Auckland Park Restaurants

Table spill on onto the sidewalk, inviting relaxed summer lunches and bustling evenings heightened by cool traditional Latin American and Cuban music. The menu is fun and finger licking good, traditional Portuguese entice with subtle flavours of Mediterranean which make for an diverse and exciting variety of choice. The specialties include the Mozambican Prawns, served in either king or queen size, prepared in a light peri-peri lemon sauce, served with basmati rice, simply succulently delicious. Visit Nuno’s Portuguese Restaurant to celebrate life and the joys of good food, wine and friendship on 7th Street, Melville.

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.

The décor sets the mood with stylish, sexy tones dressed in plush fabrics, beautiful chandeliers and chic opulence for a romantic and cosy dining experience. Dine within the main dining lounge set by a huge bar and stage, exuding a comfortable lounge feel, or within the atrium warmed by a cosy fireplace and finally, the private dining area inviting intimacy and a private bar. Wet the appetite with colourful and refreshing cocktail pre-dinner drinks before sinking into the enticing menu brimming with Smoked Springbok Carpaccio dressed in a Whole Grain Mustard Vinaigrette for starters. Move onto the pork belly with apple and sage potato purée, cider jus and sauce Béarnaise with candied carrots and peas for mains or succulent grilled prawns with fennel rice and a lemon butter sauce, or chicken breasts wrapped with Parma ham, and stuffed with pesto and pine nuts. Deserts scream decadence and delight with choices hard to choose from complimented by a varied and well priced wine list. Melon Restaurant invites sexy elegance and stylish cuisine in fine dining surrounds in the trendy hub of Melville.

This friendly and inviting venue boasts a surprisingly upmarket and eclectic seasonal menu with something to suit every palate.The service is warm and friendly which makes for a welcoming, relaxed atmosphere for patrons. The blackboard features weekly food and wine specials to keep the offerings fresh and exciting.The decor is distinctly funky with bold red ceilings and decorated iron chandeliers. The ambiance is intimate with a hippy-chic feel to it.An intriguing setting for a memorable dining experience, the trendy, friendly Loft is well worth a try.

Located in the trendy suburb of Melville, Yasuqi Cuisine offers value for money and plenty of alfresco seating complimented by a comprehensive selection of Chinese delights. The décor bursts with bright red table cloths, lanterns and well furnished with light Maple wood. Intimate dining booths laced with attractive lattice designs sets a tone of authenticity. Starter recommendations include hot and sour soup, spring rolls dressed with a variety and fillings and traditional dumplings. Main course dishes offer extensive choice such as Peking duck, a sizzling hot plate, available with a choice of meat or fish and a selection of sauces. For something a little spicier try fragrant Thai hot pots. If value for money, traditional décor and scrumptious Chinese dishes beacon the need, visit Yasuqui Cuisine in Melville.

A noted institution in Melville that brims with wholesome meals and delicious bakery, Café de la Crème sets a home away from home ambiance dressed in ornate pressed chandeliers, old fashioned stripes and flowing character. Enjoy freshly baked cakes, pastries, biscuits and bread throughout the day or a scrumptious toasted sandwich with chips or salad. Daily specials include fish and chips, chicken a la king and lamb chops. Main course delights with Lamb shank, traditional Greek moussaka and the rare roast fillet with three sauces. Desert seduces with sinful treats such as bee sting, baklava, brandy balls, pigs ears and petite fours to mention a few. Enjoy substantial breakfasts, legendary lunches and dinners alongside decadent treats at Café de la Crème in Melville.

With a trattoria-style menu full of Italian country-style cuisine, this warm and welcoming family-run cafe provides sumptuous meals in comfortable surroundings. With spacious balcony tables and an elevated position, diners are away from the traffic noise but still in a vibrant and buzzing setting. Come for the food and stay for the atmosphere.

Tending to discerning palates, a global explosion of fusion cuisine, Lucky Bean captures the hearts and palates of a culturally mixed following who thrive on delicious meals blended with care and creativity. From lighter daytime meals to sensational dinners, diners kick back and relax, soaking up the comfortable and relaxed ambiance. Contemporary dishes brim with fresh, seasonal produce and offer choice and variety from the menu. Starters wet the appetite with Aubergine and Mozzarella Stack - layers of marinated aubergine with mozzarella, tomato and basil topped with almond crumbs accompanied by recommended Mulderbosch Steen op Hout Chenin Blanc. Main courses delights with variety, fish lovers indulge with Scottish Salmon - Grilled and served with wasabi mash and bok choi accompanied by a Meinert La Barry Sauvignon Blanc wine. If chicken is the call of the day, try the Roasted Baby Chicken with Apple Glaze - chilli, soy and fish sauce dip. Chinese egg noodles with bok choi and peppers, cos lettuce and mint salad dressed with the chicken dip complimented by a Bouchard Finlayson Kaaimansgat Chardonnay or Black Oystercatcher White Pearl blend. Conclude the meal with a decadently crunchy Pear and Pecan Nut Tart with a Whipped cream topping. Lucky Bean sets the mood for relaxation, conversation and decadent dining that will having your coming back for more.

Located in the heart of Melville, this stylish and chilled space serves as a convenient spot for late diners and cocktail swaggers. The menu offers tasty meals and vibrant atmosphere scattered with large comfortable sofas and arty walls dressed in red palates. Homely and comfortable, Six Restaurant and Cocktail Bar is the perfect spot for late night dining and trendy cocktails.

Il Giardino D’egli Ulivi enchants the senses with fresh air, summer breezes and magical fairy lights situated amidst olive trees and the collective sounds of crickets. This unique Italian restaurant boasts a vibrant setting and interior dressed in cool blue walls, chequered floors and opulent rich colour heightened by chic chandeliers. The atmosphere embraces intimacy and classic Italian food; diners peruse the likes of starters such as Caprese Salad, Melanzane Parmagiana and various Foccacias. The Cozze Marinara - a mussel hotpot with tomato, chilli and garlic is a must try. Homemade pastas accompanied with sauces such as the Spaghetti Aglio Olio Pepperoncino and pasta with olive oil, chilli, garlic, anchovy, parmesan and parsley enrobe the palate. Enjoy a social meal with friends over delightful wine and thin crust pizzas, wood fired and brimming with gourmet toppings or try the Filletto Al Balsamico with mash potato, rocket, parmesan and balsamic reduction. No meal is complete without a decadent il Giardino's Dolce Della Nonna consisting of Amaretto biscotti, nuts, chocolate and cream. Il Giardino D’egli Ulivi seduces and entices with it rich aromas, decadent cuisine and unique interior.

This attractive restaurant boasts an interesting interior; the distressed walls compliment the beautiful pressed ceiling and original wooden floors that exude a warm Tuscan feel. Dine alfresco on the elevated terrace wrapped in stylish wrought irons railings ejoying a hearty breakfast or languid lunch, and by night enrobed in romance, the terrace seduces with dimly lit lanterns. The menu oozes Italian country style, with starter of roasted butternut and gorgonzola pot - butternut with sage, gorgonzola and black mushroom served in a puff pastry pot. For seafood lovers, try the calamari stuffed with a spicy combination of braised lemon, tomato and risotto rice. Traditional Italian starters, try the Anti Pasti platter available in both meat and vegetarian options. Main course calls for the Pork a la Milanese (crumbed pork chops with mash) or a famous Café Picobella pizza, baked in a very stylish mosaic clad pizza oven. Conclude the meal with a Tiramisu or the Polenta Orange Cake highly recommended for dessert. Café Picobella Trattoria is a truly memorable dining experience in relaxed surrounds perfecting for soaking up true Italian culture.

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.

Enjoy flavour and aroma of delicately infused herbs and spices renowned for delighting the taste buds with good wholesome food. Begin the journey with deep fried prawns in batter, queen size, deep-fried and served with chilli sauce and sweet and sour sauce. Move onto the boneless Lamb korma prepared with turmeric, ginger, garlic, garam masala, onions, vegetable oil and yoghurt mopped up with all buttery naan concluded by a Pista Kulfi – a Pakistani rice ice cream made from lightly whipped double cream, milk rice, flour, sugar and seasoned with almonds, pistachios and rose water. Dine in authentic and traditional ambiance for a taste of cultural cuisine in upmarket surrounds at Daawat – The Authentic Pakistani Restaurant.

La Bella Terrasse offers outstanding cuisine wrapped in forest canopy and sweeping views. Distinction dining at its best, this restaurant secured the most sought after location alongside festive delicacies and extensive wine list. The myriad array of delicacies sets the pace for languid dining over breakfast, lunch and dinner. Dine in sweeping surrounds, flanked by forests and backdrop of glittering night skies at La Bella Terrasse in Jan Smuts Avenue, Johannesburg.

True to African style food and atmosphere ambiance, bringing exotic flavours of Africa to the Market Theatre, diners peruse the menu layered with aromatic spices and traditional dishes. Gramadoelas Exotic African Restaurant brings the tastes of Africa to the bustling streets of Johannesburg.

Boasting exquisite dining in light and airy surrounds, Kirsten at Wellington’s secures high class service and decadent selection of mouth-watering cuisine. Dine alfresco or indoors sampling delights such as delicious Italian pasta dishes, authentic Portuguese, Greek Moussaka and Lamb, tender, falling off the bone and seasoned with aromatic spices and wine. Kirsten at Wellington’s is hidden gem waiting to be discovered, on Wellington Road in Parktown.

Offering a small variety of Italian delights, this warm and inviting restaurant sets the tone with café style artwork, white and black table clothes and delightful garden setting perfect for alfresco dining. Enjoy daily specials ranging from fresh pastas, cakes pastries to delicious dishes like the specialty Millefoglie di Granchio – Crab, potato and Mayonaise Millefeuille or the Straccetti di filetto al misto di Bosco - shredded fillet with mixed wild mushrooms. Mouth watering deserts change often as they are freshly baked according to the whim and passion of the chefs. Stella Restaurant invites relaxation in a family friendly Italian setting in Parkview, Johannesburg.

Serving sumptuous breakfasts in soothing surroundings, indoors or alfresco on the covered deck, diners enjoy languid lunches or quick and healthy meals in unhurried surrounds. The menu brims with delicious dishes such as frittata with peppers and halloumi and wheat-free pancakes with grilled banana, almonds and maple syrup. Hot breakfasts kick start the day with traditional scrambled eggs, grilled tomato and mushrooms. Lunch is served buffet-style with dishes like nut loaf, fried brinjal, couscous and Mediterranean salads and delicious baked breads. The delicious smoothing menu is extensive and seduces with delights such as Papaya Pleasure and Berry Blaze. Hot drinks such as organic Earl Grey, vanilla bean and tropical green tea are on offer. Lift your spirits and nourish the palate with wholesome and healthy delights at Gingko Restaurant in Parkview.

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.

Offering truly cross cultural cuisine with delightful French classics as well as South African dishes, Bistro 277 on Main is a great place for even greater food. For the vegetarians, there is a mouth-watering array of salads in both starter and main course sizes as well as other creative and diverse options. With an impressive wine list to round off a superb menu and dining experience, Bistro 277 on Main will be an evening you won’t want to end.