Johannesburg: what to eat and where

The city's signature dishes and the best places for each.

12 places in Johannesburg · by Chef Amazing · updated October 20, 2026
Photo: Friday musa, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

1. 1

   Daawat

   Indian-Pakistani · Fordsburg

   Order: Beef nihari, lamb karahi with naan

   70 Mint Road, Fordsburg · Map · Add to Chef Amazing
2. 2

   Shayona

   Vegetarian Indian · Mayfair

   Order: Aloo dosa, deluxe vegetarian lunch

   72 Church Street, Mayfair · Map · Add to Chef Amazing
3. 3

   Bismillah

   Indian-Pakistani · Fordsburg

   Order: Mutton biryani, paneer masala with naan

   78 Mint Road, Fordsburg · Map · Add to Chef Amazing
4. 4

   Meat Meet

   Diepkloof, Soweto

   Order: Cuts of meat and sides

   3790 Marthinus Smuts Drive, Diepkloof, Soweto · Map · Add to Chef Amazing
5. 5

   Kofifi Café

   Protea North, Soweto

   Order: Boerewors and lamb chops

   1844-1837 Ndaba Street, Protea North, Soweto · Map · Add to Chef Amazing
6. 6

   Kwa Lichaba

   Orlando West, Soweto

   Order: Braai meats with traditional sides

   8033 Xorile Street, Orlando West, Soweto · Map · Add to Chef Amazing
7. 7

   Ballito Bunny

   Honeydew, Roodepoort

   Order: Durban-style bunny

   Map · Add to Chef Amazing
8. 8

   Chilli Pepper

   Diepkloof, Soweto

   Get: Kota with polony, egg and cheese

   Order: The spicy, tangy kota

   Also on the list: The best kota in Johannesburg.

   15369 Immink Drive, Diepkloof, Soweto · Map · Add to Chef Amazing
9. 9

   Copper Chimney

   North Indian · Vorna Valley, Midrand

   Order: Bunny chow, biryani

   2 Boerneef Street, Le Roux Avenue, Vorna Valley, Midrand · Map · Add to Chef Amazing
10. 10

    Robbie's Place

    Pimville, Soweto

    Order: Braai dishes and meat selection

    5634 Mokoka Street, Pimville Zone 5, Soweto · Map · Add to Chef Amazing
11. 11

    Not Bread Alone

    Cresta

    Order: Milk tarts and custard slices

    286 Acacia Road, Cresta, Randburg, 2194, South Africa · Map · Add to Chef Amazing
12. 12

    2Selai Diepkloof

    Diepkloof, Soweto

    Order: Beef, pork, hake or vegetarian kota

    15994 Eben Cuyler Drive, Diepkloof, Soweto · Map · Add to Chef Amazing