Top 10 restaurants in Johannesburg, South Africa

July 21, 2017 Moriah Teneyck

Johannesburg is the place to go to mix big-city culture, shopping, dining and nightlife with outdoor adventures, up-close wildlife encounters and visits to historical sites. Explore caves and nature reserves, or visit a traditional village by day, then enjoy dinner at a hip cafe or five-star restaurant. And if you're a shopper, bring an extra, empty suitcase. With malls, open-air markets and places that blend the two, you'll find plenty of unique souvenirs.
Things to do in Johannesburg

1. Trumps Grillhouse and Butchery

Nelson Mandela Square | Shop 11, Johannesburg 2196, South Africa Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Television, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Wine and Beer, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Takeout, Reservations, Private Dining, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Full Bar, Accepts Credit Cards Seafood, International, Grill, American, Steakhouse, Barbecue, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options Drinks, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night HK$110 - HK$133 +27 11 784 2366
Excellent
62%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 996 reviews

Trumps Grillhouse and Butchery

Established in 1994, we have become a favorite amongst the locals and business people in and around the Sandton area. We've hosted many local and international guests— you may even spot local and international celebrities too. Trumps is popular with many tour operators and airlines; we are frequented by customers from British Airways, Qatar, Virgin, Lufthansa, and others. We are the number one seller of Karan Beef in Johannesburg and all our beef is aged on the premises in a cold room, for 21 days. What can our patrons expect? Affordability, consistency, excellent service and outstanding meals. We pride ourselves on being able to create the highest quality meals, all at affordable prices. We have an extensive menu that has taken years to develop. Our food can be described as top notch. At Trumps, "It's all about the meat." A variety of steaks, including Fillet, Rump, Sirloin, and Prime Rib are a must for meat lovers. Our famous BBQ ribs are another favorite amongst our customers. Otherwise we have a variety of seafood and chicken dishes to suit every customer's liking. With all the experience over the years and a great and competent team back and front of house, we have the ability to produce consistently excellent results, no matter how busy we may be. We have an extensive wine menu, to cater for all tastes. Our passion to bring new and exciting meals and wine to the world has driven us to source our wines from around the world. Our newly built cellar offers a host of local and international wines, impressive for even the most sophisticated palate. With a new in-house butchery opening at the end of October, many of our patrons will soon be able to take a piece of Trumps home with them. We have two Private rooms available for both corporate and personal functions. The Johnnie Walker Private Room, and our Glenfiddich Private Room. Whether it's a company meeting, year end, or even just a special occasion that needs to be celebrated, dine in comfort and style. Each room is customized to offer an experience worth remembering!

Reviewed By GypsyTraveller94 - Washington DC, District of Columbia

This place has it all. Nice atmosphere, friendly staff, local game, great beef, nice wine, and wonderful desserts. It’s so popular that a quiet conversation may not be possible, but you’re not yelling at each other. By the way, it’s not connected to the current US president. Recommend.

2. Plaka Restaurant Cresta

Shop U224, Entrance 12, Cresta Shopping Centre, Beyers Naude Dr, Northcliff, Johannesburg 2194, South Africa Takeout, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Highchairs Available, Accepts Credit Cards Mediterranean, Greek, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Brunch +27 11 478 0392
Excellent
63%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 237 reviews

Plaka Restaurant Cresta

Reviewed By africanaddict - Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

We've always enjoyed Plaka restaurant, but felt that the food quality at Eastgate surpassed the Cresta location. It's caught up!!!! We've been to the Cresta branch twice this week for lunch and enjoyed both times greatly. Our favorite dish is the meze vegatable platter for...MoreHi Africanaddict, thank you for your excellent feedback and great review. We're glad to hear that Plaka Cresta surpassed your expectations and that you enjoyed the food and service. We look forward to welcoming you back!

3. The Local Grill

7th 3rd Avenue, Johannesburg 2193, South Africa Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Private Dining, Seating, Waitstaff, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar Steakhouse, Barbecue, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Late Night HK$118 - HK$157 +27 11 880 1946
Excellent
63%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 452 reviews

The Local Grill

Best Steakhouse in South Africa awarded by The Wolftrap steakhouse championships. Offering kitchen tours and beef courses. Beef all aged on the premises and cut to order.

Reviewed By 1959Hennie - Pretoria, South Africa

We went to Local Grill for my birthday an was pleasantly surprised by the quality of food and service. This is really a place worth visiting again and again.Our waiter Daniel deserves special mention!!Thank you for sharing your special day with us. Your review is greatly appreciated. Daniel is grateful for the mention.

4. Lucky Bean

16 7th Street, Johannesburg, South Africa Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Free Wifi African, International, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Late Night HK$31 - HK$110 +27 +11 482 5572
Excellent
56%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 333 reviews

Lucky Bean

Reviewed By 2onholiday - Manchester

An excellent restaurant. I had hake which was delicious and the amount was fantastic. If I had Known how much fish I would have I may have missed the superb calamari I had for starter. The meal for two including aperatifs and a bottle of Sauvignon cost about £35. Great value. Setting and ambiance also excellent.

5. Mezepoli Meze and Wine Bar

Whiteley Road | The Piazza, Melrose Arch, Johannesburg 2196, South Africa Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Accepts Credit Cards Greek, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options, Vegan Options Lunch, Dinner HK$47 - HK$196 +27 11 684 1162
Excellent
54%
Good
38%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 253 reviews

Mezepoli Meze and Wine Bar

Reviewed By DMSCAD - London, United Kingdom

Went to Mezepoli with my wife for dinner. We sat outside. Food is Greek tapas style but tables are way too small to accommodate such tapas dishes; therefore the table required a lots of reorganising throughout the mean with the waiter explaining that the glass water bottles often end up falling and breaking due to the lack of space.
The food was on the whole very average. The Greek salad was nice but was seasoned with parsley, not traditional Greek salad herbs or at least some oregano. The hummus and pita breads were tasty and the beetroot ok. The anchovies (also covered in parsley) were very tart and the squid had a weird flavour and wasn't very hot (we didn't eat it and hence weren't charged). We then ordered the chicken wings (very delicious indeed) and the beef souvlaki (we had asked for no parsley but it arrived cold and with parsley. We sent it back).
Service was friendly, however.
On the whole, I was a bit disappointed. I expected a bit more from a place which has such strong reviews on TA.
I would not return.

6. The Grillhouse Rosebank

C/O Oxford Road & Bierman Avenu | Shop 1, The Firs / Hyatt Shopping Centre, Johannesburg 2196, South Africa Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Validated Parking, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Free Wifi, Reservations, Private Dining, Highchairs Available Steakhouse, Grill, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner +27 11 880 3945
Excellent
62%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1 reviews

The Grillhouse Rosebank

Welcome to The Grillhouse, Johannesburg's most loved and well established premium steakhouse. Established in 1995, The Grillhouse offers the perfect quadfecta in dining - great food, a huge selection of fine wines and malts, stellar service and an upmarket yet warm and hospitable atmosphere. Please check our Facebook page for details of opening and closing times during the festive season and other holiday. The Grillhouse Rosebank Team 22 years of reminding you why you work so hard!

Reviewed By 763Kiwi_traveller007 - HKT

With an extensive & expansive menu, The Grillhouse delivers. The service is second to none. Although the setting is a little dark + dated the food is not just delicious but what your expecting. Not OTT on prices but not cheap. I’d certainly recommend it...MoreThank you for your lovely review. We hope to see you back again soon :)

7. Fishmonger Illovo

Thrupps Centre | 204 Oxford Street, Illovo 2196, South Africa Takeout, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Highchairs Available, Free Wifi Seafood, Mediterranean, Sushi, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Late Night +27 11 268 0068
Excellent
65%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 301 reviews

Fishmonger Illovo

Reviewed By mark h

If you love good food you have arrived at the perfect place. Passion, consistency and value is what you will experience. Pedro runs the ultimate restaurant- service is impeccable, quality is outstanding, only the freshest seafood is plated. The best seafood with touch of Portuguese dishes are served. New addition is the great international wine list which is really well priced and have great varieties from all over the world. For beer lovers Peroni draught is fresh and cold.
Our favorite is the Fresh fish (Seabass flame grilled) and King prawns for main after the magnificent calamari starter. I have been going there for years and have never been disappointed.
World class restaurant with amazing ambience.
Well done Jonathan, Dennis, Chris Derrick! You guys go far beyond duties of a manager!

8. Restaurante Parreirinha

No. 9, 6th Street | La Rochelle, Johannesburg 2190, South Africa Takeout, Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Television, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar Seafood, Portuguese, Vegetarian Friendly Lunch, Dinner, Late Night +27 11 435 3809
Excellent
59%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 233 reviews

Restaurante Parreirinha

Run by the Da Cunha Family.

Reviewed By Howard L - Johannesburg, South Africa

I have reviewed Parreirinha before and now that I live in Midrand I sometimes wonder why a person would drive all the way to the South of Joburg to have a meal but when the food arrives you just know it was worth the great trek. We normally have the 12 prawns but decided to order a seafood platter for 2. At R425 it is really great value, 2 small crayfish, 12 prawns, kingklip, calamari, some small shellfish, rice and chips. All cooked under the watchful eye of the mama in the kitchen. Service as usual was tops. Area is not great but they have security outside.

9. Cafe del Sol Classico

Olivedale Corner Centre | Corner of Olive & President Fouche Roads, Johannesburg, South Africa Takeout, Validated Parking, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Street Parking, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Wine and Beer, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Accepts Discover, Accepts Credit Cards Italian, Mediterranean, European, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner +27 11 704 6493
Excellent
69%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 848 reviews

Cafe del Sol Classico

Reviewed By Lynda C - Fourways

Cafe del Sol never disappoints, it is somewhere you go with that someone special as that is exactly how you feel from the moment you arrive until you leave. This is one restaurant that I have been back to a few times and never been...MoreThank you Lynda for the feedback. It was such a pleasure to host you and hope to see you back soon. Warm Regards The Cafe del Sol Classico team

10. DW 11-13

Corner Bompass and Jan Smuts avenue | Dunkeld West, Johannesburg, South Africa Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar European, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Late Night +27 11 341 0663
Excellent
69%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
2%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 445 reviews

DW 11-13

Reviewed By Chris G - Johannesburg, South Africa

I have been here about 5 times before and always found it to be very good. Today was outstanding. Food pairing menu consisted of smoked salmon tartare, quail, kabeljou and a stunning cheese dessert. The wines were exceptional but especially the "Jim" white. Service knowledgeable and outstanding, notably Kudzai. This is a place for special occasions but don't be put off by that description. Go. Enjoy.

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