EAT, DRINK... BE MERRY

Best bakery, Best deli: Fournos

Sweet or savoury – Fournos does it all perfectly. On the one hand, there are those legendary flaky croissants, dainty petit fours and perfectly chew biscuits. On the other, a huge array of still-warm breads, springrolls and other snacks. Add in a choice delectable dips, spreads and deli must-haves, and you have the makings of a gourmet destination. Fournos.co.za

Best biltong, best butchery: Impala Butchery Northcliff

We love that this family-owned butchery is passionate about quality, selling only grass-fed, hormone-free and pasture-raised meat. While you’re picking out your aged steak (and an exotic seasoning to bring out its best), or giving yourself a night off by selecting a scrumptious ready-made meal, do yourself a favour and try out the biltong. Impalameat.com

Best bottle store: Norman Goodfellows

It’s probably Norman Goodfellows’ incredible range that makes it stand out. There is a champagne, conganc, wine or whisky to suit every palate and pocket, whether you’re a serious collector or looking for a bottle to take to the braai. But we also love the extra services on … they’ll help plan the drinks your party, and host regular events to introduce you to new brands. Ngf.co.za

Best caterer: By Word of Mouth

After more than 20 years in the industry (and a slew of awards), Karen Short can be relied upon to make your event sparkle. It’s not just the food that will wow your guests. By Word of Mouth also offers other services to ensure your function gets off without a hitch, from staffing to decor, flowers and equipment.  Bywordofmouth.co.za

Best chips: Steers

They’re legendary for a reason. Only Steers can turn out chips that are perfectly golden, perfectly seasoned, and perfectly fluffy on the inside and crisp on the outside. Steers.co.za

Best cocktail bar: 011 Gin-Eatery

No surprises here. Gin is the main attraction. But, really, any of the cocktails on offer at these sophisticated venues will start a party – and they’re perfectly paired by a menu that combines the best of classic favourites (think pasta and burgers) with veg-friendly options and trending tastes. 011jhb.co.za

Best coffee shop: Seattle Coffee Company

One of the pioneers of Joburg’s coffee culture, Seattle is all about doing things with care, from ensuring that all beans are ethically produced to roasting them by hand, too. No wonder every cup is perfect. Seattlecoffeecompany.co.za

Best craft beer pub, Best neighborhood pub: Gilroy’s Brewery

Steve Gilroy started brewing his own beer way back in 1970 – and although his venue might have changed, his fabulous beers haven’t. Any visit to this much-loved pub typically involves great entertainment, from live music to quiz nights. Gilroysbrewery.co.za

Best doughnut:  Krispy Kreme

Legions of fans have fallen in love with that unbeatable classic, Krispy Kreme’s original glazed doughnut. But there is so much more to explore, with new flavours added on the regular. We love that you can order doughnuts for your special occasion ahead of time – what a win! Kirspykremesa.com

Best fish deli: Seven Seas Fisheries

Always the first choice for the freshest seafood (and advice on how to prepare it in a restaurant-worthy way), food lovers now have even more to choose from at Seven Seas Fisheries’ new emporium, from coffee to spices and deli treats. Sevenseasfisheries

Best food delivery service: Checkers Sixty60

For those who have forgotten the pet food, run out of butter at the last minute, or simply can’t stand the thought of trawling the aisles after a tough day at work … Checkers Sixty60 delivery has your back.  Sixty60.co.za

Best food market: Prison Break Market

Ready for a real taste adventure? Prison Break Market dishes up cuisines from all corners of the world, along with irresistible artisan bakes, outstanding coffee, feel-guilty-later treats and everything you could need to elevate your pantry. Prisonbreakmarket.co.za

Best food truck: Balkan Burger

Is it the specially spiced meat, the gooey cheese or that pop of bold flavour with every bite that makes Balkan Burgers so far from ordinary? It’s all of the above, actually – and that’s why no other burger tastes quite the same. Balkanburger.co.za

Best place to buy fresh produce, Best place to buy gourmet-to-go: Woolworths

Whether you’re looking for an item that even Ottelenghi would find exotic, or simply want to stock the fridge so that your seven colours are ready and waiting, Woolies remains the freshest and most convenient option. Woolworths.co.za

Best ice cream parlour: Paul’s Homemade Ice Cream

Paul continues make us swoon with new flavours every month – and if it’s not his icy treats we’re drooling over, it’s the additions to his decadent range of baked goods, from heat-at-home malva (yum) to calorie-laden brownies. Paulshomemade.com

Best local band: Mi Casa

Thirteen years and six studio albums later, these guys are still ruling the air waves. And it’s easy to see why. We defy anyone to listen to their special brand of funk, house and jazz without getting a little hip sway going. Micasamusic.com

Best milkshakes: Milky Lane

It doesn’t come more decadent than a double thick shake from Milky Lane – this is practically drinking your dessert! This timeless treatery gets our thumbs up for serving all our favorite shake flavours, sweetened with a dash of nostalgia. Milkylane.co.za

Best patisserie: Chateau Gateaux

Officially the place where diets go to die, Chateau Gateaux is a cake-lover’s dream come true. From showstopping creations for celebrations to mini treats, every slice is a dreamy concoction of layers and layers of happiness. The salted caramel mini cheesecake has a special place in our hearts. Chateaugateaux.co.za

Best pick up spot: Doppio Zero

Come for the pizza, stay for the friendly vibes. With a presence throughout the city, you can count on Doppio Zero to serve up great food, fantastic cocktails, and an upbeat atmosphere. Doppio.co.za

Best ribs: Thunder Gun

After 50 years in the business, this is a true Joburg institution. Nothing can beat Thundergun when it comes to taste or tenderness – or generosity. Coming in at a mighty 1kg, the Lone Ranger ribs are phenomenon – but there are loads of options for the not-so-hungry, too. Great choice! Thundergun.co.za

Best social cooking school: The Cookery by the Secret Jozi Chef

Obviously! Our weekend feasts are about to become a whole lot more exotic, thanks to Paul Maciel. The Secret Chef has a knack for demystifying some of the world’s best-loved cuisines, from Greek to South American, and will have you making the perfect empanada in no time. Thesecretjozichef.co.za

Best supermarket for all your essentials: Checkers

You name it, Checkers has it. Our ‘best for basics’ chain will help you kit out your kitchen, stock up the pantry, replenish the medicine cupboard and more, at great prices. Checkers.co.za

Best takeaway burger: Burger King

Long live the king! Still unrivalled for making the freshest, tastiest burgers from quality ingredients. Burgerking.co.za

Best takeaway chicken: Nando’s

Whether you’re a peri-peri person or more into lemon and herb, Nando’s delivers a mouthful of flavour with every bite. Nandos.co.za

Best takeaway pizza: Andiccio24

If margherita makes you yawn and you can’t get your head around Hawaiian, Andiccio24 is for you. With a huge variety of toppings, you create your own pizza, just the way you want it. Andiccio24.co.za

Best vegan bakery: Vicky’s Veganry

Vicky started her vegan bakery because she wanted to be able to indulge in treats just as delicious as bakes that include eggs and dairy – and, to this day, she remains on a mission to create goodies that can rival the best. Send in your custom cake or any other order … she loves trying out new things! Vickysveganry.co.za

Login