8 Restaurants in Joburg where you can sit outside and not see your car or a road

(Image: Athol Place Hotel and Villa)

It seems to be a commonly held belief in Joburg, if you can’t see the sea or a mountain, the next best thing to look at is your own car or a busy road. 

It intrigues me that people will pay someone to keep an eye on their car, yet, will still want to be able to do so themselves whilst tucking into a good meal. For those that don’t feel they need to supervise the car guards and would like to enjoy a meal without having to watch someone attempt an impossible parallel parking maneuver or inhale the fumes of the passing traffic, we have compiled a list of a few options…

ALSO READ: 10 Exotic restaurants in Joburg that allow you taste the world

Arbour Café  
A hidden gem in the Birdhaven Centre. Diners can sit in the gorgeous little courtyard and enjoy French-inspired café delights. The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and more recently for dinner too.

Athol Place 
Best described as an urban oasis – Athol Place is set in a beautiful garden only a few minutes away from the Sandton CBD. Elegant, delicious lunches available as well as a fine-dining menu in the evenings.

READ: Our full review of Athol Place HERE.

Ferguson’s on 5th
This hidden gem, situated on top of an office block, allows you to enjoy amazing views of the Jozi skyline as well as the urban forest, whilst enjoying your meal.  The restaurant is only open for breakfast and lunch during the week and runs as a private function venue in the evening and on weekends. Breakfast and lunch options are delicious and a freshly prepared harvest table is sure to tempt you. 

Four Seasons Hotel – The Westcliff in Johannesburg
When it comes to a list of restaurants with a view in Jozi, it would be incomplete without mentioning this one. Whether it is more casual dining option of Flames restaurant, or the upmarket option of View, you can’t really go wrong. The views are really spectacular and you might even get to spot an elephant in the zoo, whilst sipping your cocktails. 

La Vie en Rose
Recently located to the Killarney Country Club with lush lawns, stylish décor and design.  The menu is extensive and promises to offer something for every member of the group. The restaurant is open seven days a week for breakfast and lunch, and dinner on Tuesday – Sunday. 

Munch Café – Garden Shop Nursery, Corner of Jan Smuts Avenue and Bolton Road, Parktown North
Set within the extensive Garden Shop Nursery, this little gem is open for breakfast and lunch five days a week. Extensive breakfast and lunch options and staff are great with kiddie menu requests. 

44 Stanley Complex
Some debate on whether this qualifies for the list, but you can sit outside and you can’t see a car! There are a few options to choose from in this centre – 

Il Giardino has a gorgeous olive tree filled courtyard. Great, authentic Italian meals on offer include a selection of pasta and risotto, an amazing slow roasted lamb shank or even some gourmet pizzas. Sunday lunch is a really festive outing, with some great live music. 

Stanley Beer Yard – a relaxed, friendly ambience with a huge variety of craft and local beers. Food ranges from beer basted pregos to sharing boards with cured meats, cheese and Mediterranean veggies. Live bands play on Saturdays and a 60s/70s music themed afternoon every last Sunday of the month.

Salvation Café – Enjoy breakfast and lunch under the trees at this little café. Whilst you can always go for the more traditional option egg and bacon brekkie, there are more interesting options like haloumi breakfast burrito or Caribbean sweet French toast. Lunch favourites include 5 spice calamari and Thai style fish cakes. 

ALSO READ: Jamie’s Italian in Melrose Arch – reviewed