Must-see restaurants in South Africa, Lesotho & eSwatini (Swaziland)

  • Graze by the River

    Sunshine Coast

    This eccentric spot at the back of a curio shop serves slow food, organic veg and ethically produced meat, fish and dairy products. They also roast coffee…

  • Malandela’s Restaurant

    eSwatini (Swaziland)

    This restaurant in the Malandela's complex is a reliable option, with an eclectic menu featuring grilled meats, seafood dishes, frondy salads and…

  • As Greek As it Gets

    Gauteng

    Stavros Vladislavic, the larger-than-life patron of this place, sits by the door welcoming guests and keeping the staff on their toes as they dish out…

  • Holy Smoke

    Cape Town

    By day, grab a table on the balcony for a lunch special with a view of Table Mountain. By night, the singing bartenders serve classic cocktails between…

  • Die Waenhuis

    Eastern Cape

    Occupying a beautifully renovated trading post in the heart of Nieu Bethesda, this atmospheric venue specialises in well-executed South African dishes,…

  • Karoo Kombuis

    Western Cape

    This homely restaurant has been serving the same three traditional dishes since 1998 – bobotie (a lightly spiced mince dish), chicken pie and lamb. There…

  • Cremalat

    Johannesburg

    Cremalat is a delightful Italian deli and cafe in an unlikely location: inside an industrial complex on the east side of Johannesburg. Cremalat offers a…

  • Victoire Bakeries

    Cape Town

    Based on the ground floor of the Speaker's Corner building, Victoire is a charming spot from which to watch the goings on in Church Sq. Aligned with the…

  • Our Yard

    Eastern Cape

    This trendy 'roastery and culture stop' serves excellent coffees, breakfasts, light meals, fruit juices, scones and cakes in a shady courtyard. The…

  • Bones Kitchen & Bar

    Cape Town

    Serving as the anchor restaurant to the artsy Palms centre, Bones is a friendly place serving unpretentious and perfectly seasoned food. Steaks are the…

  • Kitchen Windows

    Sunshine Coast

    Great sea views and white stucco walls give this airy restaurant a Mediterranean island feel. It has an informal yet upmarket atmosphere and is known for…

  • Something Good

    Port Elizabeth

    This roadhouse-cum-beach bar is an excellent spot for a sundowner, with a breezy interior and beachfront decks. Dishes include gourmet pizzas, burgers,…

  • Calabash

    eSwatini (Swaziland)

    Grilled eisbein (pig knuckle) and escargots bourguignons (Burgundy snails) in eSwatini? Yes, it's possible. German and French cuisine are the incongruous…

  • Lelapa

    Cape Town

    Sheila Mahloane and her daughter Monica have been so successful with their delicious African buffets (which include plenty of vegetarian dishes) that they…

  • Karoo Lamb Restaurant

    Eastern Cape

    When all the elements of breakfast (from R35) at this large eatery-cum-deli-cum-gift shop are laid out, half a picnic table is occupied. For lunch or…

  • Loading Bay

    Cape Town

    Hang with the De Waterkant style set at this spiffy cafe serving coffee with ‘microtextured milk’ (it’s only heated to 70°C) and bistro-style dishes such…

  • Cafe 1999

    Durban

    This classy restaurant looks unassuming inside, but assume that you will get seriously good modern Mediterranean fusion food here. Tapas including stuffed…

  • El Burro

    Cape Town

    Thanks to its popularity in the city centre, El Burro opened a second branch in the buzzing Dean St Arcade. The restaurant is decked out in tasteful…

  • Marrow

    Cape Town

    Here's a nifty idea. All halal beef, chicken or vegetable broths served either in a cup as a tasty savoury drink, or with a mix of other items such as…

  • Crawdaddy's

    Pretoria

    An old favourite with hungry locals, this brasserie never fails to satisfy the requirements of its loyal punters. The key to its success is an eclectic…

  • Die Kneipe German Pub

    Johannesburg

    Serving authentic German schnitzel, bratwurst, eisbein, and beer, Die Kneipe (which means 'The Pub' in German), is a great place to go for a drink and…

  • Papa’s

    Mpumalanga

    With its blue corrugated-iron facade, stoep gazing down the street and large garden courtyard, Barberton's default option for a bite attracts everyone…

  • Surf Riders Food Shack

    Durban

    Marking a resurgence of beachfront dining, Surf Riders has tables alongside the promenade where surfers, travellers and hip locals meet to chomp on…

  • GRT Brewery

    Eastern Cape

    This multipurpose venue – beer garden, deli and cafe – has an inviting courtyard where you can sip a coffee, sample a craft beer, have breakfast or enjoy…

  • Bukhara

    Johannesburg

    One of the best Indian restaurants in town, Bukhara manages to be atmospheric despite its mall location. It serves authentic, richly flavoured tikka…

  • Olami

    Cape Town

    All the flavours of the Mediterranean and Middle East are represented at this spotlessly white space serving delicious falafel sandwiches, salads, sweets…

  • Cafe Pavilion

    Limpopo

    Overlooking a garden centre, and boasting its own water feature in the covered outdoor area, the Pavilion is a great spot for breakfast or lunch. The food…

  • Cousins

    Cape Town

    If you have the urge for traditional Italian food, this friendly, busy place is the ideal spot for dinner. The menu includes perfect homemade pasta and…

  • Love Me So

    Johannesburg

    Besides having a clever name, Love Me So is one of very few ramen restaurants in Jo'Burg. Located on a busy culinary corner in Melville, it offers 'build…

  • Moyo

    Cape Town

    Local meats such as ostrich and Karoo venison are on the menu at this fun African-themed restaurant, as are traditional South African dishes. Have your…

  • Freshline Fisheries

    Knysna

    It can work out to be quite pricey since sides are ordered separately, but the seafood here really is worth it. It's a simple spot with tables on a sandy…

  • Hungry Herbivore

    Cape Town

    Starting life as a stall at one of Cape Town's food markets, the Hungry Herbivore serves exclusively vegan fare from its premises just off Bree St…

  • Cafe Blouberg

    Cape Town

    At the southern end of Bloubergstrand is this delightful place in a whitewashed seaside cottage, its counter loaded with a tempting collection of cakes…

  • Albert Millin

    eSwatini (Swaziland)

    This eatery-pub on the grounds of the Mbabane Club is very popular with expats and has a modern feel. From pizzas and salads to burgers and satisfying…

  • Kleinsky's Delicatessen

    Cape Town

    Jewish soul food is the deal at this contemporary-styled deli fronting onto Church Sq, with bagels and 'shmers' (various flavoured cream cheeses), matzo…

  • Little Addis Café

    Johannesburg

    A great experience for gastronauts, this eatery is all about spicy doro wot (chicken stew), kitfo (mince meat) and tibs (fried meat and vegetables),…

  • Brioche

    Port Elizabeth

    For a light meal at lunchtime, this den with a boho vibe is a winner. Pick from healthy concoctions on the tempting menu (salads, pasta, burgers and…

  • Havercroft's

    Western Cape

    The food from husband-and-wife team Brydon and Innes gets excellent reviews. The small menu is inventive and refined, utilising plenty of local produce…

  • Café Ganesh

    Cape Town

    There are now two sides to this staple of the Obs dining scene. By day their colourful corner cafe serves up dishes such as veg curry and roti. By night…

  • Pesce Azzurro

    Cape Town

    Rustic Italian pasta and seafood dishes are the speciality of this casual joint, well patronised by locals (despite less than stellar service). Round off…

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