Carnivore

Ravenous meat eaters sit around a big open fire and tuck into wild game — eland, zebra, springbok, kudu and crocodile — carved off Masai spears. The Carnivore in Johannesburg is a franchise of the equally famous counterpart in Nairobi, and it has received awards such as Best Restaurant to Take Tourists To and Best Traditional Restaurant. Even if you’re not a carnivore, you can still come here and dine on fish and veggie dishes, and have your dinner accompanied by fine wine.

• Web:

  carnivore.co.za

• Address:

  69 Drift Boulevard, Muldersdrift Estate, Johannesburg

• Phone:

  +27 11 950 6000

• Opening hours:

  Daily 11am–11pm

Hell's Kitchen

Hidden in plain sight, this 1920s New York speakeasy-style restaurant and bar serves up delectable burgers, pizza, tacos, and other foods, all accompanied by a refreshing pint of beer or other drinks of your choice. The rock'n'roll attitude is almost tangible.

• Web:

  www.hellskitchen.co.za

• Address:

  4 7th Street, Melville, Johannesburg

• Phone:

  +27 79 980 9591

• Opening hours:

  Daily noon–11pm

Ristorante La Trinita

Ristorante La Trinita in Kyalami Downs is a cosy Italian restaurant with beautiful decor and good service. On the menu you will find hand-made pasta, risotto and delicious salads, as well as regularly updated weekly specials. Live music performances are hosted frequently.

• Web:

  www.latrinita.co.za

• E-mail:

  latrinita@mweb.co.za

• Address:

  Kyalami Boulevard & Main Road, Kyalami Park, Midrand

• Phone:

  +27 11 466 7949

• Opening hours:

  Wed–Sat noon–3pm / 5:30pm–10pm; Sun noon–3pm; Mon & Tue closed

• More info:

  G1A, Kyalami Downs Shopping Centre

Sakhumzi Restaurant

Sakhumzi Restaurant offers traditional African food served to trestle tables on the grass. The restaurant is located in a historic area, where Nelson Mandela once had his original home. Located west of the city centre, in the Gauteng township of Soweto.

• Web:

  sakhumzi.co.za

• E-mail:

  dine@sakhumzi.co.za

• Address:

  6980 Vilakazi Street, Soweto, Johannesburg

• Phone:

  +27 11 536 1379

The Butcher Shop & Grill

The Butcher Shop & Grill boasts some of the best steaks in town — game, ostrich, pork, lamb and beef. The atmosphere is laid back and inviting. Booking is absolutely essential if you want a table. It is a great place to indulge in South Africa's favourite grills.

• Web:

  www.thebutchershop.co.za

• E-mail:

  reservations@thebutchershop.co.za

• Address:

  Nelson Mandela Square, Sandton, Johannesburg

• Phone:

  +27 11 784 8676

• Opening hours:

  Daily noon–10:30pm

The Grillhouse Rosebank

Despite its straightforward name, Grillhouse's menu caters to both meat and plant-based eaters. Their specialty is, of course, steaks and ribs, but they also have vegetarian options, as well as chicken and seafood. The meat is prepared to perfection — you simply cannot go wrong dining here.

• Web:

  www.thegrillhouse.co.za

• E-mail:

  rosebank@thegrillhouse.co.za

• Address:

  Corner Oxford Road & Bierman Avenue, Rosebank, Johannesburg

• Phone:

  +27 11 880 3945

• Opening hours:

  Mon–Sat noon–10pm, Sun noon–5pm

Beach Blanket Bohemia

Beach Blanket Bohemia is a bar and restaurant with a Mediterranean menu of dishes served on a sun-filled terrace. The lounge area makes for a relaxing evening with live music or a skilled DJ playing in the background. Located at the Sunninghill Village Shopping Centre in Sandton.

• Web:

  www.beachblanketbohemia.co.za

• E-mail:

  rjdrosario@gmail.com

• Address:

  Corner Maxwell Drive & Edison Street., Sunninghill, Johannesburg

• Phone:

  +27 11 234 2714

• Opening hours:

  Mon–Sat 7:30am–10pm, Sun 7:30–3pm

Carfax

The longstanding live music and events venue in a converted industrial loft, managed by a tightly knit team of enthusiasts, still attracts crowds at times when local and international artists perform on its stage. Check the schedule to see if any headliners catch your eye. Plays house and hip-hop.

• Web:

  carfaxnewtown.wordpress.com

• Address:

  39 Gwigwi Mrwebi Street, Newtown, Johannesburg

• Phone:

  +27 11 834 9187

Mad Giant Brewery

Mad Giant specializes in local craft beers and shares a space with Urbanlogi, a stylish Asian fusion restaurant that serves bite-size Asian fusion foods along with beer pairing classics such as burgers and fries. The outdoor terrace boasts a buzzing atmosphere.

• Web:

  www.madgiant.co.za

• Address:

  1 Fox Street, Ferreiras Dorp, Johannesburg

• Phone:

  +27 11 492 0901

• More info:

  Mad Giant's new taproom can be found at Delta Corner, 96 Conrad Drive, Blairgowrie

Montecasino

This is a replica of a Tuscan village with restaurants, theatres, bars, clubs and a casino. Montecacsino has been given many awards including Best Casino, Best place to take out-of-towners and Best Entertainment Complex. Located north of the city centre in Sandton.

• Web:

  www.montecasino.co.za

• Address:

  Montecasino Boulevard, Fourways, Johannesburg

• Phone:

  +27 11 510 7000

Radium Beerhall

Radium Beerhall is one of the city’s oldest pubs, noisy and full of character. The locale's history makes itself known through the striking memorabilia adorning the walls. They serve authentic food, a myriad of beers and have live jazz fill the air.

• E-mail:

  manny@theradium.co.za

• Address:

  282 Louis Botha Avenue, Orange Grove, Johannesburg

• Phone:

  +27 11 728 3866

City Perk Cafe

The popular City Perk Cafe is a great choice for both a filling breakfast and a casual lunch. Choose from gourmet sandwiches, Turkish thin pita bread sandwiches called 'tramezzinis', wraps, salads, and more substantial options such as meat and seafood grills.

• Web:

  cityperkcafe.co.za

• Address:

  70 Fox Street, Marshalltown, Johannesburg

• Phone:

  +27 11 838 9755

Lattelicious

Lattelicious might not be for you if you’re looking for a quick caffeine fix on the go: they take their coffee very seriously, and customers are encouraged to adapt an attitude to match. The atmosphere is inviting and the venue is small and charming.

• Web:

  www.lattelicious.co.za

• Address:

  Bedford Centre, Bradford Road, Upper Level, Shop U5 & 6, Bedfordview, Johannesburg

• Phone:

  +27 11 622 5182

• Opening hours:

  Mon–Fri 6:45am–6pm, Sat 6:45am–5pm, Sun 7:45am–3pm

• More info:

  Lattelicious has four locations in Johannesburg

Living Room Jozi

Wood furniture and an abundance of greenery distinguish this rooftop terrace, one of Joburg's favourite haunts. Live music and stand up comedy events are hosted here, and the vibe is eco-friendly and relaxed. Serves bar foods and along with cocktails and beer.

• Web:

  www.livingroomjozi.co.za

• E-mail:

  info@livingroomjozi.co.za

• Address:

  20 Kruger Street, 5th Floor, Main Change Building, Maboneng Precinct, Johannesburg

• Phone:

  +27 82 370 9284

• More info:

  Living Room Jozi is a cash free establishment

Nice on 4th

The Nice brunch essential is its signature "toast basket" — toast bread filled with eggs, bacon and tomato relish, or go for the gusto with a smoked salmon basket. Vegetarian options are available, too. Meals are accompanied by great coffees and even better books from the on-site Nice Bookshop.

• Web:

  niceon4th.co.za

• Address:

  37 4th Avenue, Parkhurst, Sandton

• Phone:

  +27 11 788 6286

• Opening hours:

  Mon–Sat 7:30am–4pm, Sun 7:30am–5pm

Tasha's

At Tasha's, you almost always have to wait for a table, which is a telltale sign of an excellent local eatery. This is a perfect place to go to for brunch: they have a varied contemporary menu, with an extensive selection of desserts and pastries to complement the main menu.

• Web:

  www.tashas.co.za

• E-mail:

  rosebank@tashascafe.com

• Address:

  Oxford Road, Rosebank, Johannesburg

• Phone:

  +27 11 447 7972

The Whippet

The Whippet takes on an innovative approach to cooking, fearlessly experimenting with flavours, ingredients, and textures. Come here for a change of breakfast routine and try one of their creations paired with an above-par coffee. There is also an on-site shop.

• Web:

  thewhippetcoffee.com

• Address:

  34 7th Street, Linden, Randburg

• Phone:

  +27 79 711 5604

• Opening hours:

  Mon–Thu 7am–4pm, Fri & Sat 7am–5pm, Sun 8am–2pm