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Top 12 Maboneng Restaurants to Satisfy Your Cravings
Have you ever wandered through the lively streets of Maboneng, overwhelmed by the sheer number of enticing restaurants but unsure where to start?
I’m no Gordon Ramsay, but I’ve done the legwork to bring you the ultimate guide to the top dining spots in this urban paradise!
Bertrand Café
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BertrandCafe/
Address: 296 Fox St, Jeppestown
Phone: +27 82 645 0416
Operating Hours:
- Open daily – 8:30 AM to 11:30 PM
Bertrand Café is a unique spot in Maboneng that’s a blend of a coffee shop, a restaurant, and a jazz bar. The café has an antique-style interior, an outdoor area overlooking the bustling Maboneng Street, and a lively bar area.
I enjoyed their famous sandwiches or wraps at lunchtime and indulged in their rib eye steak, where each bite was a juicy, savory experience that melted in the mouth.
The soulful rhythms of jazz filled the air, and we found ourselves lost in the music, the Church of Blues night resonating with every note.
| Pro Tips: On Monday evenings, you can stop by for their African Cuisine feast where you can enjoy a delightful array of North African delicacies and Central, and Southern African cuisine. |
Habesha
Website: https://mabonenglifestyle.co.za/bar-restaurant/habesha/
Address: Maboneng Shop No.3, 289 Fox Street, Jeppestown
Phone: +27 84 408 9660
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 8 AM to 5 PM
- Saturday – 8 AM to 3 PM
- Sunday – 9 AM to 1 PM
At Habesha, the warmth of Ethiopian hospitality greeted us. Owned by a family hailing from Gonder, the restaurant is a culinary journey through Ethiopia.
Ethiopian cuisine offers a variety of delicious stews like doro wot (spicy chicken) and alicha wot (mild lamb). A notable dish here is kitfo, a raw delicacy that is fresh and richly seasoned, best served with soft, tangy injera (Ethiopian flatbread).
Occasional cultural events add layers to the dining experience, making it not just a meal but a celebration of Ethiopian heritage.
| Pro Tips: For a diverse dining experience, try the vegetarian platter at this restaurant, offering a mix of spicy and mild flavors served on traditional injera. |
Little Addis Cafe
Website: https://littleaddiscafe.wixsite.com/kassalittleaddiscafe
Address: 280 Fox Street, Jeppestown
Phone: +27 82 683 8675
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday to Sunday – 12:30 PM to 9 PM
Little Addis Cafe is another popular restaurant serving Ethiopian cuisine. When I walked in, I was struck by the vibrant colors and tantalizing aromas of the dishes.
It’s a great café to visit with friends because it’s affordable and perfect for sharing. Plus, it has vegetarian and vegan options.
One of the most popular dishes on the menu that I enjoyed was mahberawi. It consists of beef, chicken, lamb, pumpkin, spinach, cabbage, beetroot, and potato dishes served on white or brown injera (a spongy flatbread).
| Pro Tips: For the best experience when eating mahberawi, use your hands instead of cutlery. Break a piece of injera on the corner, place it on top of your desired veggie, and then scoop up some of that goodness and drop it into your mouth. |
Love Revo Maboneng
Address: 295 Fox St
Phone: +27 61 888 3591
Operating Hours:
- Open daily – 1:15 PM to 2 AM
Love Revo Maboneng is a popular and bustling restaurant situated in the heart of Maboneng. It offers a diverse and extensive menu that includes international cuisine like Mediterranean and Asian.
I had to try the meat platter, and it did not disappoint. It was presented beautifully and tasted amazing, making it hard to resist overindulging.
I loved how the restaurant was located in an old shipping container with outdoor and rooftop seating. It was the perfect place to relax and enjoy delicious food and drinks on a clear summer day.
| Pro Tips: Check out the DJ on Thursday night and through the weekend, and experience the restaurant’s high energy. |
Mama Mexicana
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mamamexicana/
Address: 264 Fox Street, Arts on Main
Phone: +27 11 620 3122
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Wednesday – 9 AM to 5 PM
- Thursday to Saturday – 10 AM to 8 PM
- Sunday – 10 AM to 7 PM
Mama Mexicana is a vibrant and authentic Mexican restaurant located in the heart of the trendy Maboneng Precinct. The colorful decor and lively atmosphere of the place transported me straight to Mexico the moment I stepped in.
I ordered the vegetarian burrito, which was bursting with flavor from the fresh salsa and guacamole.
And of course, I had to try one of their refreshing margaritas. It was the perfect complement to the delicious food.
| Pro Tips: If you’re a beer lover, don’t miss out on their traditional Mexican beer that pairs perfectly with the spicy dishes. |
Pata Pata
Media from jojoncube
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PataPataJazz/
Address: 286 Fox St, Jeppestown
Phone: +27 79 089 3676
Operating Hours:
- Sunday, Monday, Friday, & Thursday – 8 AM to 11 PM
- Tuesday – 9 AM to 11 PM
- Wednesday – 9 AM to 5 PM
- Saturday – 9 AM to 12 AM
Pata Pata was a unique dining experience that I won’t soon forget. Upon entering, I was transported to a classic 1950s-style diner with vintage decor and a wood-burning oven for personalized pizzas.
As the sun set, the venue transformed with the vibrant beats of Afro-Cuban rhythms, courtesy of a live DJ.
The menu at the restaurant offers a wide variety of delicious options, including tasty cocktails. I ordered the Pata Pata burger from the “light meals” section, and it was huge and delicious, served with excellent hand-cut fries.
| Pro Tips: For those looking to unwind, the unique selection of cocktails served in jam jars adds a quirky touch to the experience. |
Rooftop BBQ
Media from prodbyjooniar
Website: https://www.rooftopbbqsa.com/
Address: Citilec Rooftop, 246 Main St
Phone: +27 68 579 0000
Operating Hours:
- Friday to Sunday – 12 PM to 12 AM
Rooftop BBQ is a culinary rooftop restaurant and bar that embraces a rich heritage. The aroma of meat and seafood cooking over an open flame filled the air, and the panoramic views of the city were breathtaking.
I opted for a champagne brunch, which was the perfect way to start my day. As I sipped on my bubbly, I perused the menu and settled on a seafood platter to share.
The combination of fresh oysters, prawns, and calamari was a seafood lover’s dream. The chicken platter was just as delicious, and we washed it all down with delicious drinks from the fully-stocked bar.
The live DJ played great music that kept the vibe going throughout the day.
| Pro Tips: For easy access, guests can enter through the Curiocity Pads entrance on Fox Street. You need to go to the back of the lobby, take the lift to the seventh floor, and climb up a flight of stairs. |
Shakers Bar Maboneng
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShakersBarMaboneng/
Address: 300 Commissioner Street
Phone: +27 78 032 0025
Operating Hours:
- Open daily – 12 PM to 2 AM
Shakers Bar in Maverick Corner is a hidden gem surrounded by an eclectic mix of pop-up shops and rooftop cafes. The atmosphere is electric, and the cocktail menu is impressive.
I started with a refreshing pina colada, followed by one of their signature JamJars filled to the brim with icy, fruity concoctions. The salsa rhythms began to play, and before I knew it, everyone was dancing.
While seating is limited, the atmosphere more than compensates, especially when the salsa rhythms begin and the dancing ensues.
| Pro Tips: For a relaxed Sunday experience here, consider visiting around 2 PM. |
Sha’p Braai
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShapBraai/
Address: 22 Kruger Street
Phone: +27 81 717 1519
Operating Hours:
- Monday, Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday – 9 AM to 11 PM
- Tuesday – 9 AM to 10 PM
- Thursday – 9:30 AM to 11 PM
- Friday – 10 AM to 11 PM
Sharp Braai in the heart of Johannesburg is a premium braai eatery and the only one of its kind in the Maboneng Precinct.
After reviewing the menu, I chose the grilled marinated chicken with red beans cooked with onions and tomato sauce. The meat was tender and well-cooked.
The food is made fresh to order from the butcher counter, with a bunch of tasty sides to choose from.
Moreover, the seating here is actually made of up-cycled beer crates, which adds to the cool vibe.
| Pro Tips: Try their delicious chakalaka, a flavourful and spicy vegetable relish that pairs well with the grilled meats cooked over an open flame. |
The Blackanese
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theblackanese/
Address: Maboneng Shop No.1, 289 Fox Street, Jeppestown
Phone: +27 81 717 1519
Operating Hours:
- Monday, Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday – 9 AM to 11 PM
- Tuesday – 9 AM to 10 PM
- Thursday – 9:30 AM to 11 PM
- Friday – 10 AM to 11 PM
The Blackanese Sushi and Wine Bar is a popular sushi bar in Maboneng Precinct that combines African and Japanese flavors. The owner, Vusi Kunene, started his mobile sushi business in weekend markets before opening the restaurant.
I started with the biltong sushi roll, which was a unique take on the classic sushi roll, featuring cured beef and a delicate wasabi mayo. The curry-spiced tuna roll was equally delicious with just the right amount of heat.
On weekends, guests can enjoy seafood braai with Mozambican spiced prawns and fresh grilled fish. For those who want to try everything, the sushi platters are reasonably priced and perfect for sharing.
| Pro Tips: Don’t miss out on Noodle Wednesdays where you can enjoy a hearty bowl with your favorite noodle bases and veggies at half the price! It’s the perfect midweek treat to satisfy your cravings without breaking the bank. |
The Cosmopolitan Lounge
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecosmorestaurant/
Address: 24 Albrecht St, Jeppestown
Phone: +27 74 705 4771
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday to Thursday – 4 PM to 12 AM
- Friday to Sunday – 1 PM to 3 AM
The Cosmopolitan Lounge is the perfect spot for a night out with friends or a romantic date. It offers a variety of experiences, from fine dining to dancing and entertainment.
The menu is really creative yet simple, and every dish is incredibly tempting. What’s great is that they offer wine recommendations to go with each meal, so if you’re a wine lover, you can order wine with your food.
I ordered the grilled sirloin steak with chimichurri sauce, which was cooked just right and paired well with a glass of red wine. Plus, the live music performance by a local artist was the perfect accompaniment to my meal.
| Pro Tips: Try pistachio ice cream made with berries, dulce, salted milk chocolate mousse, coconut, and salted caramel sauce (R85). It’s so good and pretty that you’ll want to have two servings of it. |
The Marabi Club
Website: https://hallmarkhouse.info/dine/marabi/
Address: 54 Siemert Rd, New Doornfontein
Phone: +27 10 591 2879
Operating Hours:
- Wednesday to Saturday – 6:30 PM to 11:30 PM
The Marabi Club is a gem in the heart of Maboneng, offering food and live jazz performances. The atmosphere was lively and made me feel right at home.
I started with the smoked chicken and mushroom risotto, which was rich and flavorful, followed by the grilled lamb chops with sweet potato mash. Both dishes were paired with a glass of red wine.
The highlight of the night was the live music performance by the popular Marabi House Band. Their soulful jazz tunes transported me to another time and place, and I found myself tapping my feet and swaying to the beat.
| Pro Tips: For couples, take advantage of the Marabi Club’s enchanting ambiance and attentive service, crafting an unforgettable experience for just R595 per couple. |
