Johannesburg
Miss Grace Country Food House
Miss Grace offers a beautiful garden setting in Joburg’s countryside. The quaint, romantic set up is ideal for a special occasion, which has seen many baby showers and bachelorettes, but its also ideal for children and families. What makes Miss Grace extra special is that they welcome pets and provide a unique pooch menu so your dog isn’t at all left out. The human menu is extensive with breakfasts, sandwiches and a variety of light lunch options, as well as high tea.
L’antico Giardino, Lanseria
Falling under The Forum group who run events and event spaces, L’antico Giardino is a dining venue that is open to the public on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Saturdays and Sundays offer breakfast and lunch while Fridays open up between 3pm and 6pm, for late afternoon drinks. The chic farm setting sits between lush greenery and tall trees, offering an ideal escape from the two nearby cities.
Culinary Table, Lanseria
Another country restaurant in Lanseria, Culinary Table, provides a true farm-to-table experience with produce grown sustainably right on the property. The menu changes weekly depending on whats available and seasonal. The current menu sees dishes like Gorgonzola gnocchi, Smorgasboard and pork and lamb chops.
Silver Orange Bistro
Another country restaurant in Joburg’s surrounds is Silver Orange Bistro which epitomises country-dining with much character and old-world charm. The restaurant is set in a thatch manor house that has been with the family owners for the last 3 generations. The restaurant gets its name from the citrus orchard it sits on, offering a distinctive and delicious fragrance to the area. The estate has recently welcomed a new restaurant, Almost Orange, which offers a casual lunch menu different to the fine-dining at the bistro.
Paul Bakery
Joburg was abuzz with the recent opening of Paul in Melrose Arch. Europe’s franchised French bakery had landed in Joburg’s centre, gifting us with its famous macarons, croissants and eclairs. The café is fairly larger than usual with a grand, bold exterior that made sure of its impressive unveiling. Perhaps this is the first of many!
Cape Town
Shio
We’ve mentioned Shio before in our guide to hidden gems, but this one is far from hidden now. Cheyne plays with flavours that create distinct Asian dishes that really have defined his unique style developed over the last few years at his two Hout Bay restaurants: Cheyne’s and Lucky Bao. Shio’s setting is ideal on De Waterkant’s Napier Street as you enjoy umami laden dishes in one of the city’s most picturesque neighbourhoods.
Homage 1862
Homage created a Instagram furore in the Cape Town food world when it opened last month. Food24 quickly visited and found a restaurant that is defined by its nonconforming concept and its real, flavourful food. The space is beautifully designed to put diners at ease, allowing you to escape the city and blissfully enjoy breakfast and lunch that play with flavours from the Middle East and Mediterranean with a sprinkling of Japan. Try the miso salmon, smoked aubergine, butterflied chicken and Turkish eggs.
Hokey Poke
We were very excited when this CBD joint opened its doors. Cape Town’s first ever dedicated poke restaurant was definitely something to try out, and they won us over in an instant. The poke bowls are consistently fresh and flavourful with options of tuna, salmon, beef, chicken and tofu and a variety of salad ingredients and Asian sauces. You can eat in or take out, and either build your own bowl or choose from the menu.
Thali
Another Food24 favourite is Indian tapas restaurant, Thali, founded by Chef Liam Tomlin. The set menu serves 2 guests sharing, and offers really generous courses that take you on a modern Indian culinary journey, that steers far away from the simple butter chicken and rice. Liam has curated a menu that shows off his knack for creating small plates encompassing multiple flavours that elevate the very notion of tapas dining.
The Aviary
This little café is brand new and a very much welcomed addition to Woodstock’s growing culinary scene. The food is wholesome and simple with a setting to match. It’s food you wish you could whip up at home, but don’t have the time or the ability, so thankfully The Aviary is here to provide comfort food to hit the spot. They offer changing lunch specials so check our their Facebook page for updates as well as a look at their latest baked goods.
Durban
The Sushi Corner Restaurant
The Sushi Corner is a reliable and affordable sushi joint that offers diners a laid-back dining experience. Its a family-run business which has made sure a lot of heart and soul has gone into the restaurant’s foundation, which is evident in the friendly, warm atmosphere and service. Sushi rolls range from traditional to contemporary – there’s a little bit of everything for a whole lot of ordering that will no doubt take place.
Robson’s Real Beer
As the name suggests, these guys pride themselves on serving proper craft beer, which they produce themselves. The beer brand came around first, and more recently the gastropub and brewery was opened to the public as a space to enjoy quality comfort food that compliments their extensive beer offering. The Robson’s brewery also offers tours and tastings, which you can book via their website.
Ink Foods
Situated in KwaMashu township, two old friends, Lindo and Sizwe, teamed up to offer the area a modern, youthful approach to local cuisine, with a dash of American diner fast food. The pair have created the restaurant out of repurposed containers, syncing with the general innovation of the restaurant’s concept. Enjoy freak shakes, mammoth burgers and sticky BBQ wings.
The Chairman
The essence of the Chairman is its music, known for it’s live jazz, it holds a significant part of Durban’s soul, and takes you back to a golden age of music. This jazz club sits beside run-down Edwardian buildings that hint at the area’s historical value, that now sits in a more developed landscape. The Chairman offers impressive cocktails and an extensive drinks menu, along with pizzas and sumptuous bar snacks.
Bread, the artisan bakery
In need of some proper hand crafted, fresh-out-the-oven bread? This is the spot! Bread provides all your bread needs along with other sweet treats like cupcakes, cinnamon buns and fancy mini desserts. They keep things simple, with minimal fuss, solely focusing on the craft that lies in the baking and preparation of quality bread. They also serve lunch specials in their cozy dining area that will have you feeling right at home.
Port Elizabeth
Gunston’s Gastropub
It’s no wonder Gunston’s is on this list. They have grown a large and loyal following since opening just last year. Online customer reviews will tell you of their superb food that is consistently fresh and tasty. The brother duo, who own the restaurant, are well known in Port Elizabeth for their other restaurants The Chartroom and Two Olives, but Gunston’s offers something totally different with gourmet comfort pub grub, and a relaxed environment that breeds a good social atmosphere.
Cubata Grill House
Another local favourite, however a much older one, Cubata offers traditional Portuguese cuisine in a no-frills, laid-back environment. The restaurant embodies a family-friendly atmosphere with food designed to be shared. They don’t have a liquor license so you can bring your own alcoholic drinks or purchase soft drinks from the bar.
Angelo’s
Angelo’s is a modern pizzeria with a friendly ambience that welcomes the surrounding neighbourhood. They’ve become a trusty and tasty spot for a good dinner that is suitable for families or groups of friends. The restaurant prides itself on its artisanal approach, making everything from scratch and in-house. Be sure to ask for the specials!
Beer Yard
A well known, go-to hangout for locals, with an extensive beer menu and modern bar food, Beer Yard gets rather festive and always offers a good vibe. The food is good too and offers great value for money with gourmet sliders, rustic pizzas, pastas and salads – look out for the daily specials on their Facebook page.
Life with Lemons
This cute café featured on our lemon meringue guide. With a name like that, they couldn’t get away with not serving a brilliant lemon meringue pie of course. Life with Lemon’s is particularly popular for female gatherings such as kitchen tea’s and baby showers, with their lovely front patio and delicious baked sweet treats. They provide snack platters for bigger groups, or you can simply visit for lunch.
Pretoria
Casa Bourguesa
This cozy restaurant is filled with character that creates a warm, homey setting, complimented by the welcoming owners and staff. The restaurant comprises an authentic mix of the best cuisines from the Mediterranean. You’ll find pizzas, fresh seafood, Portuguese spiced chicken and Spanish tapas. Staying true to the restaurant’s location, they also include a generous dose of local cuisine; the overall combination makes for a very dynamic and enticing menu.
Alfie’s Pizzeria
Alfie’s Pizzeria proves that authentic Italian cuisine can be brought to life in South Africa. Their incredible, crispy wood fired pizzas, as well as their Italian cured meat platter and the snack platter from the Aperitivo Bar, show off their distinctive flair and respect for tradition in Italian food. On a warm day, the deck is an ideal spot to relax with friends with a glass of Aperol Spritz!
Forkies Real Food Parlour
The clue is in the name! Forkies’ first and most salient focus is their food. They aim to always serve food that shows off their creative energy and passion for quality, with food that is their to satisfy and comfort. They draw inspiration from Cuba, a country known for its unique and authentic food processes. On the menu you’ll find their signature roast chicken salad, classic Cuban cubanos and crispy thin-based pizzas.
Anja’s Tea Garden
Set on a farm with a lovely expansive garden, Anja’s serves tea and cake while you relax on the grass in Pretoria’s countryside. It’s ideal for children who can frolic on the green and play on the jungle Jim. For special occasion, Anja’s will serve high tea, with a selection of their decadent sweet treats, which can also be enjoyed in their private dining room.
Blu Saffron
Blu Saffron is situated on the gorgeous ground of the Pretoria Country Club. The location allows diners to be transported to a place filled with nature and tranquility without leaving the city. The space offers indoor and outdoor seating, as well as private dining rooms for special occasions. The setting and food are both sophisticated and refined with dishes like beef biltong carpaccio, fillet medallions, Kingklip fillet and avocado Ritz.