(Image by Momo Baohaus)
Momo Soko and Momo Baohaus
The Greenside and Illovo siblings are constantly making Insta-news for their delish noodle, poke and bao specialities. Expect a fresh take on Asian street food.
Aurelies, Midrand
Vegetarians have a gorgeous option at this light and airy Woodmead café. There’s strong emphasis on healthy eating, so you can expect dishes that pack nutrients as well as flavour into every mouthful. We’re particularly impressed by the breakfast menu: the pear, onion and got cheese frittata is especially yum.
Upcycled Café, Benoni
Follow your masala scramble with a Nutella scroll for breakfast, and you’ve had a truly magnificent start to the day. Upcycled Café also serves some mean nachos, and we love the Durban Pizza (a must for potato fans).
Rooftop Café, Saxonwold
Anything making reference to rooftops is expected to have a spectacular view – and this Saxonwold restaurant doesn’t disappoint. Delight in Johannesburg’s jacarandas while you tuck into poached pear and fig salad, with caramelised nuts and watercress creating the perfect balance of bitter and sweet; halloumi balls wrapped in kataifi pastry for a bit of crunch, a prawn platter or the Pavlova to end all Pavlovas.
Galata Bakery and Coffee, Braamfontein
Why book a ticket to Istanbul when you can pop down to Braamfontein? When it comes to Turkish cuisine, this is the real deal: breakfast on Turkish sausage with Sucuk and mozzarella, or have a midday main of pide (Turkish pizza) or mince, spinach and cheese boreks.
Bismillah Restaurant
Fordsburg is probably Johannesburg’s capital of halal – but of the many, many eateries that have sprung up here, Bismillah stands out as one of the very best. The menu presents an almost endless array of options, from samosas and parathas to salads and a variety of curries.
Istanbul Kebab, Fordsburg
Kebabs are, unsurprisingly, the hero of the menu here but the shwarmas and wraps also deserve a mention. There are also some deliciously authentic puddings and beverages on offer – wash the rice pudding down with apple tea.
Ozzy’s Kitchen, Wynberg
Visit this Wynberg eatery for café-style light meals, burgers and gourmet sandwiches. Breakfasts are also good: check out the French toast (topped with camembert, berries and maple syrup) or the corn fritter Benedict. For lunch, go for the beer battered fish (without beer, of course) or the sirloin sandwich with red onion and tomato marmalade.
47 on Grant, Norwood
Turkish cuisine gets a fusion mash-up at this Norwood restaurant so that in addition to popular Middle Eastern staples (think Iskander kebabs and meze platters), you can also tuck into a butternut curry, bean soup or moussaka. The mocktails are a win – choose from mojitos, Moscow mules or watermelon and basil cordial, amongst others.
Kashif’s Fusion Food and Deli, Fordsburg
If you’re one of those people who battle to make up your mind when it comes to placing an order, Kashif’s will probably pose a bit of a challenge. You’ll find everything from pancakes stuffed with seafood in a cheesy sauce to chicken satays, crab and sweetcorn cakes, chicken chow mein and various curries on the menu. There are extensive options for kiddies and vegetarians, too.
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