Illovo Restaurants

A favourite restaurant for returning patrons, with value for money and traditional Thai cooking, 2 Thai4 Restaurant sets the tone for a memorable dining experience. Experience full bodied richness and flavour, lingering aromas that seduce the senses, and mouth watering dishes at this truly traditional Thai Restaurant in Illovo.

Assaggi is a truly authentic Italian restaurant that would have you believe that you are in the heart of Italy. Chef patron Luciana, believes that using only the freshest ingredients of the highest quality, and being actively involved in all aspects of the food preparations is the secret to Assaggi’s success, as can be attested by the crowds of regulars the frequent this Johannesburg eatery. The menu is simple and un-pretentious with traditional home cooked goodness.

A stunning restaurant in the upmarket Illovo Square centre, Benkei delivers when it comes to Japanese cuisine.The decor follows Japanese ideals with a spacious open plan interior punctuated with clean lines. A glass wall enhances this calming, spacious feel and for added tranquillity there is a mesmerizing fish tank.This popular restaurant produces superb sushi; some even consider it the best in Johannesburg, but Sushi isn’t all that Benkei has to offer. There is a teppanyaki grill and also a range of tempura options to suit those who fancy something else.For the best in Japanese cuisine, Benkei has it covered.

Highly respected and popular, Cornuti’s inviting ambiance and diverse cuisine spread throughout the interesting and original menu sets the mood for a unique gourmet experience. The décor oozes warmth, set off by tiled floors and gorgeous art flattered by low lighting. Diners enjoy gourmet delights and wood fired oven pizzas such as the speciality Thai Pizza, which consists of prawns with green mango, danhia, coconut and onions. Another delight is the Putana, topped with bacon, spinach, feta and avocado (in season). Dine indoors wrapped in inviting atmosphere or alfresco on the secluded piazza sampling fresh healthy and salads, pizzas, pasta, meat dishes and small tempting deserts. Cornuti’s bistro influence and soothing background music make it perfect for any occasion dining in relaxed, inviting surrounds.

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.

La Bella Figura is a small eatery that is big on food. The compact menu focuses on Roman cuisine made from scratch using the finest ingredients. Sample the suppli, garganelli alla coda di vaccinera - hand-rolled pasta tubes with an intoxicating oxtail sauce or the simple cacio e pepe - with red chilli fettuccini. Wrap the palate in a panna cotta with black grape sauce or an espresso and chocolate for desert. La Bella Figura pays homage to true Italian cuisine with simplicity and decadence.

The traditional décor sets the mood for an authentic dining experience basking in glorious Cantonese dishes and delightful Yum Cha. The atmosphere and cuisine invites social dining complimented by the friendly atmosphere and service. Enjoy whole baked fish pungent with garlic and ginger, crisp-skinned chicken or pepper beef and famous Yum Cha brunches brimming with a selection of dim sum. An average wine list compliments authentic cuisine and flavours at Lai Lai Garden in Illovo.

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.

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.

Located in the Protea Hotel Wanderer, The Big Apple Restaurant sets the standard for 4 star service and tranquillity. Exuding an idyllic ambiance and upmarket theme, the décor invokes Feng Shui trends balanced with harmonious colours and sexy designs. From delicious sunrise buffets, to causal lunches and vogue dinners, the ultimate hotel experience sizzles with cooling summer cocktails and abundance of dishes perfect for exquisite dining. Begin the day with a sunrise buffet breakfast, available daily, brimming with fruity yoghurts, freshly sliced fruit and melons and a range of delectable pastries as well as a hot buffet. The a la carte menu entices with starters of black mushrooms with spinach, feta and basil followed by main of brandy flamed grilled beef fillet mignons with mushroom and glazed shallots topped by a vanilla seed panna cotta desert. Enjoy mouth-watering cuisine and Feng Shui surrounds at The Big Apple Restaurant, located in the bustling Sandton business hub.

The Patisserie basks in timeless elegance and makes for a romantic yet tres chic dining experience. Dressed in splashes of pink, contrasted by black and white photography of Audrey Hepburn and elegant antique French chandeliers, The Patisserie delights diners with decadent cakes, treats, cupcakes and light lunches. Enjoy high teas and coffee served in elegant silver teapots alongside a richly moist cake or stroll in for a hearty breakfast, elegant pastries or Turkish delights at The Patisserie in Illovo.

Knowledgeable staff entice with designer pizzas and speciality dishes complimented by a moderate wine list from recognisable estates. The menu highlights dishes such as the brinjal tower starter, bursting with sunny tomato and herb flavours or fresh porcini linguine with creamy garlic and chilli for mains. Designer pizzas such as the Brie and cranberry topped with Parma ham, rocket (arugula), and Parmesan; or smoked salmon, sour cream, and caviar, sprinkled with spring onion is a must try. Small and informal surrounds make this intimate eatery a welcoming break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

This multi Indian cuisine secures a new perspective on dining brimming with simple characteristic flavours of India. The outstanding menu embraces flavours of North India infused with Goan and Hydrabadi delights and a well chosen wine list. A plush dining hall sets the mood with traditional décor and a soothing ambiance that settles the mind before immersing the palate in authentic Indian cuisine.