10 Best Designed Restaurants In South Africa

South Africa has an extremely diverse dining scene, from haute cuisine to casual eateries, so there’s something for every foodie.

1. BOSJES Kombuis

Bistro, South African, Vegetarian, Vegan

Expect bistro style food, from fish cakes to pasta and traditional desserts

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.

2. Brian Lara Rum Eatery

Bar, Restaurant, Caribbean, Cocktails, Wine, Beer

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.

3. Hell's Kitchen

Bar, Craft Ale Bar, Restaurant, South African

Think 1920’s New York speakeasy glamour, rock ‘n roll, meat, and craft beer

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.

5. Perron: Mexican Appreciation Society

Restaurant, Bar, Mexican, South African, Vegetarian, Vegan

Share the selection of flavoursome tappas while sipping on margaritas

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.

6. The Shortmarket Club

Bar, Restaurant, Market, Contemporary, Steakhouse, French, Asian

The open kitchen features a braai barbecue section

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.

7. Makaron Restaurant

Restaurant, Contemporary, European, Vegetarian, Vegan

The food is seasonal and now includes a Sunday buffet

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.

8. The Ocean Terrace

Hotel Restaurant, Restaurant, Contemporary, Seafood, South African

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.

9. The Pot Luck Club

Bar, Restaurant, Vegetarian, Vegan, South African

To see the chefs in action, sit at the bar overlooking the kitchen

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.

10. Tashas Nelson Mandela Square

Restaurant, Restaurant with Rooms, Contemporary, Healthy, South African, Vegetarian, Vegan

The Flamingo Room is great for cocktails

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.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.