Must-see restaurants in Southern Africa

  • Shoprite

    Mozambique

    Modern, large supermarket for self-caterers. Located on the main road 1km east of Chimoio town centre.

  • Carne SA

    Cape Town

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

  • Shoprite

    Lilongwe

    Shoprite in Old Town has the city's best range, with all sorts of food and even camping supplies.

  • Slow Market

    Stellenbosch

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

  • Game

    Malawi

    A few kilometres out of town, Game sells everything from food to electronics.

  • Shoprite

    Malawi

    This sprawling and well-stocked supermarket is a few kilometres out of town.

  • 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…

  • Picobella

    Johannesburg

    Nothing too fancy here, just good, honest wood-fire pizza, delicious pasta – try the oglio with pecorino cheese – and reliable salads and starters on a…

  • Haru

    Cape Town

    This spartan space on a busy road serves decent sushi and generous portions of noodles. There are also a couple of Korean ramyeon dishes on the menu.

  • Kadisi Restaurant

    Blyde River Canyon

    The Forever Resort's bar-restaurant should be a pleasant lunch stop with its cavernous, air-conditioned interior and Three Rondavels terrace views…

  • Boma Restaurant

    eSwatini (Swaziland)

    This large, boma-shaped restaurant with thatched roof has a massive menu with all the favourites – grills to pastas – and is within the grounds of Timbali…

  • Restaurante Tambarina

    Mpumalanga

    Prawns are the speciality of this guesthouse restaurant, which draws the locals with its seafood dishes, including interesting selections such as crab…

  • Gil Vincente Restaurant

    eSwatini (Swaziland)

    Despite its location in a strip mall, gourmands saunter here for well-prepped Portuguese-inspired dishes with a twist, a respectable wine list, efficient…

  • Thumbi View Lodge

    Malawi

    On the lane opposite Thumbi View's gate, this cafe serves light meals and snacks such as vegetable curry, spaghetti Bolognese, lasagne, fish, burgers and…

  • Mgoza Restaurant

    Malawi

    With shaded palapa (palm-leaf) shelters in a garden facing the lake, this is a cool spot to chat in the friendly bar or chill outside and take dinner.

  • Clifford & Sandra's

    Cape Town

    At the market next to Khayelitsha Station, ask around to find this shack serving tasty and excellent traditional chow. Clifford will pour water over your…

  • La Pentola

    Pretoria

    This well-established eatery is still going strong, with patrons enjoying its old-fashioned decor and an excellent menu that transgresses all culinary…

  • The Eatery

    Cape Town

    This neighbourhood eatery in a small shopping plaza specialises in wood-fired steaks, burgers and milkshakes. It attracts everyone from students to…

  • Guido’s Restaurant

    Sunshine Coast

    Although in a charmless building, Guido’s decks are perfect for a sundowner, with stunning views up the river and along the beach. It does wood-fired…

  • Kalahari Gateway Hotel Bar-Restaurant

    Northern Cape

    Although the conveyor belt rarely gets switched on, this Kalahari sushi bar continues to draw curious gourmands. As well as the familiar fishy options …

  • Die Tolhuis

    Winelands

    Based in a 19th-century toll house on Mitchell's Pass, this place makes for a fun lunch stop. The small and quirky menu is filled with traditional treats…

  • Cofi

    Limpopo

    Sit back and 'chillate' at this friendly bar-restaurant. With an enormous round bar and a postmodern dining room, it's as trendy as fine dining gets in…

  • Pastelaria Princesa

    Johannesburg

    Pastelaria Princesa is an authentic Portuguese bakery/cafe: On an average day you'll hear as many customers speaking Portuguese as English and the menu is…

  • Regal Restaurant

    Lesotho

    Occupying a Basotho-hat–style building, this 1st-floor Indian restaurant is a favourite among businessmen and politicians. One of Lesotho’s few Indian…

  • Marilyn’s 60’s Diner

    Eastern Cape

    This wonderfully incongruous Americana-inspired diner dominates the village centre. The menu mixes South African and American classics; dishes of varying…

  • Sha'p! Braai Corner

    Johannesburg

    This cooler-than-cool little braai stand offers some of the cheapest food in trendy Maboneng, attracting both penny-pinching locals and thrifty visitors…

  • Janse & Co

    Cape Town

    This marvellous space has been through a number of incarnations. At the helm now is local chef Arno Janse van Rensburg, who serves up something between…

  • Thomas's Grocery, Restaurant & Bar

    Malawi

    This local gathering place comprises a shop and a bar with shaded seating and a reggae soundtrack. Simple dishes such as omelette, spaghetti, and beans…

  • Toeka se Dae

    Limpopo

    Pull up a chair fashioned from old tyres, number plates or tin baths and admire the inimitably quirky decor at this farm stall 15km out of town. Lunches…

  • Kloof St House

    Cape Town

    Live jazz played during Sunday lunch (1pm to 4pm) is a highlight of this eclectically decorated restaurant in a Victorian mansion. It's a romantic spot…

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