Joburg food zone: Northern Suburbs

Quiet tree-lined streets of the Northern Suburbs and surrounds does not mean dull eating-out options, and here’s proof…

Cafe del Sol, Randburg
Olivedale Corner Centre, car Olive and Pres. Fouche Road

Recently voted ‘Best Italian’ in South Africa in the prestigious Eat Out awards 2012, we see no reason to argue with their choice. They have everything from intelligently updated twists on Italian classics, to marshmallow-fluffy gnocchi. The only problem? Be careful, it’s addictive.

Country Living, Bryanston
Bryanston Shopping Centre, Cnr William Nicol and Ballyclare

Shabby chic at its best, with perhaps a little more chic than shabby. Head here for a classier breakfast affair and delicious pastries and sweet treats. Especially nice on chillier days when it’s cosy and they have the fire going.

Curry Palace, Ferndale
Ferndale Shopping Centre, Cnr Main Rd and Oxford Road

Vibey, bustling, and probably a flat screen showing whatever is going down in the world of cricket is what you can expect to find at this very happy-making establishment. And it doesn’t stop there, you’re sure to score a home run (baseball, I know) on whatever dish you choose, so if you’re not the betting kind, you’re more than safe.

Ghazal, Peter Place, Bryanston
Coachman’s Crossing, Peter Place and The Square, Sunninghill

Now these guys are the kings of the curry quick fix. More so for me perhaps as I live just down the road, but truly, ask anyone around here and talk of Ghazal comes with a very firm thumbs up.
You’ll be rather pleased with yourself if you start off with the ‘starter platter for 1’ which comes with a delicious array of treats, from vegetable samosas to onion bhajias and the most succulent tikka chicken. For mains, try their classic lamb khorma or gosht badami tender lean lamb in an almond and cream gravy or kingklip curry in a spicy and fragrant paste. Oh, and make sure you book.

Junipas, Bryanston
Hobart Centre ,Cnr Hobart and Grosvenor Road

Officially, really, truly the best croissants in Joburg and a gorgeous sunny terrace are just two traits of many that keep people in the Northern Suburbs coming back for more. We also love their ‘red velvet breakfast pancakes’, salmon rostis and home made burgers.

Peach Cafe, Camdeboo Farm, Fourways
83 Selbourne Road, Off Church Street

Pull on your hunter wellies, or vellies, and head on over for beautiful rustic farm fare, and good clean farm air. The happy-making food at this absolutely charming little spot is made with love by husband and wife team, Siân and Greg Gautier. Also, take your kiddies along and say hello to the ducks and even pick peaches from their orchard when in season. Love!

Red Rabbit French Grill, Bryanston
The Nicolway Centre

Like I said before, eating in shopping malls is never my first choice, but in the case of the Red Rabbit, we’re pretty smug about being almost-regulars and keep going back for their traditional French-style mussels with shoestring fries, duck pie with cranberry sauce, and springbok carpaccio that’s worth boasting about when it features on the specials list. Great service, great ambience, we love.

Turn n’ Tender, Bryanston
The Nicolway Centre

Just across the way from the French Rabbit, is one of the Northern Suburbs’ favourite steak houses. Classic well-loved South African steaks with all the trimmings are what they brag about, and with good reason. Get it here!

2B Cuisine, Epsom Downs
Epsom Downs Shopping Centre, Cnr William Nicol Avenue and Sloane Street

Beautiful breakfasts, gorgeous salads, home made burgers, artisanal breads and pastries worth taking home to Mum. This place is owner-run and you can taste it.

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