← Chef Amazing › Will Travel for Food › Food cities Africa & Middle East · South Africa
Where to eat in Johannesburg
Johannesburg eats on two tracks. One is the township table: Soweto kotas stuffed into quarter loaves for a few rand, shisa nyama braais and pap with mogodu. The other is a young fine-dining scene built on South African ingredients, plus the Indian, Pakistani and Middle Eastern kitchens of Fordsburg and Mayfair. Time Out ranked the city eighth in its 2026 global street food index.
Johannesburg at a glance What to eat Kota; Bunny chow; Shisa nyama braai; Pap, mogodu and stews; Fordsburg curry, biryani and samoosas. When to go Best: April–May and September–October. Also good: March, June and August. Top tables This guide lists 11 award-winning restaurants, starting with The Pot Luck Club, Cyra, Marble and Les Créatifs. Where locals eat Local favorites off the prestige lists include Amanda's Fast Food, Kota King Roadhouse, Ntsitsis FUN Foods and Chaf Pozi. Markets Neighbourgoods Market, Market on Main, Fordsburg Square Night Market and Rosebank Sunday Market. 77 places in Johannesburg, ready to save to your trip
What is in the 77 11 award-winning16 local favorites5 markets10 chef's picks5 sandwich shops10 romantic dinners5 breakfast spots10 new openings34 dish spots
Browse by category
Plan my Johannesburg food trip
Chef Amazing picks: where to eat in Johannesburg Three of the city's one-star kitchens and two long-running institutions for the sit-down, then five smaller places where a few rand buys a kota, a mutton bunny or a plate of Madeiran feijoada.
The well-known five Marble Rosebank
Eat Out 1 star (2026) Live-fire grill $$$$
Order: Fire-cooked lamb rack, grilled seafood and vegetables, bread from the coals
A 250-seat rooftop where chef David Higgs cooks everything over coals; it holds one Eat Out star and won a Luxe Pioneer Award in 2026.
Best for: celebration dinner · Reserve: book ahead · Hours: 12:00 to 22:00 (listing)
Keyes Art Mile, corner of Keyes and Jellicoe Avenues, Rosebank, Johannesburg
☆ Add to my trip Show on map Report a change
The Pot Luck Club Melrose Arch
Eat Out 1 star (2026) Small plates, globally inspired $$$
Order: PLC fish sliders, chickpea fries; plan on three or four dishes each
Moved to The Peech Hotel in February 2025; dishes run R80 to R245 and a R350 deposit per guest secures a table.
Best for: group dinner · Reserve: book ahead · Hours: Wed to Sun lunch, Tue to Sat dinner; closed Monday
61 North Street, Melrose Arch, Johannesburg
☆ Add to my trip Report a change
Les Créatifs Bryanston
Eat Out 1 star (2026) Modern African $$$$
Order: The four-course menu; Hout Bay tuna and Karoo lamb loin were on in 2025
Chef Wandile Mabaso grew up in Soweto and cooks what he calls Afrique moderne; he opened in 2019 and mentors young creatives.
Best for: celebration dinner · Reserve: book ahead · Hours: Tue to Sat 18:00 to 23:00
Shop 12H, Hobart Grove Centre, 52 Hobart Road, Bryanston, Johannesburg
☆ Add to my trip Show on map Report a change
Thunder Gun Steakhouse Blackheath, Randburg
Steakhouse $$
Order: Pork spareribs, T-bone with spinach and butternut
Open since 1968 with a Western theme and a weekend carvery; Time Out calls it an old-school institution.
Best for: family lunch · Reserve: unknown
Blackheath, Randburg, Johannesburg
☆ Add to my trip Website Report a change Sakhumzi Restaurant Orlando West, Soweto
South African buffet $$
Order: The buffet with mogodu (tripe) and braaied meats
A Vilakazi Street institution near Mandela House; the Soweto original now has a Zoo Lake sister branch.
Best for: first Soweto meal · Reserve: walk-in · Hours: unknown
6980 Vilakazi Street, Orlando West, Soweto
☆ Add to my trip Show on map Report a change
The discoveries Amanda's Fast Food Naturena, Soweto
Kota $
Order: A R14 starter kota (chips, polony, achaar, special sauce); a loaded one is R45; fat cakes three for R6
A handwritten menu behind iron bars and nine kota combinations; it anchored Time Out's 2026 street food coverage. Orders by phone on 071 504 9623.
Best for: cheap lunch · Reserve: walk-in
Naturena, Soweto (pink house; no street address published)
Worth confirming: hours and that it is still open.
☆ Add to my trip Report a change
Bedford Bunny Lenasia South
Durban-style bunny chow $
Order: The mutton bunny, eaten with the bones
Founded in the early 1990s by Aunty Shamla and her husband Keith; the community feel and local chilli sauces are part of the draw.
Best for: cheap lunch · Reserve: walk-in
Lenasia South, Johannesburg (second branch in Mondeor)
Worth confirming: hours and that it is still open.
☆ Add to my trip Report a change
1920 Portuguese Restaurant Hyde Park
Madeiran and Portuguese $$
Order: Milho frito, rissoles, feijoada, peri peri chicken, pasteis de nata
Family-run homestyle Madeiran cooking with generous portions; Daily Maverick has written about the disappearing Madeiran kitchens of Joburg.
Best for: family lunch · Reserve: unknown
Hyde Park, Johannesburg
☆ Add to my trip Report a change
Chaf Pozi Orlando Towers, Soweto
Shisa nyama $$
Order: Braaied meat with pap and cold drinks
A lively braai spot under the Orlando Towers; Joburg Etc. lists it among 2026 value meals.
Best for: late night · Reserve: walk-in
At the base of the Orlando Towers, Klipspruit, Soweto
☆ Add to my trip Show on map Report a change
Dosa Hut Fordsburg
South Indian $
Order: Masala dosa
A busy, lived-in Fordsburg lunch stop for South Indian food; Fordsburg has no alcohol.
Best for: cheap lunch · Reserve: walk-in
Fordsburg, Johannesburg
Worth confirming: hours and that it is still open.
☆ Add to my trip Show on map Report a change
New and buzzing in Johannesburg Restaurants that opened or relaunched recently, from current opening guides. In no ranked order.
New Annexe Bistro New opening reported
Roti and Chai – The Zone New opening reported
Rosebank · Indian street food
A new Indian street-food counter at The Zone in Rosebank serving tandoor wraps, naan, curries and masala chai.
Order: Tandoor-grilled wraps, naan, curries, masala chai
The Zone @ Rosebank
The Sushi Club – Neighbourhood Square New opening reported
Linksfield · Japanese, sushi
A sushi restaurant that opened at The Neighborhood Square in Linksfield, serving rolls and sashimi.
Order: Sushi rolls, sashimi
The Neighborhood Square, Linksfield
Kleinsky’s – Linksfield New opening reported
New branch
1920 Portuguese Restaurant New opening reported
Rosebank · Portuguese
A long-running Portuguese restaurant that relocated to Baker Street in Rosebank; bookings fill quickly.
Order: Picanha steak with hand-cut chips, prawns, peri-peri chicken, chicken livers, flan
Baker St, Rosebank
The Thai Table 789 New opening reported
Rosebank · Thai
A sharing-style Thai restaurant at Oxford Parks in Rosebank.
Order: Tom yum, coconut curries, charred tamarind-glazed meats
Oxford Parks, Rosebank
Zuney – Nine Yards New opening reported
Rosebank · Wagyu burgers
The Rosebank branch of a Cape Town wagyu burger brand at the Nine Yards precinct, described as a premium, style-led burger.
Order: Classic wagyu burger
Nine Yards, Jan Smuts Avenue, Rosebank
Scala New opening reported
Bambanani New opening reported
Relocation
☆ Add to my trip Show on map Directions Report a change Kolonaki – Bryanston New opening reported
Bryanston · Greek
A Bryanston branch of the Parkhurst Greek meze restaurant known for generous dips and slow-cooked lamb.
Order: Meze dishes, dips, slow-cooked lamb
Bryanston
New places change fast. “Provisional” means a guide or directory lists it as new but we have not confirmed the opening date. Check hours and book ahead before you go.
Memorable breakfasts in Johannesburg The top pick here; the rest are on their own page.
Salvation Cafe 44 Stanley, Braamfontein Werf
Order: Eggs and a breakfast plate
A leafy courtyard inside a repurposed industrial complex.
Full breakfast.
☆ Add to my trip Show on map Directions Report a change See all 10: The best breakfast and brunch in Johannesburg →
The Whippet Linden
Order: Egg breakfast and coffee
A neighborhood café closely tied to Linden's revival.
Full café breakfast.
☆ Add to my trip Show on map Directions Report a change Nice on 4th Parkhurst
Order: Egg baskets
The signature bread-basket breakfast has become a local ritual.
Full breakfast.
☆ Add to my trip Show on map Directions Report a change Proud Mary Rosebank
Order: Waffles or eggs
A polished hotel-restaurant breakfast in lively Rosebank.
Full breakfast.
☆ Add to my trip Show on map Directions Report a change Cafe Billibi Bedfordview, metro Johannesburg
Order: Pulled-pork rösti
A hearty breakfast outing beyond the central city.
Full breakfast; metro-area journey.
Orders are suggestions, not guaranteed menu items. Confirm opening hours and morning service before you go.
Sandwich shops in Johannesburg Five sandwich counters worth the trip: delis, bakeries, market stalls and local styles. In no ranked order.
Cremelat Hyde Square
Italian deli Order: Emmentaler, artichoke and roast-vegetable panino
An Italian deli with customizable sandwiches
SLAPS Parkhurst / Fourways
Sando shop Order: Pulled lamb sando
A dedicated takeaway specialist in substantial sandos
Troy’s Cafe City Centre
Cafe Order: Pastrami, pickle and mustard sandwich
A central cafe with an affordable deli-style order
Pret A Manger Rosebank / Melrose
International sandwich chain Order: Smoked trout sandwich
A local-guide recommendation for a convenient sandwich
International chain; included as an editorial city pick
☆ Add to my trip Show on map Directions Report a change vida e caffè Multiple locations
South African cafe chain Order: Club sandwich
A local-guide favorite with chicken mayo and cheese
Regional chain; choose bacon or macon version
☆ Add to my trip Show on map Directions Report a change Picks come from press and guide coverage. We have not confirmed opening hours or current menus for every shop, so check before you go.
Romantic dinners in Johannesburg The top pick here; the rest are on their own page.
Cafe del Sol Botanico Bryanston, metro Johannesburg
Romantic dinner ☆ Add to my trip Show on map Directions Report a change See all 7: The most romantic restaurants in Johannesburg →
Embarc Parkhurst
Romantic dinner ☆ Add to my trip Show on map Directions Report a change Flames Westcliff
Romantic dinner Gemelli Bryanston, metro Johannesburg
Romantic dinner ☆ Add to my trip Show on map Directions Report a change Level Four Rosebank
Romantic dinner ☆ Add to my trip Show on map Directions Report a change Marble Rosebank
Romantic dinner ☆ Add to my trip Show on map Directions Report a change Qunu Sandhurst, metro Johannesburg
Romantic dinner Signature Morningside, metro Johannesburg
Romantic dinner ☆ Add to my trip Show on map Directions Report a change Tang Sandton, metro Johannesburg
Romantic dinner ☆ Add to my trip Show on map Directions Report a change Winehouse Dunkeld West
Romantic dinner Picks come from romantic-dinner lists on booking and review sites. Confirm dinner service, menus and availability before you book.
Hot right now in Johannesburg We have not verified a current craze in Johannesburg yet. We only list one once it has been reported in the press.
Tell us what is hot in Johannesburg The Johannesburg food map Every place in this guide, pinned. Tap a pin to see what to order, then add it to your trip.
Open the full Johannesburg food map
Plan my days in Johannesburg Tell us what you like and we will line up the places on this page into a day-by-day plan. Only places from this guide, never anything else.
What to eat in Johannesburg, and where Each dish comes with the places that do it best. Tap Add to my trip on the ones you want, or find them on the map above.
Kota Soweto quarter-loaf stuffed with chips, polony, achaar
The 5 best places to eat it in Johannesburg
1 Amanda's Fast Food
Naturena, Soweto · $
Order: Starter kota at R14, or loaded at R45
The kota that Time Out's 2026 street food ranking centred on.
☆ Add to my trip Report a change
2 Kota King Roadhouse
Protea Glen, Soweto · $
Order: King Feast Kota
Generous portions with rump steak and signature sauces.
Seen in
Gauteng.net · worth confirming hours before you go
☆ Add to my trip Report a change
3 2Selai Diepkloof
Diepkloof, Soweto · $
Order: Beef, pork, hake or vegetarian kota
Customisable toppings.
Seen in
Gauteng.net · worth confirming hours before you go
☆ Add to my trip Show on map Report a change
4 Ntsitsis FUN Foods
Diepkloof, Soweto · $
Order: Kota with a choice of fillings and sauces
Affordable and consistent, popular with locals and visitors.
Seen in
Gauteng.net · worth confirming hours before you go
☆ Add to my trip Report a change
5 Chilli Pepper
Diepkloof, Soweto · $
Order: The spicy, tangy kota
Reported to have over 2,000 positive reviews.
Seen in
Gauteng.net · worth confirming hours before you go
☆ Add to my trip Show on map Report a change
Bunny chow Durban-style curry served inside a hollowed loaf
The 5 best places to eat it in Johannesburg
1 Bedford Bunny
Lenasia South · $
Order: Mutton bunny
Founded in the early 1990s by Aunty Shamla and Keith.
☆ Add to my trip Report a change
2 Aunty Pree's Curry Spot
Noordhang, Randburg · $$
Order: Bunny chow, crab curry
Home cooking by an owner whose father helped popularise the bunny.
☆ Add to my trip Report a change
3 Curry & All
Morningside, Sandton · $
Order: Vegetarian bean bunny
Durban-style curries, biryanis and roti rolls.
☆ Add to my trip Report a change
4 Ballito Bunny
Honeydew, Roodepoort · $
Order: Durban-style bunny
Soft fresh bread and well-braised spices.
☆ Add to my trip Report a change
5 Copper Chimney
Vorna Valley, Midrand · $$
Order: Bunny chow, biryani
Spicy Indian classics at reasonable prices.
Seen in
Time Out · worth confirming hours before you go
☆ Add to my trip Show on map Report a change
Shisa nyama braai Township butcher-and-grill, meat over coals with pap
The 5 best places to eat it in Johannesburg
1 Chaf Pozi
Orlando Towers, Soweto · $$
Order: Braaied meat with pap
A social, value-focused braai spot.
☆ Add to my trip Show on map Report a change
2 Kwa Lichaba
Orlando West, Soweto · $$
Order: Braai meats with traditional sides
Listed in Gauteng.net's Soweto food guide.
Seen in
Gauteng.net · worth confirming hours before you go
☆ Add to my trip Show on map Report a change
3 Meat Meet
Diepkloof, Soweto · $$
Order: Cuts of meat and sides
Listed in Gauteng.net's Soweto food guide.
Seen in
Gauteng.net · worth confirming hours before you go
☆ Add to my trip Show on map Report a change
4 Something Smoked Roadhouse
Chiawelo, Soweto · $$
Order: Mixed braai platter
Braai platters in Chiawelo.
Seen in
Gauteng.net · worth confirming hours before you go
☆ Add to my trip Report a change
5 Robbie's Place
Pimville, Soweto · $$
Order: Braai dishes and meat selection
Listed in Gauteng.net's Soweto food guide.
Seen in
Gauteng.net · worth confirming hours before you go
☆ Add to my trip Report a change
Pap, mogodu and stews Maize porridge with tripe, samp and slow stews
The 5 best places to eat it in Johannesburg
1 Sakhumzi Restaurant
Orlando West, Soweto · $$
Order: The buffet and mogodu
A Vilakazi Street fixture, with a Zoo Lake branch.
☆ Add to my trip Show on map Report a change
2 Wandie's Place
Dube, Soweto · $$
Order: The buffet: mogodu, ting, pap, umqushu, chakalaka
A tour-route classic known to visitors.
☆ Add to my trip Report a change
3 Tshilis
Noordwyk, Midrand · $$
Order: Mogodu, skopo or masonja with pap or samp
Traditional dishes with African spices.
Seen in
Time Out · worth confirming hours before you go
☆ Add to my trip Report a change
4 The Hot Pot Kitchen
Midrand · $
Order: Township and indigenous-ingredient plates
A family-run food truck founded by TK and Pablo Tshiololi, named in Time Out's street food coverage.
Seen in
Time Out · worth confirming hours before you go
☆ Add to my trip Report a change
5 Insights Restaurant
Houghton Estate · $$$
Order: Oxtail samosa
Serves dishes Mandela favoured at his former home.
☆ Add to my trip Show on map Report a change
Fordsburg curry, biryani and samoosas Halal Indian and Pakistani cooking around Mint Road
The 5 best places to eat it in Johannesburg
1 Bismillah
Fordsburg · $
Order: Mutton biryani, paneer masala with naan
Food & Home reported a R20 Friday mutton biryani; the article is undated, so check prices.
Seen in
Food & Home · worth confirming hours before you go
☆ Add to my trip Show on map Report a change
2 Fordsburg · $
Order: Beef nihari, lamb karahi with naan
Pakistani kitchen on Mint Road.
Seen in
Food & Home · worth confirming hours before you go
☆ Add to my trip Show on map Report a change
3 Shayona
Mayfair · $
Order: Aloo dosa, deluxe vegetarian lunch
Gujarati and Jain vegetarian cooking.
Seen in
Food & Home · worth confirming hours before you go
☆ Add to my trip Show on map Report a change
4 Dosa Hut
Fordsburg · $
Order: Masala dosa
On Joburg Etc.'s 2026 cheap eats list.
Seen in
Joburg Etc. · worth confirming hours before you go
☆ Add to my trip Show on map Report a change
5 World of Samoosas
Fordsburg · $
Order: Samoosas
Samoosa counter inside the Oriental Plaza.
☆ Add to my trip Report a change
Boerewors roll Coriander-spiced sausage in a buttered roll
The 4 best places to eat it in Johannesburg
1 Sakhumzi Restaurant
Orlando West, Soweto · $$
Order: Boerewors with the buffet
On Vilakazi Street.
☆ Add to my trip Show on map Report a change
2 Vuyo's Restaurant
Orlando West, Soweto · $$
Order: Boerie rolls and steak
Listed for boerie rolls.
Seen in
Gauteng.net · worth confirming hours before you go
☆ Add to my trip Show on map Report a change
3 Kofifi Café
Protea North, Soweto · $$
Order: Boerewors and lamb chops
Braai-style grill.
Seen in
Gauteng.net · worth confirming hours before you go
☆ Add to my trip Report a change
4 Neighbourgoods Market
Braamfontein · $$
Order: Boerewors and braai stalls
Saturday market with many vendors.
☆ Add to my trip Show on map Report a change
Biltong Air-dried beef or game, sliced to order
The 3 best places to eat it in Johannesburg
1 Heritage Biltong
Fourways · $$
Order: Red wine and garlic biltong
New store at Fourways Mall in early 2026.
Seen in
Time Out · worth confirming hours before you go
☆ Add to my trip Report a change
2 Rembrandt Slaghuis
Linden · $$
Order: Biltong by the slab
Long-established butchery; source dates from 2018.
☆ Add to my trip Report a change
3 Boskruin Butchery
Boskruin · $$
Order: Game biltong such as wildebeest and warthog
Source dates from 2018.
☆ Add to my trip Report a change
Malva pudding and milk tart Sticky baked pudding, cinnamon custard tart
The 3 best places to eat it in Johannesburg
1 The Grillhouse Rosebank
Rosebank · $$$
Order: Malva pudding
Steakhouse trading since 1994.
☆ Add to my trip Show on map Report a change
2 Oregano Bakery and Pantry
Linden · $
Order: Milk tart
Noted for its milk tart.
Seen in
Joburg Etc. · worth confirming hours before you go
☆ Add to my trip Report a change
3 Not Bread Alone
Cresta · $
Order: Milk tarts and custard slices
Good value and wide selection.
Seen in
Joburg Etc. · worth confirming hours before you go
☆ Add to my trip Report a change
The most celebrated tables The top 11 restaurants in Johannesburg, per No Michelin Guide: Eat Out Woolworths Restaurant Awards 2026 (stars), Luxe Awards 2026 and Time Out Johannesburg 2026.
More award winners
The Pot Luck Club Melrose Arch · Globally inspired small plates · Chef Luke Dale-Roberts (concept) · $$$
Eat Out 1 star (2026) Luxe Two-Star (2026) Luxe Hotel Restaurant of the Year (2026)
Sharing plates with Thai, Mexican and Portuguese touches, moved in February 2025 from Rosebank to The Peech Hotel.
☆ Add to my trip Report a change
Houghton Estate · Contemporary, globally inspired · Chef Candice Philip · $$$$
Eat Out 1 star (2026) Luxe Two-Star (2026)
A multi-course dining room at The Houghton Hotel that opened in October 2024, with sunset views over the golf course.
☆ Add to my trip Report a change
Marble Rosebank · Live-fire grill · Chef David Higgs · $$$$
Eat Out 1 star (2026) Luxe One-Star and Pioneer Award (2026)
A 250-seat rooftop on Keyes Art Mile where meat, seafood and bread are cooked over coals on an open grill.
☆ Add to my trip Report a change
Les Créatifs Bryanston · Modern African ('Afrique moderne') · Chef Wandile Mabaso · $$$$
Eat Out 1 star (2026) Luxe One-Star (2026)
Soweto-raised Mabaso opened in 2019; the four-course menu was R1250 in 2025 and local art and crockery fill the room.
☆ Add to my trip Report a change
Embarc Parkhurst · Contemporary, seasonal · Chef Aren Pollack · $$$
Eat Out 1 star (2026) Eat Out Rising Star Award: Aren Pollack (2026) Luxe Contemporary Restaurant of the Year (2026)
A 32-seat corner restaurant on 4th Avenue with a changing menu, kataifi prawns and a short South African wine list.
☆ Add to my trip Report a change
Sandhurst · Fine dining, South African · Chef Scott Dressel · $$$$
Eat Out 1 star (2026) Eat Out Callebaut Dessert Award: Catherine Adonis (2026) Luxe African Restaurant of the Year (2026)
The Saxon Hotel dining room opens with a sharing course called the Chef's Playground and ends with an award-winning dessert programme.
☆ Add to my trip Report a change
Saint Sandton · Italian, wood-fired · Chef David Higgs · $$$
Eat Out 1 star (2026)
Higgs's 'twisted Italian' at The Marc, with wood-fired pizza, fresh pasta and Josper-grilled cuts; it opened in 2018.
☆ Add to my trip Report a change
Zioux Sandown, Sandton · Global sharing plates · $$$
Eat Out 1 star (2025)
Art-filled deli-restaurant known for oxtail vetkoek and wagyu bavette; held its star in 2025 but was not in the 2026 Johannesburg list.
☆ Add to my trip Report a change
NCW Melville · Contemporary African · Chef Ence Williams · $$$
Time Out Johannesburg Best Restaurants (2026)
An art-hung Edwardian house in Melville with a tasting menu and a smoked duck with umngqusho; one of the city's more affordable tasting menus.
☆ Add to my trip Report a change
Insights Restaurant Houghton Estate · South African · $$$
Time Out Johannesburg Best Restaurants (2026)
Dining room at Sanctuary Mandela, Mandela's former Houghton home, serving his favourite dishes such as an oxtail samosa.
☆ Add to my trip Report a change
The Grillhouse Rosebank Rosebank · Steakhouse · $$$
Time Out Johannesburg Best Restaurants (2026)
A New York-style steakhouse trading since 1994, known for ribeye and fillet and a malva pudding to finish.
☆ Add to my trip Report a change
When to go and what is in season Johannesburg food calendar: month by month → What is in season, what to eat and the food festivals each month.
J F M A M J J A S O N D
Peak Apr–May, Sep–Oct Shoulder Mar, Jun, Aug Hard —
Why these months Highveld climate from general knowledge, not source-checked: dry, sunny days from autumn to early spring, with summer afternoon thunderstorms. Heritage Day braai falls on 24 September (Gauteng.net).
In season Heritage Day braai (shisa nyama, boerewors, pap) Sep 24 September is National Braai Day; Soweto and Gauteng venues run braai specials. Bryanston moonlit evening market Nov–Dec Tuesday evenings from mid-November until Christmas, per Eat Out and South African Tourism. Fordsburg Square night market street food Jan–Dec Samosas, biryani and tikka skewers on weekend evenings, busiest Saturday. First Sunday at Victoria Yards Feb–Dec Monthly, except January. Food events Luxe Restaurant Awards Feb Johannesburg winners reported by Time Out in February 2026. Eat Out Woolworths Restaurant Awards Mar 2026 star results announced at a ceremony on 23 March 2026. Fordsburg Food & Spice Tour May Guided walk of spice shops and stalls; the 30 May 2026 date was R350 per person. Heritage Day / National Braai Day Sep 24 September; shisanyama events across Gauteng. Bryanston Moonlit Market Nov Tuesday evenings, mid-November to Christmas. Closures to plan around Many fine-dining rooms close Mondays (The Pot Luck Club, Les Créatifs also closed Sunday). Fordsburg has no alcohol, and Akhalwaya's is closed Sundays. Christmas and New Year opening hours were not checked. From published guides and tourism boards. Months are our mapping of how guides describe the seasons; 2027 event dates are expected, not confirmed. Prices come from single sources of varying age, so treat them as a rough guide. Compare cities by month
Secret discoveries
Locally loved places that are not on the big prestige lists.
street-food
Amanda's Fast Food Naturena, Soweto · $
Order: A R14 starter kota with chips, polony, achaar and special sauce; a fully loaded one is R45
A pink house with handwritten laminated menu boards; Time Out visited in June 2026 and ran its 2026 street food story around the R14 kota, with fat cakes at three for R6.
☆ Add to my trip Report a change
street-food
Kota King Roadhouse Protea Glen, Soweto · $
Order: The King Feast Kota with rump steak and signature sauces
Named among Gauteng's top five kota spots for generous portions and good ingredients.
Seen in
gauteng.net · worth confirming hours before you go
☆ Add to my trip Report a change
street-food
Ntsitsis FUN Foods Diepkloof, Soweto · $
Order: Kota with your choice of fillings and sauces
Described as the value pick of the Soweto kota list, with large portions and consistent flavour.
Seen in
gauteng.net · worth confirming hours before you go
☆ Add to my trip Report a change
classic
Chaf Pozi Orlando Towers, Soweto · $$
Order: Braaied meat with pap and cold drinks
A shisa nyama spot at the foot of the Orlando Towers that Joburg Etc. lists among its 2026 budget meals.
☆ Add to my trip Report a change
classic
Sakhumzi Restaurant Orlando West, Soweto (Vilakazi Street) · $$
Order: The buffet with mogodu (tripe) and braaied meats
A Vilakazi Street fixture near Mandela House, with a second branch at Zoo Lake where the weekend buffet was R270 per adult.
☆ Add to my trip Report a change
classic
Wandie's Place Dube, Soweto · $$
Order: The traditional buffet: dumplings, mogodu, ting, pap, umqushu and chakalaka
A long-running Soweto stop with a buffet of township dishes; Eat Out notes Richard Branson and Quincy Jones among its guests.
☆ Add to my trip Report a change
family-run
Bedford Bunny Lenasia South · $
Order: The mutton bunny, eaten with the bones
Founded in the early 1990s by Aunty Shamla and her husband Keith, with a second branch in Mondeor; the writer says the bones hold the flavour.
Seen in
timeout.com · worth confirming hours before you go
☆ Add to my trip Report a change
family-run
Aunty Pree's Curry Spot Noordhang, Randburg · $$
Order: The bunny chow, or the crab curry
A home-style spot where the owner cooks in tribute to her late husband; her father ran a restaurant that helped popularise the bunny chow.
Seen in
timeout.com · worth confirming hours before you go
☆ Add to my trip Report a change
sit-down
Curry & All Morningside, Sandton · $
Order: The vegetarian bunny with beans
A Durban-style spot for curries, biryanis and roti rolls; Time Out calls its bunnies hot and deeply spiced.
Seen in
timeout.com · worth confirming hours before you go
☆ Add to my trip Report a change
cafe
Dosa Hut Fordsburg · $
Order: Masala dosa
South Indian cooking in a busy local setting; one of Joburg Etc.'s 2026 cheap eats.
☆ Add to my trip Report a change
family-run
Akhalwaya's Fordsburg · $
Order: Steak sandwiches, burgers and dagwoods; the samoosas
A strictly halaal takeaway in Fordsburg with a Cape Malay, Indian and Middle Eastern menu; closed Sundays.
☆ Add to my trip Report a change
family-run
1920 Portuguese Restaurant Hyde Park · $$
Order: Milho frito, rissoles, feijoada, peri peri chicken, pasteis de nata
A family-run Madeiran kitchen with homestyle cooking and big portions, on Time Out's May 2026 list.
☆ Add to my trip Report a change
classic
Thunder Gun Steakhouse Blackheath, Randburg · $$
Order: Pork spareribs or a T-bone
Open since 1968 with a Western theme and a weekend carvery; Time Out calls it an old-school institution.
☆ Add to my trip Report a change
sit-down
Tshilis Noordwyk, Midrand · $$
Order: Mogodu, skopo or masonja with pap or samp
A restaurant for traditional dishes cooked with African spices, picked out in Time Out's Midrand round-up.
Seen in
timeout.com · worth confirming hours before you go
☆ Add to my trip Report a change
bakery
De Baba Eatery Melville · $
Order: Almond croissant
Locals often rank its from-scratch pastries among the city's best, per Joburg Etc.'s 2026 bakery list.
☆ Add to my trip Report a change
bakery
Oregano Bakery and Pantry Linden · $
Order: Milk tart, cinnamon rolls, savoury pies
Known for a standout milk tart and hearty pies.
☆ Add to my trip Report a change
Food markets in Johannesburg
Plan a food trip to Johannesburg
All 81 food cities Explore the 250 food markets
More in Africa & Middle East
Awards come from the guides named on each listing (No Michelin Guide: Eat Out Woolworths Restaurant Awards 2026 (stars), Luxe Awards 2026 and Time Out Johannesburg 2026). Researched October 25, 2026. Restaurants change; confirm hours, reservations and current stars before you go. Some addresses, phone numbers and websites come from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL), so call ahead to confirm. Local favorites are editorial picks, not rankings.
Chef Amazing’s lists for Johannesburg : where locals eat, new openings, romantic dinners, ice cream, cooking classes and more, each place with what to order. Cooking classes in Johannesburg : who teaches, what you cook, how long and how to book.
Every place in this guide, A to Z (67) 1920 Portuguese Restaurant Hyde Park 2Selai Diepkloof Diepkloof, Soweto Akhalwaya's Fordsburg Amanda's Fast Food Naturena, Soweto Aunty Pree's Curry Spot Noordhang, Randburg Ballito Bunny Honeydew, Roodepoort Bambanani Bedford Bunny Lenasia South Bismillah Fordsburg Boskruin Butchery Boskruin Cafe Billibi Bedfordview, metro Johannesburg Chaf Pozi Orlando Towers, Soweto Chilli Pepper Diepkloof, Soweto Copper Chimney Vorna Valley, Midrand Cremelat Hyde Square Curry & All Morningside, Sandton Cyra Houghton Estate Daawat Fordsburg De Baba Eatery Melville Dosa Hut Fordsburg Embarc Parkhurst Fordsburg Square Night Market Heritage Biltong Fourways Insights Restaurant Houghton Estate Jozi Real Food Market Kleinsky’s – Linksfield Kofifi Café Protea North, Soweto Kolonaki – Bryanston Kota King Roadhouse Protea Glen, Soweto Kwa Lichaba Orlando West, Soweto Les Créatifs Bryanston Marble Rosebank Market on Main Meat Meet Diepkloof, Soweto NCW Melville Neighbourgoods Market Braamfontein Nice on 4th Parkhurst Not Bread Alone Cresta Ntsitsis FUN Foods Diepkloof, Soweto Oregano Bakery and Pantry Linden Pret A Manger Rosebank / Melrose Proud Mary Rosebank Qunu Sandhurst Rembrandt Slaghuis Linden Robbie's Place Pimville, Soweto Rosebank Sunday Market Roti and Chai – The Zone Saint Sandton Sakhumzi Restaurant Orlando West, Soweto (Vilakazi Street) Salvation Cafe 44 Stanley, Braamfontein Werf Shayona Mayfair SLAPS Parkhurst / Fourways Something Smoked Roadhouse Chiawelo, Soweto The Grillhouse Rosebank Rosebank The Hot Pot Kitchen Midrand The Pot Luck Club Melrose Arch The Sushi Club – Neighbourhood Square The Whippet Linden Thunder Gun Steakhouse Blackheath, Randburg Troy’s Cafe City Centre Tshilis Noordwyk, Midrand vida e caffè Multiple locations Vuyo's Restaurant Orlando West, Soweto Wandie's Place Dube, Soweto World of Samoosas Fordsburg Zioux Sandown, Sandton Zuney – Nine Yards 
