(Image by Lily’s)
Cape Town
Lily’s, Mouille Point
Joining the Kove Collection’s stable of restaurants, Lily’s follows their effortlessly chic approach to dining. The contemporary space offers an open, fluid layout that enjoys views of the beach front and promenade. They are open all day, serving modern, creative comfort food like phyllo pastry tofu parcels, crispy fried chicken and slaw and a brioche bun burger served with house pickles and fries, to name a few. Breakfast is equally as lavish with dishes like Norwegian salmon with horse radish crème fraîche and the most decadent brioche French toast with maple and Mascarpone sauce. Please note: Lily’s does not yet have a liquor license but you are welcome to BYO.
SeaBreeze, Bree Street
Taking over one of the quaint heritage sites towards the end of Bree, in the company of Culture Club Cheese and Door 221, SeaBreeze takes you as close to the sea as one possibly can get on Bree Street. Now you can enjoy excellent sustainable seafood in the CBD. The setting is as fresh as the fish with a crisp blue and white theme offering understated, simple elegance.
Cabron, Bree Street
A lively taco joint and tequila bar, Cabron takes over the old Easy Tiger spot, with a renewed bright yellow exterior that instantly sets a cheerful and welcoming tone. Get involved in the pulled pork tacos, frozen margaritas and saucy burritos! They also have a special on Taco Tuesday where it’s buy two and get a third free.
HotMilk Coffee Co., Walmer Estate
A new neighbourhood coffee joint, proving that Woodstock is not slowing down in its café and culinary scene. The café is quaintly placed on the corner of Chester and Milan road and offers locals a place to relax with some good coffee and food, while feeling just as comfortable as one would at home. The setting is simple and down-to-earth and the food is all about hearty brunch.
Craft Burger Bar, CBD
Craft Burger Bar has extended to the other side of town on Buitengracht Street, after gaining a good foundation in Sea Point. Burgers are the order of the day here, done any way you like. You can make up your own by choosing from the toppings or choose from the already concocted menu items that focus on classic burger toppings and ingredients. They pride themselves on a high standard of burger making and also serve a range of craft beers, as is only natural!
Johannesburg
Wishbone Café and Bistro Bar, Sandton
Wishbone has opened in true Sandton style, with a sophisticated and fashionable interior that is suitable from day to night. The design epitomises the city restaurant, with high rise windows that integrates the surrounding urban environment. Wishbone serves sushi, decadent breakfasts, a selection of tapas, gourmet burgers, pizzas and pastas and a variety of seafood and grill options. The space is as dynamic as the menu!
La Boqueria, Parktown
La Boqueria is possibly one of the most exciting Joburg restaurants to open in a while, for both its exuberant menu and its designer setting. The menu sparks much intrigue with dishes that culminate a wide array of cuisines from Japanese to Spanish, with a good does of South American flair and flavour. Exotic dishes feature a wonder bowl of miso broth ramen, five-pepper barbecue squid, seafood paella, oxtail marmalade toast, serrano and asiago Croquettas and other tapas and mains of grills, kebabs and cured meat platters. It’s an endless journey of flavour in an elegant and eclectic setting filled with character.
Pizzeria Locale, Linden
It’s not new per se, however it has had a total revamp and been given a new name which has given this cute spot a new lease on life. The draw card here is of course their crispy-based pizzas which has kept locals streaming in for years, as well as the dining area in the garden. It’s also a pet-friendly spot and perfect for take-aways, which include burgers as well.
Pretoria
Guy Fieri’s Kitchen and Bar, Menlyn Maine
The rockstar of culinary critique and hedonistic eating has opened his first restaurant in South Africa, sure to be one of the liveliest establishments in the area. If you know Guy Fieri, you’ll know how much he loves his comfort food, and food that has health nuts shaking their heads, so expect mammoth burgers and other food combining an American-Italian theme. Also there’s a mechanical bull to try your hand at!
Something’s Cooking by J’Something, Menlyn Maine
The musician and now flourishing chef has opened up a space in Pretoria following his theme of unpretentious cooking that draws inspiration from a multitude of cuisines, including his own Portuguese and South African heritage. The restaurant sits at the top of the Sun International Times Square building, the same building as Guy Fieri’s restaurant, offering brilliant views of the surrounding area which is exceptionally lovely at sunset. Catch J’Something at this weekend’s Good Food and Wine Show in Cape Town.
Forti Grill and Bar In Menlyn Maine
From the Italian father and son duo that brought you Ritrovo Ristorante, they now opened the upmarket restaurant Forti Grill and Bar at Times Square Sun International Casino. The restaurant holds a speculator bar, massive kitchen and butchery where you can purchase your favourite cut.The interior oozes with elegance and features luxuriously plush couch-like seats and chandeliers made of recycled glass while the walls are adorned with fitting contemporary art pieces. You can look forward to their tasting menu featuring buffalo mozzarella, a trio of roast prawns, cannelloni and more. The also serve vegan-friendly food, pasta, steak, pork belly and desserts like pistachio brulee.
Durban
Tashas, Ballito
Tasha’s has opened yet another one of their vibrant restaurants in the seaside area of Ballito with a very appropriate Greek theme. To add to the blissful, holiday environment of the small town, enjoy mezze of cauliflower fritters, phyllo-baked feta, spiced tempura calamari and as well as traditional mains with a twist like the zucchini keftedes. The setting is typically Tasha’s upscale finishes with a laid-back ambience. There’s is also great outdoor seating for that warm Durban weather.
Vasco’s, The Hilton
Vasco’s is about Durban doing what Durban does best in the way of culinary delights. We’re talking about traditional Indian curries which can be enjoyed à la carte or from the buffet. The setting is sparse, sleek and very modern, and is ideal for work week lunches or meetings, being right in central Durban.
TELL US! Any new restaurants in your city? Let us know about them in the comments below!
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