There’s a lot of debate around at the
moment as to whether or not Johannesburg has a fine dining scene AT ALL, let
alone whether it’s any good.
Which is important… but not THAT
important to most of us. We’ve asked our Joburg reviewer to give us a list of
10 restaurants she personally feels will guarantee you a nice time eating
out in Johannesburg.
And here it is.
Lucky Bean Restaurant, Melville
16th Seventh Street
Lucky
Bean – I reckon you’re just lucky if you’ve been there. (I know). But
seriously, what’s not to love about one of the Southern Suburbs’
most-loved, and very Jozi-esque lunch spots.
Sauvignon Blanc
Slow cooked pork belly and star anise sauce: topped with calamari
stuffed with chilli, lime and coconut milk jam – OR go Karoo-fusion with
the Ostrich bobotie spring rolls – OR Springbok with port jus, mash and
roast vegetables.
Dessert – Pear and pecan nut tart. No question.
What
else – DJs on Friday afternoons and weekends; the breathtaking Lucky
Bean Tree Mural (gotta see it); funky lounge/bar where you can have
private parties.
Possum’s Bistro and Deli, Parkhurst
Cnr 6th Street and 4th Avenue
With
it’s busy-busy buzzing atmosphere, Possums is quirky, colourful and has
a faithful following of epicurean enthusiasts who flock here regularly
for out-the-box meals. They’re also proudly punting free-range and
organic produce. ‘Food embroidered by imagination’ is their
catch-phrase.
So to eat? Try free-range pork belly salad with
organic vegetables and a dijon-orange dressing; Duck breast on bok choy
with pomegranate glaze and ginger potatoes. Their deli also has a whole
range of goodies that you’ll want to take home with you.
The Leopard, Parkhurst
Cnr 12th Street & 4th Avenue
The
unfussy, light, happy space is just the place to unwind before heading
back to the hubbub of the afternoon at work, or for a leisurely weekend
lunch or dinner. And then there’s the option of breakfast for lunch –
anyone? Owner Andrew Burgener has poured her culinary heart and soul
into this place, and you can taste the creativity in every bite. Oh, and
they like to feed you meat from happy cows and such, always a major
bonus.
With the underlying Asian influence, I’m in my happy
place before I’ve even sat down. Tuck into a ‘Vigour bowl’ that comes in
bento-box fashion with layering of sticky rice, veg and either crispy
duck or shiitake mushrooms to top it all off. To end – DIY hot choc,
thankyouverymuch. Positively lip smacking.
Cube, Parktown North
17- 4th Ave, Parktown North (next to Mantra)
If
it’s pure gastronomical fascination and pushing the proverbial foodie
boat out that lights your fire, then this is the place for you.
Completely down-to-earth award-winning celebrity chef Dario de Angeli’s
recently turned things up a notch, and opened his Cube Test Kitchen.
Think
20 course seasonal tasting menus, with palate-tickling treats like
de-constructed gazpacho, liquid apple cream pies, mushroom shots and
squid ink prawns. These are just a few of his jaw-dropping signature
dishes (aka works of art) that I had the pleasure of sampling recently.
And all delivered with his self-deprecating charm.
The tasting
menu goes for around R450, and it’s BYO booze, so call ahead and they’ll
even give you suggestions on what to bring along so that it pairs
beautifully with your food on the night.
Wombles, Parktown North
17 Third Avenue
Also in Illovo, Bassonia, Bryanston
If
she really loves you, if you’re really soul mates, if it’s destiny,
then it has to be steak, surely? And what could fit the bill more
perfectly than award-winning steaks served with (somewhat retro) love.
These guys live for honest-to-goodnessly delicious vleis, and they will
go to any lengths to make sure you leave with a full and happy belly,
smiling all over your face.
Modo Mio, Sandton
339 Jan Smuts Avenue, Shepherd Market, Randburg/Hyde Park
They
have Zucchini fries. And they are drop dead delicious. And well, then
there’s the dessert pizzas. Need I say more? Modo Mio is tucked away in
“Shepherd’s Market” off Jan Smuts (between Hyde Park Centre & the
Colony) and opens onto a not-so-grand parking lot. But don’t let that
put you off for one single second. It’s a cute little trattoria that
deserves your undivided attention very soon.
The Good Luck Club, Illovo
3 Corlett Drive
Asian
fusion is what this happening little spot is all about, and that means
epic ‘noodle bowls’ (one-pots packed with flavour), super laid-back vibe
but with the usual efficiency of Asian service, gorgeous creamy coconut
juice, slow beers, oh, and the cutest kitty cat wall paper you ever did
see. It’s cracking.
So fly in for some ‘Lucky wings’ with
ginger, fish sauce, garlic, parsley and mint. Or try their dim sum to
die for. Also, next door is Wolves deli/coffee shop, so it’s kind of a
two for one deal for getting your happy on.
Voodoo Lily Café, Birdhaven/Sandhurst
64 St Andrew Street
For
funk-less-the-fuss and happy, organic comfort food this is the place to
go. And we’re talking about a whole lot more than just lentils. Heck,
they even have burgers that are almost worth marrying. And, their little
deli means that you can even take home more goodness for later. Don’t
mind if we do.
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.
Ghazal, Peter Place, Sunninghill
Coachman’s Crossing, Peter Place and The Square, Sunninghill
Now
these guys are the kings of the curry quick fix. 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.
The Eatery, Parkmore
C/O Victoria Ave and 11th Street
You’d
think it’d be hard to take two fairly green (as in newbie) green (as in
sourcing happy food) restaurateurs seriously, or at least think ‘their
days are numbered’ but not so of this spot. It’s far and away one of my
favourite in the city. Beautiful food, sophisticated yet vibey
atmosphere and the distinct impression that this is about the evolution
of epicurean passion.
Disagree? Got any other suggestions?
Have your own say, by
reviewing your favourite Johannesburg restaurant on Food24.