When the ingredients are imported directly from Thailand and the chefs are trained by Thai mentors, you know you’re getting authenticity! We love the variety of the menu, the care that has been taken to make an exotic cuisine accessible and, of course, the absolute scrumptiousness of every carefully crafted dish. simplyasia.co.za
Spur is like that favourite pair of jeans … always reliable. It goes without saying that the steaks, ribs and burgers are fantastic, but there are so many other great options, from sharing platters to schnitzels (our favourite!) and even vegetarian choices – all at prices that won’t leave your wallet sadly diminished. spursteakranches.com
There’s an award-winning team driving this family-owned favourite, which promises to take you on a gustatory tour to Paris. Expect French classics, from lobster bisque to canard (duck) – we say oui! oldducky.com
When a restaurant manages to withstand the fickleness of South Africa’s restaurant scene for almost 30 years, you know it’s doing something right. In Mugg & Bean’s case, that means changing up choices, keeping up with trends and dishing out pure deliciousness. We love the creative combinations, like buffalo chicken and blue cheese benedicts, healthy options (yay for spicy beans on toast) and decadent treats. muggandbean.co.za
With five different restaurants, each with a distinctly luxurious ambience, Olives and Plates is a feast for the eyes as well as the palate. Every dish looks almost too pretty to eat – but once you’ve had one bite, there’s no holding back! Our top pick? You can’t go wrong with the lamb shanks. olivesandplates.co.za
Every lemon-laced, oregano-kissed mouthful is a love letter to the Greek Isles, taking you straight to sun-drenched beaches and impossibly blue seas. Start with a mezze platter to share before moving on to crispy lamb chops – and, of course, no Greek feast would be complete without baklava. mythos.co.za
The magnificent view over the city sets the scene for a meal imbued with elegance and sophistication. The perfect spot for your next milestone birthday or special date, Kranz’s seasonal menu is a celebration of bold, fresh flavours, like five-spice duck breast or beef mignon with zucchini gel, potato fondant and exotic truffle mushroom medley, drizzled with oxtail jus. thenorthcliff.com
It’s the complexity of the flavours that make Indian cuisine so irresistible – and Banjaara’s exploration of tastes from the subcontinent’s northern regions is an especially good representation of this rich culture. The best part? Each of the five restaurants offers a great buffet, where you can sample the best of all dishes. banjaarajhb.co.za
This much-loved Craighall institution has earned its legion of fans by dishing up consistently delicious, authentic fare. And wtsh antipasti that pop with flavour (we love the fresh zestiness of the zucchini carpaccio), hearty pastas and crispy pizza on offer, it’s easy to understand the appeal. prontoitalianrestaurant.co.za
We love the laidback vibe of the Bryanston Organic Market, where you’ll find this bustling café. We also love that everything on the menu is certified good for you – sunshine on a plate! Facebook: Harvest Table Café
Bringing together the best of flavours from Mozambique and Portugal, every dish from Mozambik is a taste explosion. Top marks go to the Prawns Bilene (cooked in the restaurant’s special creamy feta sauce) and a chicken trinchado that will make your tastebuds dance. mozambik.co.za
The slick service is one of the reasons we keep coming back to Tasha’s. We’re also huge fans of the simple flavours, brilliantly executed, and generous portions, showing us that you simply can’t go wrong with a classic. tashascafe.com
Beautiful food (prepared with organic ingredients, grown on site) is just one part of the gorgeous Casalinga experience. The setting of this restaurant, on a sprawling farm, makes you feel like you’ve taken a holiday – even if all you’ve done is wander through the grounds, pick your own fruit and veg or relax with a picnic. casalinga.co.za
What makes Fireroom a great choice when your aim is to impress? Firstly, the creativity of the dishes. We love the way old favourites have been reimagined: think chicken schnitzel thermidore or pistachio tiramisu. Then there’s the element of spectacle, best experienced with the signature sushi on fire or sirloin flamed at the table. The variety on the menu is impressive, too. fireroom.co.za
It’s not just that the seafood is ocean fresh and prepared to perfection; the prices are also great value for money. We especially enjoy the Mediterranean twist to the dishes. A great choice for a family night out. za.oceanbasket.com
After three decades, Colcacchio is a fixed feature in the heart of every pizza-lover. The biggest factor driving the enduring popularity of this chain must be the inventiveness of its pizzas: we love the unusual combinations, like hot honey, chorizo and for di latte mozzarella, or the moghul, topped with butter chicken, yoghurt, crispy onions and coriander. colcacchio.co.za
Sheer heaven for carnivores! When you’re serious about your steak, Turn n Tender is your first choice for specialist cuts with all the accompaniments. We’re special fans of the Argentinian-style fillet, laced with chimichurri. turnntender.co.za
Kauai proved long ago that healthy doesn’t mean boring: now, it’s redefined vegan eating, with wholesome yet zingy dishes like the teriyaki mushroom poke bowl, the No Bull Burger (made with a black bean and mushroom patty) and the avo falafel wrap, to name just a few. kauai.co.za
The Vegan Chef was founded on the belief that just because you care for the planet, doesn’t mean you should have to go without gourmet food, and they are passionate about pushing the boundaries of plant-based cuisine. Look forward to everything from vegan wellington to rib-sticking chickpea curry, snacks and decadent bakes. theveganchef.co.za
