Forest Town Restaurants

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.

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.

This hidden jewel, nestled in a magical garden setting, is flanked by character laden architecture, tranquil gardens and soothing water fountains. The décor performs a bold and eclectic mix of emotions, brimming with a collection of vintage birdcages, art deco mirrors and antique Shanghai prints that compliment the elegant crystal chandeliers and unique ambiance. The menu captures a sensational culinary experience. The Birdcage was voted one of South Africa’s top restaurants. Using seasonal ingredients in the wide array of dishes, diners peruse dazzling food choices and decadent cakes with signature high teas taking the ultimate indulgence. Breakfasts wets the appetite with popular eggs Benedict, crunchy Thai salad with papaya and peanut brittle for lunch and melt in the middle hot chocolate pudding topped off by an aromatic ‘Bean There’ fair trade coffee. Weekend celebrates festive harvest tables brimming with salads, pastas, tarts, cakes and languid afternoons indulging in signature high teas. The Birdcage is tucked away under towering trees; a stones throw from the bustling suburb of Jan Smuts on the corner of Cotswold Drive, Johannesburg.

Prepare to be welcomed by an engaging and charming establishment, where quirky humour and play with words sets the tone for a charming experience. Upon arrival, begin the experience with ‘Ciropractor’ – Taste bud manipulation and stimulation, upon which the soft panelled walls, wrought iron chandeliers and open plan kitchen bustling with activity wets the appetite. The menu boasts well selected and carefully crafted dishes that excel in taste, style and colour using the traditional slow cook method, brimming with only the finest, freshest and best quality dishes. Starters begin with the polenta, herb and parmesan torte, or an exotic quionoa salad infused with Middle Eastern spices. For pasta mains try the linguini with wild mushrooms, sage and roasted pine nuts or main course specialities such the pan-fried calves liver with lentils and port wine sauce, and the grilled fillet wrapped with Parma Ham. La Cucina Di Ciro invites a memorable dining experience through delightful dishes and comfortable interior.

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.

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.

Amongst green grass, tall pine trees and a tranquil lake, moyo seduces visitors to be open to love and laughter, seeking life and seeing it in the eye of a child. Mystical moyo water features sing songs of harmony to all who cross the bridge. The combination of outdoor and indoor gives the option of dining in the lush green terraced gardens or the colourful textured interior. Both take you on a journey of the senses to explore and experience diverse Africa. In feathered headgear the Mbira players roam the restaurant with lingering tunes. You might just be surprised by a painted statue that mysteriously comes to life. Moyo Magic - the Zoo Lake addition to the moyo family is aimed at our future - the children of today. A safe and nurturing environment is created and through workshops children are encouraged to revel in our heritage.

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.

Parker’s Grill, come as you are, welcomes with smiling faces and familiar smiles that sets the mood for a peaceful intimate dinner at reasonable prices. The menu brims with a variety of European dishes, many of which hold a loyal following. From Eisbeins with saukraut, to mixed sausage platters, Kassler Rib and oxtail, Parker’s Grill knows how to satisfy with international flavours. Starters entice with half-dozen snails saturated in cheesy garlic and butter sauce, grilled calamari, springbok Carpaccio and mussels. Or try the thick green pea soup with pork. The giant blackboard proudly displays delicious specials such as grilled Canadian salmon, warthog shank with paprika sauce and red cabbage and osso bucco. The extensive menu delights with pizza and pasta dishes and surprisingly popular Indian creations such as Chicken Korma, breyani and enticing selections of fish, poultry and meat creations. Dessert tempts with chacha pudding sinfully layered with peppermint crisp biscuit, caramel and whipped cream or a traditional Apfelstrudel decorated with a dollop of cream or ice cream. Enjoy a glass of wine from the extensive wine list alongside a delicious meal and warm hospitality at Parker’s Grill.

Appetising and appealing brimming with inspirational signature dishes, diners discover personal attention and a large selection of culinary delights that cater for all occasions. Enjoy an unforgettable dining experience in elegance and style. Inspired by fresh ingredients and contemporary food trends, the dishes remain simple and fresh, yet appetising and inspirational. From fresh continental breakfasts, daily buffets and a la carte dinner menu, delectable dishes grace the palate complimented by a diversity of flavours. Start the day with silky eggs Benedict or a delicious deli style lunch that remain light, healthy and wholesome. Dinner boasts succulent dishes such as the beef fillet and fresh line fish alongside other gourmet delights. 10 2nd Avenue Houghton Estate inspires an unforgettable dining experience that embraces fresh and whole contemporary food trends.

For truly authentic Thai food from one of the most original Thai restaurants in South Africa, try Cranks.Having built a solid reputation over many successful years, Cranks Thai House of Blues proffers the finest in Thai food as well as choice offerings from Vietnamese and Chinese cuisine. A good wine list has had a loyal following dropping by regularly to just sip and relax.The decor is vibrant with luminous paintings adorning the walls and even, rather randomly, suspended Ken and Barbie dolls!A truly authentic dining experience awaits you at Cranks Thai House of Blues.

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.

SWAD Restaurant entices with Indian delights in a warm and friendly setting perfect for complete dining experience. The décor wraps the senses in peach walls contrasted by dark wooden tables and chairs dressed in mahogany table cloths. Indian artefacts and painting set the tone for authentic dining experience. The menu caters for all palates with finger licking dishes such as Murg Anarkali - grilled boneless chicken in a mint and coriander marinade, Champ-E-Lucknowi - Lamb chops in a traditional marinade or Lamb Stew - cooked in coconut milk accompanied with buttery naan bread to mop up the fragrant juices. Conclude the meal with Kesar Pista Kulfi - Saffron and pistachio flavoured Indian ice cream for an orchestral symphony of Indian flavours in Melrose North, Johannesburg.

For sumptuous seafood and superb sushi, try Tsunami, Rosebank. An extensive menu featuring live rock lobster, live oysters and fresh linefish ensures that every patron will be spoilt for choice. The dedicated and knowledgeable staff will happily offer advice to help you select the right meal for what you fancy. For truly satisfying seafood, Tsunami excels.

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.

For tender, melt-in-the-mouth steaks, aged to perfection and perfectly grilled, The Butcher Block is the place to be.A relaxed and casual ambience enhances a superb dining experience. The Butcher Block takes the utmost pride in providing the most flavoursome streaks of the highest quality. The meat is supplied by one of South Africa’s best suppliers and strictly grade AAA cuts are used.For those who don’t fancy red meat, there are chicken, fish and vegetarian options. Every taste and need is catered for.The wine cellar, which diners may visit, is carefully temperature-controlled and full of superb bottles from top South African wine estates.For superb steaks and wonderful wine, The Butcher Block excels!

This chic and comfortable establishment wets yearning appetites with a tapestry of colours and flavours, freshly prepared and served with a twist. Diners peruse a feast of colours, buffet style enrobed in comfortable surrounds for a fresh take on dining in casual surrounds at The Rosebank Hotel.

A decadent restaurant taking influence from the last King of France and his flamboyant Queen, Louis XVI proffers exquisite French food. Dine in 18th Century Paris with extravagant and intriguing decor. Beautiful paintings from this poignant era in French history adorn the walls, as do huge gold-framed mirrors and rich velvet drapes. Low hanging chandeliers and beautifully detailed Persian carpets add the finishing touches to this opulent setting. Take a step back in time and experience some 18th Century French luxury.

Explore the rich culture of India through aromatic and exotic cuisine at Bombay Blues. Specialising in superb North Indian cuisine, Bombay Blues treats food as more than mere sustenance. Food at this popular Rosebank restaurant is perceived as an expression of a connection to others, a means to strengthen bonds and what better way than in inspiring surroundings and with delicious dishes and friendly staff. The menu boasts the best of North Indian curries, tandoori dishes and breads. Try the masala tea after your meal as you relax in the tranquil ambiance of Bombay Blues. A good selection of wines is also available to choose from. Experience glorious Indian culture at Bombay Blues.

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.