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Linger Longer
Situated in the spacious grounds of a pre-war rooming house, Linger Longer stands among South Africa's top ten restaurants as rated by Wine Magazine. The elegant ambience and legendary culinary standards make this one of the country's longest surviving and favorite fine dining experiences, combining classic French fare with Eastern flavors. Famous signature dishes include appetizers such as Walter's Foie Gras; for main course the rack of lamb with rosemary, garlic and course-grain mustard is highly recommended; and the crepes filled with warm cream cheese, vanilla and brandied raisins is a particularly good dessert. Open for lunch and dinner Monday to Saturday. Reservations recommended.
Address: 58 Wierda Road, Wierda Valley, Sandton

Gramadoelas
For over 30 years an international clientele of celebrities, heads of state and royalty have flocked to Gramadoelas to sample the traditional South African and Cape cuisine. The menu has recently expanded to incorporate specialties from all over Africa and is one of the best spots to taste excellent dishes like Cape Malay-spiced bobotie, melktert and malva pudding, as well as experiencing recipes from Zanzibar, Morocco and Ethiopia. Game meat, such as cubed crocodile tail and ostrich steak, has long been served; the more adventurous can try the favorite dishes of Hillary Clinton and Nelson Mandela: mopani worms and mogodu (black tripe and wild African spinach stew), respectively. Closed Sunday. No lunch Mondays. Reservations recommended.
Address: Market Theater Complex, Bree Street, Newtown
Website: www.gramadoelas.co.za

Moyo
This African-themed restaurant is spectacularly decorated with a mixture of modern and African design, and although spread over five floors, each one has a unique ambience with secluded alcoves, elevated galleries and atmospheric lighting. Moyo is an experience, from the traditionally attired staff and perfumed finger bowls, to the exotic dishes, and the live African entertainment and music that keeps the place abuzz. The food is varied with dishes from around the continent that include fragrant North African stews, East African fish curries, huge Mozambique prawns, and unusual desserts like the sweet potato and chocolate pudding. There are also set menus served in large platters for the table to share. Service is outstanding, and booking well in advance is essential. Open daily until 12am.
Address: 5 Melrose Square, Melrose Arch
Website: www.moyo.co.za

Al Dente
The food here is authentic and prepared in the home-style way by Tuscany brothers Federico and Fernandino, who use family recipes handed down from their mother and uncle, as well as a few newly created inspirations. Al Dente is popular for its ambience, the excellent food and the genial presence of Federico who is always close by to advise on the innovative specials of the day. The extensive menu has the usual pastas and pizzas, as well as the specialty rump steak, stuffed with garlic and rosemary and lightly roasted. Reservations are recommended. Open for lunch and dinner Monday to Friday, dinner only on Saturdays and lunch only on Sundays.
Address: 173 Rochester Place, Rivonia Road, Morningside
Website: www.aldente.co.za

Bistro 277 on Main
This long-standing Provencal favorite (formerly Ile de France) serves excellent French traditional cooking served up by chef-owner Marc Guebert, who is the only member in Africa of the illustrious group of chefs from the Maîtres Cuisiniers de France. His specialty is soufflés, and to dine here without trying the Grand Marnier soufflé, his signature dessert, is a culinary faux pas. The dishes found at Ile de France are uniquely created and nothing similar will be found as good anywhere else in the city. The menu also includes a six-course tasting menu that is a treat. Closed Monday. No lunch Saturday. Booking is essential.
Address: Cramerview Center, 227 Main Road, Bryanston

Carnivore
The central feature of Carnivore Restaurant is a large open fire with over 50 converted Masai warrior spears holding a wide range of meats roasting over the flames. These include the usual pork, chicken, beef and lamb, as well as a minimum of five specialty game meats such as crocodile, zebra, impala, giraffe and ostrich. Waiters bring the spears from the fire to the table and carve succulent cuts of your choice directly onto your plate. The meat is served with six different salads, a variety of sauces, and a pot containing traditional 'pap and sauce' or baked potatoes. The set meal begins with the homemade soup of the day and freshly baked honey bread, and concludes with a choice of five different desserts and coffee. Open daily for lunch and dinner.
Address: 69 Drift Boulevard, Muldersdrift

Montego Bay
This trendy restaurant boasts a variety of delicious seafood as well as some excellent international cuisine. There are meat and vegetarian dishes, pastas and curries, along with famous specialty dishes like the Seafood Chowder, which is considered the best in the world. Another specialty is the Kingston Kebabs, consisting of skewered prawns wrapped in bacon and accompanied by a voodoo dip. A fresh oyster and sushi bar is also available for starters or light luncheons. The Montego Bay service is excellent.
Address: Shop 31, Nelson Mandela Square, Rivonia Road, Sandton

Browns of Rivonia
Gourmet dining in the heart of one of Johannesburg's more affluent suburbs, Browns offers an eclectic dining experience from the food variety to your seating options. Outside there is a veranda and a garden area, a scene to be savoured on a balmy highveld summer evening, inside is a clean spacious dining hall. The food is of the highest quality, especially the crowd favorite, lamb shank. The restaurant offers a separate menu for functions and for Sunday lunches. Reservations recommended.
Address: 21 Wessels Road, Rivonia
Website: www.browns.co.za

F!sh
A very hip seafood spot situated near the Rosebank Mall, F!sh specializes in a variety of sushi platters, for both in house and take away. A platter split between friends can work out to be rather economic. F!sh is a popular spot for after work drinks among young professionals but be warned, while the cocktails are tasty, they pack a mighty punch.
Address: Corner of Cradock and Baker Street, Rosebank
Website: www.fsh-rosebank.com

Cool Runnings
Vibey, Rastafarian themed café chain offering cheap food in large portions. Cool Runnings is often treated as a starting point before a night out, especially in Melville. Students and young adults typically wolf down the food platters and shooters in rapid succession. Hookah pipes (also known as Okka pipes or bubblies) are on offer and served with a variety of flavored tobaccos.
Address: Fourways, Melville, Benoni
Website: www.coolrunnings.co.za

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