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The Ultimate Guide to the Best Restaurants in Johannesburg

The Ultimate Guide to the Best Restaurants in Johannesburg

| Last Updated: September 2024

Are you wondering where to go for a memorable dining experience in Johannesburg? With so many options to choose from, finding the perfect restaurant can be overwhelming.

But fear not. We’ve carefully curated Johannesburg’s top restaurants based on their exceptional menu, ambience, and customer service to cater to your needs.

The Blandford Manor Restaurant and Pub

blandford-manor-homepage

Website: https://www.blandfordmanor.com

Address: Blandford Manor, 106 Hyperion Drive, North Riding, Randburg, South Africa

Phone: 079 935 7102 | [email protected]

Operating Hours: 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM Monday to Sunday

The Blandford Manor Restaurant and Pub, located at Blandford Manor in Johannesburg, offers a serene dining experience in a traditional Old English estate. Known for its peaceful atmosphere and beautifully prepared, home-cooked meals, it provides a welcoming escape for those seeking tranquility. The restaurant’s strict no-children policy enhances the quiet ambiance, making it a favorite spot for adults looking to relax with friends or family.

One of the key advantages of The Blandford Manor Restaurant and Pub is its commitment to quality ingredients. Their chefs ensure that only the finest ingredients, including organic herbs from their gardens and imported specialties, are used in every dish. The wide variety of menus, including à la carte, buffet, and cocktail options, allows guests to enjoy a flexible dining experience that caters to different preferences and occasions. Additionally, their staff is highly experienced and attentive, providing excellent service during both regular meals and private functions.

The restaurant’s idyllic location, along with its beautiful garden settings, adds to the appeal. Whether dining in the restaurant or hosting a private function, guests can enjoy the charming views and peaceful surroundings. The Blandford Manor Restaurant and Pub also offers tailored menus for events, making it a popular destination for gatherings like bridal showers or anniversaries.

In conclusion, The Blandford Manor Restaurant and Pub offers a high-quality dining experience in a peaceful and picturesque environment. Its dedication to using premium ingredients, along with excellent service and a beautiful setting, makes it a top choice for adult diners.

Pro Tip:
The restaurant is a great venue for romantic dates and private dining experiences. Make sure to book in advance should you want to host bridal showers and intimate anniversaries to ensure you get the best table of your choice.

The Grillhouse 

Website: https://thegrillhouse.co.za/rosebank-grillhouse/ 

Address: Shop 1, The Firs / Hyatt Centre, C/O Oxford Road & Biermann Avenue, Rosebank

Phone: +27 11 880 3945

Operating Hours:

  • Monday to Saturday – 12 PM to dinner
  • Sunday – lunch only

Established in 1995, the Grillhouse has won several awards, including Best Independent Steakhouse for five years and a three-star rating from Rossouw’s Restaurants.

Their menu features mouth-watering steaks, ribs, salads, seafood, and vegetarian dishes. And if you have a sweet tooth, their brownies and ice cream are simply to die for!

The Grillhouse has a cosy atmosphere that’ll make you feel like you’re in a classic New York grillhouse! Beautiful art and warm lighting make the ambience perfect for dining with friends and family. 

Pro Tip:
Located just a short 5-minute drive from The Grillhouse, Gallery MOMO is a must-visit destination. This contemporary art gallery showcases both local and international artists.

Level Four Restaurant 

Website: https://www.southernsun.com/54-on-bath/dining/level-four 

Address: 54 Bath Ave, Rosebank, Johannesburg, 2196, South Africa

Phone: +27 11 344 8442

Operating Hours:

  • Breakfast – 6:30 AM to 10:30 PM
  • Lunch – 12:30 PM to 3 PM
  • Dinner – 6:30 PM to 10 PM

Level Four Restaurant at 54 on Bath in Rosebank offers top-notch dining in Johannesburg. Their menu blends classic and modern flavours, promising a memorable meal.

On Saturdays, they host a delightful High Tea Buffet from 1:30 PM to 4:30 PM, featuring a variety of tasty treats and live entertainment plus a complimentary glass of bubbly.

You can enjoy lunch or dinner indoors or on the sunny terrace. 

Adjacent to the restaurant, you’ll find the stylish Perrier-Jouët Champagne Bar, perfect for pre-dinner drinks or sundowners with a view.

Pro Tip:
Reserve ahead, especially for popular events like the High Tea Buffet, to ensure you don’t miss out on the culinary fun.

The Shortmarket Club

Website: https://theshortmarketclub.co.za/  

Address: 1 Oxford Parks, 199 Oxford Rd, Rosebank, 2196, South Africa

Phone: +27 10 006 2323

Operating Hours:

  • Tuesday – 12 AM to 11:30 PM
  • Wednesday to Saturday – 12:30 PM to 9:30 PM
  • Sunday – 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM

The Shortmarket Club offers an upmarket brasserie serving delicious modern European cuisine with Asian influences.

The menu at this restaurant offers a wide variety of delicious dishes that will satisfy your taste buds. You can try the savoury Japanese pancakes or the succulent BBQ pork belly for appetisers. 

Another thing that makes The Shortmarket Club unique is its fantastic décor and atmosphere. The warm lighting, deep colours, and vintage touches like leather, brass, and fluted glass create a unique vibe.

Pro Tip:
Consider taking a leisurely stroll to Rosebank Mall, just a 12-minute walk away from the restaurant. This bustling shopping centre boasts a variety of stores, cafes, and entertainment options.

Marble Restaurant

Website: https://marble.restaurant/ 

Address: Trumpet on Keyes, Corner Keyes & Jellicoe Avenue, Rosebank, Johannesburg, South Africa

Phone: +27 10 594 5550

Operating Hours:

  • Open daily – 12 PM to 11 PM

Marble Restaurant in Johannesburg is the perfect place to experience quintessential South African fare. It’s all about cooking with fire, which gives the food a unique smoky flavour that’s hard to resist.

The restaurant’s wood-fired grill is imported from Grill Works in Michigan and serves as the restaurant’s focal point. Everything is cooked perfectly on coals, from meat to fish, poultry, vegetables, and bread.

Pro Tip:
Try their fantastic prawn starter, which is juicy and flavorful, and their oysters, which are fresh and briny. Plus, their cocktails perfectly complement the experience.

Thunder Gun

Website: https://www.thundergun.co.za/ 

Address: 281 Beyers Naude Drive & Lewisham Rd, Blackheath, Randburg, 2195, South Africa

Phone: +27 11 678 7224​

Operating Hours:

  • Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, & Saturday – 11:30 AM to 9:30 PM
  • Wednesday – 11:30 AM to 3:00 PM; 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM
  • Friday – 11:30 AM to 3:00 PM; 5:30 PM to 10:30 PM
  • Sunday – 11:30 AM to 8:30 PM

Thunder Gun Steakhouse is a must-visit if you’re looking for a classic Johannesburg restaurant experience. Since 1968, Thunder Gun has been offering great food, friendly service, and excellent value for money to generations of loyal patrons.

It’s widely regarded as one of the best steakhouses in town, and its mouth-watering steaks, ribs, and burgers are legendary. But the menu also offers a range of starters, desserts, chicken, fish, and other great options.

One of the unique features of Thunder Gun is its variety of dining spaces. You can choose to dine in the bustling restaurant, enjoy the cool breeze on the enclosed outdoor terrace, or soak up the festive atmosphere of the pub.

Pro Tip:
The restaurant offers a carvery option on weekends, a Monday Madness carvery special, and a famous pensioners’ lunch on Tuesdays. Be sure to check the board inside the restaurant for other special offers.

Tashas Cafe Rosebank

Website: https://www.tashascafe.com/locations/johannesburg/rosebank/ 

Address: Shop G28, The Zone Rosebank, Oxford Road, Rosebank, Johannesburg, Johannesburg 2196 South Africa

Phone: +27 11 447 7972 

Operating Hours:

  • Monday to Thursday – 7:30 AM to 6 PM
  • Friday & Saturday – 7:30 AM to 6:30 PM
  • Sunday – 7:30 AM to 5 PM

Tashas Café Rosebank offers diverse breakfast and brunch choices with Mediterranean, French, and Moroccan flavours. It’s one of 21 Tashas restaurants in South Africa and the UAE known for its cosy atmosphere.

Tashas is all about delicious food, caring service, and a welcoming atmosphere inspired by the owner’s father. Dining at Tashas means joining a celebration of life, love, and the pleasure of sharing a meal.

Pro Tip:
Don’t miss their Central Park Deluxe Burger and Downtown Chicken Salad—two flavorful dishes that blend quality ingredients with creative flair. 

NCW Restaurant

Media from trishankat

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ncwrestaurant/ 

Address: 46 Main Rd, Melville, Johannesburg, 2109, South Africa

Operating Hours:

  • Wednesday to Saturday – 6 PM to 8 PM

NCW Restaurant offers a variety of dishes inspired by African, Asian, and European cuisines, reflecting the multicultural heritage of Johannesburg. 

The renowned chef Ence Willemse leads the kitchen and is known for his work at other top restaurants. At NCW, he serves up dishes that burst with flavour and artistic flair.

What’s more, the menu changes every season, so diners can expect a culinary adventure every time they visit. 

Pro Tip:
After indulging in the culinary delights at NCW Restaurant, take a leisurely 13-minute walk to Melville Koppies East. This natural reserve and Johannesburg City Heritage Site offer a glimpse into the city’s ancient past.

Flames Restaurant

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 is a unique restaurant that offers a variety of dishes with an authentic South African twist. They have a diverse menu that ranges from soups to Wagyu sirloin, all cooked with fire in their outdoor braai kitchen. 

The best part of Flames is the stunning view of the city from their hillside terrace, which is perfect for a casual breakfast, quick lunch, or leisurely dinner with friends.

Pro Tip:
Their salmon starter is a must-try with its amazing flavour and freshness. And their risotto is simply divine with a rich and satisfying taste. 

The Greenhouse

Website: https://www.greenhousejhb.co.za/ 

Address: 6 Gwen Lane &, Fredman Dr, Sandown, Johannesburg, 2031, South Africa

Phone: +27 79 179 7362

Operating Hours:

  • Thursday to Sunday – 12 PM to 2 AM

The Greenhouse in Sandton Central is an excellent spot that recently got a makeover after a fire in late 2021. It’s a leafy and tropical place with hanging plants, grass walls, and tall indoor trees.

If you’re looking for a place to grab a bite, you should check out the variety of delicious food options available at this place. They offer a mouth-watering selection of burgers, sushi, and spicy prawns to satisfy your cravings.

You can sit inside or outside on long benches with cushions, and it’s an excellent place for a date night, lunch, or party. 

Pro Tip:
If you’re looking for a refreshing drink, try their Magnolia cocktail. The bartenders make it with vodka, lime, aloe, and elderflower, and it’s an absolute must-try!

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 charming Johannesburg restaurant perfect for brunch or lunch with friends. It’s also great for special occasions like birthdays, weddings, and baby showers.

The restaurant serves various dishes made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Popular items include the Madiba Burger, French toast, and shakshuka breakfast.

With its beautiful garden setting and delicious food, La Vie en Rose is a must-visit spot for foodies and anyone who loves a good meal in a relaxing environment.

Pro Tip:
You can’t go wrong with their pasta dishes, which are cooked al dente and have flavorful sauces. Their steak is also a great choice, as it is tender and juicy when ordered medium.

The 11th Floor

Website: https://www.the11thfloor.co.za/ 

Address: 11th Floor, Nicol Corner, 28 Bradford Rd, Bedfordview, 2007, South Africa

Phone: +27 10 045 0440

Operating Hours:

  • Sunday to Thursday – 7 AM to 10:30 PM
  • Friday & Saturday – 7 AM to 12 AM

The 11th Floor rooftop restaurant takes you on a unique culinary journey, serving dishes made with fresh seasonal ingredients and rare Italian imports.

Their menu draws inspiration from the Mediterranean, featuring signature dishes such as flame-grilled marinated lamb rack and fire-roasted red pepper risotto topped with Danish feta.

But it’s not just the food that makes The 11th Floor an exceptional dining experience. The restaurant’s decor, live music, and attentive service create a relaxed and enchanting atmosphere. 

Pro Tip:
Book your accommodation at the Mercure Johannesburg Bedfordview Hotel, which is conveniently located just a 2-minute walk away from The 11th Floor.

Trumps Grillhouse and Butchery

Website: https://trumpsgrill.co.za/ 

Address: Nelson Mandela Square, 5th St &, Rivonia Rd, Sandton, 2196, South Africa

Phone: +27 (11) 784 2366

Operating Hours:

  • Open daily – 11 AM to 10 PM
  • Friday & Saturday – 7 AM to 12 AM

Trumps Grillhouse & Butchery is a beloved Johannesburg restaurant serving customers for many years. It features premium aged whiskies and high-quality meats that will leave your taste buds satisfied. 

At Trumps, you’ll find a menu that caters to the discerning palate, making it perfect for any occasion. Plus, you can take home top-quality cuts and perfectly aged steaks to cook a delicious meal for your family and friends. 

Pro Tip:
If you’re looking for a delicious meal, we highly recommend trying their aged steaks, which are tender and juicy, and their chicken livers, which are spicy and flavorful.  

La Boqueria Parktown North

Website: https://www.laboqueria.co.za/ 

Address: 17 3rd Ave, Parktown North, Randburg, 2193, South Africa

Phone: +27 11 325 0011

Operating Hours:

  • Tuesday to Friday – 12 PM to 10 PM
  • Saturday – 11 AM to 10 PM
  • Sunday – 11 AM to 6 PM

La Boqueria, a restaurant in Parktown North, takes its name from the famous fresh food market in Barcelona. It’s a tapas lover’s paradise and a must-visit for foodies.

Their menu has tapas inspired by Barcelona’s famous fast-casual offerings, prepared traditionally over sizzling coals or in a wood-fired oven. The must-try items are grilled tequila lime chicken taco and Spanish salchichon roja (sausage) flatbread.

As you enter the restaurant, you’re greeted by a striking mural of a Spanish matadora, adding to the lively atmosphere. The restaurant’s mid-century modern furniture and pops of greenery hanging from the ceiling create an eclectic ambience.

Pro Tip:
You can’t go wrong with the Chocolate Nemesis, a divine cake with a melt-in-your-mouth fudgy texture. Or try the Drunken Crema, featuring honey-whiskey cream, granadilla custard, and almond praline, for a delightful treat. 

The Braai Room

Website: https://braairoom.co.za/ 

Address: Lonehill Shopping Centre, Lone Hill, Sandton, 2191, South Africa

Phone: +27 10 800 2919

Operating Hours:

  • Tuesday to Friday – 12 PM to 10 PM
  • Saturday – 11 AM to 10 PM
  • Sunday – 11 AM to 6 PM

The Braai Room is a restaurant by Country Meat Butchery that serves fresh-cut and aged meat on-site. You can choose your meat cut and grilling preference and enjoy your meal while the Braai Room does the rest.

They don’t just serve meat though. They also have an extensive menu with breakfast, lunch, and dinner options for everyone, including yummy pizza and healthy salads.

You can sit inside or outside and enjoy the playground view with water fountains for the kids. 

Pro Tip:
If you’re looking for some fun activities nearby, Montecasino offers ten-pin bowling. Groups of 40 to 80 people can book the venue exclusively for their use.

Emzini Restaurant

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EmziniLove/ 

Address: 12 Lewes Street, Westdene, Johannesburg Western Suburbs, South Africa

Phone: +27 81 515 2223

Operating Hours:

  • Tuesday to Friday – 11 AM to 11 PM
  • Saturday & Sunday – 9 AM to 11 PM

Emzini is a café and restaurant with an expansive terrace overlooking the Westdene Dam. It offers a warm and inviting atmosphere for guests to relax and engage in friendly conversations.

The restaurant’s menu offers classic and innovative dishes that will tantalise your taste buds. The calamari is a signature dish patrons of the founder’s other restaurants would remember.

Breakfast is served from 7 AM until 12 PM with options such as the breakfast stack of eggs, bacon, sausages, chakalaka (spicy tomato bean relish), and the local twist on eggs Benedict served atop fluffy magwinya (fat cake). 

Pro Tip:
Opt for the Mediterranean steamed mussels with garlic, white wine, and cream for a tasty and enjoyable starter.
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