Must-see restaurants in Southern Africa

  • Delhi Dharbar

    Johannesburg

    Far from the fanciest Indian restaurant in Jo'burg, but the setting is cosy and the North Indian cuisine gets rave reviews. The menu has plenty of…

  • Blackanese Sushi & Wine Bar

    Johannesburg

    Sushi with an African twist? Yes, it's possible at Blackanese which attempts to fuse some African ingredients with sushi rice. The result: so-so. On top…

  • Mphipe Lodge

    Malawi

    For a different take on lake fish, Mphipe serves it in pasta dishes. Malawian staples such as kampango (catfish) and nsima (filling porridge-like dish…

  • Lions Den Butchery & Saucey Sue's

    Zimbabwe

    Very much a ritual in travelling to/from Harare to Lake Kariba or Mana Pools, is the prerequisite stop at Lion's Den for a boerewors (farmer’s sausage),…

  • Maguga Viewpoint

    eSwatini (Swaziland)

    While slightly dishevelled compared to the Maguga Dam Lodge, this restaurant has a nice deck overlooking the dam and also offers several viewpoints…

  • Cynthia’s Indigo Moon

    Pretoria

    You'll enjoy this place almost as much for the decor as the food, with nods to Paris and New York, dimly lit corner tables and plenty of mirrors adorning…

  • Food Court

    Malawi

    With striking views of the mountains, this breezy alfresco courtyard is surrounded by a bakery (Bread Basket), a fast-food joint (Blue Savannah) and an…

  • Angelo's

    Port Elizabeth

    With low lighting, stacked logs, straw baskets and a terrace overlooking the beach, this Afro-rustic restaurant attracts a multicultural crowd. Burgers,…

  • Kang Ultra Stop

    Botswana

    The restaurant connected to the petrol station and motel of the same name is a fairly simple place serving up uninspiring but filling meals such as…

  • TriBeCa Original

    Pretoria

    Laid-back and stylish, this cafe is the perfect place to chill out in the middle of Brooklyn Sq with a latte and browse the magazines for a few hours, or…

  • Vespetti

    Northern Cape

    This Italian restaurant, its awning twined with fishing rope, serves seafood as well as pizza and pasta. It's a marvellous place to watch the sun dip into…

  • African Peninsula Restaurant

    Durban

    Basically a huge balcony overlooking the ocean, the location of this coastal spot gets rave reviews from travellers. Offerings include typical grilled…

  • Roma Revolving Restaurant

    Durban

    One of the handful of central restaurants surviving in Durban, Roma offers stunning views over the city in its own leaning House of John Ross. Beautifully…

  • Africanza

    Zambia

    This popular Pakistani-owned restaurant features subcontinental curries, steaks and Western mains. The food is good, but it's not cheap, plus you'll need…

  • Victorian Tea Garden & Restaurant

    Mpumalanga

    Enjoy sandwiches (R25), cakes, filter coffee and more while watching the world go by from this gazebo – an incongruous sight in Barberton's small downtown…

  • Café Havana

    Garden Route

    The Cuban-themed stalwart of Mossel Bay's drinking and dining scene is still going, although it's not as popular as it once was. Stews, steaks and seafood…

  • Bi-Lo Bistro

    Northern Cape

    Birds hop between palm trees and kids play on the swings at this popular spot in the suburbs. The vast menu features everything from steak to sushi – the…

  • Crest View

    Malawi

    Thrifty travellers appreciate this local hang-out with football on the TV and a good view of the action happening on the main street. Nsima (a filling…

  • Café Riteve

    Cape Town

    Decent kosher cafe that's in the same complex as the South African Jewish Museum and the Great Synagogue. The wide-ranging menu includes snacks and…

  • Nomzamo

    Cape Town

    This spotlessly clean butchers generally has a relaxed, peaceful vibe since it doesn’t sell alcohol. The cuts of meat – beef, lamb, pork, sausages and…

  • Buttercup Coffee Shop & Bakery

    Northern Cape

    There's decent coffee at this cavernous place a short walk from the ocean. You'll also find home-baked cakes, waffles with sweet and savoury toppings and…

  • Ouh La La

    Lesotho

    Locals and expats mix easily in this streetside garden cafe, which takes its Gallic theme from the adjoining Alliance Française cultural centre. The light…

  • Café Chimoio

    Mozambique

    This very basic cafeteria with iffy toilets and part-covered, part-open seating serves coffee and pastries (your best bet), and a mix of African and…

  • Dorphil Restaurant

    Zambia

    Highly recommended by area expats and one of the few places to eat in the village of Mfuwe is friendly Dorphil Restaurant. The owner/chef Dorika prepares…

  • Bourbon Street

    Winelands

    A firm favourite with locals, this long-running restaurant offers everything from jambalaya and Southern-style ribs to Thai green curry or a hearty game…

  • Crafter’s Kitchen

    Windhoek

    You can shop for handicrafts here and get a bite at the same time from the busy little kitchen which churns out decent fuel, such as toasties, burgers and…

  • Things I Love

    Winelands

    A friendly spot serving decent coffee and a little bit of everything, food-wise. There are tables on the front stoep, but the shady terrace at the back is…

  • Pelican's Harbour Cafe

    Western Cape

    The fish at this ramshackle joint overlooking the harbour is fresh off the boat – be sure to ask about the catch of the day. You'll also find some meaty…

  • Nchanga Golf Club

    Zambia

    A relaxed spot for lunch where you can enjoy an unhurried steak and chips on a terrace overlooking green surrounds. There's also a bar. Entry is from…

  • Babbo's

    Cape Town

    This new place, run by the same people as Pesce Azzurro up the road, specialises in pizza as well as pasta – all keenly priced and fine for a quick and…

  • Sarifo's Net Cafe

    Northern Mozambique

    There are better places to eat in Lichinga, but Sarifo's is an OK appetite quencher if you're in a hurry or on a tight budget. As well as pizzas, it does…

  • No. 89 Bree

    Cape Town

    Salmon is the focus at this tiny cafe on trendy Bree St, whether smoked or seared. The menu is as small as the premises, featuring a couple of sandwiches,…

  • Spur Steak Ranch

    Botswana

    You’ve seen it before – an American-themed steakhouse in the heart of Africa with a menu that covers steaks, ribs and seafood. It’s the sort of place that…

  • Cattle Baron

    Sunshine Coast

    This surprisingly stylish restaurant in the park offers fine dining inside and a covered deck outside. Breakfast and lunch buffets are offered, while the…

  • Baba's Jem

    Winelands

    You can buy home-baked goodies and swig on fresh ginger beer in this eatery based in a family home. Meals must be booked ahead; they always include…

  • Deli on Duncan

    Pretoria

    This groovy place provides an unceasingly cool terrace for summer chillin'. An array of pastries, cakes, tarts and quiches will tempt the devil in you, or…

  • Golden Rhino Restaurant

    Limpopo

    This simple restaurant at the Interpretation Centre does chicken burgers, steaks and local dishes based around pap (a traditional African food made from…

  • House of Curries

    Durban

    A more salubrious spot than many to sample bunny chow (or a range of other Indian-inspired dishes), House of Curries is a local institution. Grab a quart…

  • Shawarma Castle

    Mozambique

    The Shawarma serves good, reasonably priced Lebanese food in a rather uninspiring if secure setting just across the railway tracks in the Manica Shopping…

  • Café 41

    Pretoria

    A huge menu and a plethora of seating options – go for the outdoor deck – make this one of Pretoria’s more enjoyable lunch spots. The pasta dishes and…

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