from the roofs’ View or Flames Terrace as the sun sets on the opposite side of the cliff. Take a sip of the greatest margarita you’ve ever had, or try the Summer Splash, which combines tequila, peach, and amaretto, or a Flamelicious, which combines champagne, passion fruit, and vanilla.
A fantastic champagne assortment is also available. Grab some cumin, lime, labneh, and mint-infused lamb samoosas to nibble on. The Westcliff Four Seasons Hotel is one of the best rooftop restaurants in Johannesburg.