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buffet-restaurants-johannesburg

5 Best Buffet Restaurants in Johannesburg That Will Leave You Full and Happy

  • Menu size - We chose buffet restaurants offering a diverse and wide range of food. We prefer restaurants that have several dishes that accommodate various dietary requirements.
  • Quality of food - We selected buffet restaurants that serve fresh, delicious, and appetising food.
  • Value for money - We assessed whether the buffet restaurant is charging a reasonable price for the quality of food and service they provide.
  • Ambience - We picked restaurants with a welcoming and comfortable environment to make sure diners are comfortable while eating.

Am I the only one who finds ordering in a restaurant stressful? Why do we have to browse through a long list of food and force ourselves to choose when we really want to order them all?

That’s why I believe buffets are a godsend. With a buffet, there’s no need to stress over choosing from a menu because I can simply sample everything they have.

If you’re just like me and have a tough time picking just one food, this article is for you! Here’s a curated list of the best buffet restaurants in Johannesburg, tried and tested by yours truly.

1. Chief’s Boma Restaurant

chief-s-boma-restaurant-logo

Menu: Sirloin steak, karoo lamb chops, boerewors, grilled fish, roasted chicken, and more

Location: Indaba Hotel, Spa and Conference Centre, cnr. William Nicol & Pieter Wenning Road, Fourways

Contact: +27 11 840 6600, [email protected] 

Business hours:

  • Monday to Friday: 12:00 PM to 2:30 PM; 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM
  • Saturday and Sunday: 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM; 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM

Website

Google reviews score4.5/5
Total reviews4.5/5
Score consistency 4.3/5
Menu size 5/5
Quality of food 4.5/5
Value for money4.5/5
Ambience 4.5/5

Chief’s Boma Restaurant in Fourways, boasting 300 seats for its customers, is the best place to go for large groups. And with over 120 dishes available, everyone in the group will surely find something they’ll like.

It’s actually impressive how the restaurant doesn’t feel cramped with the number of seats it has. The tables are spaced out well so that you can still hold a conversation with the people you came in without worrying too much about the other customers being bothered.

As for the dishes, the grilled meats are definitely our favourites. Customers can choose what the chefs will grill from the cut of meat they have, which includes some exotic meats, like kudu, impala, karoo lamb, springbok, and so much more. 

The only downside is the queue for the meats can be long. The chef will have to first cook them and with so many people in the restaurant, waiting for minutes can’t be avoided.

While waiting, though, there’s so much more food that you can enjoy. The homemade stews, especially the lamb curry and spicy chicken curry, are among the ones you shouldn’t miss when dining here.

Pros

  • Wide range of dishes
  • Has live music
  • Well-spread out tables
  • Recommended for large groups

Cons

  • Some cold staff
  • The queue for the meat can be long

Wide range of delicious dishes

“Lovely food, and the service wasn’t bad considering how busy it was. The buffet has a wide range of dishes that are absolutely delicious. Nice play area for the children to enjoy. I went on the Easter weekend and the entertainment was fantastic, live music and the Easter bunny was also there for the little ones to enjoy. I would recommend for a nice lunch out with the whole family.”

Itumeleng Motsekuoa | Collect, Google Review

Grilled meat is to die for

“A great restaurant in Johannesburg’s suburb, the grilled meat is to die for, you can eat springbok and buffalo and the buffet is excellent too. There was also a group playing music so the ambiance was incredible. We loved this one.”

Gilles Debiol | Collect, Google Review

2. Shahi Khana

shahi-khana-logo

Menu: Chicken shahi tikka, tandoori chicken, mutton vindaloo, fish madras, and more

Location: 120 William Rd, Norwood

Contact: +27 11 728 8157

Business hours:

  • Monday to Sunday: 10:00 AM to 9:30 PM

Website

Google reviews score4.2/5
Total reviews4/5
Score consistency 4.1/5
Menu size 4.5/5
Quality of food 4/5
Value for money5/5
Ambience 4/5

Serving authentic and delicious North Indian cuisine, Shahi Khana is a must-visit place for fans of Indian cuisine. And if you visit on a Tuesday or Saturday, from 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM, you can enjoy an eat-all-you-can buffet for just R120 per person!

This buffet probably has the most vegetarian options of all the buffets we’ve visited. From the starters to the mains, the vegetarian options were all wonderful and didn’t feel inferior to the other menu, unlike with some buffet restaurants.

For non-vegetarians, the long line of curry choices will surely have your stomach bulging. The butter chicken curry is a crowd favourite and a particularly good choice for those who want mild spice in their food.

The place, though, isn’t that huge and can get full easily. If you’re in a group of more than two, you’ll have to make a prior booking to enjoy the buffet.

Pros

  • Outstanding North Indian cuisine
  • Lots of vegetarian options
  • Wide variety of dishes
  • Reasonable price

Cons

  • The buffet is only every Tuesday and Saturday
  • No walk-ins for parties of more than two

Best Indian cuisine in Johannesburg

“One of the best Indian cuisines in Johannesburg.

Best option is the buffet. There are lot of variety for both Non-veg and veg meals starting from different types of starters and ending with delicious deserts like Jelebi. And also it is quite cost friendly if you can eat.”

Sambit Saha | Collect, Google Review

Amazing prices and flavour

“Most authentic indian food I have ever had! Amazing prices and amazing flavour! Best you will ever get! Such helpful and friendly staff. They will explain anything for you and make suggestions based on your preferences.”

Dylan John Antoney Van Biljon | Collect, Google Review

3. Flames

flames-logo

Menu: French pastries, seasonal fruits, chickpea salad, sushi, bacon benedict, and more

Location: Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff, 67 Jan Smuts Ave, Westcliff, Randburg

Contact: [email protected] 

Business hours: 

  • Monday to Saturday: 6:30 AM to 10:30 AM; 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM
  • Sunday: 6:30 AM to 10:30 AM; 11:30 AM to 9:00 PM

Website

Google reviews score4.5/5
Total reviews4.5/5
Score consistency 4.5/5
Menu size 4.5/5
Quality of food 5/5
Value for money3.5/5
Ambience 4.5/5

Brunch dates have always had a very extravagant vibe around them. But Flames takes the extravagance to a whole new level with its luxurious and tasty brunch buffet and stunning hillside terrace views.

The buffet menu includes a range of breakfast pastries, fruits, salads, charcuterie selections, sushi, and mains. The herb-crusted chicken we ordered from the kitchen is definitely one of the best dishes on the menu, so give it a try if you’re overwhelmed with the choices.

The dessert table also deserves much praise for its stunning presentation and selection. The cupcakes and cheesecakes taste just as good as they look, so we recommend leaving lots of space on your tummy for them.

Just a heads up, though, the buffet costs R850 per person. It’s quite a hefty amount, even if we consider the quality of the food and presentation.

All of the hot-plated mains also have dairy, so those with lactose intolerance may not be able to get their money’s worth. 

Pros

  • Stunning natural view
  • Sophisticated atmosphere
  • Diverse buffet menu
  • Great dessert selection

Cons

  • Quite expensive
  • No non-dairy menu for the hot-plated mains

The food and drinks were excellent

“We visited Flames for Sunday brunch and had a fantastic time. The food and drinks were excellent and the service was exceptional. The brunch buffet was really a sight to behold! The atmosphere was very relaxing and the views of the surrounding city were lovely. I would highly recommend Flames!”

Caleb Whitmore | Collect, Google Review

Outstanding buffet and magnificent view

“Went there for a special breakfast celebration and the buffet is outstanding and the view magnificent even though we went on a cool day!”

Simon | Collect, Google Review

4. Kraal Restaurant

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Menu: Fresh fruits, scrambled eggs, grilled streaky bacon, hashbrowns, and more  

Location: Impala Road Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve, Kibler Park

Contact: 073 002 8908, 073 002 8908; [email protected] 

Business hours:

  • Monday to Thursday: 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM
  • Friday and Saturday: 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM
  • Sunday: 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM

Website

Google reviews score4.5/5
Total reviews4.5/5
Score consistency 4.5/5
Menu size 4/5
Quality of food 4.5/5
Value for money4/5
Ambience 5/5

Located about 20 minutes south of the city centre, Kraal Restaurant offers a filling buffet breakfast away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Surrounded by greeneries, diners are treated to delicious meals while enjoying stunning views.

The breakfast buffet has a pretty wide variety, considering it’s only for a breakfast meal. There are hot dishes for those who want a heavy breakfast, but there are also cereals and soaked overnight oats for those who love cold breakfasts.

For us, the scrambled eggs, waffles, and chocolate croissants are the ones that really made our morning. The juice and tea served with the breakfast also make great refreshments for the morning.

Aside from the tasty meals, we also really appreciate that the restaurant has a dedicated play area for the kids. It helped many of the parents dining inside have a peaceful breakfast.

The only downside is the breakfast buffet is only served every weekend and on public holidays.

Pros

  • Wide variety of breakfast menu
  • Great drink options
  • Stunning natural view
  • Play area for kids

Cons

  • The buffet is limited to breakfast only
  • The buffet is only during weekends and public holidays

The buffet menu is amazing and also priced well

“Very nice Restaurant. Their weekend buffet menu is amazing and also priced well. Jungle Gyms for the kids to enjoy and beautiful scenery to also take in and great to take amazing pictures.”

Braydon Lucas | Collect, Google Review

Food was delicious

“The food was delicious. we had a breakfast buffet and everything was amazing. The service was great and the environment was quite good.”

Caslee-ann Trollip | Collect, Google Review

5. Billy G Buffet

billy-g-buffet-logo

Menu: BBQ ribs, lamb, curry, salad, pasta, sushi, malva pudding and more

Location: Montecasino Corner William Nicol Rd &, Witkoppen Rd, Fourways

Contact: +27 11 510 7924, [email protected] 

Business hours: 

  • Wednesday and Thursday: 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM; 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM
  • Saturday and Sunday: 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM; 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM; 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM

Website

Google reviews score4.1/5
Total reviews5/5
Score consistency 4.5/5
Menu size 4.5/5
Quality of food 4/5
Value for money4.5/5
Ambience 3.5/5

Located in the vibrant Montecasino, Billy G Buffet is the perfect destination for a filling birthday celebration. Offering a 50% discount for birthday celebrants, the restaurant ensures you can celebrate your special day without stretching your wallet!

The buffet boasts a wide range of meat dishes. Though the pork was a bit dry, the beef roast and lamb were delicious enough for meat lovers to enjoy and devour.

Vegetarians don’t have to worry, too, because they can still get their money’s worth. The buffet also offers lots of vegetarian dishes that are just as tasty as the meats.

The standout from the buffet table, though, is definitely the dessert selection. The cake and mouse offers a rich and indulgent end to the meal, so make sure to grab some before the table runs out!

One drawback, though, that we can’t help but point out is the long wait. We had to wait for almost 30 minutes just to be seated, even though we already made a prior reservation through their website.

Pros

  • Wide range of food options
  • Great dessert selection
  • Offers discount for birthday celebrants
  • Efficient online booking system

Cons

  • Wait time can take up to 30 minutes, even with reservations
  • Can get noisy

Amazing food, and the atmosphere is on point

“The food was amazing, OMG, I’d go there again and again. The atmosphere is also on point only they can have a table for 2-3-4 down stairs as well. Also give people an option to pay online when making a reservation because wow, the standing in the queue isn’t nice. Otherwise, everything is on point.”

Yonela Mcibo | Collect, Google Review

Value for money, and the food was beyond delicious

“I was looking for something beyond the usual when it comes to buffet, I can say here i was satisfied this is it. All I can say is excellent place, value for money, I ate to a point that I couldn’t walk straight, uuuuh shame, the food was beyond delicious and there is plenty options le Mogodu.”

Matau Ramolefi | Collect, Google Review

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