South Africa Restaurants

Housed in a charming historic building, which was rumoured to be an old blacksmith, Mel’s Village Kitchen is the place to hearty breakfast, lunches and dinners. The menu proffers a variety of meals ranging from hamburgers, salads, ciabattas, breakfasts, oxtail and lamb shanks, which remain very popular. Enjoy buffet lunches, homemade pies and hearty stews at Mel’s Village Kitchen in Rondebosch.

For red-blooded meat-eaters, Melville Grill is the only place to go. 1950’s style boards are used to display the best choices of beef for the day. Patrons who don’t fancy red meat are catered for with superb fish, chicken, antipasto and vegetarian offerings. Melville Grill has kept the decor simple and welcoming, with a black and white colour scheme and perfectly suited lighting.  A cosy yet sophisticated atmosphere adds the finishing touch to this meat-eater’s dream.

Famous for delicious meals, the extensive menu leans towards South African cuisine and succulent grills. Housed in a historical building and known as one of the oldest restaurants in Bredasdorp, diners enjoy traditional meals and unique sand art and local artist collections. Dine within the cosy pub or restaurant area on the best steaks in town at Merino Grill Restaurant.

The décor swoons heavily draped tapestries, kelms and woven carpets lit by pretty coloured lampshades and plump cushions scattered around low copper tables. Relax, kick back and soak up the ambiance enjoying wine from the extensive wine list and delighs such as lahana (cabbage leaves stuffed with mussels, spicy rice, nuts, currants and cinnamon) and kizartma (fried brinjal with green pepper, baby marrow and garlic yoghurt) are fabulous, as is puree (potato with chicken fillet breast, spring onion and garlic). Experience that taste of Kurdish tradition at Mesopotamia Kurdish Restaurant.

The decors whispers subtle Urban Chic infused with Boudoir classics that invite elite crowds to wine and dine elegant cuisine. The menu favours fillet Dijon and the most delicate hot smoked salmon salads, delectable pastries and decadent desserts such as airy profiteroles to sinfully, rich crème brulee. Dine upstairs where the mood captures dark and sexy warmed by a crackling fireplace or at the Bistro where hearty cuisine takes centre stage, Metro Restaurant will satisfy every whim and desire with urban elegance, in Morningside, Johannesburg

The blue and white exterior dressed in Geranium window boxes invites a fusion of Mediterranean cuisine touched with Karoo hospitality. A tapestry of vibrant colors and Moroccan décor sets the mood against a backdrop of murals, authentic artwork, whimsical chandeliers, Persian rugs and hand sown batikked scatter cushions. This unpretentious restaurant welcomes with spicy aromas and exotic cuisine. Exuding a friendly, personal atmosphere and authentic culture, Mez wets the appetite with decadent fusion cuisine. Enjoy colorful tapas brimming with freshly baked bread, garlicky humus, smoky harissa, feta and olives. Blackboard specials such as braised, citrus leg of lamb intoxicate the senses with the likes of Spanish chicken, chorizo cooked in sherry, smoked paprika and chilli, or a delicately spiced veggie platter running for second place. Enjoy a complimenting glass of wine displayed on the small blackboard followed by a few scoops of the signature rosewater ice cream sprinkled with sweet Moroccan-spiced nuts for desert. Mez Restaurant transports the palate through the spice-laden markets of Morocco in the heart of Barrydale off the famous Route 62.

Located within the Hilton Hotel, Mezbaan pairs the finest cuisine, with the best elements from India and Arabia with a sleek modern twist. Authentic and inspiring, this culinary jewel is one of Cape Town’s most original restaurants boasting Mughlai cuisine originating from North India. The flavours touch on authentic tastes from India, Middle East and Persia. Try the searing hot curries, creamy yoghurts, mouth watering tandoori murgs and delicious seek kebabs infused with a modern European twist. Meezbaan is a culinary jewel waiting to be discovered in the heart of Cape Town.

From the creators of the incredibly successful Plaka brand comes an exciting new signature restaurant – Mezepoli. This trendsetting new concept incorporates Middle Eastern and Mediterranean influences, mixing up the Greek menu and offering diners an exciting fusion of flavours and tastes. Whether you want a place to spend some time relaxing or a quick bite on the run, Mezepoli can accommodate. The Mediterranean feel is further enhanced in the uncomplicated décor. Plaka remain true to the their signature look, simple white spaces with stylish blue adornments, creating a tranquil place for diners to enjoy. Situated in the very trendy Melrose Arch Piazza, Mezepoli by Plaka is destined to become a leader in fashionable dining for the city slickers.

Brimming with gourmet delights that melt the palate with a fusion of tastes and flavours, Mi Casa Café secures a comprehensive menu flowing with the likes of ultra thin crust pizzas bursting with flavour, as awarded by the Global Pizza Challenge. Try the Thai chicken and coconut chicken fusion pizza that will leave your breathless or tuck into tender, melt-in-the-mouth rump steak marinated and cooked in a decadent Jack Daniels sauce. For adventurous palates, the chocolate chilli fillet excites with a fusion of flavours closely followed by the Japanese fusion fillet, dressed in a creamy wasabi sauce, cooked succulently to perfection. For hearty Italian dishes, try the homemade Italian pasta or the delightful vegetarian options. The menu tantalises complimented by 180 degree sea views, perfect for lazy summer days, immersed in a good book, decadent cuisine and warm company. Mi Casa Café is a gourmet paradise for the most discerning palate, perfectly staged to excite and please.

Perched high on a hilltop surrounded by tranquil 360-degree views, Michaelas of Cintsa offers dining on the expansive wooden deck with panoramic views of the Indian Ocean and frolicking whales. Skilfully decorated with characterful designs harmoniously blended with nature, diners immerse the senses in spectacular views and decadent cuisine. Try springbok for starters or the basket of baby spring rolls hinted with chilli and sweet and sour sauce. For mains, a delicately fragrant Thai chicken & prawn curry, superb ostrich fillet medallions and a good selection of fresh seafood. The deck menu offers a selection of tramazzinis, open sandwiches and delicious assorted platters and salads with bread freshly baked bread on the premises. For desert try the melt-in-the-mouth heavenly cheesecake topped with fruit or the decadent mud-pie. Michaelas of Cintsa evokes languid lunches and relaxed ambiance complimented by breathtaking views for a little slice of heaven on a hilltop.

Boasting bold interior softened by delicate Japanese wallpaper and bold white leather chairs and table clothes, Midori exudes calm and simplicity. Dine alfresco on the covered terrace, dining on starters such as crispy spring rolls, spicy soups, rice paper wraps and deep-fried tofu and sushi. The expansive menu offers choice and flexibility with design your own sushi platters and specialities such as crushed tuna served on a bed of bok choi and the chop-chop – cubes of salmon and tuna sashimi coated with five spice, soya and sesame seeds and served on a bed of Japanese rice. Enjoy traditional Japanese dishes such as teriyaki salmon or fillet and nabiyaki noodles served in a soup containing chicken, Chinese cabbage, egg, and two tempura prawns. The menu also offers a selection of fragrant Thai curries and Chinese favourites such as oyster beef, chicken chow mein and hot chilli chicken. Round off the meal with an anti-oxidant rich Chinese tea. Enjoy delicious cuisine and talented creations at Midori Sushi in Riviona Road, Sandton.

Take a break from a long journey or settle down for a relaxing pub lunch. Whatever your calling for Midway Inn may be, the delicious pub grub and a la carte menu will satisfy the craving. Browse the curio shop before or after a relaxing lunch or dinner, Midway Inn is the ideal stopover.

An eclectic menu with a particular focus on delicious Portuguese fare and sumptuous sushi platters, Miguel’s is a brilliant venue for a great dining experience. A spacious terrace allows for enjoying sunsets over the bay as you eat when the weather is good. The interior continues the spacious feel to curb that claustrophobic feeling on days when the outdoors is best avoided. A great wine list perfectly accompanies the sushi, steaks, espetadas and various other treats from the menu. A beautiful setting in which to while the hours away.

Overlooking the historic Alberts Mill is Miller’s Restaurant.This tranquil and elegant venue proffers scenic al fresco dining within the grounds of a picturesque garden when the weather is good. In winter, the inside seating area is a charming and cosy area with fireplaces and candle light.The ever-changing menu follows the seasons and availability of ingredients so diners can be assured of the highest quality dishes. Creative flare is an added treat with a chef who is passionate about food in all its forms.A superb wine list comprising the best bottles from the Route 62 cellars rounds off a wonderful country dining experience.

Expect fresh seafood, prime beef cuts and fish caught fresh that day served in your choice of Cajun, Moroccan or Malay style, seared to succulent perfection. Homely service and unpretentious surrounds make for an enjoyable or intimate dining experience with a warm lived in feel - home away from home. If calamari tempts the palate, try the Cajun calamari as a starter or the melt-in-the-mouth steak bordelaise robustly flavoured and decadently rich. Miller’s Thumb is your home away from home experience, brimming with melt-in-the-mouth food and warm personality.

Located at the Oude Molen Eco Village, Millstone Cafe is the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life, an enchanting experience set in natural surrounds. The lovely garden setting sets the mood with fresh summery alfresco dining, allowing children to play and be free in the fairytale tree house. The menu brims with delights and indulgences such as breads straight from the wood fired oven, great coffees, freshly squeezed juices, homemade preserves and wholesome snacks and meals using organic garden produce.

Millstone is in an exceptional country-style setting. The restaurant/cafe is open from 9am to 5pm, Tuesday to Sunday. The garden has a a great tree house for the kids and the quiet atmosphere is exactly what any parent needs. Millstone also caters for children's parties. Have some delicious coffee or fresh orange juice with a wholesome meal. The cafe sells organic products and the bread is made in a wood-fired oven. Try some homemade jams and preserves.

Mimi is a family run business that offers an extensive menu and early bird breakfasts, cooked to perfection with a nice cup of coffee, enjoyed at leisure before work. A reputable haven for many locals who visit to entice their senses with the delights on offer and expertly prepared coffee by trained barista in a cosy and relaxed setting.

Housed inside an elegant Edwardian double story house, Mimosa transforms fine dining with wine and dine cuisine. The 4-course gourmet menu bewitches with boutique handmade wines. Conceived from homegrown vegetables and herbs using local specialities such as Lamb, Springbok and Ostrich, Mimosa Lodge seduces the palate with Continental cuisine in a fresh, elegant and mood capturing setting. The menu highlights daily delights paired with boutique wines, seasonal and inspirational dependent. Diners peruse the likes of West Coast Crayfish, steamed, partnered with an avocado, salsa and a truffle sour cream perfected by a glass of Beverly Dawn Chenin Blanc, 2008 for starters. For the mains, Gingembre De Canard, roast Duck breast accompanied by seasonal vegetables and an orange ginger jus or beef fillet pan fried accompanied by seasonal vegetables and a green peppercorn jus flattered by a glass of Bredells Shiraz, 2003. The Grand finale, Blueberry Parfait, homemade and garnished with a chocolate twirl and fresh blueberries perfectly paired with a glass of Danie de Wet Cape Muscat. Mimosa Lodge pays homage to highly acclaimed culinary circles, showcasing award winning cuisine and boutique handmade wines perfect for connoisseurs who enjoy gourmet masterpieces.

When the temptation to satisfy a craving for nothing other than Chinese beacons, head on over to Ming Bow restaurant in Chartwell Drive. This standard Chinese restaurant offers efficient and friendly service with delicious food bursting off the Ala Carte and set menus. Small and intimate with sea facing tables and décor typical of traditional Chinese traditions, Ming Bow will do when nothing other than Chinese will do.

A great place for delicious light bites from healthy start breakfasts to sumptuous sandwiches for a lunchtime meal, Miss K Food Cafe doesn’t disappoint. The team behind this popular establishment really know what they’re doing when it comes to satisfying light meals. The service is impeccable and very friendly, making every patron feel welcome and appreciated. A great spot to stop off for a quick refill or a lazy lunch with friends, try Miss K Food Cafe.

Flanked by majestic views across the escarpment and lowveld nestled in mountainous countryside, diners enjoy the extensive a la Carte menu brimming with freshly prepared produce. Start the day with a hearty breakfast on the pool deck or dinner in the welcoming restaurant offering an array of choice from the set menu, buffets and themed dinner nights. Mysty Mountain Lodge transports the senses away from the hustle and bustle of daily life into tranquillity and deliciousness on a plate.

Mitchell’s Brewery is the V & A Waterfront’s liveliest pub. Live music, live sports broadcasts and a late license make this a popular destination. There are 6 beers on tap, all brewed by Mitchell’s: three ales, a bitter, a lager and a stout. The service is fast and friendly, the atmosphere is fun and lively, and the food is good hearty pub grub. Whether its oven baked pizza, fish and chips, steak, pasta or pudding, Mitchell’s is the place to be. With amazing views of the harbour and Table Mountain, Mitchell’s Brewery is a very popular place for those looking to settle in to a relaxed time out.

Catering for Western palates, Mo Noodles delights the senses with fresh vegetables, fish and chicken dishes transformed into Eastern fusion cuisine. With a minimalist setting depicting Eastern culture and elements of health and low fat dining captured in the menu, diners are transported on a journey of Thai and Australian influences. A perennial favourite is the chicken breast rolled in sesame seeds with chilli and peanuts, served on coconut noodles complimented by Eastern inspired salads such as sesame prawn and fruit salad in season, and the lentil and feta salad with a mint and lemon dressing. Mo Noodles embraces the essence of Eastern dining in a relaxed and fusion inspired setting in the heart of Durban.

Brimming with sweet beauty and quality, and the linger aroma of baked goods that seduce the senses, diners give into this little peace of heaven sampling decadent pastries and languid delights. Boasting seasonal produce and quality ingredients, their philosophy holds true to slow flood enjoyed languidly and sinfully as we devour every mouthful. Conveniently located in Parktown North, pop in Moema’s for your daily dose of pure indulgence.

Nestled at the foot of the Babylonstoren Mountain is Mogg’s Country Restaurant. Well-placed along a route that goes past five wine estates, this unique restaurant epitomises everything that is ‘country’. Warm orange walls inside and out, adorned with paintings and embroidered pictures, a large fireplace, a pine ceiling and wooden tables and chairs are just some of the features that help to create a warm and welcoming ambience that will soon have you relaxing after a hard day’s wine tasting. The menu, offering the finest country and Mediterranean cuisine, is small but well-planned and constantly updated. The ingredients are home-grown and everything is homemade. For a real taste of life in the country, give Moggs Country Restaurant a try.

A blackboard features a mini al carte menu with Escargot, Frog Legs and Foie Gras poele as starters. Main include idneys a la moutarde (mustard), Kudu fillet au vin & purrees, Duck Magret a la plancha, Chateaubriand au vin, Tournedos Rossini & gratin dauphinois, fresh tuna ratatouille when available and Chef’s specials, usually with seasonal produce available on that particular day. The delicious desserts include fine pastry apple tart ice cream caramel sauce and decadent chocolate biscuit dessert with ice cream.Also available on the blackboard is ‘Le Menu du Jour’ which is a special 2 or 3 course. In winter, a soup of the day is included as well as a homemade Terrine du Chef and over starters. The main course is always centred around the Piece de Boeuf 300g (sirloin or rumpsteak or rib eye with frites and sauce to choose) or the fresh fish of the day (usually Kingklip or Red Roman or Cod).During summer, more options are added to the blackboard like homemade Terrine of duck, Encornets a la Basque, Gambas Salad citrus vinaigrette, crayfish, bouillabaisse, more fish dishes, more offals like sweetbreads and onglets.The wine list comprises all the Chamonix Wines, a selection of wines from the Winelands and a private French wines list.

After extensive refurbishment, the Monarch Hotel now welcomes guests by reservation. Transformed from the old Saxonwold Post Office, the hotel places itself at the forefront of personalized hospitality. The dining room offers lunches and dinners as a seven course tasting menu or ala-carte whilst the bar offers cocktails and a selection of choice morsels. Menus are amended regularly in keeping with seasonal produce and Executive Chef Keith Frisley’s fancies. Not catering to fussy foodies only, the menu also includeshomely favourites. Ditto for the wine list, very drinkable but also featuringsome rare finds. The Monarch Hotel has twisted it’s stuffy old world charm by introducing contemporary South African artworks into fancy period like interiors and DJ Damian Armstrong is credited with creating upbeat playlists. No Mozart Sonatas here!Security is paramount, dressed tongue in cheek as the part in an African dictator fashion. Park at the secure 2nd level basement parking in Baker Square, be escourted to the main entrance and don’t look back.With a touch of hedonism and a bit of madness, the Monarch Hotel succeeds in adding personality to their hotel experience.

Fantastic fusion food is the order of the day at this quaint restaurant in Franschhoek. The menu offers the best that fusion cuisine has to offer with superb salad, meat and seafood options to name a few. The wine list comprises some of the best that Franschhoek valley has to offer and is well-priced. A charming venue for great food in beautiful surroundings, Monneaux Restaurant is well worth a visit.

Immersed in peace and tranquillity, cradled by sweeping green pastures and rolling foothills, Montagne Cheese and Wine Deli enrobes the palate with taste explosions of decadent cheese and wine. Relish in the peace and tranquillity, sampling outstanding wine and cheese at Montagne Cheese and Wine Deli along the famous Route 62.

Situated in the heart of Sandton, Montego Bay caters for diverse palates in a setting perfect for relaxed luncheons or intimate dinners. The a la carte menu compliments alfresco dining, with tables spilling out on Nelson Mandela Square and renowned signature dishes paired with accompanied wines. Montego Bay is perfect for any occasion dining and alfresco chilling on Nelson Mandela Square in Sandton.

Everyday is a special occasion dining at Moo Moo, fine food and fine wine is the order of everyday and everyday is a special occasion. Thoughtfully selected décor and lighthearted humour adds an air of uniqueness to this establishment. The perfect indulgence for meat and wine lovers, complimented by a wine tour of the wall, where you can pick and choose what wets your appetite, pop the cork and enjoy it with your meal.

Located on the Umzimvubu Retreat overlooking subtropical gardens, Moonshadow Restaurant offers wholesome traditional homemade cuisine infused with Thai and French dishes. The exciting comprehensive menu compliments a good selection of wines perfectly paired with a meal or pre-dinner drinks. Moonshadow Restaurant provides a tranquil retreat boasting fabulous cuisine in the heart of Umzimvuba Retreat.

Dressed in classic elegance, the dining room calms the senses with neutral colours and contrasting dark wooden furniture with view of the well-stocked wine cellar. Freshly prepared dishes burst with local ingredients and herbs fresh from the garden. The menu boasts fine seafood and interesting starters with a good selection of main dishes and deserts. Dining at Moorcroft Manor is an unforgettable experience in Southern Drakensberg.

The memorable and sophisticated ambiance pampers the mood with relaxation, setting the stage for warm and social gathering of family and friends. The friendly menu offers old classic recipes and carefully selected fine wines made using fresh seasonal ingredients and meat aged for 21 days. Succulent steaks are flame grilled using secret basting sauces, with all dishes prepared from scratch. More Restaurant is an unpretentious, fresh and warm eatery, perfect for family and friends.

Located along the Sunshine Coast, about an hour from East London, Morgan Bay Hotel takes pride in mastering culinary skills and delivering innovate menus. The seasons inspire a dynamic menu that caters with flexibility to those with special dietary needs. Catering for guests of the hotel and visitors alike, Morgan Bay Hotel recommends booking for non-hotel guest essential if you want to experience the tastes and creations from this well versed hotel.

Sprawling lawns and gardens invites alfresco dining under an old Oak tree and roaring log fires warm frosty limbs dining on hearty country cuisine. Nestled on the Morgenhof Wine Farm, the setting captures the senses and essence of the wine lands. The menu invites a la carte lunches and afternoon teas brimming with seasonal produce and lighter options such as salads. Dine in the garden under the age-old Oak tree or within glass walled restaurant dressed in vines, warmed by the winter sunshine and fireplace at the Morgenhof Restaurant in Stellenbosch.

Indulge your senses with an extensive variety of gourmet pizzas in an authentic Italian pizzeria touched by dark wood, deep colours, low hung chandeliers and a warm ambient glow from the wood-fired oven. With a wide choice of vegetarian and wheat free options available, Morituri Pizzeria caters for most pampered palates to the health conscious with ease and creativity elevating wheat free dining to a gastronomic status. Enjoy enticing combinations such as Red Pesto, Proscuitto & Rucola (Rocket) pizza or delectable pastas and prawns tossed with Thai Pesto, Rosa Tomatoes, Olive Oil, Garlic & a hint of Fresh Chilli. With a good selection of wines flattered by uncomplicated recipes and a vibey ambience, Morituri Pizzeria boasts the belief they make the definitive wood-fired thin-based pizza in Cape Town. To believe it, you have to try it.

This gastronomic affair can be found in the artsy district of Clarens, where delightful arrays of culinary festivities await, ready to tantalize. Gourmet pizzas brim with endless toppings cooked in traditional wood fired oven, homemade pastas, meze platters and elegant surrounds. Enjoy delights such as "wild pizza's", topped with smoked salmon, brie cheese, cranberry salsa and avocado or a delicious specialty house pudding pizza layered with chocolate, caramel, strawberries, cherries and marshmallows. Mosaic Pizzeria offers spectacular views and chilled out vibes wrapped in various displays of mosaic art from talented artists

The warmth and flowing music wets the appetite with lingering aromas. Sophisticated selections of decadent Belgium cuisine grace the menu complimented by an enormous selection of South African and French wines. The menu spills with exciting dishes such as of foie gras au pomme, truffle-stuffed mousseline and duchesse potatoes. The Liège waffles with speculaas and almond tuile biscuits satisfy the most discerning palates as does the char-grilled, ginger-marinated kebabs. Mouna is refined dining experience that embraces retro chic ambiance and splendid seduction of Belgian cuisine.