My most recent trip to Cape Town has inspired me to share my most favourite places to eat and have a great time! Although I don’t spend too much time in Johannesburg, I have discovered two great restaurants that are well worth a visit!
Marble
Tel: – +27 10 594 5550
“Marble is a celebration of quintessential South African fare and cooking on fire Marble embodies South Africans’ love of cooking with fire, a quality that makes our food culture different from the rest of the world” says David Higgs.
Situated in Keyes Art Mile, the growing art and food hub of Rosebank, Marble Restaurant combines the open-fire trend seen internationally with an added dose of good South African flair.
Marble was also the venue where Londolozi received the American Express Platinum Fine Dining Award last year.
Gemelli’s
Tel: +27 (0)10 591 4333
This was the most amazing evening I had recently in Johannesburg – talk about a vibe! Alessandro the owner, is full of joie de vivre and certainly adds to the ambience of the place.
“Gemelli’s contemporary Italian food menu relates to and depends heavily on seasonality, sustainability and provenance in terms of the ingredients sourced. Italy, and its incomparable cuisine, is in our hearts. We explore innovative, contemporary ways of paying homage to its timeless flavour profiles and combinations, with a memorable touch of Gemelli personality.”
The Shortmarket Club
Tel: +27 (0) 21 447 28 74
Opening hours: Monday-Saturday – Lunch : 12:30-14:00 – Dinner : 19:00-10:00
Luke Dale-Roberts of The Test Kitchen fame has partnered in a joint venture with his wife, Sandalene Dale-Roberts, his top chef Wesley Randles and manager Simon Widdison to open The Shortmarket Club in a heritage building just off vibey Bree Street. The excitement around the food and the venue is palpable, and The Shortmarket Club has already created a buzz in the Mother City
Chefs Warehouse – 92 Bree Street – Liam Tomlin
Tel: + 27 (0) 21 422 0128
Current favourite and probably some of the best food in Cape Town at the moment – they don’t take bookings, and the kitchen closes at 8pm, so get there early to get a table.
Bacon on Bree – 217 Bree Street – Richard Bosman – world class charcuterie legend!
Tel:- +27 (0) 21 422 2798
As the name states, essentially a ‘baconporium’, a must for breakfast or brunch
The brainchild of Richard Bosman and Justine Seymour, they also supply Londolozi with our delicious cacciotorini (salami) which you would have tasted on our breakfast buffets!
Pot Luck Club – 375 Albert Road, Woodstock – Luke Dale-Roberts currently # 28 in the World!
Tel:-+27 (0) 21 447 0804
Innovative tapas cuisine, started by Luke Dale-Roberts (owner of Test Kitchen) – must book in advance.
La Parada – Constantia Neck
Tel:- +27 (0) 21 795 0688
Good for a Friday night watering hole, but equally good for Spanish tapas. Amazing vibes on a Sunday afternoon with DJ Rene playing as well!
The Grand Café on the Beach – Granger Bay
Tel: – +27 (0) 21 425 0551
Great for putting your feet in the sand, having a good glass of wine or cocktail and nibbling on one of their famous long pizzas!
If you can’t decide which pizza to have – ask for a share pizza! Parma Ham & Rocket and on the other side, slivers of smoked salmon, rocket & crème fraiche dressing – yum!
Bread & Wine – Franschoek – Môreson Farm, Happy Valley Road, Franschoek, 7690
Tel:- +27 (0) 21 876 4004
This is owned by the Friedman Family and the GM is their lovely daughter Nicky. The food is delicious and the Miss Molly and Solitaire bubbles sublime.
I would recommend this highly for lunch after a bit of wine tasting in Franschoek.
Raya Kitchen by Kitima
Tel:- +27 (0) 21 422 2266
Kitima Restaurant brings you Raya Kitchen, an eatery focusing on Thai and Asian fusion food. Fresh local ingredients are used, while Thai spices are imported directly from Thailand.
** Most places would require bookings a few days in advance, especially if it’s a Friday/Saturday night, weekdays are obviously easier. Pot Luck Club & The Shortmarket Club are the only ones where you’d need to book several weeks in advance.
Let me know if you know any other restaurants you think I should visit!
Hi Anna, Next time you in JHB, make your way to a place called Urbanologi, at 1 fox street. Some of the best food in JHB
We really enjoyed The Foodbarn restaurant in Noordhoek Farm Village, Noordhoek a short drive from Cape Town. Lovely restaurant with strong French influence as well as tapas bar & deli. Yum!
Hi Anna, thank you for your list! would add Villa 47 in Bree Street Cape Town onto your list!
Thanks Alison! I have actually added that to my next list as it features high (as Alistair will let you know!) It is also in our little restaurant book!
Have you tried the Jordan restaurant on the wine farm near Stellenbosch? I was last there about 3 years ago, it was sublime. I’d be interested in your opinion
HI Neale
Yes, i have been to Jordan twice and each time had a lovely time. I must also add that to my next trip of dining!
Thanks Duncan, i will do so!
Thank you Gillian – The Foodbarn is an old favourite, and i must admit haven’t been in years, so i will definitely put it on my list for next time.
Hi Anna, We will check out some of these next time! We had the best meal of our lives at La Colombe in/near Constantia just outside of Hout Bay. The Capetown area has a really vibrant food culture going on! I can’t wait to get back..who knows when that will be? In JNB we had a fabulous dinner a few years ago at Villa Mora but last time they were closed due to a remake of the hotel/mall complex they were in. Sure hope they reopen.