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Try these 10 new restaurants in Johannesburg
Everyone is always looking for something shiny and new, and that holds true even for restaurants. Fortunately, you don’t have to look far to find new eateries in Johannesburg, as there are a couple of newly opened places in the city as of 2023.
What’s more, these new establishments don’t serve the same fare. They range from cafes, bars, and fine dining restaurants.
So prepare to whet your appetites as we list down our list of the best new restaurants in Johannesburg!
1. Food I Love You
Address: 11 Kotze St, Braamfontein, Johannesburg, 2017, South Africa
Website: https://www.foodiloveyou.co.za/
Contact number: +27 79 386 8786
Operating Hours:
- Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
- Wednesday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Closed on Saturday and Sunday
Food I Love You will really make you say “I love you, food!” as this new Johannesburg restaurant offers a one-of-a-kind food experience to its customers. They offer customised dining and catering events that feature different menu items.
What’s more, Food I Love You boasts authentic South African cooking and fusion food that uses all-natural ingredients. Some of their best sellers include peri-peri chicken and rice and chickpea salad, both of which are a must-try if you’re in Johannesburg!
| Pro Tip: While most of their events are private catering events for specific clients, they have public lunches every 1st Sunday of the month. During these dates, they serve up unique dishes like their one-pot chicken and vegan pizzas! |
2. Loco
Address: 73 Juta St, Braamfontein, Johannesburg, 2001, South Africa
Website: https://www.playbraamfontein.co.za/loco-mexican-jhb
Contact number: +27 82 590 8020
Operating Hours:
- Thursday to Saturday, 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Tuesday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
- Wednesday, 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM
- Closed on Sunday and Monday
Loco will make you go crazy with its modern interpretation of classic Mexican dishes! Some of their classic menu items include burritos, nachos, and chips with dip—perfect as quick grab-and-go food items while you enjoy your tour around the city.
They also have amazing tacos that you can customise based on your preferences. Fish, chicken, vegetable, and steak taco variants are available here!
You can then end your meal here with delicious desserts like churros and crumbled ice cream!
| Pro Tip: If you plan on visiting this restaurant, make sure that you have your trusty credit card with you. As of this writing, Loco only accepts card payments, so unfortunately, cash or other payment options will not be honoured. |
3. Pantry by Gemelli
Address: 13 Posthouse St, Bryanston, Sandton, 2191, South Africa
Distance from JO: 1 hour and 12 minutes
Contact number: +27 78 048 1188
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday, 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM
Pantry by Gemelli may be a breakfast restaurant, but it serves its delicious morning meals from morning to afternoon! Some of their all-day breakfast items you need to check out include burgers, salads, and a delicious fruits and berries medley.
You can also order their filling and savoury sandwiches, such as grilled salmon toast and fried chicken burger. They also have dessert items that you shouldn’t miss, such as croissants and their best-selling carrot cake!
| Pro Tip: Aside from their salads and fruits, you can also go for a healthier beverage—smoothies. They have a couple of flavours for you to try out, but the crowd favourite is their refreshing strawberry smoothie! |
4. +258 A Taste of Mozambique
Website: https://258mafalala.co.za/
Contact number: +27 10 634 1086
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday, 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Friday and Saturday, 7:00 AM to 11:30 PM
- Sunday, 7:00 AM to 6:30 PM
We have to give it to +258 A Taste of Mozambique for the great and authentic decor (e.g., wooden posts and colourful textiles) to give the restaurant that traditional vibe. One look at the menu, though, and you know it’s more than just the feel of the interior!
They have menu items categorised as Pescador (seafood), Spetoo Bar (skewers), Viva Vega (vegetables), and Cafe Mocambique (coffee and pastries). All of these are infused with Mozambican flavours!
| Pro Tip: If you’re trying to observe a plant-based diet, then check out the vegan options. These include tofu satay, stuffed mushrooms, crispy French potato fries, chapati bread, green salads, and rice cakes. |
5. The Gallery Art Bar
Address: 198 Oxford Rd, Illovo, Sandton, 2196, South Africa
Distance from JO: 29 minutes
Website: https://www.thegallery.bar/
Contact number: +27 83 293 9261
Operating Hours:
- Thursday to Saturday, 5:00 PM to 12:00 AM
- Closed from Sunday to Wednesday
Imagine enjoying the vibrant nightlife of South Africa combined with some gorgeous artwork as if you’re in a museum, and you get the Gallery Art Bar. There are several works of art around the venue for you to enjoy as you drink and groove to the music.
Their drinks are also some of the most unique mixers in Johannesburg with flavours like bubblegum, grapefruit, and black currant kombucha. If you’re not in the mood to down alcoholic drinks, you can go for their cafe drinks, such as espresso and latte.
| Pro Tip: Aside from the usual drinks and cafe items listed on the menu, you can ask the bartender for their date night special. These usually include drinks good for two and the recommended bar food pairing for your beverage. |
6. The Social Table
Address: 274 Fox St, City and Suburban, Johannesburg, 2094, South Africa
Website: https://anneofarm.com/
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday, 9:00 AM to 6:30 PM
The Social Table isn’t just an enjoyable culinary experience but also a way for you to immerse yourself in the local food culture of South Africa. The restaurant serves traditional African dishes with a modern twist such as peri-peri prawns and hake fillet.
One of the best value items on their menu though is their traditional Mzansi breakfast, which includes boerewors (sausage), bacon, grilled tomatoes, baked beans, and eggs, at just ZAR 95. Another thing you should try is their biltong (cured meat) salad!
| Pro Tip: If you’re vegetarian and are not able to feast on their Mzansi breakfast, the Social Table also has a vegan breakfast, which includes avocado, grilled tomatoes, baked beans, mushrooms, and potatoes, at just ZAR 75. |
7. Aduna Bistro
Address: The African Pride Hotel, 1 Melrose Square, Birnam, Johannesburg, 2196, South Africa
Website: https://adunabistro.co.za/
Contact number: +27 82 732 3747
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday, 6:30 AM to 10:00 PM
Aduna Bistro is the perfect spot in Johannesburg if you want hearty meals with a unique twist. These include chicken livers, Spanish prawns, cajun calamari, and their specialities—cheese, charcuterie, and breadboards.
We’re also crazy about their one-of-a-kind burger offerings! Their halloumi burger (ZAR 150) has that sweet and tangy taste thanks to its grilled pineapple while their jalapeno burger (ZAR 170) has that spicy kick thanks to its jalapeno cheese sauce!
| Pro Tip: The bistro also has a great continental breakfast where you can have your fill of various breads, cereals, cold cuts, cheese, fruit salads, and free-flowing coffee, tea, and juices. |
8. Padel and Social Club
Address: Cnr, Cedar Rd, and Valley, Johannesburg, 2191, South Africa
Website: https://padelandsocialclub.com/
Contact number: +27 79 927 7780
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday, 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM
If you’re a fan of padel and like hanging out with friends, then you need to check out what Padel and Social Club has to offer. Padel games are held onsite regularly, and you can order delicious meals while watching these games!
Some of their best menu items include mimosa, pizza, chickpea salad, and nachos.
Of course, you can also order different beverages here. Beers, champagne, and wines are perfect as you enjoy that padel match!
| Pro Tip: We recommend that you check out their social media page to stay updated with their promos and offers. The club will sometimes offer packages that include padel court rentals, food, and drinks! |
9. Parreirinha
Address: The Square Cnr High & Old House Lane, Melrose Arch, Melrose North, Johannesburg, 2046, South Africa
Website: https://www.restauranteparreirinha.co.za/
Contact number: +27 11 435 3809
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Saturday, 12:00 NN to 10:00 PM
- Sunday, 12:00 NN to 9:00 PM
Parreirinha serves amazing Portuguese cuisine along with some fusion dishes that will surely make you go back for more! What we liked most about their food is that aside from being full of flavour, they are made from all-natural ingredients.
We especially liked their peri-peri grilled chicken served with rice and chips and their baked prawns and fries served with some lime on the side. Their steak a cassarola (sirloin steak) is also worth trying out especially if you have a big appetite!
| Pro Tip: Ask the wait staff for any special promos that they may have for birthday celebrants. Some of these include discounted prices for their regular menu items, such as prawns and peri-peri chicken, and their beverages. |
10. Sebule
Website: https://sebule.co.za/
Contact number: +27 72 456 1367
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday to Saturday, 12:30 PM to 4:00 PM and 6:30 PM to 10:00 PM
- Sunday, 12:30 to 4:00 PM
- Closed on Monday
Sebule has that fine dining feel, and you’ll immediately see and feel this vibe once you step into the lavish interior of this restaurant. From delicious meats, seafood, and vegetarian food options, there’s no limit to the type of food you can enjoy here.
For meat lovers, you can order their coal-roasted chicken thighs or their 350-gram sirloin steak. If you’re observing a vegetarian diet, they have a wedge salad with lettuce, cabbage, avocados, and Japanese carrot dressing!
| Pro Tip: Sebule is also a fantastic venue for you to do wine tasting. Ask the wait staff about their wine offerings and which food items they recommend for pairing! |
