Best restaurants to check out in Johannesburg, South Africa

Adorned with rich brown shades of stylish contemporary interior design, the Signature restaurant delivers flawless service, decadent cuisine, and a relaxing ambiance created by the most talented local jazz and blues performers. And the grand floor-to-ceiling windows of the dining hall frame a breathtaking view of the city and its spectacular sunsets. Talking about Signature should not go without mentioning its creator – Desmond Mabuza. He is one of the most successful local restaurateurs focusing on promoting African products worldwide.

The menu presents a symphony of flavors: pumpkin soup with Thai flavors, coriander, and cream; fried calamari with pickled vegetable salad, lemon gel, avocado, and rocket foam; or slow-braised pork belly with king oyster mushroom, salsa, berries, and potato purée. You can also opt for shellfish-centered dishes prepared using traditional Mozambican techniques. To bring some sparkle to your dining, order a bottle of the classic fresh Blanc de Blancs by Ruinart.

Momo is a popular modern chain of restaurants serving Asian cuisine. The Baohaus outlet’s atmosphere is very elevated and inviting, with an air-filled, light interior design and the friendliest service staff one could imagine. The food philosophy of Momo is simple: to present the customers with tasty fare made of the freshest ingredients.

On the menu that focuses mainly on bao, sushi rolls, and bowls, you will find all kinds of mouthwatering flavors. Most of the restaurant’s visitors have a soft spot for Momo’s Lucky bao – a Cantonese-style sweet and smoky roasted brisket with a touch of spice, spring onion, and coriander. Their Korean fried chicken wings, spring rolls, kimchi fried rice, and tiger prawn roll will leave you wanting more.

While walking around the city of Johannesburg, set aside some time to come over to Teta Mari – a refreshing Mediterranean aquamarine haven that will surprise you with a delectable fusion of French, American, and Middle Eastern cuisine. The decor of the eatery is charming: its silver lanterns, light turquoise blue-tiled walls, and washed pink wooden elements create a welcoming and homely setting.

The abundance of dishes offered by the kitchen team will make anyone spoilt for choices. Try their fluffy open omelet topped with shakshuka sauce served with a side of grated halloumi; crispy grilled chicken schnitzel sandwich with fresh lettuce, tomato, and pickled cucumber; or juicy steak on toasted ciabatta with fries and BBQ sauce. To quench your thirst on a sunny day, sip on an ice-cold milkshake or a fresh pressed juice with a dash of ginger.

We believe in breakfast’s utmost importance in terms of starting the day off right. If "rise and dine" is your motto, Croft & Co will become your morning go-to café. It specializes in brewing rich, tasty coffee and preparing scrumptious food while simultaneously being a space with a strong sense of community where everyone is always warmly received.

The menu invites you to explore the world’s iconic daybreak dining habits with dishes, such as Jamaican banana bread; full bacon breakfast with creamy scrambled eggs and grilled cherry tomatoes; salmon and cream cheese bagels; or hearty oats with almonds and peanut butter. A grand cup of steaming cappuccino will perfectly complement each of these options.

Our final suggestion is a restaurant by Tashas – South Africa’s F&B giant, including 21 establishments. Despite the expansive business scale, each of the outlets maintains its lovely vibe aimed to bring back your nostalgic, sweet childhood memories. The Melrose Arch eatery boasts some of the most curious design elements you will find, with shiny silverware hanging from the chandeliers being particularly eye-catching.

The menu here celebrates the beauty of simple food, featuring brioche French toast with berries, cinnamon sugar, and mascarpone; pistachio chicken salad with grilled zucchini, broccoli, feta, and roasted red pepper; and Greek salad with quinoa, microgreens, cherry tomatoes, olives, and hummus, to name a few.

Johannesburg is a unique place, and its influence on the reshaping of the modern world has been fundamental. Learning about the city's heritage-filled history alone requires a while. And managing to fit other attractions into your travel schedule might be challenging. We recommend you plan a detailed itinerary and add our restaurants’ selection to your checklist.

What would your dream vacation in Johannesburg look like? Share your thoughts with other foodie travelers in the comment section below. And for more inspiration, check out our top recipes and latest articles.