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Find your local flavor at these 11 best restaurants in Soweto

You’ve probably heard of South Africa’s dynamic food culture. However, knowing where to start can be overwhelming. Soweto’s culinary selections can be the solution to your FOMO!

Every time I come here, the city’s eclectic food scene delivers gastronomic adventures. Your choices are endless, from traditional South African flavors to international cuisine! I’ll take you to the best ones the town has to offer. 

Sakhumzi Restaurant

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Address: 6980 Vilakazi St, Orlando West

Contacts: +27 11 536 1379

Operating hours: 

  • Daily: 11 AM- 10 PM

Website 

Pricing: $$$

Coming to Sakhumzi is a whole new communal experience. Guests can enjoy authentic home-cooked meals in a warm, welcoming environment. It reminds me of my mom cooking my favorite meal!

The chicken wings here are to die for. And, of course, I chose the hot and spicy wings. They’re flamed-grilled to perfection, with the heat from the spices complementing their smoky flavor. They’re crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside!

Pro tip:
If you’re coming here for the first time and don’t know what to get, go for the buffet. For R205, you have a selection of various dishes, including stews and grilled meat. As for the sides, you have seasonal vegetables, rice, pap, samp, and beans. 

A note, though: the price excludes drinks. 

Wandies Place

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Address: 618 Makhalemele St, Dube

Contact details: +27 81 420 6051

Operating hours: 

  • Daily: 9 AM-10 PM

Pricing: $$

Entrepreneur Richard Branson has been raving about Wandies Place, and I now know why. The restaurant serves traditional South African cuisine, particularly dishes from the local Xhosa culture. Plus, it isn’t just Branson-approved; there are signatures of other famous people on its walls. 

I came here for their mogodu and dumplings. The mogodu is tender and flavorful, with a rich and gamey taste in the meat. Meanwhile, the dumplings have a fluffy, light texture. Soak them in the savory sauce from the mogodu, and it’s flawless!

Pro tips:
We recommend visiting during lunch hours if you prefer to avoid the busy atmosphere. On weekends, the atmosphere lights up because of their live music, so don’t forget that as well. 

Carling Black Label is a staple in South Africa. Its crisp, slightly bitter taste beautifully cuts through the richness of the mogodu. 

Restaurant Vilakazi

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Address: Vilakazi Street

Contact details: +27 72 272 1982

Operating hours: 

  • Monday to Friday: 9 AM-10 PM 
  • Saturday to Sunday & Public Holidays: 9 AM-11 PM

Website 

Pricing: $$

If you’re craving Mediterranean and Soweto fusion, you can get it at Restaurant Vilakazi. 

I recommend their oxtail stew. You’ll be captured by its aroma—a savory, deep scent that fills the air. The oxtail is tender, with the meat falling off the bone after hours of slow cooking. It’s rich and gelatinous—a hearty, luxurious experience. 

Pro tip:
We recommend reserving your table, as the restaurant can get busy, especially during peak hours and weekends. 

Ntsitsi’s Fun Food

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Address: Eben Cuyler Drive, Diepkloof

Contact details: +27 72 150 9519

Operating hours: 

  • Monday to Sunday: 10 AM–7 PM

Pricing: $

I came to Ntsitsi’s Fun Food for the kotas—a hollowed-out quarter loaf of bread filled with many ingredients. They have over 50 variations, each with a unique combination of ingredients that reflects Soweto’s diverse flavors. 

But my favorite will always be Kota 36. The bread acts as a shell that holds everything together while absorbing the flavors of the sauces and ingredients inside. The richness of the cheese and polony balanced the smokiness of the Russian sausage. 

Pro tip:
For an authentic experience, pair your meal with a cold drink or a traditional beverage like umqombothi (sorghum beer).

Vuyo’s Restaurant 

Address: 8038 Vilakazi St, Orlando West

Contact details: +27 11 536 5690

Operating hours: 

  • Monday to Thursday: 10 AM-9 PM
  • Friday to Sunday: 10 AM-12 AM

Website 

Pricing: $$

I came to Vuyo’s Restaurant last month to experience their modernization of traditional African cuisine. 

Their T-bone steak remains my favorite. It came to me from the braai, perfectly cooked with a smokey, charred crust. The meat was juicy and tender, offering a rich, buttery taste. Adding smoked paprika compound butter was the perfect final touch. It perfectly melted over the steak, adding a velvety richness and a subtle kick of spice. 

Pro tip:
Opt for the Vuyokazi Family Plater to share. It includes Vuyo’s favorites such as Vuyokazi salad, tombolo, lamb potjie, pork ribs, grilled half chicken, and butternut. Get this platter for R650 instead of paying R750 when you order them separately.

Chaf Pozi

Address: Orlando Towers, Chris Hani Road & Nicholas Street, Orlando East

Contact details: +27 81 797 5756

Operating hours: 

  • Wednesday to Thursday: 11 AM–6 PM
  • Friday to Saturday: 11 AM–2 AM
  • Sunday: 11 AM–10 PM

Website 

Pricing: $$

When you step inside Chaf Pozi, you’ll feel the vibrant braai culture. The outdoor braai area allows diners to enjoy their meals while soaking in the energetic vibe. Plus, it’s an utterly communal experience. 

My favorite is the short ribs. It’s tender and juicy, with a smoky flavor from the braai. The meat pulls apart quickly and has a nice balance of fat and meat. 

Pro tip:
If you need help deciding what to get, opt for the braai platter. It allows you to sample various kinds of meat at a fixed price. 

Sowetalian

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Address: 246/8 Matheatsie St, Moroka

Contact details: +27 83 212 4324

Operating hours: 

  • Tuesday to Friday: 9 AM-6 PM
  • Weekends: 9 AM-8 PM

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Pricing: $

Soweto is also filled with restaurants offering international cuisine. One of which is Sowetalian. It puts a South African twist on Italian food.

Their pasta with beef liver is their best seller. The pasta is perfectly cooked al dente with a rich, creamy sauce. And if you think it’s weird to put beef liver here, they will change your mind. It’s cooked just right—not too tough or chewy. Plus, the deep, earthy flavor from the liver balances well with the smoothness of the sauce. 

Pro tip:
Their pizzas are also a must-try. They incorporate interesting toppings, such as beef liver. Although with the unique options, Margherita remains their best-selling pizza because of its simplicity and fresh ingredients. 

Silver Falcon Spur Steak Ranch

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Address: Shop 1003, First Floor, Maponya Mall, 2127 Chris Hani Rd, Klipspruit

Contact details: +27 11 938 4556

Operating hours: 

  • Monday to Sunday: 8 AM–10 PM

Website 

Pricing: $$

Silver Falcon Spur Steak Ranch serves one of the best steaks, ribs, and wings in the area. I love the laid-back atmosphere of this family-friendly restaurant. 

The Cheddamelt Steak never disappoints here. Regardless of the steak’s doneness, you’ll enjoy it with a slight char, sizzling on your plate. The melted cheese adds a sharp, tangy flavor that cuts through the richness of the mushroom sauce. 

Pro tip:
Look out for daily specials or combo meals that offer better value. Sharing larger plates among your group can also help manage costs.

Jazz Maniacs

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Address: Soweto Hotel, Kliptown

Contact details: + 27 (0) 11 527 7300

Operating hours: 

  • Served at lunchtime and at dinner time

Website 

Pricing: $$

Inside Soweto Hotel is Jazz Maniacs, a jazz-focused hotspot that offers a unique dining experience. It combines traditional township food with fine dining elements. 

I enjoyed slurping their sweet potato cappuccino while the band performed. It was lightly spiced for an added kick, topped with a fluffy foam layer, and garnished with crispy sweet potato chips for added crunch. 

Pro tip:
Make sure to book a reservation every last Sunday of the month. Aside from the buffet, they have live jazz music by Soweto-based musicians.

Chez Alina Restaurant

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Address: 33730 Masemola Street, Dobsonville

Contact details: +27 81 895 5181

Operating hours: 

  • Monday to Friday: 8:30 AM-7 PM
  • Saturday: 8:30 AM-8:30 PM
  • Sunday: 8:30 AM-5:30 PM

Pricing: $$

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The atmosphere in Chez Alina is like stepping into a warm home, with a blend of fine dining and authentic South African hospitality. In addition, they add a personal touch—almost like a home-cooked meal experience rather than a commercial restaurant. 

Their buffet lunch spoils you with choices, including traditional salads, mains, and desserts. But among these gastric selections, their roasted chicken will always be my favorite. 

Pro tip:
Chez Alina is open throughout the day, so you can visit for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. However, the restaurant is busy during lunch hours.

Makhelwane Restaurant

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Address: 6974 Vilakazi St, Orlando West

Contact details: +27 81 430 3165

Operating hours: 

  • Monday to Thursday: 9 AM-10 PM
  • Friday to Saturday: 9 AM-2 AM
  • Sunday: 9 AM- 12 AM

Website 

Pricing: $$

Makhelwane Restaurant serves traditional South African dishes with a modern twist. For me, they have the best chakalaka relish in town! Whether you have it with braised oxtail, grilled meats, or fluffy dumplings, the chakalaka cuts through the richness, contrasting the heavier dishes. 

Pro tip:
Don’t miss the barbecue ribs. It’s cooked using traditional braai techniques, which gives the ribs a distinctive smoky taste. The meat is tender and juicy and falls off the bone!
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