Must-see restaurants in South Africa

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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),…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • Broodhuijs

    Pretoria

    On a peaceful stretch of Bronkhorst St, this neighborhood charmer makes a great setting for a meet-up with a friend or a fine spot to linger over a light…

  • Momo & O

    Johannesburg

    Sister restaurant to the similarly delicious Momo Baohaus in Greenside, Momo & O specialises in ramen, but also serves boas and other Asian fusion…

  • Bao Down

    Cape Town

    Bookings are essential at this popular and tiny neighbourhood haunt. The menu is small and features pan-Asian bites including sashimi, prawn toast and…

  • Kitima

    Sea Point to Hout Bay

    The Kronendal, a Cape Dutch farmhouse with parts dating back to 1713, has been sensitively restored to house this excellent pan-Asian restaurant…

  • 86 Public

    Johannesburg

    Right in the heart of Braamfontein, 86 Public does brisk business with students and office workers – always a sign that you’ve found a good bargain. The…

  • Charango

    Cape Town

    Tuck into a variety of tasty small plates including fried calamari, Peruvian-style chicken and tacos as well as more substantial mains such as miso-cured…

  • Cut and Craft Artisan Bistro

    Johannesburg

    Popular with Kensington locals, this relatively new (unusual on a street filled with dusty old favorites) coffee shop/restaurant/bar serves a huge variety…

  • Bocadillos on Sixth

    Port Elizabeth

    This slick modern place does a brisk business with locals – always a sign that you've found a good bargain. It speedily serves tasty wraps, thin-crust…

  • The C Club

    The Wild Coast

    The C Club’s well-earned reputation comes from its scrumptious specialities and atmospheric setting, with a large dining room, a charming garden and…

  • Vovo Telo Bakery & Café

    Port Elizabeth

    The original branch of a nationwide chain, Vovo Telo kicked off the regeneration of Richmond Hill. In a characterful old house with a wrap-around veranda,…

  • Terra Mare

    Winelands

    The menu is fairly small but superb, offering a mix of Asian, Italian and South African dishes. Tables inside can be a little noisy due to the proximity…

  • Tamboers Winkel

    Cape Town

    A serious contender for the award for best breakfast or lunch spot around Kloof St, this rustic, country-kitchen-style cafe-shop is a charmer. The chicken…

  • Mo-G's Restaurant

    KwaZulu-Natal

    A new addition to the Pietermaritzburg dining scene, Mo-G's Restaurant has already developed a reputation as one of the best fine-dining establishments in…

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