10 Best Designed Restaurants in South Africa

BOSJES Kombuis boasts high ceilings, glass walls, and a wooden terrace for al fresco dining. The striking outdoor mural features a Delft-inspired design and is called the Bosjes Tree of Life, referring to the fauna and flora in the surrounding area.

This chilled out eatery in the heart of Linden is perfect for after work drinks, and the small menu mostly consists of tropical-themed food. The decor is indicative of a Caribbean bar, with potted palms and a fully stacked bar, including plenty of rum, of course.

Hell’s Kitchen is a bar/eatery in Melville that serves a mean plate of ribs and has live music on weekends. Black and white posters of musicians, skulls, and deer antlers dot the walls and the checkered floor adds to the old-school feel.

The space beautifully pulls together a palette of charcoal and warm honey tones, from minimal timber tables to chairs upholstered in oyster-colored leather. The walls are adorned with contemporary art inspired by plants, fruit, and nature, creating a feeling of complete harmony between the food and décor.

Perron serves true Mexican food in the heart of Johannesburg. The interior is bright, filled with striking accessories and tones of warm pink and turquoise dominate while florals are evident throughout the scheme.

The Shortmarket Club on Bree Street is reminiscent of a 50s steakhouse, and although the menu includes a few Asian touches, it’s mostly bistro inspired. It’s a buzzing restaurant with opulent yet understated décor and separate dining and bar areas.

The upmarket interior at Makaron is super stylish but quirky and comfortable at the same time. The restaurant has a minimalist feel but with a South African design element, evident in the splashes of color, indigenous flowers, and more.

The Ocean Terrace Restaurant at the Oyster Box Hotel serves a bistro-style menu and is great for casual dining. The detailed interior is filled with unique pieces, from the tiles to the paddle fans, and the view of the lighthouse is spectacular.

The Pot Luck Club serves innovative cuisine in a relaxed environment. The décor is edgy with the open-plan kitchen as the focus point, illuminated by lights, giving the impression of a stage.

This popular branch of Tashas is great for any-time-of-day eating, drinking, and meeting, and evokes a sense of 1920s glam with an African touch. The beautiful accessories and finishes add to the glitzy atmosphere.