10 Spots you should be eating at in Joburg’s Parktown North

(Image by La Boqueria)

While Parkhurst’s restaurant strip continues to be one of the most famous in the city, just up the road, Parktown North’s collection of eateries has developed into something rather special. From craft beer and cocktails to tasty tapas, whatever you’re in the mood for, you’ll find it here.

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Workshop 55
If you’re a gin fan, you’re probably already a regular here – the selection of local and international brands is, after all, pretty hard to rival. But the eclectic (and rather exotic) menu is just as impressive, featuring much-loved classics given a twist with unusual ingredients; think carpaccio with endamami beans, for example. Prepared right in front of you, it’s pure theatre.

Patachou Patisserie
The danishes and delicately pretty pastries are the obvious draw card here, but Patachou also dishes up scrumptious breakfasts, sandwiches and salads, as well as French-inspired lunches.

La Boqueria
The latest addition to the Parktown North family, the striking design of this gorgeous restaurant would be enough to get people talking – but they’re also raving about its street-style cuisine, influenced by flavours around the world. The paella has emerged as a definite favourite, but we’re dying to try poached cinnamon toffee apple.

Gabriella’s Tearoom
Boasting a light, airy interior you’ll wish you could emulate at home, Gabriella’s Tearoom specialties include pizzette (we’re intrigued by the artichoke pate, toasted almond and pesto option) and satisfying open sandwiches – roast beef with a red wine dip, for example.

La Cucina di Ciro
Sharing premises with Gabriella’s, this landmark must be one of Johannesburg’s most romantic spots. The intimate setting, inside a quaint character house, certainly adds to the mood, and the distinctly decadent menu doesn’t hurt, either. Favourites include calf liver, pasta with deboned quail and pasta with spiced chorizo.

The Local Grill
When a Johannesburg restaurant is still going strong after 15 years, you know it must be doing something right – especially when it’s consistently recognised as one of the city’s best steakhouses. It’s not just the quality of the meat that gets people coming back; it’s also the opportunity to have a unique dining experience, like the test kitchen beef appreciation evening, or a restaurant tour.

The National
The National serves up everything you’ve come to expect from local celeb chef James Diack, like bold, often smoky flavours and the freshest ingredients, harvested on his family farm. The menu has an American bent (the hot dogs and hamburgers are legendary), but there are nods to other cuisines from around the world: how does a smoky pork spring roll, served with peanut butter and lime dipping sauce sound?

(Image by The National)

The Foundry
One of Johannesburg’s first – and favourite – craft beer hangouts, the menu here has been carefully crafted to exist happily alongside artisanal drinks options. It’s gastro pub fare, but with a sophisticated twist. We think sharing a plank, stacked with cured meat cheese and pickles, washed down with a glass of signature craft beer, is one of the best ways to spend a Joburg evening.

That Spot on 4^th
Brand new to the area, here’s where to grab early morning breakfast. Go healthy with beetroot and berry oats, or indulgent with a bacon and banana waffle. The flat breads also deserve a mention.

Full Stop
A true institution, the laidback sunlit courtyard makes this a must for long, lazy lunches. The potato skins are perennially popular (try the smoked salmon option), but it’s also fun to linger over a shared platter.

What other restaurants are good in Parktown North? Comment below!

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