Must-see restaurants in South Africa

  • Millstone

    Cape Town

    This rustic cafe and farm stall specialises in organic produce, hand-crafted breads, preserves and jams. Kids will love the tree house in its garden and…

  • Asada

    Port Elizabeth

    A 5m long firepit to one side and fresh seafood on ice to the other – this trendy restaurant in Richmond Hill offers one of the most diverse dining…

  • Mozambik

    Durban

    Set in a courtyard just off Florida Rd, Mozambik has a very pleasant dining area complete with a fountain that's a great place to put away some well…

  • Doppio Zero

    Johannesburg

    This is where the hugely popular Italian cafe franchise first started – and you can easily see why it's been such a success. The corner terrace is packed…

  • The Waterfront

    The Wild Coast

    Grab a table on the rear deck with views of the river and Mt Sullivan, then choose from a large selection of wood-fired pizzas, salads and seafood,…

  • La Fleur

    Limpopo

    With a classy set-up inside and an outdoor terrace where you can keep an eye on the comings and goings in town, this is Vaalwater’s only restaurant of…

  • Blue Waters Café

    Port Elizabeth

    Blue Waters is popular week-long for its beachfront location and incredibly broad menu, which covers the spectrum from pasta to tapas and sushi to steaks…

  • Joop’s Place

    Durban

    In a most unlikely location at the rear of a shopping centre, unpretentious Joop's Place has Durbanites flocking in for high-quality steaks – each cooked…

  • De Vagebond

    Western Cape

    The menu here is vast, but opt out of the sushi or pasta in favour of something a little more local. The bobotie (spiced mince with a savoury egg custard)…

  • Post

    Johannesburg

    Fill up at this great little cafe before (or after) delving into Braamfontein. Come for delicious breakfasts, gourmet sandwiches, fresh salads and…

  • Red Plate

    Limpopo

    A classy set-up in the middle of the village, the Red Plate offers dishes using fresh ingredients, including crisp salads, a selection of wraps, homemade…

  • Spinach King

    Cape Town

    Lufefe Nomjana is the young entrepreneur behind this very green business baking bread and muffins made with spinach. It's a welcome vegetarian respite…

  • The Coachman

    Port Elizabeth

    The Coachman is PE's most famous steakhouse and carnivores will appreciate the menu, an orgy of meat with burgers, steaks, poultry, seafood and umpteen…

  • Browns 137 High Street

    Sunshine Coast

    This sassy guesthouse restaurant with a charming dining room and an outdoor patio is as adept at serving up light bites as it is heartier meals. The menu…

  • The Beach Break

    Eastern Cape

    This little gem just off Nahoon Beach (but without sea views) serves delectable light meals and superb coffee in a wonderfully relaxed environment. Bag a…

  • St Francis Brewing Company

    Sunshine Coast

    The trendiest choice in town, this venue is part bar and part restaurant. Eclectic decor, casual service, a tempting menu focusing on seafood, burgers and…

  • Old Gaol on Church Square

    Western Cape

    It might not be in the Old Gaol any more, but the food at this empowerment venture is still just as good. There’s lots of seating outside under the trees…

  • Ginger & Fig

    Pretoria

    This highly reliable cafe has on-trend industrial-chic decor and a tempting range of breakfast and lunch dishes, all homemade, free range and organic…

  • Catch of the Day

    Sunshine Coast

    This convivial restaurant right in the centre is famous for one thing and one thing only: fresh fish (served with fries or rice), savoured in a ramshackle…

  • La Petite Ferme

    Franschhoek

    In a stupendous setting overlooking Franschhoek Valley, this contemporary restaurant makes a big deal of local ingredients. Try the biltong-dusted ostrich…

  • 9th Avenue Bistro

    Durban

    This smart, modern spot serves up fabulously reliable upmarket fare. The tasting menu changes (often with venison, and the likes of smoked ostrich fillet)…

  • Café Reset

    Sunshine Coast

    Occupying one of Port Alfred's historic buildings, Café Reset offers a range of light meals as well as daily specials and great coffee. It's also well…

  • Handmade Coffee – The Bakery Grahamstown

    Sunshine Coast

    Just thinking about the scents wafting from this place makes us swoon. One step into this cafe and you're hooked forever. Don't miss the small bakery in…

  • De Villiers Chocolate Cafe

    Franschhoek

    The excellent single-origin chocolate here is made at a boutique chocolatier in Paarl and used in all the cakes, pastries and ice cream on offer. There's…

  • Homestead

    Johannesburg

    On the ground floor of the Reef Hotel, this large restaurant has a relaxed vibe and pleasingly kooky industrial interior. The visibly busy kitchen…

  • Moyo Zoo Lake

    Johannesburg

    South Africa’s ‘chic-est’ chain restaurant is feeling a little tired but still draws the family crowd thanks to its great location, atmospheric decor and…

  • Manna Epicure

    Cape Town

    Come for a deliciously simple breakfast or lunch, or for late-afternoon cocktails and tapas on the veranda of this white-box cafe. The freshly baked…

  • Hops

    KwaZulu-Natal

    If a fun seaside vibe and tasty food is what you're after, Hops has you covered on both fronts. There is frequently live music and the large, open dining…

  • Societi Bistro

    Cape Town

    Dine in the courtyard garden for Table Mountain views (there are blankets provided if it gets chilly), or in the atmospheric, brick-walled and wine-rack…

  • Sleepers Railway Station Restaurant

    Limpopo

    This old station house is a fantastic venue for devouring quality dishes and has a very extensive menu with local game a speciality (try the organic…

  • Purple Olive

    Limpopo

    Presenting seafood dishes, grills, loads of burger variations, salads and pastas, this place is a great stop any time of day. A formal atmosphere pervades…

  • Papa Africa

    Eastern Cape

    With its oil-drum counters, corrugated-iron walls and fairy lights, Papa Africa has the feel of a barn expecting a dance. It’s hardly haute cuisine but…

  • The Lighthouse Ranch

    Eastern Cape

    This venerable local haunt, which is set in a large building with outdoor seating, serves up copious pizzas and burgers, crunchy salads and grilled meat…

  • Meeting Point

    Cape Town

    This warm and welcoming dining room on busy Strand St serves up hearty portions of beef or fish stew, vegetable curry, fried chicken and tripe among…

  • Big Time Taverna

    Sunshine Coast

    This restaurant is the only one in town that is located on the canals, with heavenly views from the deck. It specialises in traditional Greek food, such…

  • Carola Ann's

    Garden Route

    Close to the museum, Carola Ann's serves inventive breakfasts, delicious, healthy lunches and not-so-healthy slabs of cake. Grab a packet of the chocolate…

  • Muse

    Port Elizabeth

    In the vanguard of PE's modern restaurants, the esteemed Muse is a real find. The decor is soothing, the cuisine eclectic (think Asian, South African and…

  • The Tower Restaurant

    Eastern Cape

    Locals recommend this cheerful, intimate place next to the Bethesda Arts Centre. The menu features tasteful dishes that use local ingredients – try the…

  • Bistro at Just Pure

    Hermanus

    Adjoining a shop selling natural cosmetics, this seafront bistro is all about fresh, local, organic ingredients. Try the 'famous' cheesecake and watch…

  • Tolbos

    Eastern Cape

    A great little café with an alluring menu featuring salads, sandwiches, burgers, venison pie, homemade chips and meat dishes. The adjoining shop sells a…

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