Houghton Restaurants

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.

A gastronomic journey for the senses, Dio Bacco tends to devoted palates who enjoy good food and wine in an inviting atmosphere. Dine indoors or alfresco on the spacious terrace enrobed in a warm and cheerful ambiance dining on fusion cuisine with classic touches and contemporary twists. Boasting charitable portions, old world waiters and skilfully selected wine, Dio Bacco makes any occasion dining a memorable one.

The Meat Company has branches all over the world, so the solid reputation for amazing meats is a global one. A dedicated team committed to the highest standards of service will make your visit one to remember and repeat. As well as truly tasty beef, The Meat Company offers a selection of seafood, chicken and premium game dishes – everyone is catered for. For the wine lovers among you, The Meat Factory boasts an impressive selection as part of a stylish sweeping staircase. The unique and creative wine displays are a signature feature of The Meat Company and Melrose Arch is no exception, featuring over 3000 bottles. Situated in the 'Old Heritage House' built in 1940, and the last of its kind, the Melrose Arch Meat Company is an invitingly warm and unique place to dine. Don't be fooled by the history though, The Meat Company fits in perfectly with hustle and bustle of modern Melrose Arch. There is a table to suit every need, whether you want to relax after a long day on homely couches around a fireplace or make a date for you and your sweetheart on 'Juliet's Balcony'. An open air terrace makes for fantastic private functions with a dedicated bar. Come and enjoy a truly world-class dining experience.

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.

Bustling with breakfast foodies, hearty luncheons and tantalizing aromas, Alexanders Deli satisfies hungry appetites with their homemade food and welcoming ambiance. Stylish yet rustic, warm and welcoming, diners peruse the deli filled with nutritious food or soak up the start of a new day over a hot cup of coffee and freshly baked pastry. Scattered with wooden furniture dressed in soft browns and oranges and an unpretentious vibe, Alexanders Deli delights with a selection of wholesome dishes. Try the chicken soup and kneidle, divine blintzes, meat and cheese, speciality hot beef on rye and delicious mock-crayfish dressed in mouth-watering sauces for a starter or main meal. The deli boasts plenty traditional Jewish cuisine and tasty favourites like homemade burgers and voluptuous schwarmas. Alexanders Deli warms the palate with tempting delights and bustling ambiance, perfect for kick-starting the day over breakfast or unwinding from a long day.

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.

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.

Favouring exquisite food and extensive selection of local and international wines, Zafferano sets the mood for a memorable dining experience. The cosmopolitan setting is stylish yet cultural brimming with innovative Mediterranean cuisine. Zafferano is favoured for delicious food, relaxed environment and indulgence and can be easily located in the Park Hyatt Hotel, Rosebank.

From the creator of Wangthai, Soi and Saigon comes a glamorous addition to the chain of Asian restaurants – Orient. With stunning decor guaranteed to impress, this contemporary Asian cuisine restaurant set in trendy Melrose Arch is a big hit. Crystals hang delicately from the ceiling against silver, purple and copper surroundings. A truly tranquil yet lively place to spend time with family or friends. With a menu devised by authentic Asian chefs incorporating Japanese, Thai, Vietnamese and Chinese dishes, you’ll have trouble deciding on an order. Attentive and knowledgeable staff will be on hand to help you choose if you require.

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.

Take fast but high quality coffee, combine it with the freshest, healthiest ready-made food and you have Lulu's.The only difference here is the atmosphere. The food may be ready made on site and the coffee may come quickly, but the moment you set foot inside the doors, the mad rush of the rat race is left behind you. The homely and relaxed ambience makes for a charming light dining experience. Or, if you must stay in that 'rat race' frame of mind, you can just grab and go, assured that what you are grabbing is of the highest quality.Lulu's is the place to enjoy healthy, natural food such as gourmet sandwiches, bagels, croissants, wraps and salads.For those who need that sweet tooth fix, Lulu's provides a mouth-watering array of confectionary such as brownies, giant choc-chip cookies and muffins.With a loyalty program to reward your coffee cravings, you will want to return again and again to this trendy spot.Opening hoursMonday-Friday 6am - 6pmSaturday 7am - 5pmSunday 7am - 2pm

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.

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.

Cradled in The Furs Shopping Centre, at one of South Africa’s finest live music venues, The Grillhouse entices with succulent steaks and bustling ambiance, famous for steaks and ribs. Dine in art deco style seduced by subtle lighting, raw face brick, black leather, timber and warm earthy tones or alfresco on the wrap-around terrace and outdoor area. The menu caters for discerning and easy palates ranging from fine steaks to voluptuous seafood and tender chicken, with a range of vegetarian dishes to suit. Enjoy a glass of chilled wine or malt housed inside the wine cellar alongside a succulent steak and finger licking ribs at this New York style grill house.

Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, Bistro @ The Peech offers indoor dining or popular summer alfresco overlooking the pool and abundant gardens. Sandstone floors and deep leather couches invite relaxation as diners peruse the delicious menu created from locally sourced ingredients, home grown herbs and 100% pasteurised Lamb and beef. The menu embraces simplicity and flavour brimming with signature dishes and flowing champagne bar. Whether celebrating breakfast, lunch or dinner, Bistro @ The Peech savours any- occasion dining with decadent cuisine and flowing champagne.

Located in Oxford Manor, Illovo, Pimento Bistro delights patrons with a carefully selected menu and reasonable prices. Noted for concise service and delicious cuisine, the passion and quality is evident in every dish. The menu satisfies with delicious starters such as haloumi spring rolls, filled with haloumi cheese and basil pesto served with a strawberry reduction. Main courses such as the tender fall off the bone Lamb shank is slow cooked for hours in a white wine and lemon sauce served with mashed potato and seasonal roasted vegetable. And finally, the ginger liqueur pancakes, rolled with brown sugar, cinnamon and lemon juice, served with ice cream and drizzled with a hot ginger liqueur is a must try. Enjoy a zealous and realistically priced dining experience complimented by fabulous ambiance at Pimento Bistro in Illovo.

Koi in Japanese means ‘Come, Love, Fish’ and exudes the latest trends in contemporary cuisine infused with Western style techniques. The menu showcases cuisine from unrivalled Japanese chefs with tastes that suit all palates. Diners start with a choice of thinly sliced Sashimi of Salmon - with ginger, chives and toasted sesame seeds marinated in garlic and ponzu lightly seared in hot olive oil for starters. Mains delights with Sesamed Crusted Seared Tuna with Marinated Dim Hoi Sim Sauce - served on ponzu flavoured wok seared greens and topped with sweet potato crisps or side order of Wasabi Mash. Other dishes such as the Create your own noodle dish and Sushi platters compliment the dining experience concluded by Chocolate and Banana Spring Rolls - Served with a white chocolate dipping sauce. Koi Restaurant and Sushi boasts a refined tea house with speciality teas served in unique handmade Japanese cast iron tea pots compliments the end of a meal or lunch. Enjoy contemporary Asian cuisine and welcoming atmosphere at Koi Restaurant and Sushi.

For a truly unforgettable and authentic African experience in a five star, top tourist destination, try The Afrodisiac Restaurant, Sandton. Be attended to by dedicated, enthusiastic and savvy staff. You will be well looked after at The Afrodisiac, with such traditions as cleansing before your meal with the water ladies for ‘Wishy Washy Time’. Be entertained by the impressive and energetic dancers to the sound of traditional Mbira instruments and drums in surroundings of rich oranges and mahogany. With the finest in ethnic cuisine and a glorious setting with palms, lawns, tiki lanterns and live entertainment, you can be assured that your time will be a memorable one.

Kuzina boasts a famous Greek chef – Yiannis Baxevanis, whose creativity and authentic style spill out onto decadent dishes and mouth-watering aromas. With focus on quality and authenticity, Kuzina embraces exotic international dishes in a warm and welcoming room, typical of Greek family traditions, where families come together around good food and festive celebration. Visit Kuzina and discover true Greek aromas and famous hospitality in Rosebank, Johannesburg.