South Africa Restaurants

A thoroughly authentic restaurant serving the finest in Ethiopian cuisine. With offerings you won’t find anywhere else such as ting-sour Injera flatbread, Abysinia is the place to go for a truly unique dining experience. For a little of everything, ask for a platter and you will not be disappointed. Prices are incredibly reasonable. The drinks are equally exciting with strong, fresh coffee as well as local and Ethiopian wines. The casual, relaxed ambience and charming service make an experience at Abysinia one to remember.

Perched at the foothills of the mysterious Soutpansberg Mountains, Acacia Restaurant boasts full English breakfasts and delicious lunches and dinners. The cuisine touches on locally inspired dishes with explosions of taste dominating the palate. Peruse the menu feasting on tasty delights before rounding off a satisfying meal with cooling cocktails or soothing nightcaps under the starry skies in the comfort of the pergola. Acacia Restaurant caters for a delicious dining experience at The Gateway Inn in Makhado (Louis Trichard).

An unforgettable African banquet awaits you at Africa Cafe.With a menu that changes according to season, ensuring that only the freshest and finest ingredients are used in the preparation of the delicious dishes, Africa Cafe has true African dining perfected.Superbly warm and friendly staff are on hand and happy to take diners through the exciting offerings and will happily explain the authentic decor and paintings that adorn the walls.A healthy following of both tourists and locals make for an eclectic ambience, enhanced by the sound of drums and singing staff members!

Stellenbosch’s Kayamandi (an informal settlement area) may not scream location- location- location for restaurant venue, but is home to AmaZink Eatery. The restaurant delivers a novel African eating experience that embraces and simultaneously invests in the local Stellenbosch community. The African theme of the restaurant is seen through to every detail. The décor is bold and loud in colour and service is hearty and friendly. All the traditional fare is unpretentious and prepared on wood burning fires. Even the beer is home brewed. Expect local favourites like pap and wors, but perhaps not quite as rustic as authenticity demands. With Bertus Basson (celebrity chef and co-owner of Overture Restaurant) overseeing the menu, there is a definite contemporary take on the local delicacies. The restaurant offers a wine list that supports farmers in the immediate vicinity. With prominent businessmen investing, AmaZink Eatery forms part of the Ikhaya Trust Centre and is driven to make a contribution to the social uplifting of the area. Inline with the venture’s policy, only locals to Kayamandi are employed at AmaZink.

A versatile and elegant venue perched atop one of the highest hills in the Northern Suburbs, Bloemendal Restaurant is the place to be at for whatever you are after of a dining experience. The evenings are filled with entertainment from guest speakers, dancing, music and singing and with warm and attentive hospitality, you won’t want to miss out on a night at the Bloemendal Restaurant.

Experience true Cape heritage through superb fine dining at Cape Colony restaurant at the Mount Nelson Hotel.Enjoy mouthwatering options like succulent springbok and tender ostrich, all prepared with care and incorporating a taste of the traditional.Allow for some extra time when selecting the accompanying wine from the extremely extensive and fully-detailed wine list, full of the best wines at varying prices. The superbly helpful and attentive staff are on hand to make suggestions should you need some extra help.The decor stays true to times gone by and creates a unique ambience that is a pleasure to experience.Take some time out to enjoy a taste of the old days of the Cape at Cape Colony restaurant.

This 100% black owned restaurant immerses the palate in custom cuisine and cultural diversity. Offering African delicacies, this establishment shows an attractive exterior and interior dressed in artistic creations collaborated by local artists. Located adjacent to Mbekweni shopping centre, Chippa’s Restaurant is a welcoming break from everyday dining.

Indulge your fantasies and your senses at this sparkling Moroccan-style dining and leisure space. It’s always playtime in this exotic North African baroque eatery. The décor and cuisine is fun and fanciful from the mosaic chameleon to Gaudi-style lizard lazing off the pool, and colourful cocktails to tagines, dates and Turkish delight...from candelabra to mellow hubbly bubbly pipes. Need to know? Cuisine style is North African/Moroccan, 6 courses are served feasting style. Cost: Dinner is R300.00 pp excl. drinks and gratuity. Open for dinner Monday to Saturday from November to April.

A memorable experience for the whole family inspired by creativity and recreation, the Clay Café is an ideal day out for moms, dads and kiddies. The large garden allows exploration with kiddies have had enough of painting, and there is to keep kids busy. Sample some delicious dishes such as the butternut soup, toasted sarmies or moist muffins with an aromatic cup of coffee. Booking is essential, pop into the clay café for a fun family day in the picturesque suburb of Hout Bay.

Listed as one of the Top 15 Fabulous Restaurants by Eat Out Magazine, makes Cognito restaurant in Stellenbosch a must try eating establishment. It is sophisticated and all things African with its menu and décor and offers visitors an eating experience that embodies local hospitality. The East and South African inspired menu is as diverse as it is exciting. It is a contemporary interpretation of traditional dishes. From nibbles like curry dusted popcorn and starters to full main courses, the menu caters for all supermbly, including children. Patrons are encouraged to enquire as to the latest flavour combinations when it comes to steak and poultry choices as the mains are constantly being reinvented. Wine enthusiasts will also not be disappointed with great regional selection of wines on offer and are encouraged to sign up for the restaurant’s food and wine pairing evenings. The social evenings are geared at having the guests’ imput on new wines and dishes to be included on the menu. Foodies will also not be able to resist the popular Curry Mondays (when all the curries are riduculously discounted to one price).

The menu boasts originality, freshness and refined sense – food with attitude. The menu changes according to what is seasonal and is a contemporary fusion of flavours. Discover a true African experience in sophisticated elegance at Create Restaurant.

Perched over the river scattered with crocodiles, diners enjoy bistro African cuisine and the local crocodiles up close and personal. Relax amongst the lovely gardens flanked by open views enjoying lunch alfresco or dinner by candlelight at Crockafellas Restaurant in Pestana Kruger Lodge.

Housed in an original farmhouse catering unique characteristics and originality, The Colonial Restaurant boasts four metre high ceilings and rich wooden floors with a separate dining room dressed in antique furniture. Built in 1885, the interior retains much of the original characteristics warmed by open fireplaces, original antiques and delicious gourmet meals.

Celebrate the African heritage and discover the spirit of Africa with the tastes of real authentic African food. Dijo Restaurant offers and experience only extended through the hands of an African home. With authentic décor, art and music, patrons can celebrate and share the love of food in a setting that embodies the spirituality and creativity commonly found in an African home. Enjoy the most amazing traditional South African food, wholesome and simply delicious with no dictates or formalities. Savour real home-made pot bread with beef stew or mutton curry with pap and sweet potatoes before embarking on the velvety textures of chocolate pudding smothered in fresh cream. Dijo Restaurant is about keeping it simple and celebrating being African in a space where all South Africans can celebrate their African heritage. Unpretentious and homely, here you can find yourself and discover your true African spirit.

Boasting fresh organic seasonal produce infused with Euro-African influence, diners enjoy perusing the a la carte menu in tranquil surrounds. Discover the spirit of the Eagle and mystical ambiance dining at Eagles Ridge Country House. Enjoy a refreshing browse at the locally produced art creations found inside the licensed restaurant-art gallery.

Perched on the waters edge, Emanzini Restaurant serves African cuisine from the a la Carte menu overlooking the pool deck and Centurion Lake. Start the day with a lazy breakfast or tuck into a hearty lunch, enjoy a drink at the trendy bar before settling down for a tantalising dinner. Emanzini Restaurant embraces Africa and all her colours, brimming with flavour in modern and stylish surrounds.

This authentic African café embraces culture and warmth with delectable meals and traditional hospitality. Offering an array of delights alongside hearty traditional cuisine, Emqolweni Kamama Café tempts the palate with loveliness. Enjoy a relaxing traditional meal while kids have fun in the play park before setting off to experience the culture and hospitality of the traditional Songoma followed by a refreshing Mqomboti (traditional beer) before being swept away by the enigmatic soul of the traditional dancers. Emqolweni Kamama Café is cultural retreat filled with traditional surprises for a truly inspiring dining experience.

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.

Located 35km from East London in the heart of a lush reserve, Huberta Restaurant offers a unique blend of luxury and dining that caters to the heart of culinary connoisseurs. Relive the legend of the travelling hippo; dine in close proximity in a strategically built setting above the Mpongo hippo waterhole. Linger the day away on a decadent afternoon meal, watching hippos at play tempting a delicious blend of African and European cuisine. Cooled by stylish décor and a touch of Xhosa, diners relive the colonial days savouring traditional breakfasts, light lunches and a wide range of wine carefully chosen to compliment each meal. Treat the palate to a unique dining experience pampered by acclaimed chefs at Huberta Restaurant in Mpongo Private Game Reserve.

Situated in one of the oldest seaside suburbs, Imbizo welcomes traditional cuisine and magnificent sea views. Set adjacent to the picturesque harbour, diners soak up the maritime ambiance in pleasant surrounds at Imbizo Restaurant.

Located 45 min from Sandton, Kingsley’s Restaurant is a stylish and elegant restaurant nestled in the award-winning Klevits Kroon Country Retreat. Here you can sample the finest local dishes, prepared using the finest local ingredients for a fusion of flavours that will leave you wanting more. Named after Mary Kingsley – the 19th Centaury explorer, Kingsley’s Restaurant will transport the palate on a culinary journey through exotic African flavours. Experience a five star culinary safari at Kingsley’s Restaurant.

For a truly interesting and inspiring African dining experience, Kuka is the place to be. The food is superb, fusing African cuisines from all over the continent and jazzing them up to present a menu full of cosmopolitan offerings. Open all day long and serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, Kuka is the perfect spot for whatever you desire, be it a full meal with family or a tantalising cocktail with good friends.

Wrapped in the idyllic surrounds of Thaba Pitsi Private Game Reserve seduced by starlit African skies and Belgium cuisine infused with a touch of French, L’ Orange Bleue enrobes the palate in an Afro-European dining experience. Housed in rescued farmhouse that embraces 20th century quirky humour, this restaurant boasts simplicity at its best, paired with excellent cuisine and a fine reputation. With vivid hot hues of orange and blues swaddled around modern furniture that extends out on an open plan kitchen, diners can immerse the senses into bushveld serenity laden with fine cuisine, quality wines, liqueurs and imported cigars. Awarded best restaurant in Limpopo and graded four stars in 2003 edition of Top 100 South African Restaurants, L’ Orange Bleue speaks of sweets dreams nestled under an African sky. The tempting a la carte menu boasts mouth-watering features such as the duck carpaccio with flakes of foie gras and the fillet sauce du chef. Surrounded by cries of the African bushveld, L’ Orange Bleue whispers words of culinary seduction that caters for a memorable dining experience beneath the African skies.

Madlula’s Place invites with elegant ambiance and bistro dining brimming with South African and African cuisine. This upmarket restaurant cum lounge further enhances the dining experience with live jazz over lunch or dinner.

Makalali Private Game Lodge offers an array of dining experiences, located close to the mighty Drakensberg range nestled on 26 000 hectares of conservancy. Dine under a blanket of stars warmed by the soft orange hues of a boma fire sampling regional African cuisine for a truly authentic boma dinner. If dining indoors suits the palate, Makalali Private Game Lodge entices with a plated dinner or casual family style dinner. For special occasions that require perfection and pampered cuisine, diners can request private ‘Sala’ dinners for candlelit romantic evenings. Makalali Private Game Lodge seduces the palate with a truly magical bushveld experience infused with African hospitality and legendary boma dining.

Mama Africa boasts popular meat combos served in generous portions with samp and pap, prepared mostly with game meat. There are various choices such as Malay specialties, which can be enjoyed alongside the well-priced wine list. Mama Africa can be found buzzing away in African festivities over lunch and dinner in Long Street.

The boldly painted exterior catches the eye, situated in the historic Bo-Kaap area with colourful murals and artwork wrapped around this old warehouse building. Marco’s African Place resides within an old converted warehouse, complete with high ceilings, spacious interior and authentic décor. The staff and chef are hands on, cooking, greeting and welcoming with African hospitality. The ambiance is bustling and festive, with a large mixture of sophisticated Africans, suburbanites and tourists enjoying the culture of Africa. The menu is traditional and tasty, with colourful creations and flavourful dishes. Expect plenty game meat such as springbok, ostrich, kudu, and even crocodile tail, (enjoyed mostly by tourists). Locals savour more traditional favourties such as tripe with onions, savoury chicken pieces with onions and peppers, or samp and beans prepared in true African style. Visit Marco’s African Place for a taste of Africa and traditional culture enjoyed alongside the live music and colourful cuisine.

Moyo is located in a tranquil private park-like setting, with outstretched lawns wrapped around the restaurant and views of Voortrekker Monument. The modern African ambiance and warm hospitality create an unforgettable dining experience inspired by South Africa’s colourful traditions. Moyo is a sophisticated dining and proudly South African dining experience.

Wander through a souq of spices and exotically heady aromas. This adventure will take you through the Savannas of the South, along the Coasts of the East, across the Deserts of the North and into the Jungles of the West on a gastronomic journey. Your taste buds will be tempted with the sweet scent of coriander and fresh aroma of rose petals; cumin, paprika and saffron spice. Moyo offers a diverse and eclectic a la carte menu and an abundant communal set menu to inspire you to explore the sophistication of African cuisine - your invitation to the feast. A feast set to the rhythm of the music Moyo Productions searches Africa for the best of local, international and new talent. Colorful costumes, dramatic acts and the fancy footwork of dancers will ensure that each guest leaves the restaurant surprised and delighted. Through praise poetry and story telling we move to a broader understanding of African celebration, rights, rituals and memories. With a song on the lips of the Wishy-washy Ladies you will be welcomed to the age old tradition of the African hand-washing and face painting ceremony.

The modern African ambiance creates a sophisticated dining experience at Moyo, where the colourful traditions of Africa are celebrated through traditional dishes. Located at Eden on the Bay, the views stretch along sandy shores meeting the lapping ocean of the West Coast, and a stunning backdrop of Table Mountain and Robbin Island. Embracing African soul food, Moyo is a sustainable dining experience in a vibrant setting that is Proudly South African.

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.

Nguni Grill entices the palate with indigenous fare enrobed in unexpected names such as Pofadder wors - Kalahari wors made of chopped liver and kidney served with ciabatta bread, olive oil and a balsamic vinegar dip. On the other hand, the adventurous palate can savour skilpadjies (little tortoises) - ground lamb's liver with herbs and spices or succulent marrow bone on toast? Dominated by a rustic farming stable look, this indigenous establishment is a must-try for the adventurous palate looking for a well-presented and interesting menu.

The flagship restaurant of Ingwenya County Escape, Origins Restaurant is a memorable dining experience waiting to happen. With a prestigious position in the Cradle of Humankind, Origins Restaurant offers a unique fusion of African dishes with French cuisine. Famous South African wines complement every meal on offer and make dining at Origins Restaurant something to repeat again and again.

Located in Church Square, Patat is fresh and clean, with bold black and deep red palates and full-length glass doors that invite the outside in. The menu is authentic South Africa, with a fusion of Cape Malay, Dutch and Portuguese. Choose from the sophisticated buffets or dine from the menu or daily specials. Downstairs you can enjoy the avant-garde cabaret venue wining and dining to South African music and theatre.

Immersed in the rusy orange hues of the African savannah, diners soak up the beauty of the African bushveld dining by flickering candlelight under a blanket of stars. With an exquisite set menu and the beaconing of the setting sun stealing the last hue of orange and red across the sky, diners relish in the taste of Africa before starry blankets envelop the sky. With one of three set menu’s to choose from, diners can expect pampered palates complimented by the likes of creamy bean salad followed by a rump steak with peperonata, brown rice, baby potatoes in garlic butter, baby courgettes and carrot medley concluded by a hot chocolate pudding, coffee or tea For an evening of alfresco magic, visit Polokwane Nature Reserve accompanied by Natures way for a guided game drive before setting off along the plains of Africa for a starlight candlelit dinner.

Distinctly African, Pondoro Game Lodge infuses traditional African cuisine with modern European trends. Set on the banks of the Olifant River in the lush wilderness of Balule Nature Reserve, Pondoro Game Lodge boasts gourmet cuisine and an extensive wine cellar complimenting each meal. A revitalising establishment that will enchant and delight the senses, Pondoro Game Lodge is situated near Hoedspruit in close proximity of Phalaborwa.

Queen of the Nile is a lively,  luxurious and visually stunning buffet restaurant situated just off the Emperor’s Palace Casino floor, boasting more than 120 dishes taken from around the globe.With a fun Egyptian theme and a unique ambience, Queen of the Nile provides an intriguing and inspiring dining experience. For the sweet-toothed, beware the extensive dessert area – enter at your own risk!The quality of the food on offer is of the highest standard as is the service and with very reasonable prices per head, Queen of the Nile is the place to dine at this buzzing and popular casino!

Ra-Molopo lies in 2000 h of unspoiled bushveld flanked by panoramic views, perfectly positioned on the edge of the escarpment. Enjoy fine dining on lavish buffets or a la Carte in the restaurant for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Summer extends her warmth dining on the deck and evenings unfold the day’s events around the moonlit campfire.

Rated by local restaurant guides with a prestigious award from Diners Club Wine Awards, Rioja serves up international courses infused with local dishes for a truly alluring take on African dining. Owners and chef, Simon and Ceri’s extensive training and experience abroad inspired mouth-watering creations that delight and entice the palate. With special emphasis placed on using only the freshest and local produced ingredients, nothing is more personal than the aromatic taste of freshly picked vegetables from the chefs’ personal garden and chickens from the free-range enclosure. Enjoy dinner, lunch and a new introduction on breakfast with family and friends in the tranquil surrounds of Solole Private Game Reserve with activities and jungle gyms at hand to give much need parents time to savour and enjoy the culinary delights prepared by acclaimed chefs at Rioja.

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.