Must-see restaurants in Southern Africa

  • Test Kitchen

    Cape Town

    Luke Dale-Roberts creates inspired dishes with top-quality local ingredients at his flagship restaurant – generally agreed to be the best in Africa…

  • The Stack

    Cape Town

    Given a stylish makeover to become a brasserie and bar downstairs and a private members club upstairs, old Leinster Hall is a delightful place for a meal…

  • Jarryds Espresso Bar & Eatery

    Sea Point to Hout Bay

    When Jarryd and brother Ariel moved home from Sydney, they brought with them the concept of the come-as-you-are daytime eateries beloved of the Aussies…

  • La Colombe

    Cape Town

    A veteran of Gordon Ramsay's kitchen, chef Scot Kirton rustles up skilful dishes combining French and Asian techniques and flavours, such as quail breast…

  • Kuka Café

    Mpumalanga

    Its blue-grey walls hung with artwork and cage lampshades, Kuka's glass doors open onto a terrace decorated with fairy lights. It's a contemporary setting…

  • Café del Río

    Mozambique

    When Tete's heat has melted you to a runny pulp, revive your spirits at Cafe del Rio, a beautiful thatched restaurant furnished like an upmarket African…

  • Stellenbosch Wine Bar & Bistro

    Windhoek

    When well-to-do locals want an enjoyable night out with the guarantee of good food, this is their number-one pick. With a classy outdoor-indoor setting…

  • Lookout Cafe

    Victoria Falls (town)

    A stunning location overlooking Batoka Gorge. Enjoy views of the bridge and the Zambezi river while tucking into a burger or crocodile kebab, or a cold…

  • Tshokwane

    Kruger National Park

    About halfway between the rest camps at Satara and Skukuza, or between Lower Sabie and Satara, Tshokwane has been transformed from an attractive picnic…

  • Cafe Dijo

    Gaborone

    This classy but casual place is one of our favourite haunts in Gabs. The lunch specials change regularly, but usually include Thai chicken curry, chicken…

  • Sky Restaurant

    Lesotho

    Maseru's best new restaurant sits atop the Mpilo Boutique Hotel, dishing out Basotho favourites such as cured venison carpaccio, whole local trout and…

  • Rickshaws Cafe

    Northern Mozambique

    The new kids on the block have nabbed a beautiful sunset location on the island's western side where you can sit alfresco and relish food from a menu that…

  • Joe’s Beerhouse

    Windhoek

    A legendary Windhoek institution, this is where you can indulge (albeit with a little guilt…) in flame-broiled fillets of all those amazing animals you’ve…

  • La Mouette

    Sea Point to Hout Bay

    New takes on the classics (such as herb gnocchi and smoked pork belly) and fresh inventions (including kudu loin with fermented cabbage, BBQ carrot puree…

  • Barbara’s Bistro

    Botswana

    Located in the town's eastern outskirts in the sports club, this leafy spot is a fabulous choice. Barbara, the German owner, is a charismatic host and…

  • Portuguese Recreation Club

    Zimbabwe

    Given this old-school club was set up for the local Portuguese/Mozambique community (with an honor board dating to the 1950s), it's not surprising the…

  • Four & Twenty Cafe & Pantry

    Cape Town

    A favourite among the Little Chelsea (Wynberg Village) crowd, this rustic but chic spot serves a small menu of delicious creations, from gourmet salads…

  • Rare Grill

    Cape Town

    In the unlikely setting of a scruffy car park next to Kenilworth train station, this small steakhouse is one of the best in town, serving the finest wet…

  • La Boheme Wine Bar & Bistro

    Sea Point to Hout Bay

    Although you can fuel up on delicious tapas and espresso here during the day, La Boheme is best visited in the evening, when candles twinkle on the tables…

  • Patisserie de Paris

    Johannesburg

    Patisserie de Paris owner Paul Zwick spent 30 years in the television business before moving to France to train as a chef. He eventually returned to South…

  • Anchor @ The Jetty

    Walvis Bay

    The food is good at the Anchor but the real attraction is the location overlooking the water. It makes a particularly lovely spot for breakfast, and if…

  • Caravela Portuguese Restaurant

    Gaborone

    One of Gabs' most popular expat haunts, Caravela serves up assured Mediterranean cooking in a pretty garden setting. It's close to the city centre, but in…

  • Outjo Bakery

    Damaraland

    Opened in 2016, this stylish place wouldn't look out of place in Windhoek or urban South Africa. All of the international staples are here – pasta, steaks…

  • Nguni

    Plettenberg Bay

    Tucked away in a quiet courtyard, this is one of Plett's most upscale eateries. The speciality is dry-aged beef, though you'll also find some South…

  • Locanda Italiana

    Pemba

    Something of a vision in the quiet, well-worn streets of the baixa, this Italian-run restaurant serves up al dente pasta (the ragú is excellent) and wood…

  • Bombay Brasserie

    Cape Town

    Far from your average curry house, the Taj Hotel’s main restaurant, hung with glittering chandeliers and mirrors, is darkly luxurious. Chef Harpreet…

  • Purple Fig Bistro

    Namibia

    In the heart of town, the Purple Fig gets good reviews from travellers. Eat under the eponymous fig tree or in the cafe. Light meals take the form of…

  • Koko Bean

    Lilongwe

    Soundtracked by world music, this breezy urban sanctuary is surrounded by lawns, thatched shelters and a bar overlooking a sprawling jungle gym – perfect…

  • Chef's Table

    Cape Town

    There are several dining options at the Mount Nelson Hotel, but for a real treat book one of the four tables with a front-row view onto the drama and…

  • Pear Tree

    Hermanus

    One of the town's top restaurants is an intimate venue decorated in bodega style – all bare brick and wine bottles. The small menu features delights like…

  • Ile de Pain

    Knysna

    Ile de Pain is a wildly popular bakery and cafe that's as much a hit with locals as it is with tourists. There's an excellent breakfast menu, lots of…

  • 40 Cork Road

    Harare

    An attractive house-turned-restaurant with a relaxed garden setting, 40 Cork serves quality breakfasts and lunches, and does one of the best coffees in…

  • Boschendal at Oude Bank

    Stellenbosch

    A vibrant bakery and bistro priding itself on locally sourced ingredients. The menu features salads, sandwiches and mezze-style platters, as well as fresh…

  • Leo’s

    Windhoek

    Leo’s takes its regal setting in Heinitzburg Castle to heart by welcoming diners into a banquet hall that previously served the likes of royalty. The…

  • Olga's Italian Corner

    Livingstone

    Olga’s does authentic wood-fired thin-crust pizzas, as well as delicious homemade pasta classics all served under a large thatched roof. Great options for…

  • Courtyard Restaurant

    Gaborone

    In the garden area out the back of Botswanacraft, this tranquil spot serves up imaginative African cooking (including guinea-fowl pot), with other local…

  • Karibu

    Northern Mozambique

    This excellent new restaurant in Stone Town specialises in the island's seafood bounty. Tuna, prawns, marlin and lobster are all done to perfection here,…

  • Hemelhuijs

    Cape Town

    A quirky yet elegantly decorated space – think deer heads with broken crockery and contemporary art – showcases the art and culinary creations of Jacques…

  • Raft

    Walvis Bay

    This Walvis Bay landmark sits on stilts offshore, and has a great front-row view of the ducks, pelicans and flamingos. Here you can expect high-quality…

  • Serendipity

    Garden Route

    Readers and locals all recommend this elegant restaurant with a deck overlooking the lagoon. The South African–inspired menu changes monthly but always…

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