Gauteng Central Restaurants

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.

For hospitality that is second to none and a vast selection of delicious Mediterranean offerings, Beach Blanket Bohemia doesn’t disappoint. A sophisticated dining room provides a great setting for more formal dining and a bright and breezy terrace allows for a more relaxed time at Beach Blanket Bohemia. A vast wine list with a good selection of international wines as well as local gives diners a superb choice. Superb service with friendly and helpful staff that have a solid knowledge of the menu and wine list ensures a satisfying dining experience.

The décor warms with orange hues set in dark wood and beautiful fabrics set off by 70’s wallpaper. Using the highest quality ingredients that inspire a wide variety of flavours, the menu entices with meze, tapas and antipasto in small yet hearty portions. Start the day with the Big Breakfast Sofia Special for R25 including coffee and introduces Breakfast Balkanika - a Bulgarian breakfast including poached eggs, smoked Paprika, Hollandaise sauce, sautéed young spinach, plain yogurt and crispy toast. The menu transports the palate on journey through South Europe, North Africa and the Middle East for a fusion of cultures and tastes that leave dining at Cafe Sofia nothing short of memorable.

Da Vinci Alfresco lies on the green belt area in central Johannesburg, in South Africa’s premier polo ground, Inanda Club. Sprawling lawns, lush trees and beautiful gardens set the mood for a magical and relaxed alfresco dining experience. Sip aromatic coffee or cooling wine on the patio or indulge in hearty brunches and lazy lunches in a relaxed and contemporary feel. Dine next to a cosy winter fire under the traditional thatch on a wide selection of Mediterranean style dishes or take in the lingering aroma of the outdoor wood-burning pizza oven. Indulge in garden fresh salads, innovative pastas, vegetarian dishes, wood-burned pizza and one of the best fillet steaks in town at Da Vinci Alfresco in Sandton.

Relaxed and inviting, Harbour Restaurant oodles with delicious Mediterranean dishes and eastern savoury tapas dishes alongside seafood, pastas and fizzy champagne served on the deck or cosy interior. Comfortable leather sofas cradle relaxation and high standards of exquisite dining provide and interesting ambiance and dimension to dining. Savour tapas, cocktails or a slice of decadently moist cake in soothing and calming surrounds at Harbour Restaurant in Johannesburg.

La Rustica is a unique and wonderfully relaxing restaurant with a focus on making diners feel totally at ease for a dining experience that will refresh and rejuvenate. When dining inside is preferable, there are four dining rooms to choose from with three cosy fireplaces and quirky decor adorning the walls. Downstairs is a quaint and inviting cellar which is accessed via an old wrought iron staircase (or the normal kind if the diner prefers). This unique venue is a superb place to dine from the vast and moderately-priced menu, written in English and Italian. No dining experience in South Africa would be complete without superb wine to accompany the fantastic food and La Rustica are well aware of this, providing a great selection for diners to choose from.

A true dining experience that embraces classical favourites, Italian flavours and African flair in a beautiful alfresco setting flanked by trailing sunsets, Medeo Restaurant delivers all this and more in the heart of Sandton. Enjoy elegant and romantic dinners under the stars or hearty breakfasts dining on the terrace or deck on a menu paired with the best flavours and South African estate wine. Whether breakfast buffet or a la carte dining, diners tantalise the palate with signature dishes such as Hot & Sour Prawn Noodle Soup, Gingered Ox-Tail Ravioli, Slow roasted Duck with chili and ginger and Saffron & Coconut Creme Brulee. Medeo Restaurant boasts double arched doorways scattered with tables spilling out onto the flowing terrace, flanked by magnificent landscaped gardens. Dine at Medeo and discover a culinary feast for the senses, at the Palazzo Hotel, Montecasino.

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.

On the corner of trendy Rivonia Boulevard is Rocket. A superbly chic location for great food all year round. The designers of this trendy restaurant have considered everything, allowing patrons to enjoy themselves in any weather. Warm decor invites and a water feature relaxes. A covered deck allows for al fresco dining in any weather with blinds and heaters to keep patrons warm and protected. There is also a tranquil covered garden area for an escape from the hustle and bustle of buzzing Rivonia. Fantastic Mediterranean food is the primary cuisine here, served in generous portions as well as light lunches and salads. The sophisticated bar offers an impressive range of cocktails. Escape the rat race for a while at Rocket.

Looked upon with praise and renowned newspaper critique, Sophia’s Bistro embraces a modernised tone that leans more towards the simplicity of simple, handmade dishes created with freshness and personal care. Exuding a light and airy setting, lingering with aromatic aromas of freshly baked stone ground artisanal bread, diners peruse the menu enjoying the likes of fresh line fish, Sole, Scallops, linguine cartoccio – a seafood pasta lightly steamed in a bag and succulent Ostrich burgers and Lamb moussaka. Enjoy Sophia’s signature dishes such as stolen Lamb, veal and steaks or dig into a Meze Platter for two – brimming with dolmades (stuffed vine leaves), saganaki (fried halloumi) Lamb souvlaki and calamari, served with two dips (humus and taramosalata) and pita bread. Try seared Scottish Salmon with verde or chive Sauce - pan seared, succulently cooked, served with hand cut chips or lentil basmati rice and vegetables of the day for mains with a wine recommendation perfectly paired - Grangehurst Chardonnay. Lighter meal choices such as the Souvlakia - Lamb cubes with halloumi, cherry tomato and brinjal served with a side salad or hand cut chips hits the spot in all the right places concluded by ice cream with warm black cherries. Sophia’s Bistro embraces, quality, simplicity and modern trends refreshing bistro setting in Illovo.

Enjoy discretion dining in elegant style in the magical surrounds of Vilamore, synonymous with fine dining and the best gourmet seafood dishes. The wine list boasts an impressive selection of wines, selected and chosen to compliment each meal. Whether romantic dining in one of two dining rooms, Vilamoura sets the mood for a memorable dining occasion. The décor is bold yet warm, with bright yellow walls and complimenting artwork balanced by soft wingback dining chairs and elegantly draped table cloths.