Johannesburg, South Africa

Johannesburg’s 5 best restaurants (and must-try dishes)

Southern Africa • Eat & drink • Johannesburg’s 5 best restaurants (and must-try dishes)

The best restaurants in Johannesburg

When it comes to food, Johannesburg, or Joburg/Jozi as the locals like to call it, knows how to impress. Johannesburg’s dining scene has evolved into a full-on food adventure, with exciting eateries that offer a variety of global and distinctly South African flavours. No matter what you’re in the mood for, Joburg’s top restaurants have it all and they don’t disappoint. In this guide, we’ll take you on a culinary tour of Johannesburg’s best dining spots, each with a must-try dish. So, if you’re ready to dig into the heart of Jozi’s food scene, this list will lead you to some of the best bites the city has to offer.

Kol Izakhaya

Kōl Izakhaya brings a bit of Tokyo to Joburg, offering an izakhaya-style experience where sharing plates and sipping sake are the name of the game. Known for their traditional Japanese robata grilling, Kōl Izakhaya serves up dishes packed with smoky flavours and high-quality ingredients. Their yakitori skewers are a must – especially the chicken and mushroom options, with a charcoal sear that adds just the right amount of smokiness. Our other favourite is their wagyu kushiyaki, a melt-in-your-mouth experience that pairs beautifully with a round of Japanese sake. The setting feels cosy yet buzzing, with low lights, wooden accents and an open kitchen, making you feel as if you’re dining in Tokyo.

Kōl Izakhaya
Hyde Park Corner Shopping Centre
Jan Smuts and 6th Rd
Hyde Park
Johannesburg
South Africa

Photography courtesy of KōL Izakhaya

Ethos Restaurant

Ethos Restaurant takes classic Mediterranean flavours and spins them into something refreshingly modern and we love the way they do it. Their signature King Crab Tagliolini is a top choice, featuring tender crab in a creamy, herb-infused sauce that’s both decadent and light. Their take on a Mediterranean classic – lamb chops – is also worth the hype. Their wood-fired lamb chops are perfectly charred and accompanied by roasted vegetables that balance out the meal. Yes, the food is important but we have to mention how stunning the restaurant design is – the sleek, airy design, with elegant marble and wooden accents and warm lighting, feels as much a treat for the eyes as it is for the palate.

Ethos Restaurant
Corner Eastwood and Parks Blvd
Rosebank
Johannesburg
South Africa

Photography courtesy of Ethos Restaurant

Momo Kuro

Momo Kuro is a trendy fusion eatery that brings Asian-inspired street food to Johannesburg with creativity and serious flavour. The atmosphere here is fun, casual and bursting with energy – it’s easy to see why this restaurant is a go-to spot for locals on the hunt for Asian-inspired cuisine. This spot’s bao buns are legendary – particularly the soft-shell crab, where the crunch of the crab and the softness of the bun create an addictive combo. We also highly recommend the Kuro Poke Bowl, loaded with fresh tuna, sticky rice, avocado and crunchy vegetables, finished with a savoury soy-based dressing.

Momo Kuro
Secret Stairway
21 Keyes Ave
Rosebank
Johannesburg
South Africa

Photography courtesy of Momo Kuro

Marble Restaurant

At Marble Restaurant every detail – from its signature wood-fired grill to its gallery-like atmosphere – celebrates South African culture with an elevated twist. Marble Restaurant’s focal point is its open-flame grill, imported from Michigan, where Chef David Higgs crafts dishes that are anything but ordinary. The springbok carpaccio is a standout choice as a starter. If you’re a seafood lover, don’t miss the grilled langoustines, served with a fresh herb butter that highlights the delicate, natural flavours. Set on the Keyes Art Mile, the restaurant’s interior is contemporary and stylish, with floor-to-ceiling windows that frame views of the cityscape, offering one of the best sunset views in Joburg. The custom decor features works by South African artists, including ceramics by Peter Mthombeni and photography by Krisjan Rossouw.

Marble Restaurant
Trumpet on Keyes
Corner 19 Keyes and Jellicoe Ave
Rosebank
Johannesburg
South Africa

Photography courtesy of Marble Restaurant

Les Créatifs

Les Créatifs is the creative innovation of chef Wandile Mabaso, a Johannesburg native trained in classic French cuisine. After honing his skills in France under Michelin-starred chefs, Mabaso returned home to create a dining experience that fuses French culinary techniques with South African flavours and ingredients. The Springbok Loin is a must-try, tender and flavorful, served with a sauce made from indigenous herbs and spices that add a uniquely South African twist. We also love their beetroot tartare – a visually striking, plant-based dish that’s as refreshing as it is inventive. Les Créatifs’ decor, filled with bold artwork and greenery, reflects the creative energy behind every dish.