EAT, DRINK... BE MERRY

Best Bakery and Best Continental Deli: Fournos

From buttery croissants to pretty petit fours, Fournos is an absolute haven for the carb lovers amongst us. It’s good to know that their savouries are just as spectacular as their baked treats, and don’t even get us started on the bread options. That’s why it’s always our first stop when planning a picnic, hosting book club or just finding something to munch on. – www.fournos.co.za011 771 2500

Best Biltong: Sloane’s Butchery & Deli

Whether you prefer your biltong wet, fatty, lean or dry, you’ll find your favorite at Sloane’s Butcher & Deli’s legendary biltong counter. Feeling adventurous? Why not try something a little different, like bacon biltong – or ask the biltong master for his personal recommendations. You won’t be disappointed – www.sloanesbutchery.co.za, Sloane Park Shopping Centre Cnr Sloane St. & William Nicol Dr. Bryanston, 011 706 2027

Best bottle store: Checkers LiquorShop

Need a six-pack in time for the braai? Or looking for a hostess gift that’s sure to impress? What we love most about Checkers LiquorShop is the outstanding variety – you’re certain to find exactly what you need, whether your perfect tipple is gin, whiskey or chardonnay – plus, you’ll probably find some exciting new discoveries to try, all at a great price. – https://www.checkers.co.za/liquorshop

Best butcher: Berliner Grill & Deli

Calling all carnivores! Please trust us when we say you need this address in your Little Black Book – it’s the best place for choice cuts of fresh meat and everything you might need to spice them up a bit. Look out for daily specials – oh, and if you don’t feel like cooking yourself, they have a pretty great order-in menu, too. – https://www.facebook.com/Berlinergrillanddeli/

Best caterer: By Word of Mouth

If the thought of boring cocktails and canapes makes you cringe, best give By Word of Mouth a call – stat! They’ll tailor-make a menu to impress your guests – and their event management service means you can even ask them to make sure that every detail of your special occasion runs like clockwork. – bywordofmouth.co.za 011 553 7600

Best chips: Steers
Cut, fry, season – no thanks! We’d rather go to Steers for our chips fix – how can we resist those golden fried, hand cut chips, with a sprinkle of special seasoning to add that finishing touch? And while we’re at it, there’s no saying no to a juicy, flame-grilled burger either. – steers.co.za, 011 759 7221

Best cocktail bar and best pick up spot: Tiger’s Milk

Effortlessly cool – that’s the best way to describe the atmosphere at Tiger’s Milk. Whether you’re there to see or be seen, looking for a vibey venue for after work drinks, or hunting down a place where the music, food and friendly crowd all come together for a great night out, you’ve found the perfect spot. – www.Tigersmilk.co.za

Best coffee shop: DC Coffee Company

What’s a day without coffee, right? DC Coffee Company makes sure we get our fix fast, and they’re just as passionate about the perfect cup as we are. Best treat to go alongside your cappuccino or americano? An indulgent slice of creamy cheesecake. – https://www.facebook.com/dccoffeeco/18 Sunset Avenue, Pineslopes, 064 535 0734

Best craft beer pub: Gilroy’s Brewery

A new arrival in Rivonia (having relocated from Muldersdrift), Gilroy’s Brewery pretty much has it all: we love the pub grub, we love the ‘come as you are’ vibe, and we absolutely love the ale…and the lager, and every other type of beer Gilroy’s has to offer. Be ready to make a day of it! – www.gilroybeers.co.zaRivonia Crossing Centre, 5 Achter Road, Paulshof, Johannesburg, 011 796 3020

Best Doughnut: Krispy Kreme

There really isn’t any competition, is there? Because while the original glazed doughnuts are pretty damn terrific, it’s the gourmet treats that really get us. Rooibos and honey filled tart, anyone, or how about custard filled malva pudding? Actually, we’ll take a box filled with one of each! The best part? You can have your own doughnut custom-made for your special event. – krispykremesa.com, 010 006 0400

Best fish deli: Fisherman’s Deli

These guys are clearly doing something right, because you keep voting them into the top spot, year after year. That’s probably because of their huge variety: live oysters, caviar, freshly made sushi – whatever you need, they’ve got it, along with all the little extras to take your meal to the next level. Oh, and they’ll do all the dirty work for you, too, so you don’t have to fillet your fish or de-vein your prawns. – fishermansdeli.co.za, Dunkeld West Centre, 011 325 2577

Best Food Delivery Service: Checkers 60/60

Honestly, how did we ever live without it? It’s just not being spared the admin of trawling the aisles to find what you need that we love; it’s the sheer convenience of being able to order dog food just after you’ve realised you’ve run low, and receiving it within minutes. Throw in the ginormous range and great prices, and it’s no wonder we’re fans. – www.sixty60.co.za

Best food market: Prison Break Market

Talk about the world on a plate! We bet there isn’t a single cuisine you can’t get here – from the very best seafood platters to Korean and Middle Eastern vibes. Or, browse the stalls to find fresher-than-fresh produce to make your own piece of Masterchef magic. While you’re there, check out the fabulous craft and artisanal goodies, and find that totally unique piece your home has been missing. – www.prisionbreakmarket.co.za, 10 MacMillan Road, 27 82 522 1739

Best food truck: Balkan Burger

At just about any food market, you’ll find the longest queue outside Balkan Burger – and every one of those hungry customers will agree that the wait was well worth it! Any fan will tell you that this is no ordinary burger, because the unique Serbian recipe turns it into something truly next level. What’s great is that you don’t have to wait in those lines for your next fix – order Balkan Burger Catering Service to turn your next event into a smash hit. – www.balkanburger.co.za, 011 615 1272

Best place to buy fresh produce and best place to buy gourmet-to-go: Woolworths

Our love affair with Woolies just goes on and on. But who can blame us: where else can you go when you need a loaf of bread, a poke bowl, organic eggs and vegan hot dogs? In other words, whether you want to sample the latest Insta food craze or make supper in 30, Woolies has you covered. – www.woolworths.co.za

Best ice cream parlour: Paul’s Homemade Ice Cream

How on earth does Paul keep coming up with those insane flavours? From snickerdoodle to bread and butter pudding, there’s nothing ordinary about these ice creams. But, actually, there’s so much more to Paul’s Homemade Ice Cream these days – have you tried the freshly baked pastries? Do yourself a favour and check out the other outrageous goodies available online. – www.paulshomemade.com, 011 485 0104

Best local band: Mi Casa

Go on – try to sit still while these guys are playing. It just can’t be done! Dr Duda, J’Something and Mo-T just seem to have a magic formula, which is why 12 years after they got started, we love them more than ever – and they have the awards and nominations to prove it. Their fans in Europe think so too, but the good news is that they’re all ours for the next couple of months, so be sure to check out their next tour dates. – https://micasamusic.komi.io/

Best milkshakes and best takeaway burger: RocoMamas

Warning: RocoMamas freak shakes are a complete dessert in a jar. Expect pillows of whipped cream, lashings of syrup and twists of candy – these concoctions would make Willy Wonka proud. Best enjoyed with a smash burger, of course. – Rocomamas.com/za, 0860 888 772

Best neighbourhood pub (Joint winner): Hogshead Douglasdale

This is definitely the place to go if you’re in the mood for a cold one: Hogshead has over 12 different type of craft beers on tap, as well as all the old favourites. And what goes best with a beer? A burger, of course! These are especially good – but you might also want to try out the smoked dishes the pub is known for. – www.hogshead.co.za, Douglasdale Village Shopping Centre, cnr Leslie and Douglas Road, Douglasdale, 072 877 8441

Best neighbourhood pub (Joint winner): Molly Malones

To be honest, Molly Malones is a lot more than a pub. You can catch a movie at the drive in, show off your general knowledge at quiz night, indulge in half-price cocktails on Sundays and even book your own function here. – www.mollymalones.co.za, Cnr Forest Road and Sunset Boulevard Pineslopes, 011 467 8052

Best patisserie: Just Teddy

Let’s get one thing straight: the treats at Just Teddy aren’t mere confectionary; they’re masterpieces, as pretty to look at as they are delicious to eat. We definitely recommend booking a high tea so that you can sample a few of these delicate indulgences – and, even if you don’t have a sweet tooth, you’re certain to be intrigued by the Middle Eastern-inspired meals. – justteddy.co.za

Best ribs: Thundergun

Looking for a great first date restaurant? Thundergun probably shouldn’t be your first choice – unless you don’t mind being seen covered in sauce, that is, because you’re bound to end the evening licking it off your fingeres. There’s a reason Thundergun has been going for over 50 years, and it has a lot to do with the amazing rack of ribs. Reckon you could munch your way through 1kg of ribs? We say, go for it! – thundergun.co.za, Palala Centre, Beyers Naude Drive, 011 678 7224

Best social cooking school: The Cookery

The Secret Jozi Chef, Paul Maciel, is here to turn you into a an absolute kitchen whizz. Love Greek food? He’ll have you baking baklava in no time. Hankering for a taste of Turkey? Get in line to learn how to make the perfect kebab. A word of warning, though: Paul’s classes fill up quickly, so get online to see what’s cooking and book well in advance! – www.thesecretjozichef.co.za

Best supermarket for all your essentials: Checkers

Each of us has a certain ‘thing’ that makes us go back to the same supermarket over and over – maybe it’s the specials, maybe it’s the range, maybe it’s because of all the brands in a certain category you’ve tried, there is the best. Checkers checks (ahem) all of these boxes – from the dinner party-worthy Forest and Feast range to pantry staples, you’ll find everything you need right here. – www.checkers.co.za, 0800 01 07 09

Best takeaway chicken: Nando’s

As much a part of South Africa as hadedas in the morning or a Highveld thundershower, we love the way Nando’s keeps us smiling even during Stage 6 loadshedding – with its iconic advertising, of course, but also with its legendary chicken. Now the question is: are you a lemon and herb lover or, do you like to challenge your tastebuds with the hottest piri piri around? – nandos.co.za, 086 011 3332

Best takeaway pizza: Pizza Perfect

How does Pizza Perfect get pizza so, well, perfect? We don’t really know – but it could have something to do with the fact that they’re been stretching out dough, smothering it in cheese and the finest quality ingredients, and then baking it in a wood-fired oven for more than 33 years. What we do know, though, is that a night of Netflix just isn’t the same without it! – pizzaperfect.co.za, 011 462 4413

Best Vegan Bakery: Vicky’s Veganry

Light as air scones, fudgy brownies, decadent cakes – all without a single gram of butter? Yes! Vicky’s Veganry has taken plant-based baking to a whole new level, whisking up goodies that are gorgeous to look at and heavenly to eat. They’ll even create your own custom cake, and deliver it, too. – www.vickysveganry.co.za 43 5th St, Wynberg, Johannesburg, 2191, 076 801 4404

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