Upper Houghton Restaurants

Appetising and appealing brimming with inspirational signature dishes, diners discover personal attention and a large selection of culinary delights that cater for all occasions. Enjoy an unforgettable dining experience in elegance and style. Inspired by fresh ingredients and contemporary food trends, the dishes remain simple and fresh, yet appetising and inspirational. From fresh continental breakfasts, daily buffets and a la carte dinner menu, delectable dishes grace the palate complimented by a diversity of flavours. Start the day with silky eggs Benedict or a delicious deli style lunch that remain light, healthy and wholesome. Dinner boasts succulent dishes such as the beef fillet and fresh line fish alongside other gourmet delights. 10 2nd Avenue Houghton Estate inspires an unforgettable dining experience that embraces fresh and whole contemporary food trends.

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.

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.

Boasting exquisite dining in light and airy surrounds, Kirsten at Wellington’s secures high class service and decadent selection of mouth-watering cuisine. Dine alfresco or indoors sampling delights such as delicious Italian pasta dishes, authentic Portuguese, Greek Moussaka and Lamb, tender, falling off the bone and seasoned with aromatic spices and wine. Kirsten at Wellington’s is hidden gem waiting to be discovered, on Wellington Road in Parktown.

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.

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.

This superb Portuguese restaurant has been running for more than ten years and it’s easy to see why. Offering not only traditional Portuguese dishes, but also more unusual Mozambican cuisine, this friendly restaurant provides a memorable dining experience. Although there is no actual wine list, there is a decent selection of popular South African and Portuguese wines to choose from in a well-placed corner cabinet. The cosy, unpretentious ambience is further enhanced by Mozambican hut murals on the walls. Unique and welcoming, A Palhota provides a truly relaxed dining experience with great food, great service and a great atmosphere.

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.

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.

La Bella Terrasse offers outstanding cuisine wrapped in forest canopy and sweeping views. Distinction dining at its best, this restaurant secured the most sought after location alongside festive delicacies and extensive wine list. The myriad array of delicacies sets the pace for languid dining over breakfast, lunch and dinner. Dine in sweeping surrounds, flanked by forests and backdrop of glittering night skies at La Bella Terrasse in Jan Smuts Avenue, Johannesburg.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Located amidst the hustle and bustle of Cyrildene, Fisherman’s Plate brightens the dining experience with bright blue walls and dapples of orange fishes wrapped in modest décor. Seafood lovers take delight in unpretentious surrounds and gastronomic seafood fair complimented by a small but average wine list. The menu serves deep-fried salt, garlic prawns, whole fish and famous crab served black pepper, chilli or Malaysian-style coconut milk. Amongst other delights if you taste buds lean towards land, then try the ‘three cup’ sweet chicken and sticky spare ribs. Dine in unpretentious surrounds amidst the contented chatter of satisfied customers at this cosy and welcoming seafood paradise, Fisherman’s Plate.

Located in Cyrildene Centre, Sai Thai Restaurant lurks hidden charm, dressed in ornate artefacts, good luck charms and vintage photographs of the Royal Family. Rich gold and maroon hues enhance the traditional Thai ambiance complimented by an extensive menu filled with lovely fresh Thai food. The outstanding tom yum goong is thick and flavourful, as is the signature pad Thai and minced pork stir-fry, concluded by decadent creamed coconut and fresh mango for dessert and the freshest juices. Awarded 2 Dine Awards, Top 10 Everyday Restaurants for 2008 and Top 100 Restaurants 2008, Sai Thai needs delivers exceptional Thai cuisine to the wagging palates of Jozi Foodies.

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.