Must-see restaurants in South Africa

  • Anatoli

    Cape Town

    You can always rely on this atmospheric Turkish joint that’s a little piece of Istanbul in Cape Town. Make a meal out of their delicious meze, both hot…

  • Koornlands Restaurant

    Western Cape

    An eclectic menu featuring African meat with Asian influences is served in an intimate candlelit setting. Among the more unusual offerings are crocodile…

  • Origins

    Hermanus

    Based within the plush Marine hotel, the focus here is perfectly prepared seafood dishes, plus a few meaty options and some enticing desserts.

  • Chef's on Marine

    KwaZulu-Natal

    The best burgers in the South Coast are served in this large, airy restaurant in Ramsgate. If you come for breakfast make sure to treat yourself to one of…

  • Chatters Bistro

    Knysna

    Restaurants seem to come and go in Knysna, but this pizza joint has been around a while. You'll also find burgers, pasta and some salads, plus a pleasant…

  • Blue Goose

    Western Cape

    Based in an old fishing cottage, this local favourite has a menu that showcases local, seasonal ingredients. It's best known for seafood, though the lamb…

  • Franschhoek Market

    Franschhoek

    Based in the grounds of the church, this market has a real country fete vibe. Shop for crafts and lunch on a range of light dishes, or buy a bag of…

  • Masala Dosa

    Cape Town

    Bollywood chic rules at this colourful South Indian culinary outpost serving decent dosas (lentil pancakes) and thalis (set meals with a variety of…

  • Roast & Co

    Cape Town

    Free range chicken roasted to juicy perfection and served with home-made gravy and a full range of sides. Eat within the historic surrounds of Heritage…

  • Friendly Stranger

    Port Elizabeth

    Occupying a former workshop, this cheery cafe has a high-quality menu. Choices run from excellent salads and wraps to a variety of burgers and sandwiches…

  • Iron Crown

    Limpopo

    The village pub has a warm country atmosphere made even better by a new beer garden. Decent pub menu and braai (barbecue) options are available; venison…

  • Chokka Block

    Sunshine Coast

    Seafood and grills, available on hefty platters, are served alongside sweeping harbour views and arty, nautical-themed decor. Locals rave about the…

  • Wijnhuis

    Stellenbosch

    There’s an interesting menu and an extensive wine list with more than 500 choices. Around 20 wines are available by the glass and tastings are available …

  • Waterberry Coffee Shoppe

    KwaZulu-Natal

    The perfect place to eat your way through a hot afternoon, under a canopy of lush coastal forest. Feast on fabulous homemade cakes or a range of healthy…

  • Mossel Bay Oyster Bar

    Garden Route

    On the water's edge, this is one of the best places in town for a sundowner. Sushi and oysters are on the menu alongside a selection of cocktails (R40 to…

  • Peccadillos

    Western Cape

    The chalkboard menu changes often, but always features no-nonsense dishes like rump steak, lamb shank and curries, largely created with local, organic…

  • Eatery

    Hermanus

    Tucked away in a side street, this is a local hang-out lauded for its excellent coffee, fresh salads and sandwiches plus a range of tasty cakes baked on…

  • Hollywood Bets

    Durban

    Lunch spots don't come any more unlikely than this – a cafe tacked onto a betting shop. But the bunnies here are legendary and, indeed, award-winning.

  • Blacksmith's Kitchen

    Winelands

    Grab a table under the trees and enjoy an unfussy lunch of wood-fired pizza or roast pork belly with views of the vineyards, town and mountains beyond.

  • Café Gannet

    Garden Route

    Part of the Protea Hotel, this bright bistro has an extensive menu featuring seafood, steaks, sushi and pizza.

  • Clay Oven

    KwaZulu-Natal

    A patio with peaceful sea views makes this restaurant worth the visit alone. The menu is basic bistro fare, but locals rave about the pizzas.

  • Fat Cat Coffee Shop

    KwaZulu-Natal

    Casual, friendly Fat Cat is a nice, open spot tucked away off the main drag. Breakfast is recommended, especially the Mediterranean Surprise.

  • Table

    Plettenberg Bay

    A funky, minimalist venue with pizzas, seafood and a very tasty lamb shank. There's an indoor kids' play area and live music on Fridays.

  • Olive Tree

    Knysna

    One of Knysna's more upmarket restaurants is a romantic spot with a blackboard menu that changes regularly. Bookings advisable.

  • Melissa’s

    Cape Town

    Pay by weight for the delicious breakfast and lunch buffets, then browse the grocery shelves for picnic fare or gourmet gifts.

  • Burlesque Cafe

    KwaZulu-Natal

    A quirky little retro treat with a chic vintage interior and cheeky menu items featuring organic produce. Good veggie options.

  • French Connection

    Franschhoek

    No-nonsense bistro-style food using only fresh ingredients is dished up at this long-standing and deservedly popular place.

  • Karoo Deli

    Northern Cape

    This popular coffee shop serves buffet lunches, cooked breakfasts and traditional meals such as bobotie and offal.

  • Decameron

    Stellenbosch

    This Italian-food stalwart of Stellenbosch’s dining scene has a shady patio next to the botanical garden.

  • Blaauwklippen Market

    Winelands

    A particularly family friendly farmers market with craft, foodstuffs and carriage and pony rides on offer.

  • Carne SA

    Cape Town

    Meat lovers might want try this classy premium steak restaurant, which also has a branch on Kloof St.

  • Slow Market

    Stellenbosch

    Stellenbosch's original farmers market features lots of artisanal produce as well as crafts.

  • Paul’s Homemade Ice Cream

    Johannesburg

    Paul started making frozen delights for friends after receiving an ice-cream maker for his birthday. The popularity of his innovative flavours has…

  • Wild Sprout

    Cape Town

    If you're seeking a lunch that is gluten-free, grain-free, dairy-free or sugar-free, head to this bright cafe at the southern end of Loop St. On the menu…

  • Bu Ya

    Cape Town

    Fusion ramen is the order of the day here – lemon chicken broth or coconut cream miso meets Korean-style kimchi, Japanese braised pork belly and marinated…

  • O’ways Teacafe

    Cape Town

    Pronounced ‘always’, this stylish, relaxing place is fully vegetarian, and offers tasty choices such as soya-chunk and chickpea curry, creamy gnocchi and…

  • BGR

    Johannesburg

    As you've probably guessed from the name, BGR focuses on doing just a few things, but it does them right. Customise your burger (including veggie options)…

  • Mama Mexicana

    Johannesburg

    Rustic Mama Mexicana serves up all the Tex-Mex favourites, from nachos and quesadillas to soft- and hard-shell tacos and hearty burritos. The Hot Mama…

  • Ceviche Bar

    Cape Town

    Perched above a designer clothing store, this tiny eatery is the latest in Cape Town''s string of single-dish restaurants. You can choose from half a…

  • Dairy Den

    Sea Point to Hout Bay

    You can grab dessert on the go at this tiny cafe specialising in soft serve and doughnuts. Ice cream toppings include peppermint crisp, Belgian chocolate…

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