South Africa Restaurants

Set on the western slopes of the beautiful Helderberg mountain is the Avontuur Estate restaurant. The welcoming and relaxed atmosphere is enhanced by a mix of old and new decor as well as a airy terrace complete with pagodas covered in grapevines. For a truly decadent but relaxing environment and a very memorable dining experience, the Avontuur Estate restaurant is the place to be.

Enjoy seductive cocktails a selection of delicious tapas, grills and gourmet pizza at Ayoba Restaurant in Zimbali. Dine amidst a stunning beach setting warmed by the lingering aroma of wood fired pizza and the salty Indian Ocean. Ayoba Restaurant caters for a relaxed and informal meal, flanked by expansive views and is open Thursday to Sunday.

Azima Restaurant offers upmarket dining in contemporary surrounds with a tantalising menu boasting modern African cuisine. Dine amidst the elegant African surrounds flanked by the Magaliesberg Mountainas and ich earthy tones and warm décor over a full English breakfast or a la Carte menu for lunch or dinner. Try the tender Line Fish fillet or succulent chicken breast stuffed with tomato, basil and bocconchini cheese. The tender, melt in the mouth beef fillet wrapped in a blanket of bacon and oysters is serenade for the senses concluded by heavenly honey and nut Baklava for dessert.

Cradled in the scenic beachside resort of Ballito, Azura Restaurant refreshes the palate with cooling cocktails, romantic dinners and alfresco lunches flanked by ocean views and trailing sunsets. Enjoy an array of dishes ranging from Mediterranean style fare to succulent steaks and Portuguese style chicken. The comprehensive menu boasts delicious grilled steaks, succulent prawns, tender calamari, peri-peri chicken, fresh and delicious seafood dishes as well as combos. Dine alfresco on the wooden deck or by candlelight under a blanket of stars, Azura Restaurant swaddles the palate with a taste of the ocean touched by the murmur of contented chatter.

Exuding a contemporary and relaxed ambiance soothed by easy listening music and beautiful sunsets, Azure Restaurant caters with decadence and fine dining fusion cuisine. The international menu proudly influences South African flavours, with reputation as one of the first restaurants to introduce fnybos cooking (use of natural wild vegetation). Dine alfresco for a magical and breathtaking dinner sampling the finest cuisine such as signature dishes - 12A Roast Duck or the Biltong and Peppadew Tart served with cucumber ribbon salad. Soak up the colourful sunset over a bottle of wine and delightfully sweet dessert of fynbos honey bavarois or Bea's baked cheesecake. Alongside alfresco dining, Azure offers a unique dinner and movie nights featuring recent and classic movies in the hotel’s private cinema. For a night of indulgence, try their five course dinners, complete with all the trimmings and wine. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinners, Azure Restaurant proffers indulgence with a view in luxurious surrounds.

Nostalgic photos adorn the walls, rustic kitchen equipment dangle from chandeliers and colourful meals are best eaten with mismatched Victorian cutlery in this cute, kitch and cosy eatery in Loop Street. The menu focuses on wholesome meals, handwritten on a collection of blackboards. Flavours of the Middle East infused with a touch of Boerekos add a distinct flare to dining while traditional servings of lamb shawarma hit the spot. Round off the meal with a selection of rocky road brownies, cupcakes galore and lemon meringue. Cool the palate with a Frankie cinnamon cola or warming Arabic coffee infused with cardomon and cloves after indulging the menu.

Nestled in the breathtaking Drakenstein Valley, cradled between Franschoek and Paarl, Babel paints a picturesque setting, flanked by mountains and 200 h of vineyard and farmlands. This inspiring setting captures the imagination of ex Elle Deco Editor – Karen Roos, who transformed Babel into a place of inspirational beauty. On summery days, sit outside under the Plain trees soaking up the setting and a hearty Babel Breakfast brimming with fresh juices, homemade muesli, thick and creamy yogurt and local produce from the farm. Cooler days are warmed by the chic and elegant décor set within the glass-enclosed restaurant where the aroma of freshly prepared seasonal dishes wet the appetite. Discover a haven of peace and tranquility, set in beautiful surroundings, and the taste of food inspired by the seasons, prepared straight from the garden onto your plate.

This bustling, vibrant and friendly venue has earned its place as one of Cape Town's friendliest restaurants. Service comes with a smile and the pizzas and pastas come with unique family recipes to ensure that all Bacini's foods are exceptional! The gorgeous summer nights are embraced with the setting out of this restaurant – an outside seating area accommodates 60 people and one can easily feel as though you may be sitting at a trattoria in Italy, with Kloof Street turning into a magically lit backdrop. Romondo and family are always happy to mingle among the diners and their hospitality and service ethic will make you feel like a regular, even on your first visit to Bacini's! In winter this is a cozy 'hang-out” offering a unique blend of garlic aromas, the sound of happy laughter, and the clinking of glasses as locals, regulars and “new kids” on the block toast to life in the happy family environment. The pizzas are as generous as the Napoli family and the pastas are.....well....Italian! Delicious, divine and delectable! We offer a selection of meat and chicken dishes, salads, pizzas and pastas. Wherever your taste-buds feel like taking you, you will be transported to a culinary experience that is real value for money and you will be back for more!

The elegant dining establishment cools the palate with laid back jazz and a feast for the senses enrobed in lavish comforts for an exquisite dining experience second to none. Back of the Moon stands proud boasting a historic location once known as the famous Old Shebeen in Old Sophia Town in the mid 1950’s. Now run and operated by two renowned restaurateurs, diners dine and dance the night away in impeccable style. Seduce the mood dining in the main room with choice of five interesting levels or embrace total intimacy in the private dining room. Evoking a fusion of flavours, the menu entices with an a la carte menu and set menu partnered with a comprehensive wine list. For starters, the smoked salmon thinly sliced on a bed of lettuce, accompanied with tomato, slices of onion and capers wet the appetite before melt-in-the-mouth pleasure such as the grilled chicken breast, succulently grilled on the open flame in olive oil, paprika and herbs envelop the senses. Fish lovers can indulge in delicately moist Norwegian salmon, served with rice and vegetables, followed by the grand finale, fig ice cream fused together vanilla ice-cream, figs and ginger, served with baklava. Enjoy great entertainment, impeccable service, and exquisite dining at Back of the Moon for an unforgettable night at Gold Reef City.

Fresh ingredients grace dishes prepared home-style, using the freshest South African ingredients and tried and tested recipes. Balmy summer days extend a warm welcome with a traditional lamb on the spit, served with salads, vegetables and roast potatoes everyday and winters combine a three course meal consisting of starters, mains and desert every Sunday. Spend long lazy afternoons soaking up sun and live music drifting through the air, as the aroma of succulent lamb on the spit wets the appetite complimented by fine wines at Backsberg Restaurant.

A well known landmark and favourite meeting place for diners, Baglio’s Café embraces delectable delights in the form of European style pizzas and ultimate Italian indulgence. Casual yet chic, the ambiance is warm and classic Italian with a hint of cosmopolitan. The extensive menu is well catered for with complimenting local and international estate wines. Situated on the corner of Nelson Mandela Square, diners experience quality value for money cuisine and the art of indulging at Baglio’s Café.

Bahia Dos Vaqueiros beacons recognition as Mossel Bay’s premier restaurant lit by the sparkling lights of Mossel Bay and cradled by the shores of Outenqua Mountains. Offering locally grown fresh produce cooked with opulence beneath The Fantasy of the Discovery of the World ceiling known as the largest fresco ceiling in the Southern Cape, dining at Bahia Dos Vaquerious captures the imagination with pure sophistication. Delight in iconic wines housed in the walk in cellar or international brandies, whiskies and beers alongside fusion choices of first class meals at the Bahia Dos Vaquerious in the Diaz Strand Hotel.

Baia is the talk of the town when it comes to the finest seafood. Offering the most delectable seafood dishes created with skill and passion and using the freshest fish and shellfish, diners are treated to a sumptuous feast. Even the meat lovers are taken care of with a mouth-watering selection of meat and poultry dishes. A large spacious terrace offers a superb al fresco setting with stunning views, a lounge and bar provide a space to relax before or after you meal, or just a place to enjoy a drink or two in a wonderfully vibrant ambience. The decor is understated and perfectly placed with lighting and beautiful colours that create a warm but stylish look as well as mosaic tiles that pay homage to Mediterranean roots.

Balata Restaurant invites a culinary feast boasting fresh produce and great attention to detail. Overlooking the famous Randpark Golf Course, boasting exceptional breakfasts, and Sunday buffet lunches, diners enjoy the tranquil surrounds and tantalising menu. Pamper the palate with seared line fish fillet dressed in aubergine caviar or the grilled rack of veal with parmesan potato puree and garlic chips. Desert seduces with roasted strawberries and meringue on ginger shortbread companied with basil fluid gel and berry coulis. Balata Restaurant at The Fairway Hotel displays vibrant décor, bold colours and roaring fires for an intimate fine dining experience in Randpark.

Balducci’s Ristorante is nestled in Cape Town’s V & A Waterfront. Famous for its sublime food, attentive service, understated formality and fabulous view of Cape Town's working harbour and Table Mountain, Balducci’s prides itself with its fine food and extensive international award winning wine list. The ethos at Balducc’s is to provide outstanding food that is simple, clean and delicious, using traditional Italian recipes that have been modernised. Dishes are prepared using only the best ingredients, with passion and contemporary creative flair. Heavily influenced by Italian cuisine, there is also an Africa twist with dishes such as ostrich lasagne and carpaccio of venison. There is something for everyone, from gourmet pizzas to traditional Osso Buco, from biltong salad to freshly shucked oysters, as well as a Sushi Bar, where only the finest, freshest fish is served to a discerning clientele. Diners looking for something a little lighter flock to Balducci’s for the award winning 180g Karan beef rump and sirloin burger, served on a freshly toasted roll with thick cut chips. This is the ultimate in gourmet burgers! Crisp linen, an award winning wine list and outstanding food with a sophisticated ambience makes Balducci's an absolute must for fabulous eating experience.

Boasting a prime wharf side location offering simple seafood fare, Ballyhoo Bistro embraces a cosy nautical feel complimented by efficient service and outstanding food. Graced by a beautiful view diners can sit back, relax and enjoy freshly prepared cuisine with a touch of classic elegance. Try baskets of calamari, pots of mussels or succulent grilled line fish with a salad. Steaks, wraps, burgers and breakfasts wet the appetite, while the eat-as-many-prawns- as-you-like special beacons loyal followers back every time. Ballyhoo Bistro provided the perfect wharf side setting bursting with simple seafood and beautiful views.

Long tables scattered throughout set off interesting varieties of paintings with a designated children’s area, thoughtfully designed to incorporate busy little minds for much needed relaxation for parents. Boasting a three level story, multi coloured climbing frame, a games room and designated play area with seating for child minders, Bambanani keeps little minds busy and well fed with delightful kiddies favourites. The menu excites the traditional favourites such as macaroni and cheese and fish fingers and mash to mention a few. Adults indulge and extensive menu boasting Mediterranean cuisine and tasty tapas such as beef Carpaccio with celery, parmigiano shavings and a lemon dressing or grilled aubergines marinated in olive oil, garlic and parsley. For seafood delights try the prawns with chilli, coriander and lime butter. More substantial meals are on offer such as beef or veggie burgers with red onions and frites or a salad. Fillet steak, pork ribs and grilled whole baby chicken with peri-peri sauce.

Set within the trendy suburb of Green Point, Bamboo Asian Fusion offers a unique setting where diners indulge on succulent sushi off the bodies of naked women. The interior adds an air of sophistication and seductiveness to the experience, with low ambient lighting in the form of paper lanterns, floral designs, latticed screens and original bamboo flooring soothed by ambient house music. If naked sushi exceeds your appetite, then try the delicious dishes off the menu starting with appetizers such as Prawn Toast, Spring Rolls, Dumplings and Soups. Mains include Asian Green or Red Curry, Seared Salmon, Galangai Fillet and a selection of Wok Dishes. Conclude your meal with a heavenly dessert.

Bamboo Beach is an intimate, beach bistro with a unique ambiance. The menu varies daily, depending on what's fresh and available. Delicious desserts will tempt your taste buds and of course their famous wood-fired gourmet pizzas are to die for. Ever tasted fresh Cape Salmon cooked in the pizza oven with fresh garden herbs.

Relax in true Caribbean style, sipping Pina Coladas while savouring delectable starters of Coco Loco Hoppin' Jons (Jalapeno chillies stuffed with feta, crumbed and deep-fried) enjoying the laid back vibe tropical atmosphere. With a large garden and cosy restaurant, Banana Jam Café serves authentic Caribbean tastes lit by a roaring fire and enchanting night-lights while dining outside. With Jamican BBQ’s in the summer and a buzzing atmosphere, patrons can enjoy fast service with friendly attentive staff. Rated by locals as the best Banana Jam burgers in town with the largest rum collection in the country; Banana Jam Café is your suburban island escape to the breezy shores of the Caribbean.

Situated in the Glenore Centre with views that stretch out onto the Indian Ocean, Bangkok Yum Thai serves superb food prepared by authentic Thai chefs, delicious and healthy, layered with flavour and taste. The décor is simple and calming, warming and welcoming heightened by dark contrasting colours and Thai artefacts. Enjoy delightful tastes from the extensive menu or go for the signature dish chu chee duck, which is crispy duck, served with a killer chu chee sauce, deep fried spinach & jasmine rice. Bangkok Yum Thai transports the palate to sensational Thailand and the authentic fresh flavours compliment and entice with healthy tasty alternatives to everyday dining.

Traditional Italian fair and unique ambiance is what Bongo’s is all about. The menu serves up Italian delights such as pizza, pasta and delectable deserts. A large selection of vegetarian dishes graces the menu alongside standard fair, carefully prepared and created to satisfy all tastes. Relax and chill out sampling delicious Italian feasts at Bongo’s in Randburg.

For diners who love good Indian food, Banjaara does not disappoint. With an extensive menu, focusing mainly on North and Central Indian dishes, intricate decor and attentive service, this superb Indian restaurant provides distinctive and exotic dishes to suit every palate.

Baobab Bistro is a small owner run restaurant and bar, special because its the ONLY place you can get a bite to eat after 9pm in Port Edward. The menu is small but yummy, they bake their own bread (including rye) from old fashioned stone ground flour, serve espresso and cappuccino, and buy most of their ingredients from the local farmers, or grow some themselves to ensure healthy, hearty meals which are organic, fresh and carbon neutral as far as possible.

Relaxed dining or more formal settings create the perfect opportunity to indulge in traditional South African flavours. Dine indoors or alfresco on the terrace with sweeping views of the Eastern suburbs of Pretoria. The menu inspires inspiration from the African continents, with casual light meals on off too and an assortment of colourful cocktails. Dine in pan African splendor at Baobab Café and Grill in Menlyn, Pretoria.

Kick back in the restaurant sampling traditional Kurdish dishes surrounded by authentic décor and ambiance. The menu caters breakfast, lunch and dinners, offering unusual and less familier choices that brim with taste and flavour. Try a Kurdish breakfast laden with a boiled egg, beef sausage, fried tomato, feta cheese, black olives and bread with jam. The Mesopotamia breakfast offers fried eggs with cheese on toasted pita bread. A health breakfast, consisting of fruit salad with yoghurt, nuts and honey, or a selection of croissants can also be ordered if you are a little less adventurous. Light snacks come in a number of choices and lunchtime or evening dishes with a wide selection. Pizza can be enjoyed with a twist sampling the Pides (Kurdish pizza) and include vegetable, cheese, chicken, lamb as well as lamb, feta and spinach. Main course dishes such as Iskender (roast lamb on layered pide bread), lamb guvech (lamb cooked with spiced chilli and spinach) and the exotic lamb curry secure an authentic taste of the Middle East. Round off your meal with tradition desserts such as the oven sutlach (creamy rice pudding) or oven baklava with imported pistachio and walnuts, served with ice-cream or yoghurt.
 Relax after dinner enjoying a shisha in the lounge or experience authentic belly dancing or related shows in the inter-leading theatre. Baron’s Restaurant is a delightful, authentic and mouthwatering experience.

Recommended by a loyal following of locals, Barba’s Cafe is a super spot for superb food and a great atmosphere. During the weekdays, a sumptuous buffet offering a mouth watering array of delicious options like dolmades is a must-try. A modest but well-designed wine list provides for every taste and budget. An open deck provides a great al fresco setting when the weather allows and friendly, helpful staff make your time at this understated eatery a very pleasant one.

Located in the leafy Southern suburbs of Kenilworth in a house built in the late 18 hundreds, Bardelli’s best-kept secret lies in their great quality food served in generous portions and fantastic value for money. Sourcing only the finest local products and imported ingredients with award winning pizza, fresh salads, calamari and fillet options, Bardelli caters for simple and complex palates with ease and passion Italians are so renowned for. Upon arrival, delight your senses with the smell of hearty pasta and thin crust pizzas lingering in the wood-fired oven touched by the subtle sounds of Italian café style music in the background. Tables chequered in red and white warmed by flickering candle lights make for a cosy and intimate dining experience with cooling wooden tables and chairs enhanced by the mysterious memorabilia of old Italy. This small family friendly restaurant offers a relaxed atmosphere and comprehensive menu with a well-priced wine list and delectable choices of local and international deserts.

Indulge in the taste of cultural cuisine, with a menu drawing inspiration from around the globe. Perched on a hilltop, with spectacular views over Centurion and Pretoria, Barn 52 is ideal for frolicking the day away over lingering lunches. The intimate upstairs lounge with a warming winter fire is ideal for intimate dinners, filled with heart food and welcoming ambiance. Whether lunch is the order of the day, quick coffee beacons, or a festive celebration calls for celebration, Barn 52 is the place to be.

Psst... this is secret PE. Barnacles Restaurant has totally awesome panoramic sea views. This restaurant also offers delicious seafood and great steaks served in huge portions. Enjoy a cocktail on the deck while spotting dolphins and whales. Or try the delicious Bar One cake.

Soak up the relaxed atmosphere and scenic vistas relaxing on the balcony or deck perusing the extensive menu. From legendary Eisbein surrounded with crispy crackling, served with chips to the usual creations such as peri peri chicken livers, Barney’s Tavern provides good food and good fun. Enjoy light snacks, seafood and grills in a warm family setting serving good South African cuisine at Barney’s Tavern in Summerstand.

Barocca Lounge is a new cocktail bar and lounge at Solole Private Game Reserve, opened by Chef Simon Phillips and his wife, Ceri of Rioja Restaurant. Barocca offers cocktails, wood fired pizzas, antipasti platters, tapas and light meals in relaxed, comfortable surroundings, both inside and al fresco. In addition sports lovers can enjoy all major televised sports events on a large plasma screen. Join them for happy hour between 6pm and 7pm.

Set in scenic Stellenbosch and fusing both modern and traditional Cape cuisines, Barouche Restaurant is a must-try dining experience.Barouche provides delightful dining whatever the weather, with a terrace overlooking vineyards for warm summer days or a warm and welcoming inside area for the colder wintertime.Serving the finest of South African as well as international cuisine and using the freshest seasonal ingredients, Barouche is a wonderfully versatile and accommodating place to dine.

Barracudas secures a location on Beach Road, with floor to ceiling glass windows to maximize your view and a relaxed ambiance to match your mood. The décor inspires a fresh, contemporary and natural feel with splashes of aqua and coral. The expansive wine list works perfectly with the well-balanced menu, which brims with seafood and various South African meats. Try the Springbok Carpaccio - thinly sliced springbok served with melon, kumquat and pecorino shavings. Move onto the Barracuda Platter layered with grilled fillet of hake, 4 queen prawns, deep-fried calamari served with savoury rice, vegetables and Beurre Blanc. Sweeten the palate with a mouth-watering try coupe tutti fruity (vanilla ice cream, mixed fruit, praline, whipped cream, nuts and granadilla sauce). Barracuda makes an ideal spot for fresh seafood, great views and bustling ambiance whether it be lunch or dinner.

Nestled in the heart of Newlands Village, Barristers Grill Café is the place to be if you enjoy a good local spot and consistently good dishes. Dine indoors, alfresco or within the bustling garden atmosphere on a menu brimming with meats, fish or chicken dishes served by attentive waitrons. Try their fabulous salads with cheese, calamari or beef accents, gorgeous Thai chicken and prawn curry, and grilled sole with lemon and ginger butter. The meat comes perfectly prepared with favourites being the lamb rump dressed in a delectable Madeira sauce. Barristers cater for all tastes and palates in a bustling atmosphere in the heart of Newlands.

The Bascule Bar is Cape Town’s whisky bar supreme. With over 400 whiskeys on the menu and a huge variety of some of the best wines South Africa has to offer patrons are spoilt for choice. The food menu is simple, elegant and delicious, with the menu’s emphasis on a gastro pub theme. Situated on the edge of the marina in Cape Town’s Waterfront where the international yachts are moored, the Bascule Bar is where trendy whisky and wine lovers gather. Vibrant and bustling, it is the ideal place for a light lunch – patrons can sit out on the water’s edge and take in the sunshine. By night the Bascule bar becomes a hub of sophisticated elegance where wine and whisky flow, and all the beautiful people of Cape Town come out to play. The gastro pub menu consists of snacks and tapas, with specialities that include goat’s cheese peppadew poppers with saffron aioli and salt and pepper squid with sweet chilli mayonnaise. Main meals are traditional pub fare with a modern twist – Cape Grace fish and chips, seared tuna burger with avocado salsa and sweet potato wedges and beef burger with sweet pepper relish, emmenthal cheese, crispy onions and French fries. Bascule Bar patrons enjoy the finer things, but appreciate the simple style of this unique spot in Cape Town's harbour.

A venue steeped in history, Basic Bistro is bustling restaurant enjoying a large local following and is a popular stop for tourists and travellers alike. Supported by a dedicated team serving sumptuous fare all day long, this endearing eatery offers a menu that has something for everyone from simple toasted sandwiches to delicious dinners with an Asian twist. The hamburgers are a must-try. As well as these staples, there is a specials board which changes regularly to keep the offerings fresh and new. A great place to stop for a while and rejuvenate, try Basic Bistro, Stellenbosch.

Offering classic bistro fare and delectable Italian spreads, Basilico welcomes families and friends with a relaxed and easygoing attitude. Authentic Italian spreads grace the chalkboards offering delicious and fragrant garlic and rosemary focaccia with a paper-thin crust and a crunchy salad and heavenly pizza with gourmet toppings, from salmon and rocket to springbok carpaccio, pears and gorgonzola. Choose a well-paired wine from the excellent wine list to compliment the meal. Basilico proffers classic bistro fare, the perfect place to unwind with family and friends in Kildare Road.

Located on the Ranch Resort on 1000 hectares of grassland and bushveld, Basil’s Fine Dining Restaurant overlooks manicured gardens and turquoise pool with a stylish and fresh approach to fine dining. Basil’s Fine Dining Restaurant provides for an intimate and romantic dining with a splendid selection of South African estate wines complimented by a relaxed setting to round off a perfect meal.

A visit to Bayede! may very well have its visitors shouting just that on their way out: Hail to the King! Set amongst the beauty of the Helderberg mountains with vineyards surrounding, Bayede! boasts a wine cafe that is equally suitable for families and more formal affairs. Families can enjoy a relaxing lunch out on the lawn picnic style while the children stretch their legs or entertain themselves with trout fishing at the dam. The indoor restaurant offers a more intimate setting for smaller groups that require a little more formality. The menu is wholly South African, but with original twists of brilliance. It changes weekly to make the most of fresh local produce, but guests may happily expect a variety of starters, mains and dessert. For starters delve into a classic Caesar Salad where bacon has been replaced with biltong and anchovies for snoek pate. The main courses cater more than adequately for meat lovers and vegetarians alike. And with a chef that is known for his sweet tooth, there’s no getting away without a bite into the decadent dark chocolate-espresso torte with merlot poached pears & cardamom parfait. The restaurant has a wide selection of wines, but patrons are guided with wine and food pairing suggestions on the menu.