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Jo'burgers love eating out, and there are hundreds of restaurants throughout the city to satisfy them. Some notable destinations for food include Melrose Arch, Parkhurst, Sandton, and Greenside. Smart-casual dress is a good bet. Many establishments are closed on Sunday night and Monday.
There's no way to do justice to the sheer scope and variety of Johannesburg's restaurants in a few examples. What follows is a (necessarily subjective) list of some of the best. Try asking locals what they recommend; eating out is the most popular form of entertainment in Johannesburg, and everyone has a list of favorite spots, which changes often.
One of the coolest places to be seen in Maboneng, Bertrand Café exudes a shabby chic style with its mirror and portrait walls, chandelier, mix-match pops of color, and bookshelves lined with bric-a-brac. The food is a fusion of French and African flavors thanks to inspiration from the Congolese co-owner Bertrand Mampouya.
It's hard to find a table inside without a dinner booking (even during the week) at this father-and-son-owned restaurant simply because the food always delivers on taste, portion size, and how it's plated. The jovial ambience and pastel colors reminiscent of a Modena sunset add to the flavor of their modern Italian fare. With handmade pasta by chef son Vassilios Holiasmeno and Neapolitan-style pizzas (the kind where the dough is left to rise for at least two days before being wood-fired) on the menu, you can't go wrong for a quick breakfast bite, hearty lunch, or a romantic dinner date at this corner-side eatery, where locals return again and again.
For a time out from Sandton’s skyscrapers, head to this bistro-style eatery with floor-to-ceiling windows and a living plant wall and planters that give it an urban jungle feel; there's even access to walking paths and a children’s play area. The menu features small plates, hot and cold salads, and a wide selection of main meals (try the Truffles Risotto Fillet) and vegan options. No matter where you choose to enjoy their signature elderflower gin and tonic---be it on the wooden deck or the casual beach area with its reclining benches and sand---you’ll be surrounded by a relaxed atmosphere.
Meat is the specialty at this upmarket steak-house chain, with a wide range of steaks, ribs, and burgers to choose from. For something very South African—and yet a little different from the popular oxtail dish—try the lamb steak slow-cooked in a rich brown gravy. Aside from the Illovo branch, there are other Turn 'n Tender outlets in Bryanston, Parktown North, Bedfordview, and Boksburg. Details for each can be found on the chain's website.
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