Spending some time in the City of Gold and keen to get a taste for the flourishing food scene? With so many options and a heap of unique neighbourhoods to choose from, it can be a real challenge to decide where to enjoy your next evening out.
Enter Team GILTEDGE. We’ve been there, we’ve ordered, and we’ve savoured every mouthful. Here’s a round-up of our absolute favourite restaurants in Johannesburg, each serving up more than just a meal… prepare for a culinary masterpiece!
THE BUTCHER SHOP & GRILL
A Meat Lovers’ Paradise
Incurable carnivore? Satisfy your craving for the finest cuts at The Butcher Shop & Grill – a must-visit for meat lovers and famous for “raising the steaks”. The restaurant offers a variety of premium steaks and other meaty meals, including dry-aged beef, succulent lamb, and tender chicken. The menu also features an array of classic South African dishes like boerewors, peri-peri chicken, and braai platters, and guests can enjoy a wide selection of fine wines and craft beers to pair with their food. Topping everything off, the restaurant’s décor is just as impressive as its food. Inspired by an old-world butchery, it features exposed brick walls and vintage meat hooks adorning the ceiling. The perfect background for an Instagram-worthy foodie snap.
Location: Nelson Mandela Square, Corner 5th and Maude Street, Sandton, Johannesburg, South Africa.
SAINT
Savour Authentic Italian Flavours
Saint is a culinary delight that offers a unique fusion of French, Italian, and South African flavours. The menu features a range of sumptuous dishes, including fresh seafood, succulent meats, and delicate vegetarian options – but the restaurant’s pizza is its true signature serving. Every pizza is made from scratch by hand and baked to perfection inside imported wood-fire ovens from Naples. The wine list is also impressive, with a carefully curated selection of local and international wines to complement every meal. The restaurant’s elegant and contemporary interior design, combined with its delicious cuisine, is absolutely praiseworthy.
Location: The Marc, 129 Rivonia Road, Sandton, Johannesburg, South Africa.
QBAR BY QUOIN ROCK
World-Class Wine, Cocktails & Tapas
Ever been to a restaurant where both the wine and the food compete to be the star of the show? That’s the level of gourmet luxury you can look forward to when sitting down to a meal at Qbar by Quoin Rock. Home to the award-winning Quoin Rock wines, this sumptuous wine lounge is where renowned sommeliers showcase their signature wine choices, cocktails, and bespoke drinks. Then you have a menu of tapas and small plates made for sharing, expertly crafted by a team of innovative chefs and chockfull of dishes to complement your drinks. Savour the signature Qbar oysters, sample the wagyu chefs’ special, or order a cheese platter for the table – it’s impossible to go wrong. Talk about bringing the essence of the Cape Winelands to the heart of Joburg!
Location: 199 Oxford Rd, Dunkeld, Randburg, Johannesburg, South Africa.
PROUD MARY
Mid-century Inspired Dining with a Modern Twist
Love a bit of luxurious escapism as a side to your meal? Then Proud Mary, located in Rosebank’s foodie district, is the restaurant for you. The décor is an artful blend of mid-century and modern, and the menu is just as delightfully diverse. Treat yourself to anything from bar nibbles and small plates to coal-fired oven masterpieces and speciality cuts – you’re in for an explosion of flavour regardless. In the mood for a more exclusive dining experience? Proud Mary offers private dining, too. Get settled in the Glenfiddich Dining Room, where you’ll enjoy celebrating great food alongside the Meta Range of whiskeys from Glenfiddich. Alternatively, relax in the vibrant Champagne Room, where there’s always an excuse to pop open another bottle of bubbly!
Location: voco The Bank, 26 Cradock Avenue, Rosebank, Johannesburg, South Africa.
LA BOQUERIA
Transport Your Taste Buds to Spain
If you’re looking for a taste of Spain in Johannesburg, look no further than La Boqueria. Located in slick Parktown North, this iconic eatery is a feast for the senses. The Hispanic-style restaurant transports you straight to Barcelona, with its lazy spinning ceiling fans, macramé plants, and lush greenery. The décor is as sublime as the market-style menu, which features a range of Spanish-inspired dishes made with only the freshest ingredients – and many of them are made to share. Whether you’re in the mood for tapas, seafood, or traditional slow-cooked paella, La Boqueria has something to satisfy every palate. Come and experience the magic of this iconic eatery for yourself.
Location: 17 3rd Avenue, Parktown North, Johannesburg, 2193, South Africa.
CHE ARGENTINE GRILL
A Culinary Journey to Argentina
Choose Che Argentine Grill for an authentic Argentinian steakhouse experience in Jozi – it’s recommended by the Argentinian Embassy in South Africa itself! This award-winning restaurant is renowned for its perfectly cooked steaks, served with a range of delicious sides. And you’ll definitely want to kick-start your evening with the restaurant’s trademark sourdough bread and subtly spicy chimichurri. Whether you opt to sit on the outdoor deck or the moody interior, you’ll be transported to old Argentina, with vintage images spread across the walls and subtle nods to the owners’ Latino background in every direction you turn. As a bonus, the bar boasts a cocktail menu that’s perfect for pre-dinner drinks or nightcaps.
Location: 128 Jan Smuts Ave, Parkwood, Johannesburg, South Africa