Johannesburg, South Africa — Restaurants
Gramadoelas
For over 30 years celebrities, heads of state and royalty have graced Gramadoelas to sample its traditional South African and Cape cuisine, as well as other African fare. The Cape Malay-spiced bobotie, melktert and malva pudding are renown. Game meat, such as crocodile tail and ostrich steak, is also on the menu. The more adventurous can try Hillary Clinton and Nelson Mandela's favorites: mopani worms and mogodu (black tripe and wild African spinach stew), respectively. Closed on Sunday and no lunch on Mondays. Reservations recommended.
- Food Type
- Local
- Price
- 3
- Address
- Market Theater Complex, Bree Street, Newtown
- City
- Johannesburg
- Website
- www.gramadoelas.co.za
Moyo
This restaurant takes up five floors, decorated with a combination of modern African designs. Traditionally attired staff serve exotic cuisine, and live African music adds a funky vibe. The menu is varied with dishes from around the continent, such as fragrant North African stews, East African fish curries and huge Mozambique prawns. The unusual African desserts, like sweet potato and chocolate pudding, are not to be missed! Booking is essential, open daily for lunch and dinner.
- Food Type
- African
- Price
- 4
- Address
- 5 Melrose Square, Melrose Arch
- City
- Johannesburg
- Website
- www.moyo.co.za
Al Dente
Al Dente is popular for its warm and casual ambience, excellent Italian cuisine and the genial presence of its owner, Federico, who is always close at hand to advise on the menu specials. The food here is authentically Italian and homemade with an extensive menu of pastas and pizzas, as well as specialties such as lightly roasted rump steak with garlic and rosemary. Reservations are recommended. Open for lunch and dinner Monday to Friday, dinner only on Saturdays and lunch only on Sundays.
- Food Type
- Italian
- Price
- 4
- Address
- 173 Rochester Place, Rivonia Road, Morningside
- City
- Johannesburg
- Website
- www.aldente.co.za
Linger Longer
Originally established as a tearoom in 1961, Linger Longer has developed into an elegant restaurant while retaining its old-world charm and relaxed atmosphere. Diners here can feast on delicious international and South African cuisine such as lobster bisque, ostrich khibi with roasted peppers or Asian-style duckling. Open for lunch and dinner, Monday to Saturday; reservations recommended.
- Food Type
- International
- Price
- 4
- Address
- 58 Wierda Road West, Sandton
- City
- Johannesburg
Turtle Creek
The Turtle Creek wine bar and restaurant in Sandton's Wierda Valley offers diners a relaxed atmosphere and an exquisite Mediterranean menu. Favorites include the Mauritian chicken and prawn curry with rice an onion sambal, as well as Moroccan-style lamb shank in red wine. The terrace dining area is beautifully shaded by large oak trees, a very popular spot! Open Monday to Saturday for lunch and dinner, with lunch on Sundays. Reservations recommended.
- Food Type
- Mediterranean
- Price
- 4
- Address
- 58 Wierda Road, Wierda Valley
- City
- Johannesburg
Wombles
Reminiscent of its 1980s predecessor in Harare (Zimbabwe), Wombles Steakhouse has white linen and candlelit décor, giving it a relaxed and romantic, colonial-style atmosphere. This is further enhanced by the smiling, khaki-clad staff. The main menu boasts steaks to suit all appetites and tastes, served with fresh vegetables and a choice of potato dishes. Open Monday to Friday for lunch and dinner, with dinner also served on Saturdays. Reservations recommended.
- Food Type
- Steakhouse
- Price
- 3
- Address
- 17 3rd Avenue, Parktown North
- City
- Johannesburg
- Website
- www.wombles.co.za
Montego Bay
With excellent service and a comfortable setting, this trendy restaurant boasts a variety of delicious seafood, as well as some excellent international cuisine. Menu favorites include the signature Montego Bay platter with baby crayfish, langoustines (Norwegian lobsters), prawns and calamari, or perhaps something from the world-famous fresh oyster and sushi bar. Open daily for lunch and dinner, reservations recommended.
- Food Type
- Seafood
- Price
- 4
- Address
- Shop 31, Nelson Mandela Square, Rivonia Road, Sandton
- City
- Johannesburg
- Website
- www.montegobay.co.za
Browns of Rivonia
Set in one of Johannesburg's most affluent suburbs, Browns of Rivonia offers a truly upmarket, fine dining experience. Outside seating is available on the veranda for those balmy summer evenings, and inside the restaurant there is a large, neat dining area. The food is of the highest quality, especially the roast duck with a Drambuie and orange glaze. The restaurant offers a separate menu for functions and for Sunday lunches. Closed on Saturday for lunch and reservations recommended.
- Food Type
- International
- Price
- 4
- Address
- 21 Wessels Road, Rivonia
- City
- Johannesburg
- Website
- www.browns.co.za
Cool Runnings
With a decidedly Rastafarian theme, this vibey Jamaican-style café offers a good selection of cheap Caribbean food in huge portions. Students and young professionals frequent this spot to wash down Jamaican schwarma's, curries and stir fries with potent shots of liquor and exotic cocktails. Hookah pipes (Okka pipes or bubblies), with a variety of flavored tobaccos, are also on offer. Open daily for lunch and dinner.
- Food Type
- Café
- Price
- 2
- Address
- Fourways, Melville, Benoni
- City
- Johannesburg
- Website
- www.coolrunnings.co.za
