Johannesburg’s fast-evolving food scene has the City of Gold competing with Cape Town to earn the country’s ‘Foodie Capital’ title. Joburg has become a melting pot of cuisines. With so many five-star restaurants popping up (and the existing ones upping their game), you’re in for a mouth-watering culinary experience. Think earthy Ethiopian fare in Kensington, European-style seasonal dishes in Rosebank and classic Saffa favourites in Sandton.
Ready to toast to a meal to remember? Here’s GILTEDGE’s guide to the ultimate fine dining in Johannesburg.
MARBLE RESTAURANT
A Must-Stop for Fine Diners
Marble, founded by renowned chef David Higgs and local entrepreneur Gary Kyriacou, is the city’s first live-fire restaurant and the sophisticated answer to the casual South African barbeque – the “braai”. The breathtakingly beautiful restaurant is situated in the heart of Rosebank’s Keyes Art Mile, a growing hub of art and food culture. With its impressive open kitchen, stunning interior design, and a rooftop bar with panoramic views of the city skyline, Marble is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a contemporary take on local fare.
Location: Trumpet on Keyes, Corner 19 Keyes and Jellicoe Avenue, Rosebank, Johannesburg, South Africa.
BASALT
Sophisticated Dining at its Finest
Basalt reopened its doors this year with a new chef calling the shots. Chef James Diack has revolutionised the intimate 40-seater venue located in the heritage buildings of The Peech Hotel, introducing new seasonal five-course tasting menus, all packed with contemporary South African flair and flavour. The restaurant also boasts a plush bar decorated with leather bar stools, perfect for pre or post-dinner drinks. Along with its decadent meals, the venue’s décor is another stand-out feature, sporting a colour palette of copper and charcoal that creates a distinguished but unpretentious atmosphere.
Location: 63 North Street, Melrose, Johannesburg, South Africa.
AURUM
A Golden Culinary Adventure in Johannesburg
Aesthetically inspired by nature and the City of Gold itself, AURUM is the brainchild of esteemed chef and culinary consultant Paulo Santo, in collaboration with the Legacy Group and its chairman, Bart Dorrestein. The seasonal menus are fusions of European and African flavours, using only the freshest local ingredients. Fill up on healthy garden greens or tuck into something a little more indulgent, such as the honey-glazed pork belly or roasted duck confit. AURUM also boasts an extensive wine list to pair with your meal and a selection of exquisite desserts to end your dining experience on a high note. The décor is luxurious and sophisticated, featuring a show-stopping chandelier and breathtaking city skyline views.
Location: Level 7, The Leonardo, 75 Maude St, Sandown, Sandton, Johannesburg, South Africa.
THE SHORTMARKET CLUB
Contemporary Brasserie Dining
Created by award-winning chef Luke Dale-Roberts, The Shortmarket Club in Johannesburg is a contemporary brasserie that offers an intimate dining experience. The menu is a fusion of global and South African flavours, with hearty meals to look forward to, from crispy calamari with Japanese pancake and yuzu dressing to BBQ pork belly with coconut and lemongrass, and crispy duck breast with shiitake broth and udon noodles. For plant-based options, expect a Mediterranean and Middle Eastern theme with lots of nuts and spices. Ultimately, if you’re looking for a sensory experience, from the décor and lighting to the layered flavours on your plate, you won’t fall short with an evening out at The Shortmarket Club.
Location: 1 Oxford Parks, 199 Oxford Road, Rosebank, Johannesburg, South Africa.
EMBARC
A Spread of Global and Local Flavours
“Modern, elegant simplicity” best describes the menu at Embarc restaurant, which is an ode to the chefs’ culinary journeys. Diners can expect to see a mix of traditional South African dishes alongside global favourites, with meals like kudu loin, seafood curry, and beef tartare at the top of most diners’ wish lists. The menu is broken into snacks, starters, mains, and desserts, with the option to enjoy every main as a starter portion. This allows guests to create their own five- or seven-course tasting menu.
Location: Corner 4th and 13th Street, Parkhurst, Johannesburg, South Africa.
CLICO RESTAURANT
European-style Seasonal Cuisine
Clean and contemporary, Clico Restaurant, the onsite dining establishment of the renowned Clico Boutique Hotel, is a go-to for award-winning seasonal fare. Along with an à la carte lunch menu, diners can enjoy four- and six-course tasting menus after the sun sets – all crafted by the ever-talented chef Dario de Angeli, renowned for the magical culinary experiences at Cube Kitchen and Est Est Alea. From seafood tortellini to salted duck breast, butter-poached lobster to tempura plant-based fish, there’s guaranteed to be something on the menu to tantalise everyone’s taste buds.
Location: 27 Sturdee Avenue, Rosebank, Johannesburg, South Africa.
