South Africa is known as the rainbow nation and this is reflected in our food, with a plethora of vibrant cuisines on offer both in the big cities and small stopover towns. In a country where small town cooking often rivals that of world class restaurants, you''re never far from a memorable dining experience.
The key factor that makes SA so great for eating out is the consistently great food across the many styles of eateries. Every day casual eating is great here, you don’t have to go to the (world top 10) Test Kitchen for a fab foodie experience.
From MCC tours and craft gin bars to cupcake & wine tastings, from impeccably fresh seafood to the traditional South African braai, you won''t struggle for options. Your only struggle will be trying to cram all these mouth-watering experiences into a short space of time.
Where to eat in Durban
With its mild weather, relaxed ocean vibe and recently renewed inner city, Durban is buzzing with fabulous eateries offering everything from gourmet burgers to street food. Once known only for curries and ''bunny chow''*. Durban has come along way down the path of gastronomic pleasure.
Must try: bunny chow is a traditional South African dish that originated in Durban. Unlike the name, it has nothing to do with rabbit, but is instead a hollowed out half loaf of bread filled with curry. The curry is usually mutton, lamb or chicken, however vegetarian options have become increasingly popular.
- Republik – gourmet burgers, craft beers and comedy or live music on some evenings.
- 9th Avenue Bistro – peak fine dining and one of the best places to do it in the country. Expect cutting edge gastronomy and works of art on a plate.
- Berea market – for all-day brekkie that can be enjoyed in a gorgeous enclosed courtyard (the cinnamon hotcakes served with banana, crème fraiche and honey are beyond delicious, as is the French toast croissant topped with honey-glazed bacon and passion fruit curd – the diet can start tomorrow).
- Art’s Café – caters for everyone from vegetarians to banters and kids. Located in an art gallery with a secure and supervised play area, so you can enjoy your breakfast without worrying about the little people.
- Surf Riders Café – coffee, food served all day, craft beer and cocktails. Situated blow Xpressions on the Beach where you can hire bikes or SUPs.
- Afros Chicken – a yellow shipping container you can’t miss. Great coffee and the most tender chicken ever.
Where to drink in Durban
- Lucky Shaker Cocktail Bar – quirky pineapple-inspired décor, classic cocktails and fresh inventions. New whiskey and G&T featured every week.
- El Toro – step aside craft beer because this place is all about craft COCKTAILS (and imported tequilas).
- The Chairman - a suave ensemble of whiskey, jazz and uber luxury amid the historic, crumbling edifices of the Point development area.
Where to eat in Johannesburg
Jozi, the city of gold that is also South Africa''s ''capital of cool'' according to GQ Magazine. There is no shortage of trendy restaurants, bars and cafes to explore on your stopover before you head out on safari.
- Pappchinos: brilliant family restaurant with huge playgrounds that offer kids the opportunity to make their own pizzas.
- Taste of Punjab: for curries, butter chicken and mouth-watering Indian cuisine.
- Pablo Eggs Go Bar: breakfast every day on Melville’s famous 7th street - try their signarure Red Shakshuka with Yemen Flat Bread.
- Market on Main on Sundays: weekly at Arts on Main in Maboneng, great for street food and picking up local designer arts and crafts.
- Neighbourgoods Market: Find every possible cuisine on offer and pick and choose your way through the market on a Saturday morning.
- Che: fantastic for Argentinian grills, with all the meat cooked on open coals.
- Gabriella’s Tea Room: for breakfast, light lunches and cake - inspired by owner Gabriella''s life, featuring combination of European Culture and Hungarian and Italian traditions.
- Foundry: best for breakfast on Saturdays from 8-11am and live music on Sundays.
- Coobs: an eclectic bistro featuring refined farm-inspired dishes with ingredients from their farm in the nearby Magaliesberg mountains.
- The Local Grill: for fine meat that follows strict ''field to fork'' principles.
- Est Est Alea: a fine dining tasting restaurant from the chef behind Cube Tasting Kitchen.
Where to drink in Johannesburg
- Champagne bar at the top of 54 on Bath: perfect for sundowners as you overlook the terrace garden.
- Origin: coffee shop franchise for serious coffee drinkers.
- Publik Wine Bar: a cult classic featuring artisanal wines from lesser-known producers, along with charcuterie, cheeses and other snacks.
- 4th Ave Coffee Roasters: sounds like New York, feels like New York...is it New York?!
- Father Coffee, Doubleshot and the cafe at Wits Art Museum: all located in Braamfontein, which is enjoying its status as Joburg''s coffee capital.
Where to Eat in Cape Town
It''s easy to be overwhelmed with the sheer volume of amazing eateries in Cape Town. From fine dining in the Winelands at some of the best restaurants in the world, to fish & chips at an outdoor takeaway shop in Hout Bay, the Mother City has it all and then some. Here are just a few mentions on a list that should run into the hundreds...
- Dunes Beach Restaurant: great for families, featuring an outdoor section with beach sand and a jungle gym. You can sink your feet into the sand at your table and watch the waves while the kids enjoy the play area.
- Delaire Graff Estate: for a night of fine dining in absolute style.
- Sawadee: for delicious Thai food.
- Cafe Roux: another family favourite, this Noordhoek restaurant has an outdoor playground and hosts regular live music nights with local artists - make sure you book early for these.
- 91 in Seapoint Main Road: serves up authentic Indian cuisine in a vibrant modern setting.
- La Petit Colombe: fine dining tasting restaurant in Franschhoek.
- Fish On The Rocks: takeaway fish & chips on Hout Bay harbour - voted by locals as the best in town.
- Kyoto Garden: serene and sophisticated with chefs who are wholly dedicated to their craft.
- Lookout Deck: fresh seafood and sushi overlooking Hout Bay Harbour.
- Test Kitchen: winner of Best Restaurant in Africa 2018, Best in South Africa from 2012-2015 and #22 on Best in the World - need we say more?
- Borruso''s: sorry Italians, South Africans do pizza right! This is the best pizza in Cape Town, period.
Where to Drink in Cape Town
- Gin tasting at Devon Valley Hotel: sit on the terrace in summer at this Stellenbosch staple and try combinations such as Blaauwklippen Triple Africa Botanicals Gin with rosemary, cranberry juice & dried cranberries, or Cape Town Rooibos Gin with lemon ice tea, lemon slices and mint.
- Beer Tasting at Spier''s Hoghouse BBQ and Bakery: feast on smoked meats, onion rings, onion salads and chilli poppers along with your craft beer tasting.
- Blend your own wine at Middlevlei Wines: taste and blend your own wine at Middelvlei wine estate and enjoy a South African braai for lunch.
- Cupcake and Wine pairing at Delheim Estate: just when you thought wine pairings couldn''t get any more creative.
- Kloof House: a Victorian house in a fairy-lit garden that serves every kind of cocktail infusion known to man.
- Nougat and sparkling wine tasting at JC Le Roux: orange peel nougat paired with Pinot Noir, cranberry nougat with Pinot Noir Rosé - it''s a taste sensation.
- MMC tours: there are a variety of tours that take you on exclusive MMC tastings along the Stellenbosch wine route - get in touch and we''ll send you details.
Not sure where to start? We get it - we live here and sometimes we feel the same! Our local knowledge and authentic experiences will help guide you. Get in touch with our consultants today and we''ll create a personalised foodie guide that fits your trip.
Photo Credits:
Durban Images: Food-blog.co.za
Cape Town Images: thetravelmanuel.com
Joahnnesburg Images: neighbourgoods market and thetravelmanuel.com