Heading to Johannesburg soon? We’ve researched some of the best restaurants in Johannesburg and have come up with a guide we believe will help you in your restaurant search.
Johannesburg is known for being the largest city in South Africa. Being the provincial capital and largest city of Gauteng, most of the large corporations and banks have their head offices in Johannesburg. But hidden in-between all of its rich history is a small collection of world-class restaurants with amazing menus, good food, and great service. We made sure to make this list of restaurants in Johannesburg that covers all of your favourite spots.
Here are our choices for the best restaurants in Johannesburg. In no particular order.
1. 1947 On Vilakazi Street
We start off our journey at 1947 on Vilakazi, a unique establishment in the heart of Soweto. The restaurant can be found next to the homes of our late Nobel Prize Winners, Archbishop Desmond Tutu and former president Nelson Mandela.
Being at the core of such history, 1947 on Vilakazi looks to embody the ethos of ubuntu by being a family-friendly restaurant that looks to offer the best authentic African cuisine.
Opening times: Tuesday – Sunday, 12 pm – 10 pm
Their service options: Sit-in and Takeaway
Rating (Google reviews): 4.5
Contact: 011 258 4463
Address: 7156 Vilakazi St, Orlando West, Soweto, 1804
2. Marble restaurant
Marble, one of the highly anticipated Rosebank restaurants, masterminded by chef David Higgs and businessman Gary Kyriacou, exceeded all expectations with its exceptional offerings. This establishment takes the art of live-fire cooking to unprecedented heights of sophistication and innovation.
The menu at Marble showcases a delightful array of culinary creations, ranging from intricate Mediterranean-inspired delicacies to vibrant Thai influences and tantalizing Argentinian barbeque grills. What sets this restaurant apart is its unwavering commitment to locally sourced, seasonal ingredients, ensuring an unforgettable dining experience.
Opening times: Monday – Sunday, 12 pm – 10 pm
Their service options: Sit-in and Takeaway
Rating (Google reviews): 4.5
Contact: 010 594 5550
Address: Trumpet on Keyes Corner 19 Keyes and, Jellicoe Ave, Rosebank, Johannesburg, 2196
Also Read: 10 of the best restaurants in Polokwane
3. Momo Baohaus Greenside
Momo can be described as an Asian-fusion spot where you feast on the likes of their Bao buns, Firecracker Prawns, which come with puffed vermicelli, sriracha, togarashi spice, and wasabi mayo, or their deep-fried buns that come with a salted caramel dip for dessert, to name a few options on their menu. You can find their other franchises in locations such as Rosebank, Fourways, Bryanston, and restaurants in Randburg.
Opening times: Monday – Sunday; 11 am – 9:30 pm
Their service options: Sit-in, Delivery and Takeaway
Rating (Google reviews): 4.4
Contact: 010 900 4889
Address: 139 Greenway, Greenside, Randburg, 2034
Also Read: 5 Breakfast spots in and around the Midlands
4. Café del Sol Classico
Cafe del Sol’s menu offers a full and delectable tour of Italy’s rich cuisine, making it one of the top Italian restaurants in town, according to reviews. Enjoy a dish of absolutely delicious, homemade pasta for a decadent lunch, or go to Cafe del Sol for a romantic evening by candlelight.
Opening times: Tuesday – Saturday; 11 am – 10 pm; Sunday, 11 am – 5 pm;
Their service options: Sit-in, Delivery and Takeaway
Rating (Google reviews): 4.6
Contact: 011 704 6493
Address: Cnr Blueberry Street, Cnr Beyers Naude Drive Blueberry Square, Shop 305, Upper Level, Honeydew, Roodepoort, 2040
Also Read: The 15 BEST Hillcrest Restaurants
5. Level Four Restaurant
Rosebank’s Level Four Restaurant, located at 54 on Bath, serves up exceptional fine dining. The menu features timeless concepts that have been expertly reinterpreted with powerful flavours.
You’ll keep coming back for more thanks to the inventive flavour and texture pairings. Not to forget the urbane environment, exceptional service, and the limited-edition CWG auction wines add to the experience
Opening times: Monday – Sunday, 6:30 am – 10:30 am; 12 pm – 3 pm; 6 pm – 10 pm
Their service options: Sit-in
Rating (Google reviews): 4.6
Contact: 011 344 8442
Address: 54 on Bath Hotel, 54 Bath Ave, Rosebank, Johannesburg, 2196
Also Read: The 20 Best Restaurants in Bloemfontein
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6. DW Eleven-13
DW Eleven – 13 offers a unique experience through experimental cuisine and invites diners to explore the unknown. Every mouthful from Marthinus Ferreira’s restaurant dazzles the palette and captivates the imagination with fantastic creations.
It is to be noted that tasting plates change seasonally. The truffle-infused sous-vide hen’s egg, seared tuna sashimi with oyster coulis, lemon, and fennel, as well as bresaola and pickled vegetables, slaphakskeentjies (cooked onion salad) and dukkah, were some of the previous standout dishes. Desserts are also amazing.
Opening times: Tuesday – Saturday, 12 pm – 2:30 pm, 6:30 pm – 11 pm
Their service options: Sit-in and Takeaway
Rating (Google reviews): 4.7
Contact: 011 341 0663
Address: Dunkeld West Shopping Centre, Jan Smuts Ave, Dunkeld West, Johannesburg, 2193
Also Read: 10 Best Restaurants in Krugersdorp
7. Mythos Rosebank
Mythos is a regional brand with multiple locations in Johannesburg. This establishment mainly serves a wide variety of traditional Greek dishes and Mediterranean cuisine. The main attraction of Mythos is its extensive menu of meze meals, which are available in a variety of meat, fish, and vegetarian options. It also has some amazing specials which you can check out below.
Opening times: Monday – Sunday, 11 am – 10 pm
Current deals: R89 Lunch Special (From Monday till Friday 4:30 pm); Trio Tuesday R149 from 5 pm
Their service options: Sit-in, Delivery and Takeaway
Rating (Google reviews): 4.3
Contact: 011 268 0916
Address: The Zone Rosebank, 177 Oxford Rd, Rosebank, Johannesburg, 2196
Also Read: A foodie’s guide to Durban: 7 Restaurants and cafes to visit
8. Qunu Restaurant
With an honest approach to cooking and an inventive menu with bold flavours, Qunu uses only the best cuts of meat from South Africa, the freshest fish and hand-picked seasonal ingredients.
In order to ensure that your favourite cuisine is coupled with the ideal wine, the sommeliers engage with visitors and enjoy sharing their expertise on both domestic and foreign wines.
Opening times: Monday – Sunday, 06:30 am – 10:30 am, 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm, 6:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Their service options: Sit-in
Rating (Google reviews): 4.4
Contact: 087 375 7777
Address: 36 Saxon Rd, Sandhurst, Johannesburg, 2196
Also Read: The 15 BEST Hillcrest Restaurants
9. The Local Grill
The Local Grill prides itself on being one of the best grill houses in the region and this can be supported by the various achievements and accolades that the restaurant has received since its establishment in 2002. Expect a showcase of different cuts from different countries like Brazil, Australia and neighbouring African countries alike. You can check their menu here for an extensive look.
Opening times: Monday – Saturday; 12 pm – 10 pm; Sunday, 12 pm – 4 pm
Their service options: Sit-in & Takeaway
Rating (Google reviews): 4.5
Contact: 011 880 1946
Address: 50 7th Ave, Parktown North, Randburg, 2193
Also Read: 20 of the BEST Vilakazi Street Restaurants
10. Clico Restaurant
The new restaurant that debuted in October 2015 was an exciting addition to the boutique Hotel. The Clico Restaurant is conveniently located close to off-street parking that is reachable via Jellicoe Avenue. Intimate and personalized, Clico has earned a reputation as a place where you can experience European-style cooking.
This upscale eatery has quickly established itself as a pleasant and revitalizing addition to the Johannesburg eating scene.
Opening times: Monday – Sunday, 06:30 am – 10:30 am, 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm, 6:30 pm – 10 pm
Their service options: Sit-in only
Rating (Google reviews): 4.4
Contact: 011 252 3300
Address: 27 Sturdee Ave, Rosebank, Johannesburg, 2196
11. March Restaurant – African Pride Melrose Arch Hotel
Many areas of Johannesburg are difficult to navigate on foot, but Melrose Arch, a chic complex home to some of the best eateries, galleries, and shops in the city, is an exception. For the best dining experience in Johannesburg, head to the Melrose Arch restaurants, including March Restaurant, whether it’s for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Opening times: Monday – Sunday, 06:30 am – 10:30 am, 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm, 6:30 pm – 10 pm
Their service options: Sit-in only
Rating (Google reviews): 4.6
Contact: 011 214 6666
Address: 1 Melrose Blvd, Melrose Arch, Johannesburg, 2196
12. Coalition Pizza Parktown
The whitewashed walls and simple furnishings of this modest diner belie the high calibre of the food served. The menu is straightforward and offers only a few selections, but the crispy pies—baked every day with traditional ingredients in a wood-fired oven—will have you exclaiming, “Mama mia!”
Opening times: Sunday – Monday, 12pm – 8pm; Tuesday – Wednesday; 12:00 pm – 9:00 pm, Thursday – Saturday 12 pm – 11 pm
Their service options: Sit-in, Takeaway and Delivery
Rating (Google reviews): 4.5
Contact: 067 150 3428
Address: 2 Bolton Rd, Parkwood, Randburg, 2193
13. Breezeblock
People frequently come here for the excellent breakfast options, which include mouthwatering options like huevos rancheros and baked pancakes in addition to a large selection of vegetarian and vegan food but many stay for coffee because of the welcoming atmosphere. This includes the covered courtyard that is decorated with potted succulents and cactus.
Opening times: Monday – Sunday, 7 am – 4 pm
Their service options: Sit-in and Takeaway
Rating (Google reviews): 4.5
Contact: 078 175 2556
Address: 29 Chiswick St, Brixton, Johannesburg
14. Tasha’s Rosebank
Locals laud Tasha’s for its delectable cuisine and fun atmosphere. The multiple branches each have their own menus, and because they are so well-liked, it can be difficult to find a table for lunch if you don’t get there early enough!
There are sandwiches, spaghetti dishes, steaks, fish, and cold, energizing beverages like the Rose and Lemon Ice Tea Granita available. Once your main dish is finished, finish your meal with some sweet treats from the deli table.
Opening times: Monday – Saturday, 8 am – 5:30 pm; Sunday, 8 am – 3:00 pm
Their service options: Sit-in, Takeaway and Delivery
Rating (Google reviews): 4.3
Contact: 011 447 7972
Address: Shop G28, The Zone Rosebank, Oxford Road, Rosebank, Johannesburg
15. Carnivore Restaurant
The Carnivore is one of the top buffet restaurants in Johannesburg and has long been a favourite of residents and tourists looking for a fantastic game meat buffet. On the menu, you’ll find giraffe, crocodile, impala, kudu, and springbok, among other traditional and more western meals.
Servers deliver large skewers of sizzling meat straight from the grill to your table using a stop-go system, only halting when the stop sign is shown.
Opening times: Wednesday – Saturday, 12 pm – 10 pm; Sunday, 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Their service options: Sit-in only
Rating (Google reviews): 4.4
Contact: 011 950 6000
Address: 69 Drift Blvd, Estate, Muldersdrift, 1747, South Africa
Once you have explored all the restaurants in Johannesburg, be sure to check out the great restaurants in Pretoria.
