Johannesburg
South Africa’s ‘chic-est’ chain restaurant is feeling a little tired but still draws the family crowd thanks to its great location, atmospheric decor and…
Must-see restaurants in South Africa, Lesotho & eSwatini (Swaziland)
KwaZulu-Natal
If a fun seaside vibe and tasty food is what you're after, Hops has you covered on both fronts. There is frequently live music and the large, open dining…
Cape Town
Dine in the courtyard garden for Table Mountain views (there are blankets provided if it gets chilly), or in the atmospheric, brick-walled and wine-rack…
Lesotho
This restaurant does Portuguese, Mozambican and South African dishes, including steaks, seafood, feijoada (a traditional Portuguese stew) and piri-piri…
Sleepers Railway Station Restaurant
Limpopo
This old station house is a fantastic venue for devouring quality dishes and has a very extensive menu with local game a speciality (try the organic…
Limpopo
Presenting seafood dishes, grills, loads of burger variations, salads and pastas, this place is a great stop any time of day. A formal atmosphere pervades…
Eastern Cape
With its oil-drum counters, corrugated-iron walls and fairy lights, Papa Africa has the feel of a barn expecting a dance. It’s hardly haute cuisine but…
Cape Town
This warm and welcoming dining room on busy Strand St serves up hearty portions of beef or fish stew, vegetable curry, fried chicken and tripe among…
Eastern Cape
This venerable local haunt, which is set in a large building with outdoor seating, serves up copious pizzas and burgers, crunchy salads and grilled meat…
Sunshine Coast
This restaurant is the only one in town that is located on the canals, with heavenly views from the deck. It specialises in traditional Greek food, such…
Garden Route
Close to the museum, Carola Ann's serves inventive breakfasts, delicious, healthy lunches and not-so-healthy slabs of cake. Grab a packet of the chocolate…
Port Elizabeth
In the vanguard of PE's modern restaurants, the esteemed Muse is a real find. The decor is soothing, the cuisine eclectic (think Asian, South African and…
Hermanus
Adjoining a shop selling natural cosmetics, this seafront bistro is all about fresh, local, organic ingredients. Try the 'famous' cheesecake and watch…
Eastern Cape
Locals recommend this cheerful, intimate place next to the Bethesda Arts Centre. The menu features tasteful dishes that use local ingredients – try the…
Eastern Cape
A great little café with an alluring menu featuring salads, sandwiches, burgers, venison pie, homemade chips and meat dishes. The adjoining shop sells a…
Cape Town
Whether you just want to graze on a few tapas-style dishes or cobble together a full meal, this super-relaxed venue is the business, serving inventive if…
Sunshine Coast
Fill up at this great little den before (or after) heading to the beach. Come for excellent breakfasts, gourmet burgers, well-presented salads and…
Garden Route
In the one-time town administration building dating back to 1848, this long-standing restaurant is known for its excellent steaks and ever-changing game…
Sunshine Coast
This cool culinary outpost is a surprise in little Bathurst. Chef Lara cooks up elegantly presented dishes using local produce. The concise menu is…
Stellenbosch
A large indoor-outdoor market with fresh produce, plenty of crafts and clothing as well as wine by the glass, draught craft beer and a host of food stalls…
Cape Town
This old dame of the Long St scene has kept her looks and the vibe remains relaxed. The breakfasts, including sweetcorn fritters and eggs Benedict, are…
Western Cape
A spade's throw from the beach (but without sea views), the only eatery in the village serves burgers, salads, steaks and seafood, and the adjoining shop…
Winelands
There's something to keep everyone entertained here – wine tasting, a microbrewery, sweetie pairings for the kids and an excellent jungle gym. The menu…
Cape Town
Talk about the Great South African Bake-off. The fabulous female team here make – as they say – ‘mucking afazing’ cupcakes and other baked goods. Their…
eSwatini (Swaziland)
Inside Mantenga Lodge, but open to nonguests, this restaurant with a raised wooden deck has a fabulous outlook over the trees. The grilled meats are quite…
Western Cape
This charming roadside store on a dairy farm sells light breakfasts and lunches, tapas, cake, coffee and a smorgasbord of local produce, including cheese,…
KwaZulu-Natal
Find refuge in the garden cafe and cosy, corrugated-iron restaurant, complete with real fireplaces and candles – easily the standout in Eshowe’s culinary…
Garden Route
Stylish decor combines with home-grown organic produce, free-range meats and lots of vegetarian options at this delightful place. There's a coffee…
Hermanus
This long-standing restaurant is still going strong, popular with both locals and tourists as much for its superb sea view as for its menu. Seafood is the…
Hermanus
Found within the Marine hotel, this is the place for a special breakfast with ocean views – try the croissant French toast with maple syrup and bacon,…
Cape Town
Few proprietors work as hard as Chris Lazari to be friendly to their customers – who, understandably, are a loyal bunch. It’s buzzy, gay-friendly and…
Knysna
There’s an outdoor deck overlooking the lagoon and ocean, lots of fish and seafood, plus a few vegetarian dishes. It's a very popular spot so expect to…
The Wild Coast
What nightlife there is in Chintsa centres on this casual and surprisingly trendy bar-restaurant where backpackers and locals mix. Burgers, pizzas and…
Eastern Cape
Views from the outdoor balcony of this stylish 1st-floor restaurant and cocktail bar extend from the car park to the ocean. The large menu runs the gamut…
Winelands
Based within Temenos Retreat but open to all, this quaint dining room offers a small but varied menu featuring homemade ravioli, fish 'n' chips, curries…
Garden Route
It doesn’t look much from afar – a restaurant tucked down the side of a petrol station – but Girl's gets rave reviews. Try the venison fillet or the fresh…
Cape Town
Travellers with kids will love this place: it features a kitchen where little ones can make their own pizza, cookies, cupcakes or gingerbread figures (R55…
Winelands
The menu changes regularly, but always features a few traditional South African dishes and plenty of local ingredients. The attached gift shop is aimed at…
Limpopo
Combining an old-fashioned gift shop with gourmet treats, this little operation also has an excellent coffee shop. Try the tramezzini for breakfast or the…
Sea Point to Hout Bay
This Hout Bay institution dishes up some of Cape Town’s best fish and chips, in a breezy bayside location with outdoor tables. Watch out for the dive…
