Must-see restaurants in Southern Africa

  • 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…

  • Tres Tempos

    Mozambique

    At this newish restaurant just off the Praça da OMM roundabout it's all about the chicken, which some have claimed is the best in Mozambique. There's only…

  • Blue Mountain Inn

    Lesotho

    Hotel restaurant serving salads, steaks, burgers, good pizzas and more elaborate dishes, such as chicken with peppers in white-wine sauce.

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • Surrey Pies

    Zimbabwe

    Well worth a stop en route to Mutare is this supermarket/bakery that does the best pies in Zimbabwe; go the steak-and-onion and grab a bag of its prized…

  • Cais 66

    Maputo

    Enjoy sushi and snacks on the upstairs deck or seafood grills in the breezy waterside dining area downstairs. It's located at Clube Naval, Maputo's long…

  • Marisqueira Sagres

    Maputo

    This waterside place is popular for dinner and Sunday lunch, with a large menu of well-prepared seafood platters, plus meat grills and continental fare,…

  • 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…

  • VIP Café

    Mozambique

    This clean, air-conditioned restaurant might lack your typical Mozambican feel, but it's the best place to grab a coffee, ice cream, pastry or salad while…

  • Pastelaria Flor d’Avenida

    Pemba

    It doesn't look much from the outside, but this long-standing, informal eatery with mainly outdoor tables delivers the goods when it comes to coffee and…

  • 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…

  • Spar

    Lilongwe

    In City Centre, off Independence Dr, Spar has a wide range of fruit, veg, toiletries, snacks, meat and everything you'd possibly need from a decent…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • Padaria Mária

    Northern Mozambique

    With an unpromising location slap bang next to a petrol station, this is nonetheless the best place in town for a decent cup of coffee and a fresh pastry.

  • Clube Náutico

    Mozambique

    This colonial-era swimming and social club is a popular waterside hang-out. Average food and slow service are redeemed by the relaxing beachside setting.

  • 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.

  • O Petisco

    Maputo

    The in-house restaurant at Hoyo-Hoyo Residencial serves tasty Goan and local fare at reasonable prices.

  • 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.

  • AfriCat Day Centre

    Namibia

    The day centre serves a few simple meal choices at lunchtimes from a menu that changes regularly. There are fine views from the back terrace.

  • 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.

  • Pemba Dolphin

    Pemba

    Directly on Wimbi Beach, the very relaxed Dolphin has a beach-bar ambience, seafood grills and pizzas, and live music from 6.30pm to 9.30pm.

  • 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.

  • Burlesque Cafe

    KwaZulu-Natal

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

  • 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.

  • French Connection

    Franschhoek

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

  • Padaria e Pasteleria Africa

    Mozambique

    Don't judge a book by its cover: this rather bare-looking bakery knocks out super-fresh, melt-in-your-mouth pastries.

  • 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.

  • Complexo Vumba Restaurant

    Northern Mozambique

    In a town without much competition, this is probably the best place to eat. Fish is the obvious highlight.

  • Blaauwklippen Market

    Winelands

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

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