A holiday is complete if you do not experience its local food and explore the popular restaurants of the place. South Africa is not an exception in this regard. Popular cities in South Africa are adorned with various restaurants, serving different cuisines and recipes. From local to continental, American to Mexican; you can find everything if you explore the top-rated restaurants in South Africa.
Are you muddled about shortlisting the restaurants? Fret not. We have got it sorted for you, in the list of best places to eat in South Africa.
Top 15 Restaurants In South Africa
You must visit these restaurants in Cape Town for having the best of famous African dishes and ambience!
1. Pigalle Restaurant: Of Fresh Seafood And Delicious Steaks
Elegant décor, superb food, live band, and buzzing dance floor; what else you want to make your evening dazzling and memorable? Pigalle Restaurant is among the top 15 restaurants in South Africa that features everything. Pigalle is a famed name in the restaurant industry in South Africa, that owns 3 more fine dining restaurants in Sandton, Bedfordview and Melrose Arch, other than Cape Town. Much popular for steak and seafood, this place has the best variants of Mediterranean and European recipes in the city.
Location: Somerset Square, 57 Somerset Rd, Green Point, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa
Must try: Chalmar steak, Ostrich steak, Crème brule and Kingklip
Opening hours: 12 noon to 2:30 pm and 6:30 pm to 10:30 pm
Website | Reviews
2. Seven Spur Steak Ranch: The Steak House In Cape Town
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Seven Spur Steak Ranch is a popular restaurant franchises in South Africa, known for super tasty burgers, ribs and steaks. Located at Sea Point, this is the most visited spur restaurant South Africa possess. The restaurant features an expansive dining area, perfect for family dinner, kid’s parties, private dinners and corporate events. Moreover, they have a designated activity area for kids-The Play Canyon; which ensures that the children do not have a dull moment here.
Location: 11 Arthurs Rd, Sea Point, Cape Town, 8060, South Africa
Must try: Pork ribs, Rib burger and Char-grilled steak.
Opening hours: 9 am to 10 pm
Website | Reviews
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3. The Test Kitchen: A Restaurant Of Its Kind
The Test Kitchen is one of the best restaurants in Cape Town South Africa that offers classy fine dining experience. Opened in 2010, this is the brainchild of Chef Dale Roberts and comprises of the unique concept of Dark Room and Light Room. The Light Room is for tasting menu and informal chitchat, while the Dark Room is formal and meant for private and cozy dining. If you want to savor sumptuous dishes and try out one of the best fine dining restaurants in South Africa, The Test Kitchen.
Location: The Old Biscuit Mill, 375 Albert Rd, Woodstock, Cape Town, 7915, South Africa
Must try: Amuse bouche, Chargrilled scallops and Lamb sweetbread
Opening hours: 6:30 pm to 9 pm. The restaurant is closed on Sundays and Mondays.
Website | Reviews
4. Ristorante La Trinita: Mouth-Watering Italian Delicacies
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In the league of best Italian restaurant in South Africa, this one occupies a top position. Perfectly set at the ground floor of Kyalami Downs Shopping Centre, Ristorante La Trinita is a clear winner, when it comes to authentic and incredible Italian recipes. Starting from a sumptuous menu, elegant décor to super prompt service; all these features have made it one of the best restaurants in South Africa and have helped it to win plenty of prestigious awards and recognitions such as Zomato User’s Choice, Certificate of Excellence by Trip Advisor, Top Choice Restaurant in Johannesburg and one among the 101 best places to eat in the World and is one of the best pizza restaurants in South Africa.
Location: G1A, Kyalami Downs Shopping Centre, Kyalami Boulevard & Main Rd, Kyalami Park, Midrand, 1684, South Africa
Must try: Springbok carpaccio, Panzerotti and Panna Cotta
Opening hours: 12 noon to 3 pm and 5: 30 pm to 10 pm, on all days except Mondays.
Website | Reviews
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5. Marble Restaurant: For A Perfect Fine Dining Experience
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Situated in Keyes Art Mile- the buzzing Art and Food hub in Johannesburg, Marble Restaurant is an upscale South African restaurant, that specialises in local and contemporary food. The classy décor and ambiance and the well-designed menu and handpicked wine collection by David Higgs will make sure, you come back here again and again.
Location: Trumpet on Keyes, 19 Keyes Ave, Rosebank, Johannesburg, 2196, South Africa
Must try: Tuna tacos, Pork belly and Grilled octopus
Opening hours: 12 noon to 10 pm
Website | Reviews
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6. Havana Grill: Heaven For Non-Vegetarians
If you are fond of grilled food and steaks; this is the place for you. One of the top fast food restaurants in South Africa, Havana Grill is situated within the Suncoast Casino Hotel complex and offers best in class steaks, grills, meat and seafood. Boasting of the most delicious food and wine collections and unmatched views from Bluff to Umhlanga Rocks; Havana Grill is a must visit South African restaurant, that one should keep in the wish list.
Location: 42, Suncoast Casino, Battery Beach Rd, North Beach, Durban, 4001, South Africa
Must try: Prawn salad, Seafood platter and T bone steak
Opening hours: 12 noon to 3 pm and 6 pm to 10 pm
Website | Reviews
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7. Butcher Boys Florida Road: Best Place To Enjoy Beef In Durban
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Way back in 1991, Laz and Derryck planned starting a restaurant in South Africa called Butcher Boys Florida Road. Presently, this is one of the best steak houses in Durban and have gained tremendous popularity. The meat here is of fine quality and absolutely fresh. Moreover, when served with in-house basting sauce and handpicked vintage wine, it turns out to be a surreal affair. This is the only one among the popular restaurants in South Africa, that owns an in-house butchery, where you can always customise the meat cut.
Location: 170 Florida Rd, Morningside, Durban, 4001, South Africa
Must try: Any beef dish. Moreover, you can also try Creamed spinach, Calamari Cajun and Cheese prawns.
Opening hours: 12 noon to 10 pm. Only on Sundays, the restaurant closes at 9: 30 pm.
Website | Reviews
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8. La Petite Colombe: Of Wine And Lively Ambiance
When we are listing top restaurants in South Africa, we cannot miss La Petite Colombe. This is a fascinating place with amazing tasting menu, customised as per season and best wine collection. Moreover, meeting the chef and tasting his special recipes and palate cleansers are additional bonus here. Undoubtedly, this is one of the best restaurants in Franschhoek South Africa, that serves vegan and gluten free variants as well and is one of the most amazing vegan restaurants in South Africa.
Location: Le quartier Francais Hotel, Franschhoek, South Africa
Must try: Wagyu beef, Yellowfin tuna and Pan seared line fish
Opening hours: 12 noon to 10 pm
Website | Reviews
9. Old Townhouse Restaurant: For A Quick Grab
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Among the must-visit restaurants in George South Africa, Old Townhouse is a cozy family run set up, boasting of warmth and courteous hospitality. The owner couple play the role of a perfect host and takes personal care of each and every guest. Detailed and well-thought menu, decent crowd and lovely ambiance make it one of the must-visit fast food restaurants in South Africa.
Location: 94 York St, George Central, George, 6530, South Africa
Must try: Springbok Shank, Snail bread and Biltong spring rolls
Opening hours: On all days, except Sundays, from 12 noon to 11 pm.
Website | Reviews
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10. Cuisine Afrique Restaurant & Venue: Local Delicacies
Ending South Africa vacation without savouring local food is a half-hearted feeling. So, if you are craving for authentic local food, search no more and visit Cuisine Afrique Restaurant & Venue. This is one of the top-rated restaurants in Boksburg South Africa, that specialises in flavoursome African cuisine. Other than delicious food and crafted beer, this place is also famous for social parties, bonfire, live music, open-air dining and candle-lit dinners. Serving wholesome breakfast, lunch and dinner, Cuisine Afrique Restaurant & Venue is that South African restaurant, that you should experience at least once.
Location: 20 Asquith Rd, Ravenswood, Boksburg, 1459, South Africa
Must try: Oxtail, Eisbein and Amuse bouche
Opening hours: 6: 30 am to 10 pm. On Sundays the restaurant is open from 7 am to 4 pm
Website | Reviews
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11. Mosaic At The Orient: French Fine Dining
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The Mosaic is housed in The Orient Hotel and serves exquisite, seasonal dishes like Earth and Clouds. It is a blend of sauteed mushrooms with black truffle foam and potato puree. Another famous delicacy that this place offers is quail tempura with tamarind syrup. You can also relish some of the best wine available in South Africa.
Location: Francolin Avenue | The Orient Hotel, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
Must Try: Earth and Clouds
Opening Hours: 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Website | Reviews
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12. The Restaurant At Waterkloof: Savor Classic Dishes
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The restaurant whets the appetite with contemporary classic dishes complemented by the finest wines of South Africa. Their chef emphasis on using fresh ingredients such as free-range eggs and a diverse range of vegetables and rare herbs many of which are there own produce.
Location: Sir Lowry’s Pass Village Street, Somerset West, Cape Town, 7129, South Africa
Must Try: Mauritius Seabass
Opening Hours: 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM, 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Website | Reviews
13. DW Eleven 13: Try Experimental Delicacies
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DW – Eleven 13 is considered as one of the best restaurants in Johannesburg, South Africa. It offers some of the greatest experimental cuisines to its diners. They are popular among food lovers due to their capability of creating distinct flavors in the familiar dishes.
Location: Dunkeld West Shopping Centre, Jan Smuts Ave, Dunkeld West, Johannesburg, 2193, South Africa
Opening Hours: 12:00 PM – 2:30 PM, 6:30 PM – 10:30 PM
Website | Reviews
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14. The Pot Luck Club: Relish Innovative Dishes
Perched on the top floor of the Silo of the Old Biscuit Mill, The Pot Luck Club opened in 2013 and has gained the title of the coolest place to be in Cape Town. It acquired success due to innovative cuisines and a relaxed environment. Numerous diners spend their time in the evening with their friends & loved ones and savor elegant dishes.
Location: The Silo, The Old Biscuit Mill, 373-375 Albert Rd, Woodstock, Cape Town, 7915, South Africa
Must Try: Truffle and Asparagus tart fine, Porcini Hollandaise and Poached Quail Eggs
Opening Hours: 12:30 PM – 2:00 PM, 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Website | Reviews
15. Camphors: Try Dishes At This Exceptional Restaurant
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The word Camphors has been taken from the ancient Camphor trees which provide a green look to the surroundings. Similarly, the restaurant is sprawled in a large area overlooking expansive lawns. It is included in the top 21 exceptional South African restaurants. You can try out some of the best seasonal dish varieties along with classical wines.
Location: Lourensford Rd, Golden Acre, Somerset West, 7130, South Africa
Opening Hours: 12:00 AM – 2:30 PM, 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Website | Reviews
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Frequently Asked Questions About Restaurants In South Africa
How many restaurants are there in South Africa?
There are around 85,000 restaurants in South Africa out of which 57,000 are street stalls and approximately 9,000 are full-service restaurants.
What do people mostly eat in South Africa?
South Africans eat not just beef but goat, chicken, mutton and other meats too. On weekends usually South African families have a “Braai” which consists of “pap and vleis” which is maize meal and grilled meat.
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