Must-see restaurants in Southern Africa

  • Picadas

    Cape Town

    Argentinian owner Juan brings some family recipes to the table at this laid-back bar-restaurant above House of Machines. Try a portion of Juan's mom's…

  • Service Station

    Johannesburg

    In a far corner of Melville, Service Station is that easy-to-miss 'secret spot' that locals like to recommend. Come here for bountiful breakfasts…

  • Tropical paradise at Brian Lara Rum Eatery

    Brian Lara Rum Eatery

    Johannesburg

    Now you're on holiday – you've entered tropical paradise. When you're sipping a pina colada out of a real pineapple and enjoying old fashioneds made the…

  • Il Giardino Degli Ulivi

    Johannesburg

    Inside the hip 44 Stanley precinct, Il Giardino feels like a charming old-world trattoria, its leafy courtyard the backdrop to nourishing dishes at…

  • Baha Taco

    Johannesburg

    Using the freshest ingredients and traditional cooking methods, Baha started as a food market stall. But it has grown into the Grant Ave institution that…

  • Ragamuffin

    Cape Town

    Ragamuffin began life as a stall at a Cape Town market. It's now a quirky hole-in-the-wall serving excellent Durban-style curries. Try the fried chicken…

  • Lucy Ethiopian Restaurant

    Cape Town

    Perch at one of the dozen traditional woven mesob tables in this bright dining room overlooking Long Street. Sample the authentic cuisine with a combo…

  • Hokey Poke

    Cape Town

    Cape Town's first poke spot is a pleasing hole-in-the-wall with splashes of Asian-inspired kitsch livening up the white tiled walls. There are seven poke…

  • Hesheng

    Sea Point to Hout Bay

    Sea Point is stacked with Chinese restaurants, but this inauspicious-looking hole-in-the-wall, classically located next to a pawnbroker, is the real deal…

  • Lekker Vegan

    Cape Town

    Even those who usually give vegan eateries a wide berth will be intrigued by the concept here – vegan junk food. The menu features burgers and gatsbys,…

  • Duchess of Wisbeach

    Sea Point to Hout Bay

    Under the stewardship of a celebrated Jo’burg chef, this Duchess is one romantic-looking lady who raises Sea Point’s dining bar by several notches. The…

  • Swan Cafe

    Cape Town

    Staff greet you with a cheery chorus of bonjour as you enter this Parisian-inspired crêperie. The menu features both savoury and sweet crepes with…

  • Sweet treats in a tropical paradise at Glenda's

    Glenda's

    Johannesburg

    Glenda’s is a romantic tropical kingdom where the floral detailing extends from the decor and table settings to the impeccable presentation of the meals…

  • Giulio's

    Cape Town

    This popular corner cafe rocks a Roman theme with its faux columns and outsized golden wreath. It's bustling at breakfast time, when locals come for the…

  • Interior at Bolton Road Collection

    Bolton Road Collection

    Johannesburg

    Different shades of blue and trendy design choices make Bolton Road Collection easy on the eye while the original and thoughtful menu is certainly easy on…

  • Salvation Cafe

    Johannesburg

    Organic deliciousness awaits at this casual cafe (bonus points for the covered veranda and inviting courtyard). All bases are covered, from baked treats…

  • Cappucinos at Nice

    Nice on 4th

    Johannesburg

    Mismatched crockery and bunches of fresh wildflowers adorn all surfaces of this quirky cafe-cum-bookshop, but the main reason to visit Nice is for the…

  • Burger & Lobster

    Cape Town

    There are no prizes for guessing what's on the menu at this convivial Bree St hangout. The main menu consists of just three items: a juicy burger, lobster…

  • The Bistro @ Klein Constantia

    Cape Town

    Wine estate lunches can be a little stuffy and formal, but Klein Constantia's restaurant is an unpretentious affair. The seasonal menu features upscale…

  • Decor at Momo Baohaus

    Momo Baohaus

    Johannesburg

    Minimalist decor greets visitors to Momo Baohaus, where fusion Asian tapas is the order of the day. Dine on crispy pork potstickers, sushi rolls and the…

  • Burrata

    Cape Town

    There's a cosy, convivial feel to this longstanding Italian haunt, despite the minimalist decor of all bare brick and exposed piping. It's one of those…

  • Jessy's Waffles

    Cape Town

    Perched on the edge of Dunkley Square, Jessy's is another addition to Cape Town's single-dish restaurant series. The gluten-free waffles come in both…

  • Jason Bakery

    Cape Town

    Move fast to secure a seat at this super-popular street-corner cafe that makes splendid breakfasts and sandwiches. It also serves decent coffee, a few…

  • Light at Africa Cafe.

    Africa Café

    Cape Town

    Touristy, yes, but it's still one of the best places to sample African food. Come with a hearty appetite as the set feast comprises some 15 dishes from…

  • Royale Eatery

    Cape Town

    They've been grilling gourmet burgers to perfection here for years; downstairs is casual and buzzy while upstairs is a restaurant where you can book a…

  • Between Us

    Cape Town

    Bright and airy Between Us specialises in brunch, serving fragrant frittatas, charcuterie platters and silky porridge topped with lavender, cashews or…

  • Croft & Co

    Johannesburg

    This popular suburban cafe is the perfect spot for a leisurely brunch or quick coffee. The menu is simple and uses locally sourced ingredients. Bacon and…

  • Bread, Milk & Honey

    Cape Town

    The spirited debate of politicos and bureaucrats from nearby parliament rings through this smart family-run cafe. The menu is delicious: the cakes and…

  • Brunch at Pablo Eggs Go Bar

    Pablo Eggs Go Bar

    Johannesburg

    You have to love this place for the name alone, but the Middle Eastern–inspired all-day breakfast menu also keeps the hipsters and foodies coming back…

  • Tossd

    Cape Town

    You'll find one of the city's best-value lunches at this family-run salad bar. Choose your own base, protein and toppings for R65 or opt for one of their…

  • A Tavola

    Cape Town

    This spacious, classy neighbourhood joint, its walls hung with photos of people tucking into food, starts proceedings with antipasti and salads, before…

  • Dukes Burgers

    Johannesburg

    Elevating the humble burger to high art, this eatery on lively 7th St serves up a wide variety of options. The vegetarian picks are tops, especially when…

  • Posticino

    Sea Point to Hout Bay

    The popular Italian restaurant has opened a pizza and pasta kiosk next to the Sea Point pools. Grab a pizza or panzarotti to eat at outdoor picnic tables…

  • Bull & Bush Pub

    Gaborone

    This long-standing South African–run Gabs institution is deservedly popular with expats, tourists and locals alike. Though there’s something on the menu…

  • Halfway House

    Northern Cape

    After a revamp, 'The Half' has sadly lost a little of its soul. Dating back to 1872, this was once one of Cecil Rhodes' watering holes and today it might…

  • Rhodes Memorial Restaurant

    Cape Town

    This pleasant restaurant and al-fresco tearoom is located in a 1920 thatched-roof cottage behind the Rhodes Memorial. It’s family-run and specialises in…

  • Ritual Cafe

    Johannesburg

    Ritual Cafe is a small, simple, yet stylish restaurant serving traditional South African favourites (think curry and oxtail stew) with a modern twist…

  • Zam Mex

    Livingstone

    Set up by a Spanish NGO, this no-frills restaurant/bar caters to locals and tourists alike. Unfortunately though the food isn't a fusion of Zambian and…

  • De Backery

    Johannesburg

    De Backery opened in 1963 as a small bakery in the far-eastern suburb of Edenvale. Thirty years later the owners expanded the premises by building an…

  • Roundhouse

    Sea Point to Hout Bay

    Overlooking Camps Bay, this heritage-listed 18th-century building, set in wooded grounds, houses an elegant restaurant. The menus mix South African…

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