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12 Unmissable Brunch Spots in Johannesburg
Starting your weekend with a long, lazy brunch at a local café is the perfect way to indulge in fine food, freshly squeezed juices, and a mimosa or two.
Johannesburg boasts some of the best brunch spots, and we’ve handpicked our top favorites just for you. From classic pancakes to savory omelets, these brunch spots are sure to cater to your every craving.
Arbour Café & Courtyard
Website: https://arbourcafe.co.za/
Address: Shop 6 Wrenrose Court, 64 St Andrew St, Birdhaven, Johannesburg, 2196, South Africa
Phone: +27 10 753 2007
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 7 AM to 4 PM
- Saturday – 7 AM to 3 PM
- Sunday – 7:30 AM to 3 PM
Arbour Cafe might look small from the street, but it’s actually a hidden gem with plenty of space to unwind and enjoy a relaxing brunch.
The courtyard, which can be accessed through the back of the cafe, is filled with wrought iron tables and twinkling fairy lights.
The menu is a French-inspired delight, featuring perfectly executed omelets and galettes with a choice of six different fillings. The sweet crepes are also a highlight, and there’s a daily changing selection of cakes, pastries, salads, and sandwiches.
| Pro Tips: Make your weekend brunch extra special by attending the L’Ormarins Bottomless Mimosa Brunch. For just R250 per person, you can enjoy unlimited mimosas and a brunch main of your choice. |
Breezeblock Café
Website: https://breezeblock.co.za/
Address: 29 Chiswick St, Brixton, Johannesburg, 2019, South Africa
Phone: +27 78 175 2556
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 7 AM to 4 PM
- Saturday & Sunday – 8 AM to 4 PM
Breezeblock offers a quirky sun-filled interior and a breezy courtyard filled with succulents where you can indulge in their delicious brunch menus.
Their specialties include Dutch-inspired baked pancakes, Persian-inspired baked eggs, and huevos rancheros (Mexican breakfast egg dish).
The café also boasts a great list of classic cocktails, and it’s perfect for quick bites, all-day breakfasts, brunches, and lazy lunches. It also has vegan and vegetarian options available.
| Pro Tips: Don’t miss out on the Easy on the Pocket selections! These offerings are not only kind to your wallet but also boast impressive portion sizes and exceptional taste. |
De la Créme
Website: https://www.delacreme.co.za/
Address: No 12 7th Street, Melville, Johannesburg, 2092, South Africa
Phone: +27 11 726 7716
Operating Hours:
- Open daily – 7 AM to 5 PM
De la Créme offers a light-meal menu with all sorts of delectable treats, including bread, pastries, cakes, wraps, and a variety of Turkish- and Greek-inspired sandwiches.
You can also enjoy delicious meat dishes, moussaka, and more for lunch and dinner.
One side of the restaurant is a cozy tea room-style cafe, while the other is an amazing confectionery.
| Pro Tips: Consider a short drive to Melville Koppies Nature Reserve nearby for a serene escape into nature’s beauty. It’s the perfect way to complement your cafe experience with panoramic views and tranquil trails. |
Father Coffee Kramerville
Website: https://www.father.coffee/
Address: 19 Dartfield Rd, Kramerville, Johannesburg, 2090, South Africa
Phone: +27 74 151 5051
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Wednesday – 7:30 AM to 5 PM
- Thursday & Friday – 7:30 AM to 8 PM
- Saturday – 8 AM to 8 PM
- Sunday – 8 AM to 5 PM
Father Coffee Kramerville is a must-visit spot for an all-day weekend brunch that’s both chic and urban. It’s a coffee roastery cum wine bar that’s affectionately known as ‘Father Coffee HQ.’
Its menu includes sourdough croissants, crêpes, breakfast buns, toasties, and burgers that are sure to tickle your taste buds. It’s an ideal spot for soaking in some late afternoon sunshine with a slice of their famous burnt basque cheesecake.
| Pro Tips: Check out their selection of brewing equipment! They have everything a coffee connoisseur could ever want, from the trendy Chemex jar to the beloved Aeropress kit. |
Flames
Website: https://www.flamesrestaurant.co.za/
Address: 67 Jan Smuts Ave, Westcliff, Randburg, 2132, South Africa
Phone: +27 11 481 6000
Operating Hours:
- Open daily – 6:30 AM to 9 PM
Flames Restaurant is a terrace restaurant located at the Four Seasons Hotel, boasting stunning views of the city. The restaurant serves an all-day a la carte dining menu, but their celebrated brunch menu on weekends is the most popular affair.
Flames’ brunch offers a variety of mains such as beef sirloin, chicken and waffle, spicy bean chili, and more. Additionally, there is a dessert menu featuring coffee crème brûlée and banana malva pudding.
The restaurant’s location with leafy landscapes and jacarandas in spring and summer adds to its appeal, making it an ideal destination for brunch.
| Pro Tips: Try their Chef’s Playground featuring a rotating selection of delicious quiches, salads, and bruschetta along with a tempting variety of petit fours and desserts. |
Gia’s on Montrose
Website: https://giasonmontrose.com/
Address: 66b South Road, Morningside, Sandton, 2101
Phone: +27 11 326 5074
Operating Hours:
- Open daily – 8 AM to 4:30 PM
Gia’s On Montrose is a lovely al fresco spot situated on the stunning Montrose Nursery property, just outside the buzzing Sandton CBD. This relaxed restaurant offers light meals and snacks.
There’s also a wide variety of breakfast options including homemade burgers, salads, and many other mouth-watering dishes. And if you’re looking to pair your meal with a drink, they boast a great selection of beers, ciders, and cocktails.
| Pro Tips: The restaurant is perfect for the summer and warmer months when diners can sit in the outside area and enjoy the relaxing effect of nature under a shady umbrella while having a drink or meal. |
La Vie en Rose
Website: https://www.lavieenrose.co.za/
Address: 60 5th St, Houghton Estate, Johannesburg, 2196, South Africa
Phone: +27 79 179 7362
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday to Sunday – 7 AM to 6 PM
La Vie En Rose is a café situated in the beautiful garden of Killarney Country Club With a relaxed atmosphere, it’s an ideal location for various events, from brunches to large family gatherings.
The brunch buffet menu is designed for groups of at least 15 people, while the à la carte menu offers an extensive range of breakfast options, including waffles, sandwiches, and wraps.
| Pro Tips: Try the Rising Star Wrap, which is a delicious vegetarian option with crispy Moroccan eggplant and Danish feta, and finish off your meal with a plate of their New York-style baked cheesecake or French macarons. |
Nice on 4th
Website: https://niceon4th.co.za/
Address: 37 4th Ave, Parkhurst, Sandton, 2193, South Africa
Phone: +27 (011) 788 6286
Operating Hours:
- Open daily – 7:30 AM to 4 PM
Nice on 4th is a cozy little spot that offers lunch and dinner menus, and their signature baskets make for the most delightful brunch.
The Egg Basket, made out of toast with poached eggs and crispy bacon, is a popular choice. The Salmon Basket (with scrambled eggs, smoked salmon, cream cheese, relish, and chives) is also a delicious treat that’s worth trying.
The restaurant’s decor is quaint and charming, and the service is top-notch, making for a truly memorable dining experience. Plus, the prices are quite reasonable, which is always a welcome surprise.
| Pro Tips: Once you finish your meal at the charming cafe, take a leisurely walk through Verity Park. This serene green area offers a chance to unwind, appreciate natural beauty, and socialize with fellow animal enthusiasts. |
Olives & Plates
Website: https://olivesandplates.co.za/
Address: Embassy Towers, 175 Empire Pl, Sandhurst, Sandton, 2196, South Africa
Phone: +27 60 439 1403
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Wednesday – 7:30 AM to 4 PM
- Thursday to Saturday – 7:30 AM to 4 PM
Olives & Plates is a modern Mediterranean restaurant located inside Hyde Park Corner Mall’s Exclusive Books shop.
Their menu offers something for every taste, from healthy breakfast bowls to peri-peri chicken livers. The breakfast and lunch menus also include classic favorites like eggs Benedict and burgers.
The space has a feminine atmosphere with blush pink flowers, natural illumination, and a lively buzz. There are plenty of seating options, including a bar and window view tables.
| Pro Tips: Parking at this restaurant can be difficult due to the small lot that fills up quickly. Consider arriving early or finding street parking nearby, and be prepared to walk a few minutes to the restaurant. |
Proud Mary
Website: https://www.proudmary.co.za/
Address: The Bank, 26 Cradock Ave, Rosebank, Johannesburg, 2196
Phone: +27 10 023 3316
Operating Hours:
- Open daily – 6:30 AM to 12 AM
Proud Mary is a modern-day eatery located in Rosebank’s foodie district with a visually impressive façade that opens onto the street. The mid-century-inspired dining space provides a contemporary spin on luxurious dining.
The restaurant boasts a beautiful bar counter and an extensive drinks menu. The terrace is perfect for people-watching.
You can indulge in oysters, and for brunch, you can choose from their breakfast or lunch menu.
| Pro Tip: Delight your loved ones with the joy of a culinary adventure at Proud Mary. Gift them an experience voucher! Simply email them for a tailor-made voucher, and they’ll promptly deliver it to your inbox for a seamless gifting experience. |
Salvation Café
Website: https://www.salvationcafe.co.za/
Address: 44 Stanley Ave, Milpark, Johannesburg, 2092, South Africa
Phone: +27 11 482 7795
Operating Hours:
- Open daily – 8 AM to 4 PM
Salvation Café is a brunch spot that offers a chic and down-to-earth atmosphere. Their menu offers a wide range of fresh and handmade dishes, including vegetarian chili and delicious breakfast options.
Their signature hit is the Salvation Shakshuka Eggs, and the variety of eggs Benedict, breakfast burritos, and nachos are also worth trying. If you’re a vegan, no worries, as there are plenty of options for you as well.
They serve up sweet, savory, and healthy breakfasts. You can choose from a Breakfast Burrito filled with organic sausage or a fantastic French Toast topped with fresh fruit.
| Pro Tips: If you’re planning to visit this beautiful courtyard spot, Saturdays are the best days to go, as 44 Stanley is at its busiest and you can enjoy the bustling atmosphere. |
The Fat Zebra
Website: https://thefatzebra.co.za/locations/parkhurst/
Address: 34 4th Ave, Parkhurst, Randburg, 2193, South Africa
Phone: +27 72 610 1837
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday to Saturday – 8 AM to 9 PM
- Sunday – 8 AM to 5 PM
The Fat Zebra is a destination café located in the homely neighborhood of Parkhurst. With its monochromatic stripes and unforgettable name, it has become quite popular recently.
They offer a superb range of breakfast choices, including Kev’s Tiger Oats, buttermilk pancakes, and mince on toast. For something savory, The Full Monty and Eggs Ben-Addicted are recommended.
They also serve delicious salads, burgers, crispy thin-crust pizza, and a meaty tapas menu, making it a go-to place for lunch or dinner.
| Pro Tips: If you’re looking to enjoy some scrumptious food without leaving your home, you can place an order via WhatsApp or phone call at 072 610 1837 and have it delivered to your doorstep. |
