Best restaurants in Johannesburg right now according to locals
From chef-driven tasting menus to township smokehouses, Joburg locals are crystal clear about where they spend their dining rands in 2025. This list blends splurge-worthy seats with casual gems that treat suppliers fairly and welcome regulars by name.
How We Discovered Joburg's Favourite Restaurants
To find the restaurants that Joburg locals actually love, we spoke with hospitality professionals, chatted with chefs at pop-up events, and consulted active food communities across the city. The spots that made this list share three essential qualities: consistently excellent food, genuine service that makes you feel welcome, and something special that keeps people coming back – whether that's exceptional value, compelling storytelling, or meaningful community impact.
Understanding This Guide
- **Price guide**: $ = mains under R180, $$ = R180–R320, $$$ = R320 and above. - **Neighbourhood coverage**: This list spans Rosebank, Sandton, Melville, Linden, Parkhurst, Soweto, and Maboneng. - **Booking advice**: Reserve weekend tables at least a week in advance, and book even earlier for tasting menu experiences.
Les Créatifs (Bryanston) – French Technique Meets Township Nostalgia
Chef Wandile Mabaso's atelier restaurant pairs refined French technique with flavours that evoke township memories, creating a dining experience that feels both sophisticated and deeply personal. Tasting menus start from around R1,150 and showcase ingredients sourced directly from farmers across Mpumalanga and Limpopo. The art-filled dining room functions as both restaurant and gallery, with each dish telling a story about South African ingredients and culinary heritage.
Locals particularly love the chef's counter experience, where midweek suppers allow Chef Mabaso to explain the provenance of each course. The smoked springbok with baobab jus and amadumbe puree is a standout dish that demonstrates how traditional ingredients can be elevated through modern technique. The wine pairings focus heavily on boutique South African producers, making it easy to discover new estates and varietals you might not encounter elsewhere.
Basalt at The Peech (Melrose) – Intimate Fine Dining
Basalt's 14-seat dinner experience, helmed by Chef Candice Philip, remains one of Johannesburg's most sought-after reservations. The menu changes monthly, featuring delicate plating that incorporates African botanicals and local ingredients. The service feels more like dining in a private home than a restaurant, with staff who anticipate needs and explain each dish with genuine enthusiasm.
The set tasting menu typically runs around R1,250, and there's a vegetarian progression that mirrors the main menu's creativity and technique. The intimate setting means every detail is carefully considered, from the custom ceramics to the curated wine list. It's the kind of place where locals celebrate special occasions or treat themselves to an exceptional culinary experience.
Embarc (Parkhurst) – Seasonal Menus with Generous Value
This 4th Avenue favourite continues winning over locals with concise seasonal menus, thoughtful wine pairings, and pricing that feels generous given the technique on display. Expect dishes like coal-roasted cauliflower with tahini, or dry-aged beef served with border-style chakalaka that showcases how South African flavours can be refined without losing their character.
The outdoor tables are perfect for sunset dining and people-watching along one of Parkhurst's busiest streets. The atmosphere is relaxed but polished, making it ideal for everything from date nights to business dinners. The wine list includes both local and international options, with staff who can guide pairings based on your preferences.
The Shortmarket Club Joburg (Oxford Parks) – Cape Town DNA with Jozi Swagger
Luke Dale Roberts' Johannesburg outpost thrives under chef Taryn Smith, balancing the sophisticated DNA of the Cape Town original with Joburg's more energetic, less formal dining culture. The menu features dishes like Wagyu tartare with smoked mayo, grilled kingklip with lemon atchar, and desserts that are plated with theatrical flair.
The cocktail program includes creative drinks that nod to Joburg's mining history – try the Gold Rush highball for something that captures the city's character. The space feels both elegant and approachable, with an open kitchen that lets you watch the team work. It's become a go-to for locals who want fine dining without the formality.
MiHa Eatery (Linden) – Playful Asian-South African Fusion
Linden's beloved neighbourhood spot specialises in playful dishes that blend Asian techniques with South African ingredients. Think bao-inspired vetkoek, kimchi slaw toastedies, and coconut sago donuts dusted with spekboom sugar. The average spend sits around R150, making it a popular midweek choice for creatives and professionals who work in the area.
The owners regularly host monthly night markets featuring other small food businesses, creating a community hub that extends beyond just dining. The atmosphere is casual and welcoming, with a menu that encourages sharing and trying multiple dishes. It's the kind of place where locals become regulars because it feels like an extension of their neighbourhood.
Belles Patisserie (Rosebank & Sandton) – Brunch Excellence
Brunch enthusiasts swear by Belles' croissant benedict, chicken-and-waffles, and signature cakes that showcase French pastry technique with local ingredients. The Rosebank branch offers outdoor seating that's perfect for informal client meetings or weekend catch-ups with friends.
The menu includes gluten-free and halal-friendly options, ensuring the space feels inclusive and accessible. The coffee program is strong, and the pastries are made fresh daily. It's become a weekend institution for locals who want quality brunch without the pretension, and the consistent quality keeps people coming back.
999 Shisanyama (Soweto) – Authentic Township Braai Experience
For authentic township flavour, locals consistently recommend 999 near Vilakazi Street. Choose your cut – brisket, lamb ribs, or traditional wors – and watch it braai over hardwood coals while you wait. The experience is completed with chakalaka, pap, or steamed bread, creating a meal that's both satisfying and culturally significant.
Live DJs and on-site car washes make it a Saturday institution, where the dining experience extends beyond just food to include music, community, and atmosphere. Expect to spend under R200 per person including drinks, making it accessible while delivering an authentic experience that showcases Soweto's vibrant food culture.
Saint (Sandton) – Wood-Fired Pizza and Pasta Theatre
David Higgs' restaurant continues packing out nightly thanks to DJ-driven energy, open kitchen theatrics, and wood-fired pizzas topped with quality local ingredients. The space feels like a cathedral of casual fine dining, with high ceilings, industrial design, and an atmosphere that's both sophisticated and energetic.
The burrata-and-chimichurri pizza is a standout, and the seasonal spritz options are worth requesting. It's become a favourite for team celebrations, client dinners, and out-of-town visitors who want to experience Joburg's dining scene at its most dynamic. The pasta dishes showcase the same attention to quality and technique.
The Prawnery Bistro & Bar (Illovo) – Seafood Without the Hotel Markup
Seafood lovers head to The Prawnery for buttery brioche rolls, Singapore-chili prawns, and grilled fish specials that are priced far more reasonably than hotel restaurant menus. The service is warm and genuine, the wine list is carefully curated, and portions are generous enough to share or take home.
Lunch deals – typically around R185 for prawns plus sides – draw corporate regulars who appreciate the value and quality. The atmosphere is relaxed and unpretentious, making it perfect for business lunches or casual dinners. It's proof that great seafood doesn't require white tablecloths or premium pricing.
Bertrand Café (Maboneng) – Multi-Purpose Creative Hub
This corner café in Maboneng functions as a gallery, live-music venue, and after-hours wine bar, creating a space that's central to the precinct's creative community. The menu features Cape Malay curries, gourmet toasties, and homemade ginger beer, keeping prices accessible while maintaining quality.
It's a favourite pre-theatre stop before POPArt shows, and the cashless payment system plus mini bookstore add to its appeal as a cultural hub. The space demonstrates how restaurants can function as community centres, supporting local artists, musicians, and creatives while serving excellent food.
How to Secure Tables at These Popular Spots
Johannesburg's top restaurants juggle load-shedding schedules, private events, and pop-up collaborations, so always confirm details before arriving. Use booking platforms like Dineplan for Les Créatifs, Basalt, and Shortmarket Club. For township venues, calling directly or messaging on Instagram often works best.
When booking, mention any dietary requirements – halal, vegan, or allergies – as many kitchens can adapt if given advance notice. If you're celebrating something special, ask about corkage policies, chef's table upgrades, or kitchen-counter seats that offer a more interactive experience.
Supporting Joburg's Restaurant Ecosystem
Many of these venues play important roles beyond just serving food – they incubate young chefs, source directly from urban farms, mentor emerging talent, and support local suppliers. When you dine at these spots, you're supporting a broader ecosystem that makes Johannesburg's food scene vibrant and sustainable.
Tip fairly – 10 to 15 percent is standard – and leave reviews that highlight standout staff members who made your experience special. Follow these restaurants on social media to hear about new tasting menus, collaborations, and special events first. By supporting these venues, you're helping maintain a dining culture that makes Joburg special.