South Africa - restaurants - Countries Guide

Wakame
The sister restaurant of Wasabe in Constantia, Wakame has a great position overlooking the ocean and is always packed with food and fashion connoisseurs. The focus is on sushi, but Wakame also serves excellent Modern European fare. There is a good bar and a outdoor terrace, ideal for sundowners. In peak season there are two sittings and booking is essential.
Address: Beach Road, Mouille Point
Food type: Japanese

Constantia Uitsig
A huge success story from day one, Constantia Uitsig is an Italian-French restaurant with Asian fusions set in picturesque wine country, backed by the Constantiaberg. Chef Frank Swainston continues to create food with broader influences now than this original Provencale-Tuscan mix, he claims Australian and Asian influences too these days. Next door is Uitsig's sister restaurant, La Colombe, serving richer food which some prefer, but the views are not as good. Booking essential.
Address: Constantia Uitsig Farm, Spaanschemat River Road, Constantia
Food type: French

Blues
For over 15 years Blues has been synonymous with the spectacular views of Camps Bay. Be it a stormy winter's day or perfect sunlit afternoon, you will always find Blues as buzzy, busy and as fashionable as ever. The restaurant that introduced modern California cuisine to the Cape today boasts a menu incorporating Mediterranean and fusion influences with a focus on seafood. Book well in advance during peak season and expect slightly chaotic waitering. Open daily for lunch and dinner.
Address: The Promenade, Victoria Road, Camps Bay
Food type: Modern Eclectic

Millers Thumb
Solly and Jane Solomon's refreshingly-casual seafood restaurant in uptown Cape Town, Miller's Thumb's ever-changing chalkboard menu means that the customer, though reasonably assured of always finding something familiar, will just as surely find a couple of unlikely options. Cajun and Creole dishes have their influence in this kitchen, as does a winning Japanese dish which must be tried at least once: 'Yaki Soba', a noodle dish with prawns, chicken and cashews, which has become a staple. There's generally a pasta dish or two on the menu with interesting sauces, complemented by a good choice of wines.
Address: 10b Kloofnek Road, Tamboerskloof
Food type: Seafood

Five Flies
Five Flies is a sassy upmarket dining venue situated in the hub of Cape Town's legal and financial district. Great care has been taken with the interior renovations of this historic 18th-century building in order to create one of the most unique dining experiences in the Cape. Executive Chef, Gerard van Staden has become renowned for his artistic and delicious creations, which are presented together with some of the Cape's finest wines. Secure street parking available.
Address: 14-16 Keerom Street, Cape Town
Food type: Modern Eclectic

The Codfather
Situated just behind Camps Bay's main strip, the Codfather offers a unique presentation of fine fish. There is no menu at this low-key restaurant - you make your choice after a personal discourse with your waiter on the daily specials. It is then weighed, prepared to the highest standard and served at your table. Staff are all first class and provide a fine act. There is also a sushi bar. Open daily for lunch and dinner.
Address: 37 The Drive, Camps Bay
Food type: Seafood

Beluga
Beluga is a stylish eatery located in the Foundry, a wonderful 100-year-old red-brick building that once housed one of the city's oldest metal works, now converted into a modern interior design and office centre in the heart of what is rapidly becoming Cape Town's film and modelling district. The restaurant offers the best of New World cuisine - plenty of robust flavours, interesting ingredients and generous portions - while the cocktail bar serves great drinks and retro-cocktails, and a welcoming café spills out onto an enclosed courtyard, serving light meals and coffees from early till late.
Address: The Foundry, Prestwich Street, Green Point
Food type: Modern Eclectic

Gramadoelas
For over 30 years celebrities, heads of state and royalty have graced Gramadoelas to sample its traditional South African and Cape cuisine, as well as other African fare. The Cape Malay-spiced bobotie, melktert and malva pudding are renown. Game meat, such as crocodile tail and ostrich steak, is also on the menu. The more adventurous can try Hillary Clinton and Nelson Mandela's favourites: mopani worms and mogodu (black tripe and wild African spinach stew), respectively. Closed on Sunday and no lunch on Mondays. Reservations recommended.
Address: Market Theatre Complex, Bree Street, Newtown
Food type: Local

Moyo
This restaurant takes up five floors, decorated with a combination of modern African designs. Traditionally attired staff serve exotic cuisine, and live African music adds a funky vibe. The menu is varied with dishes from around the continent, such as fragrant North African stews, East African fish curries and huge Mozambique prawns. The unusual African desserts, like sweet potato and chocolate pudding, are not to be missed! Booking is essential, open daily for lunch and dinner.
Address: 5 Melrose Square, Melrose Arch
Food type: African

Al Dente
Al Dente is popular for its warm and casual ambience, excellent Italian cuisine and the genial presence of its owner, Federico, who is always close at hand to advise on the menu specials. The food here is authentically Italian and homemade with an extensive menu of pastas and pizzas, as well as specialities such as lightly roasted rump steak with garlic and rosemary. Reservations are recommended. Open for lunch and dinner Monday to Friday, dinner only on Saturdays and lunch only on Sundays.
Address: 173 Rochester Place, Rivonia Road, Morningside
Food type: Italian

Assaggi
Assaggi is an Italian, family-run restaurant with a warm and friendly ambiance. The menu features authentic Italian cuisine prepared with the freshest seasonal ingredients. In true Italian style, their pastas are extraordinary, especially the lasagne with asparagus and brie, but there are also great meat and veal dishes on the menu. Open for lunch and dinner from Tuesday to Saturday, with dinner also served on Monday. Reservations recommended (no children under 12).
Address: Post Office Centre, 30 Rudd Road, Illovo
Food type: Italian

Turtle Creek
The Turtle Creek wine bar and restaurant in Sandton's Wierda Valley offers diners a relaxed atmosphere and an exquisite Mediterranean menu. Favourites include the Mauritian chicken and prawn curry with rice an onion sambal, as well as Moroccan-style lamb shank in red wine. The terrace dining area is beautifully shaded by large oak trees, a very popular spot! Open Monday to Saturday for lunch and dinner, with lunch on Sundays. Reservations recommended.
Address: 58 Wierda Road, Wierda Valley
Food type: Mediterranean

Wombles
Reminiscent of its 1980s predecessor in Harare (Zimbabwe), Wombles Steakhouse has white linen and candlelit décor, giving it a relaxed and romantic, colonial-style atmosphere. This is further enhanced by the smiling, khaki-clad staff. The main menu boasts steaks to suit all appetites and tastes, served with fresh vegetables and a choice of potato dishes. Open Monday to Friday for lunch and dinner, with dinner also served on Saturdays. Reservations recommended.
Address: 17 3rd Avenue, Parktown North
Food type: Steakhouse

Montego Bay
With excellent service and a comfortable setting, this trendy restaurant boasts a variety of delicious seafood, as well as some excellent international cuisine. Menu favourites include the signature Montego Bay platter with baby crayfish, langoustines (Norwegian lobsters), prawns and calamari, or perhaps something from the world-famous fresh oyster and sushi bar. Open daily for lunch and dinner, reservations recommended.
Address: Shop 31, Nelson Mandela Square, Rivonia Road, Sandton
Food type: Seafood

Café Royale
Royale is the gourmet burger joint in Cape Town and it is not uncommon to see scruffy jeaned skater types rubbing shoulders with trendy executives. Royale offers a spectacular range of burgers (and an entire list of different veggie burgers too) and one can chop and change toppings, choose between ostrich, chicken, veggie burgers, regular burgers or even seared tuna burgers and feast on a mix of potato wedges, sweet potato fries, regular fries and delicious salad. The burgers sport amusing names such as the 'Miss Piggy' (with bacon and guacamole) and the 'Fat Bastard' (double everything) and the restaurant also offers a range of pizzas and mouth-watering milkshakes. Royale now boasts an upstairs bar and lounge known as the Waiting Room that features live music, as well as a third floor that caters for private functions and has a sundowner deck.
Address: 273 Long Street
Food type: American

Ginga
The trendy Ginga restaurant, situated in the Bo-Kaap district is a fine dining experience. The lofty, industrial restaurant amalgamates a French brasserie ambiance with a modern capetonian design creating an intimate and stylish environment. Chef Michael Bassett serves up contemporary fusion cuisine with a wine list to compliment and upstairs is the laid back Shogo bistro/bar, the perfect place for a pre or post-dinner drink.
Address: 121 Castle Street
Food type: Modern Eclectic

Pigalle
Famed as Cape Town's most stylish dinner-dance venue, Pigalle is a vast, split-level restaurant divided into intimate dining areas, each boasting a view of the dance floor and band. The lavish furnishings, elegant tables and background music create the perfect atmosphere to indulge in the sumptuous offerings from either one of the set menus or from the à la carte menu. Start with black mussels; choose between the ostrich fillet with mushroom and peppercorn sauce, the fillet medallions, or the Pigalle Platter (prawns and langoustines in lemon butter), and share the crème brûlée or baked cheesecake with someone special. Open Monday to Saturday for lunch and dinner.
Address: 57 Somerset Rd, Greenpoint
Food type: Modern Eclectic

Bukhara
Offering Cape Town's finest Indian cuisine in an elegant setting, Bukhara is situated in the CBD of Cape Town, and attracts business people, politicians, food critics and lovers of fine food. The glass-walled kitchen allows diners to watch the Indian chefs at work, while enjoying a savoury taste experience that explores the spices and flavours of authentic India. The fare includes meat, poultry, seafood and vegetarian favourites, as well as a variety of breads and rice. Open for dinner nightly and lunch from Monday to Saturday.
Address: 33 Church Street
Food type: Indian

Café Mozart
Something of a Cape Town institution, Café Mozart has been attracting locals and foreigners for over thirty years. Reputed to serve the best coffee in town, Café Mozart is a great breakfast stop with tables spilling out onto a shaded pedestrianised walkway where buskers amuse passers-by with jovial tunes. With superb fruit juices, a mouth-watering selection of sandwiches made on freshly baked bread and an attractive daily menu created at the whim of chef and proprietor Tom Kelley, there is something for everyone. For teatime lovers head to Café Mozart and sample their variety of looseleaf teas that are served in elegant silver teapots and quirky crockery. Open Monday to Saturday for breakfast and lunch.
Address: 37 Church Street
Food type: Café

Browns of Rivonia
Set in one of Johannesburg's most affluent suburbs, Browns of Rivonia offers a truly upmarket, fine dining experience. Outside seating is available on the veranda for those balmy summer evenings, and inside the restaurant there is a large, neat dining area. The food is of the highest quality, especially the roast duck with a Drambuie and orange glaze. The restaurant offers a separate menu for functions and for Sunday lunches. Closed on Saturday for lunch and reservations recommended.
Address: 21 Wessels Road, Rivonia
Food type: International

F!sh
Located near the Rosebank Mall, F!sh is a very trendy seafood restaurant offering a good selection of sushi platters. In addition, their cocktail menu has many strong temptations to lure the young proffesional drinking crowd down a very slippery slope! The seating area on the deck, under the palm trees, is very popular. Open daily for lunch and dinner, bookings recommended.
Address: Corner of Cradock and Baker Street, Rosebank
Food type: Sushi

Cool Runnings
With a decidedly Rastafarian theme, this vibey Jamaican-style café offers a good selection of cheap Caribbean food in huge portions. Students and young professionals frequent this spot to wash down Jamaican schwarma's, curries and stir fries with potent shots of liquor and exotic cocktails. Hookah pipes (Okka pipes or bubblies), with a variety of flavoured tobaccos, are also on offer. Open daily for lunch and dinner.
Address: Fourways, Melville, Benoni
Food type: Café

Pride Of India
This award-winning restaurant is a real treat for those who love a bit of Indian food. The stylish décor, warm ambience and delicious food make this restaurant a favourite with most locals. There are plenty of vegetarian options and seafood options, such as the crab curry, will not disappoint. Open for dinner Monday to Friday for lunch and dinner. Saturday dinner only and Sunday lunch only. Bookings recommended.
Address: 22 Groenkloof Plaza, 43 George Storrar Drive, Groenkloof
Food type: Indian

Bistango
With a distinct cosmopolitan feel and fantastic Mediterranean cuisine, Bistango has consistently been rated as one of Pretoria's top restaurants. The blue and yellow décor and colour theme are warm and welcoming and this restaurant is popular with everyone from politicians and businessmen to tourists and locals. The escargots with creamy bacon and champagne sauce come highly recommended. Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Bookings recommended.
Address: Court Classique Hotel, Corner Schoeman & Beckett Streets
Food type: Mediterranean

Cynthia's
This stylish restaurant has become one of Pretoria's most recognized and popular restaurants. A firm favourite with locals and tourists alike, Cynthia's serves up delicious dishes in a warm, cosy and professional atmosphere with an art gallery and individual dining rooms. The Chateaubriand comes highly recommended. Bookings essential.
Address:
Food type: International

La Pentola
One of Pretoria's most critically acclaimed restaurants, La Pentola serves an eclectic mix of food in a laid-back and cosy atmosphere. With authentic South African dishes such as Game Bobotie and Honey Mustard Warthog, La Pentola also serves a variety of other dishes, such as Mexican Crocodile Pastry and Thai style butternut and mussel soup to name a few. Open Monday to Saturday for lunch and dinner. Closed Sundays. Bookings recommended.
Address: Cnr. Soutpanberg & Well Street
Food type: International

Café Riche
This famous bistro was first opened in 1905 and is popular with locals and businessmen in Pretoria. The outside seating area is perfect for people-watching over Church Square, while the indoor dining area is cosy a comfortable and makes the perfect environment for a few drinks and some tapas or a light meal. Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Address: 2 Church Square, City Centre
Food type: Café

Catch 22
The Mediterranean/Cape style of Catch 22, enhanced by soft linens and aquamarine tones, gives it a laid-back seaside atmosphere, which is tastefully complimented by authentic Mediterranean seafood, chicken and meat dishes, as well as traditional Japanese sushi. The seafood platter is a favourite featuring line fish, prawns, mussels in a creamy white wine sauce, and deep fried calamari. Open daily from 10am to 11pm, reservations recommended.
Address: Shop U30, Mimosa Mall, Nelson Mandela Drive
Food type: Seafood

Primi Piatti
Bloemfontein's Primi Piatti overlooks the scenic Loch Logan Waterfront and has two large fireplaces to warm winter diners, as well as a beautiful terrace from which to enjoy summer meals. True to style, the authentic Italian cuisine is served in generous portions and menu favourites include the pancetta, with bacon in a creamy tomato sauce. Open daily from 9am to 10pm, reservations recommended.
Address: Shop 6.12, Loch Logan Waterfront, Henry Street
Food type: Italian

The Famous Butchers Grill
With its origins in the popular American culture, the Famous Butchers Grill serves delicious cuts of fresh, grain-fed beef personally selected by diners. There is also a selection of local and imported wines on offer to enhance the restaurant's warm, friendly atmosphere. Open daily for lunch and dinner, reservations recommended.
Address: Holiday Inn Garden Court, Cnr Nelson Mandela and Mellville Drive, Brandwag
Food type: Steakhouse

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