Southern Suburbs Restaurants

A place of festivity and celebration, and awesome aromas of fresh braai meat, Amadoda Braai ends the week with crazy Fridays and Saturdays enjoyed by all who relish the term braai. Kick back and soak up the authentic sounds and African hospitality and experience true township style in Woodstock. Round off your weekend with a chilled Sunday, a good braai and some good mates at the Amadoda Braai in Strand Street, Woodstock.

Relax in true Caribbean style, sipping Pina Coladas while savouring delectable starters of Coco Loco Hoppin' Jons (Jalapeno chillies stuffed with feta, crumbed and deep-fried) enjoying the laid back vibe tropical atmosphere. With a large garden and cosy restaurant, Banana Jam Café serves authentic Caribbean tastes lit by a roaring fire and enchanting night-lights while dining outside. With Jamican BBQ’s in the summer and a buzzing atmosphere, patrons can enjoy fast service with friendly attentive staff. Rated by locals as the best Banana Jam burgers in town with the largest rum collection in the country; Banana Jam Café is your suburban island escape to the breezy shores of the Caribbean.

The lingering aroma of authentic dishes from North and South India wet the appetite as diners peruse the menu brimming with specialties from rogan josh, mughlai lamb and chicken tikka from the north to spicy Madras seafood curries and biryani from the south. Start with kebabs and spicy pakora pastries mopping up delicious sauce with warm buttery naan bread. Vegetarians are well catered for with dhal, paneer and chana masala dishes. Cool the palate with a traditional fruit flavoured yogurt drink for a taste of pure India at Bibi’s Kitchen in Wynberg.

The new 'exotic chic' Bihari, one of three in the Western Cape, opened it's doors in April 2009 at Southern Sun Newlands offering diners and curry lovers the finest North Indian cuisine prepared by qualified chefs from this region.The Bihari group bears testimony to the ever magical experience of Indian dining amongst the mother city's diverse locals. Upon entering Bihari Newlands the beautifully handcrafted and noble Bengal Tiger, a significantly powerful and historical creature in India, welcomes guests and transforms an ordinary experience into one of imagination.Bihari's offer an extensive menu of mild to fiery mouth watering fusions from Northern India as well as regional cuisine. Food is prepared in authentic Indian style in the restaurant's tandoor ovens on hot open coals, providing its distinctive flavour. Meals served on heated clay plates or in pots, are not only visually enticing but a culinary delight. Begin your feast with a selection of delectable vegetable, chicken and tandoor starters, samoosas, a choice of no less than seven naan breads and shami kebabs. Mains include a variety of curries and Indian Tandoor items guaranteed to tantalise the tastebuds such as Lamb Rogan Josh - simply mouth watering for those virgin tasters, whilst Lamb Vindaloo is bound to heat things up a few degrees. For seafood lovers, be sure to try the Prawn Korma cooked in an Indian white sauce. Vegetarians will be equally satisfied with their meal, being spoilt for choice with a wide option of curries and tandoor dishes to sample from.

For superb Thai food prepared by skilful chefs in a wonderfully convivial atmosphere, try Chai-yo.Aromatic spices create delicious, flavoursome dishes like the classic Tom Yum soup and the ever popular pad Thai. Each dish comes with a warning as to just how hot they are so diners can find their perfect level.A casual, laid back feel ensures that diners are put completely at ease while enjoying the delicious offerings from the well-planned menu. The decor is simple and uncomplicated, allowing the sumptuous food to take centre-stage.With knowledgeable staff to help diners with their selections, which is particularly helpful to those who are new to Thai cusine, Chai-Yo is the place to be for a brilliant culinary trip to the land of smiles!

A superb Indian restaurant with an emphasis on vegetarian options, Chandani provides delicious authentic food with influences from all over India. Enjoy succulent tandoori dishes and deliciously soft naans and parathas as well as exciting vegetarian options like paneer and brinjal curries. The wine list is carefully compiled to include wines that go perfectly with the Indian fare. The decor is designed with traditional Indian surroundings in mind and features beautiful touches such as a peacock mosaic and decorative lanterns. For a taste of India that you won’t forget, try Chandani.

Boasting over 40 different crepes, the menu entices and tempts with chocolate chilli, apple cinnamon and cream and savoury crepes filled with fresh ingredients. Although sparsely decorated, Crespella does not entertain through décor, but pampers through tantalizing crepes as discovered and indulged by guests who have adorned the walls with their gastronomic comments. Visit Crespella in Lower Main Road, Observatory for some delicious indulgent crepes – a must try visit at least once.

The warm and friendly ambiance blends smoothly with the traditional character tastefully furnished with crisp white napery, upholstered booths and attractive wood and bamboo ceiling. The menu offers substantial dishes and excellent starters such as Tuna Carpaccio and the Antipasto Italiano, which comes highly recommended. Main dishes such as the tender veal is a definite must-try including variety of traditional dishes such as Schnitzel, Piccata and Saltimbocca. Pasta dishes offer plenty for vegetarians and all the pasta is homemade or imported to ensure top quality. Round off the meal with home made sorbets, Crème Bruleé or decadent Tiramisu. The wine list proffers a wide range of Italian wines and an extensive Grappa trolley.

Neptunes Seafood Kitchen is owned and operated by award winning chef Alan Tavares. With an extensive menu offering delectable choices of grilled and low fat meals you can be sure to reap the benefits of seafood. Alongside healthy options, Neptunes serves traditional seafood faire in a dimly lit minimalist setting typical of express seafood. Enjoy seafood platters, tiger prawns in mild chilli rice or traditional battered fish and salt-slaked chips with fresh dollops of tartar Sauce. Pop in for a quick bite or satisfy your craving for good old tasty seafood, Neptunes Seafood Kitchen is located on Rosemead Avenue in Claremont.

As with all Mexican eateries, it’s all about sizzling palates, frozen margaritas and fiery tequilas, enjoyed in an authentic and vibey setting. The menu boasts generous portions and a wide variety of choice, with option of heat levels tailored to suit your palate. Visit Pancho’s for great Mexican food and ice-cold margaritas in Observatory.

The emphasis is on health with additive and MSG free meals brimming with fresh, seasonal produce. The interior is cosy and warm, muted lighting and homely ambiance add to the warm and sublime dining experience. Unique tables imported directly from Korea come in the form of stovetop tables. Guests can select and cook their own meals, a fantastic experience for family and friends. The Stove Top Meals include various options such as the Kimchi-Jeongol - a spicy stew consisting of pork, kimchi and tofu, Mix-Jeongol - a spicy stew consisting of ham, bacon, red beans, tofu and vegetables in a beef stock or the Bulgogi - thin succulent slices of beef, mushrooms and vegetables marinated in soy sauce and served with fresh vegetables and steamed rice. Alternatively diners can choose form the menu with a great selection of starters such as the steamed and fried dumplings, followed by a hearty main meal of seafood-pa-jun (a Korean style, kneaded, pancake topped with spring onions, carrots, onions, prawns, calamari, mussels and crabstick). Park’s Menu Korean Restaurant is an exciting and healthy alternative to traditional dining and is a must try experience for all the friends and family.

Located in Newlands, Tai Ping meaning ‘Peace and Tranquility’ invites with a laid-back mood and relaxed ambiance. The main dining area is brightly painted with blue decorative walls, contrasted by comfortable chairs and light Chinese music. Regular clientele pay homage to talented chefs who prepare authentic Cantonese and Szechaan dishes for all tastes and budgets. Enjoy an authentic lunch or dinner, or celebrate an occasion at Tai Ping Restaurant in Newlands.

With a charming interior warmed by strong combinations of green, yellow and gold walls, Thai World infuses an ambience authentically Thai contrasted by touches of gold reflected in statues and mirrors. This bright pink, surprisingly spacious restaurant boasts a sheltered outdoor patio dressed in chocolate blinds and portable heaters for a cosy and intimate alfresco dining experience. The well-priced menu alongside the Ala Carte service and excellent buffet offers extensive choices to choose from. Starter recommendations include the Sa Tay Kai (skewered chicken with homemade peanut sauce with delightful main course choices of crispy duck stir-fry with vegetables and cashew nuts. Savour the delectable chocolate spring rolls with ice cream, or the grilled banana with honey and ice-cream for desert. With chequered floors, welcoming arches and authentic Thai artefacts, Thai World offers an oasis out of Africa and heavenly cuisine for an intimate Thai experience.

Set amidst the beauty of Constantia Valley, flanked by views of Table Mountain and neighbouring historic Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. The Conservatory boasts nine acres of renowned gardens and vineyards and a stylish restaurant complimented by a historic cellar. The restaurant itself wraps around a 300-year old Oak Tree and boasts a lovely fresh look and old historic feel. Dishes remain classical with a modern twist on local produce, integrated perfectly with the chosen wine from the award winning wine list. Dine indoors with on the terrace at this lovely restaurant in Constantia.

Healthy, Green, Organic, Youth and Long Life is the meaning behind Tsing Asian Fusion’s inspiring logo and this philosophy blends over into the ambience of the restaurant. Serving an extensive variety of Asian cuisine such as the Kung Fu Sushi 30 piece Combo Platter and the Beijing Duck served with pancake, spring onions, cucumber and plum sauce, the options and choices are impressive and full of flavour. With soft relaxing Chinese inspired interior blending into warm wooden furniture and fixtures, Tsing Asian Fusion caters for exotic palates with refreshing authentic Asian beers like Tsing Tao and Kirin served crisp and cold; a complimenting addition to the energetic Asian cuisine. Enjoy the delectable tastes of Asian inspired dishes coupled with friendly, helpful service for an authentic cultural experience, truly Asia.

The menu favours Mexican. Flamboyant dishes dressed in chilies and authentic flavours. The traditional décor and authentic memorabilia set the stage for tantalising dishes that are hot, hot, hot! Vegetarians are spoilt for choice and palates on fire can seek coolness with Mexican beer, tequila and icy cold margarita. Soak up the energy and warmth of Mexico at Zapata in Harfield Village, the perfect place for festive get-togethers.