Restaurants 

In the heart of Sandton, Johannesburg’s bustling financial district, Aurum Restaurant emerges as a beacon of culinary excellence, perched high within The Leonardo, Africa’s tallest building. This gastronomic gem, whose name aptly translates to “gold” in Latin, offers a dining experience that is truly precious in its rarity and brilliance.

Beau Constantia, perched high on the Constantia Nek, offers a truly exceptional dining experience with breathtaking panoramic views of the Constantia Valley and beyond. This elegant restaurant, nestled within a working wine farm, seamlessly blends fine dining with a relaxed, yet sophisticated atmosphere.

Belly of the Beast, tucked away in the heart of Cape Town, offers a unique and adventurous dining experience. This intimate and unpretentious restaurant focuses on a set menu that changes regularly, showcasing the chef's creativity and passion for seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. It's a journey of culinary discovery, where diners embrace the element of surprise and trust the chef's expertise.

Butcher Boys Grill in Ballito is a haven for meat lovers seeking a premium steakhouse experience. This upmarket establishment exudes a sophisticated ambiance, blending contemporary design with a touch of classic steakhouse charm.

In the vibrant and ever-evolving dining scene of Nairobi, CJ’s Restaurant, also known as Cafe Javas, has emerged as a culinary powerhouse, captivating the palates of locals and visitors alike. With multiple branches strategically located across the city, including the bustling CBD, upscale Karen, trendy Kilimani, diplomatic Gigiri, and convenient Mombasa Road, CJ’s has become synonymous with consistent quality, diverse menu offerings, and a welcoming atmosphere that caters to a wide array of dining preferences.

Chefs Warehouse & Canteen, located on Bree Street in Cape Town, is a vibrant and popular restaurant known for its innovative approach to tapas-style dining. Helmed by renowned Chef Liam Tomlin, this establishment offers a relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere, making it a favourite among locals and visitors alike.

In the heart of Johannesburg’s prestigious Houghton Hotel, Cyra stands as a testament to culinary excellence and innovation. Under the visionary leadership of Chef Candice Philip, this fine dining establishment has rapidly ascended to the pinnacle of South Africa’s gastronomic scene, offering an experience that transcends mere sustenance to become a symphony of flavours, textures, and artistic presentation. Chef Candice Philip, recently crowned Chef of the Year at the 2025 Luxe Restaurant Awards, brings a wealth of experience and accolades to Cyra. Her journey, marked by the 2018 Eat Out Nederburg Rising Star Award and her notable performance at the 2019 Eat Out Restaurant Awards, has culminated in this latest venture that showcases her culinary prowess at its zenith.

I had the privilege of dining at Emerson Spice Tea House Restaurant, nestled atop the Emerson Spice Hotel in Stone Town, Zanzibar. This rooftop establishment offers a dining experience that seamlessly blends culinary innovation with the rich cultural heritage of the island, earning it a reputation for exceptional cuisine, stunning views, and a commitment to sustainability.

FYN, located in the heart of Cape Town, offers a truly exceptional and immersive dining experience. This acclaimed restaurant, under the guidance of Chef Peter Tempelhoff, has earned its stellar reputation by pushing culinary boundaries and creating a symphony of flavours, textures, and artistic presentations. It's not just a meal; it's a carefully orchestrated performance.

Arriving at Farmers in Gueliz felt like discovering a secret garden in the heart of Marrakech's modern district. The restaurant's clean lines and abundance of natural light immediately set it apart from the more traditional dining venues I'd visited. Large windows offered glimpses of the kitchen garden, where many of the ingredients for the day's menu were sourced.

Nestled within the bustling Waterfall Corner Shopping Centre in Midrand, Johannesburg, Gigi emerges as a beacon of culinary innovation, offering a dining experience that is both globally inspired and deeply rooted in South African flavours. Under the expert guidance of Chef Moses Moloi, this establishment has swiftly ascended to prominence in Johannesburg’s competitive gastronomic landscape, presenting a fresh and exciting take on New African cuisine.

Grub & Vine in Cape Town offers a refreshingly unpretentious fine dining experience. This popular Bree Street spot strikes a perfect balance between sophisticated cuisine and a relaxed, convivial atmosphere. It's a place where you can enjoy innovative, beautifully plated dishes without feeling stuffy or overly formal.

If you ever find yourself wandering the charming, narrow streets of Stone Town, Zanzibar, you’ve got to check out this absolute gem I stumbled upon—House of Spices. Honestly, it’s not just another restaurant; it’s like walking into a living, breathing slice of history. Nestled right in the heart of Stone Town, this place is a whole experience from the moment you step inside.

Jack Salmon, with multiple locations along Durban's coastline, offers a relaxed yet sophisticated dining experience with a strong emphasis on fresh seafood. The ambiance typically blends a contemporary aesthetic with a laid-back, coastal vibe, making it a perfect spot for both casual lunches and special occasion dinners.

As I stepped into Joe’s Beerhouse on a warm Windhoek evening, I was immediately struck by the incredible character of the place. The walls told stories through their eclectic collection of memorabilia, from vintage license plates to quirky artefacts that caught my eye at every turn. Each item seemed to have its own tale, a piece of history or a moment of whimsy that added to the unique ambiance of the establishment. The friendly staff welcomed me with genuine warmth, making me feel like a regular despite it being my first visit. Their smiles and attentive service set the tone for an evening that promised to be memorable.

Kloof Street House, nestled in a beautifully restored Victorian house on vibrant Kloof Street, offers a unique and enchanting dining experience. This popular Cape Town hotspot seamlessly blends old-world charm with a contemporary atmosphere, creating a space that is both elegant and inviting.

Ouzeri, nestled in the vibrant heart of Cape Town, offers a delightful escape to the sun-drenched shores of Greece. This charming restaurant captures the essence of a traditional Greek taverna, with its warm ambiance, rustic décor, and, of course, the tantalising aromas of authentic Greek cuisine.

Thali Restaurant in Cape Town offers a vibrant and immersive dining experience, transporting guests on a culinary journey through the diverse flavours of India. This popular eatery specialises in Indian tapas, allowing diners to sample a wide array of dishes and experience the rich tapestry of Indian cuisine.

The Foodbarn Cafe & Tapas in Noordhoek, Cape Town, offers a delightful blend of relaxed cafe culture and vibrant tapas dining. This popular spot, a sister restaurant to the acclaimed Foodbarn Restaurant, provides a more casual setting without compromising on quality or flavour. It's the perfect place for a leisurely lunch, a relaxed afternoon with friends, or a vibrant evening of shared plates.

Grill Jichana, located within the Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani hotel complex on Durban's Golden Mile, offers a unique dining experience with a focus on the vibrant flavours of the African East Coast spice route. The restaurant's name, "Jichana," is Swahili slang for "eating good," and that's precisely what guests can expect.

The Grill Room at The Oyster Box is more than just a restaurant; it's a Durban institution, synonymous with elegance, impeccable service, and exceptional cuisine. Nestled within the iconic Oyster Box Hotel, this refined dining space exudes old-world charm, transporting guests to a bygone era of sophisticated glamour.

The Lawns at the Roundhouse, nestled in Camps Bay, offers a more relaxed dining experience compared to its fine-dining sibling, Salsify, while still maintaining a high standard of quality and service. This outdoor space, with its stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and Lion's Head, is perfect for enjoying a casual yet sophisticated meal in a breathtaking setting.

In the heart of Johannesburg’s vibrant Melrose district, The Pot Luck Club has emerged as a beacon of culinary innovation, offering a dining experience that is both globally inspired and uniquely South African. As part of the renowned Luke Dale Roberts Group, this establishment has swiftly ascended to the pinnacle of Johannesburg’s gastronomic scene, earning Two Luxe Stars at the prestigious Luxe Restaurant Awards and cementing its status as a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts.

Perched on the dramatic shoreline of Chapman’s Peak Drive, Tintswalo Atlantic offers one of Cape Town’s most breathtaking dining experiences. Tucked away within Table Mountain National Park, this secluded, oceanfront retreat blends natural beauty with understated luxury, making it a must-visit for those seeking an unforgettable culinary journey.

Willoughby & Co. at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town is a seafood lover's paradise. This bustling restaurant consistently delivers fresh, high-quality seafood in a vibrant and contemporary setting. While the atmosphere is often lively and energetic, the focus remains firmly on the exceptional quality of the ingredients and the skilful preparation of the dishes.

ëiger, nestled in the heart of Cape Town, isn't just a restaurant; it's a culinary experience. This fine-dining establishment, with its minimalist yet elegant décor, offers a tasting menu that showcases a modern and innovative approach to South African cuisine. It’s a journey of discovery, where each course is a carefully crafted work of art, designed to tantalise the taste buds and ignite the senses.