Quick answers — eating in Johannesburg
- Best restaurant overall
- Marble Restaurant
- Best value
- Qunu Restaurant (ZAR 700-1000 / USD 35-55 (per person))
- Strongest cuisines
- Modern European, Italian
- Dishes to try
- Bunny Chow, Shisanyama, Boerewors Roll, Vetkoek
- Booking window
- For top fine-dining establishments, secure your reservation 2-4 weeks in advance, especially for weekend evenings or if you have specific seating requests. This ensures availability and prime dining times.
Booking well in advance, especially for weekend evenings, is highly recommended. Dress codes typically range from smart-casual to elegant, with jackets often preferred at the most exclusive establishments. Tipping around 10-15% is customary for good service. Dinner hours usually commence between 6:00 PM and 7:00 PM, with last sittings around 9:00 PM.
Modern European
Best modern European restaurants in Johannesburg
Modern European is the catch-all for kitchens that borrow technique from France, produce from their own region and ideas from everywhere — usually tasting-menu only.
Marble Restaurant
Acclaimed local fine diningContemporary South African · Rosebank · ZAR 900-1500 / USD 50-80 (per person)
David Higgs
Marble offers a unique 'live fire' dining experience, where almost every dish touches the flames of their massive grill. The vibrant, stylish room provides panoramic city views, creating a dramatic backdrop for Higgs' innovative, ingredient-driven South African cuisine that celebrates local produce with robust flavours.
Order: Wagyu Beef Rib Eye on the Bone, Fire-Roasted Prawns with Peri-Peri Butter
Aurum Restaurant
Acclaimed local fine diningModern European · Sandton · ZAR 850-1300 / USD 45-70 (per person)
Darren Badenhorst
Perched atop the Leonardo building, Aurum presents refined Modern European cuisine with stunning views of Sandton. The elegant, gold-accented interior complements a menu focused on seasonal, high-quality ingredients, executed with precision and flair. It's a sophisticated urban dining experience.
Order: Pan-Seared Scallops with Cauliflower Puree, Dry-Aged Duck Breast with Cherry Reduction
DW Eleven-13
Acclaimed local fine diningContemporary · Dunkeld West · ZAR 950-1400 / USD 50-75 (tasting menu)
Marthinus Ferreira
DW Eleven-13 is known for its inventive, progressive cuisine and sophisticated tasting menus. Chef Ferreira's approach is experimental, pushing boundaries with textures and flavour combinations. The atmosphere is intimate and understated, allowing the innovative dishes to take center stage in a refined setting.
Order: Chef's Tasting Menu (seasonal), Deconstructed Karoo Lamb
Level Four Restaurant
Acclaimed local fine diningContemporary · Rosebank · ZAR 800-1200 / USD 40-65 (per person)
Located within the sophisticated 54 on Bath hotel, Level Four offers an elegant dining experience with a focus on modern cuisine and impeccable service. The refined setting, often with live piano music, provides a classic backdrop for dishes that are both beautifully presented and flavourful, drawing a discerning clientele.
Order: Beef Fillet with Foie Gras, Seared Salmon with Asparagus
Flames Restaurant
Acclaimed local fine diningContemporary South African · Sandton · ZAR 800-1200 / USD 40-65 (per person)
Situated at the Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff, Flames offers spectacular panoramic views over Johannesburg. The menu is a celebration of local ingredients, expertly prepared with a focus on grilled items and fresh, vibrant flavours. It's a chic, airy setting perfect for both casual luxury and special occasions.
Order: Flame-Grilled Karoo Lamb Chops, Seafood Platter
Italian
Best Italian restaurants in Johannesburg
Italian kitchens abroad split into two camps: the classic trattoria doing pasta, fish and a short wine list, and the modern dining rooms treating Italian produce with tasting-menu precision.
Piccolo Mondo
Acclaimed local fine diningItalian · Sandton · ZAR 750-1100 / USD 40-60 (per person)
Piccolo Mondo, housed in The Michelangelo Hotel, provides a luxurious setting for traditional Italian cuisine with a contemporary touch. The opulent dining room and attentive service create a classic fine-dining atmosphere. Dishes are prepared with high-quality ingredients, offering a sophisticated taste of Italy.
Order: Osso Buco with Saffron Risotto, Homemade Pasta with Truffles
Budget
Where to eat cheaply in Johannesburg
Che Argentine Grill
Authentic Argentinian parrillada experience with fantastic steaks, empanadas, and malbec. Expect generous portions and a lively atmosphere. A good steak will cost around ZAR 300-500.
Mama’s Amakrokok
Serving delicious, traditional South African 'kasi' food like pap, mogodu, and braai meat in a vibrant, community-focused setting. Hearty and flavourful dishes for around ZAR 100-200.
Kream Restaurant
While offering a touch of luxury, Kream has excellent lunch specials and an à la carte menu that provides good value for its quality. Think elegant African-inspired dishes or European classics for around ZAR 250-400.
Shisa Nyama at Imbizo Shisanyama
Experience a true South African braai (barbecue) where you pick your meat from the butchery and have it grilled to perfection. A lively, communal atmosphere with delicious food. A plate of meat and sides is typically ZAR 150-300.
Market on Main (Arts on Main)
A bustling Sunday market offering a diverse array of street food from various vendors, ranging from gourmet burgers to Ethiopian stews and artisanal desserts. Perfect for a casual, flavourful meal for ZAR 100-250.
Local dishes
What to eat in Johannesburg
Bunny Chow
Originating from Durban, Bunny Chow is a hollowed-out quarter or half-loaf of bread filled with a fragrant curry, typically mutton, chicken, or vegetable. It's a satisfying, hearty, and sometimes messy street food best eaten with your hands. Find authentic versions at Sakhumzi Restaurant in Soweto or various Indian restaurants across the city.
Shisanyama
Literally 'burnt meat' in Zulu, Shisanyama is a communal braai (barbecue) experience where various cuts of meat – beef, lamb, chicken, boerewors – are grilled to perfection. Often accompanied by pap (maize porridge) and chakalaka (spicy vegetable relish). Chaf Pozi in Soweto offers a lively atmosphere for this quintessential South African meal, especially on weekends.
Boerewors Roll
A beloved South African snack, the Boerewors roll features a grilled spiral sausage (boerewors) served in a hot dog bun, often topped with a tangy tomato and onion relish. It's a staple at sporting events, markets, and casual gatherings. Look for vendors at local markets like Rosebank Rooftop Market or roadside stalls for a quick, flavourful bite.
Vetkoek
Vetkoek, meaning 'fat cake' in Afrikaans, is a traditional South African fried dough bread. It's crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, typically served with savoury fillings like mince (ground meat) or cheese, or sweet options such as jam and cheese. It’s a versatile and comforting treat, often found at local markets and small cafes.
Biltong & Droëwors
These are South Africa's popular dried, cured meats. Biltong is similar to jerky but typically thicker and made from various meats (beef, kudu, ostrich), seasoned with spices and vinegar. Droëwors are dried sausages. They are perfect snacks, widely available at supermarkets, butcheries, and specialty biltong shops throughout Johannesburg, offering a true taste of local flavour.
Pap and Wors
Pap, a thick porridge made from maize meal, is a staple carbohydrate in many South African diets. It's often served with 'wors' (short for boerewors) and a tomato-based relish. This combination is a comforting and filling meal found in traditional restaurants, Shisanyama spots, and local eateries across Johannesburg, representing authentic home cooking.
Malva Pudding
A sweet, spongy apricot jam pudding, Malva Pudding is a much-loved South African dessert. It's typically served hot, drenched in a creamy, buttery sauce, often accompanied by custard or ice cream. This indulgent treat can be found on the dessert menus of many fine dining establishments and traditional South African restaurants throughout the city, providing a sweet conclusion to any meal.
Koeksisters
Koeksisters are a traditional Afrikaner pastry, deeply golden-brown, plaited or twisted doughnuts that are deep-fried and then immediately soaked in an ice-cold, sweet, sticky syrup. They are deliciously sweet, crunchy on the outside, and syrupy on the inside. You can find them at local bakeries, markets, and sometimes even supermarkets in Johannesburg.
How to book a table in Johannesburg
- · For top fine-dining establishments, secure your reservation 2-4 weeks in advance, especially for weekend evenings or if you have specific seating requests. This ensures availability and prime dining times.
- · Be aware that some high-end restaurants may require a deposit to confirm bookings, particularly for larger groups or special events. Clarify cancellation policies to avoid any charges.
- · Consider dining at lunchtime; many fine-dining restaurants offer condensed or set lunch menus at a more accessible price point, providing an excellent introduction to their cuisine and style.
- · Adhere strictly to cancellation or no-show policies. Late cancellations or no-shows may incur significant fees or restrictions on future bookings, so communicate any changes promptly.
FAQ
Johannesburg restaurant questions travellers ask
What is the best restaurant in Johannesburg?
Marble Restaurant in Rosebank is the benchmark table — Contemporary South African, led by David Higgs, acclaimed local fine dining, around ZAR 900-1500 / USD 50-80 (per person) per person. Order the Wagyu Beef Rib Eye on the Bone, Fire-Roasted Prawns with Peri-Peri Butter
Where is the best modern European restaurant in Johannesburg?
Marble Restaurant in Rosebank is the modern European table to book in Johannesburg (ZAR 900-1500 / USD 50-80 (per person) per person). Other strong options: Aurum Restaurant, DW Eleven-13, Level Four Restaurant.
Where is the best Italian restaurant in Johannesburg?
Piccolo Mondo in Sandton is the Italian table to book in Johannesburg (ZAR 750-1100 / USD 40-60 (per person) per person).
Where can I eat well in Johannesburg without spending a fortune?
Qunu Restaurant is the best-value table on this list at roughly ZAR 700-1000 / USD 35-55 (per person) per person. Beyond fine dining, locals point to Che Argentine Grill, Mama’s Amakrokok, Kream Restaurant.
How far in advance should I book restaurants in Johannesburg?
For top fine-dining establishments, secure your reservation 2-4 weeks in advance, especially for weekend evenings or if you have specific seating requests. This ensures availability and prime dining times. Be aware that some high-end restaurants may require a deposit to confirm bookings, particularly for larger groups or special events. Clarify cancellation policies to avoid any charges.
What food is Johannesburg famous for?
Bunny Chow, Shisanyama, Boerewors Roll, Vetkoek, Biltong & Droëwors — the dishes most worth eating where they come from. Originating from Durban, Bunny Chow is a hollowed-out quarter or half-loaf of bread filled with a fragrant curry, typically mutton, chicken, or vegetable. It's a satisfying, hearty, and sometimes messy street food best eaten with your hands. Find authentic versions at Sakhumzi Restaurant in Soweto or various Indian restaurants across the city.
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