It seems like the low-carb, high-fat trend is here to stay, and there’s no doubt as to why so many have converted their lifestyles to adhere to it. Luckily, there’s no more missing out on lavish brunch dates (or even pizza, for that matter). Here’s our round up of banting-friendly restaurants in Johannesburg you have to try.
Corner Café in Craighall Park is an everyday favourite. Outside seating adds to the relaxed feel and the menu includes local fare that’s fresh and homemade. Although the focus isn’t on banting per say, there are many options to choose from. Think butternut, basil and blue cheese salad or beef fillet served with melanzane, a burnt butter and sage cream sauce and tomato salsa.
Arbour Café and Courtyard is a quaint restaurant with outdoor seating and loads of greenery to emphasise the peaceful atmosphere. The French style dishes include pan seared salmon with a citrus and black sesame seed crust served with creamed avocado, rib-eye steak, lamb-cutlets and more.
Park Café is a highly recommended breakfast spot in The Parks Centre. They’ll easily adapt dishes to suit your needs but the large menu already includes many banting-friendly options. All breakfasts are available sans toast and include hearty portions of poached eggs, bacon, smoked salmon and more.
JB’s Corner caters to everyone’s needs, especially the banters out there. They have a huge variety of options, including banting-friendly pizzas, grills, salads, many breakfast varieties and more. The drinks menu is also impressive. The franchise is found all over the city, step into just about any big shopping centre and you’re bound to find a branch.
There’s no need to decline an invite to a pizza restaurant just because you’re banting. Casalottis Pizza Rapido in Craighall Park specialises in gourmet pizzas and have included cauliflower and zucchini bases to their menu. Try the Holy Cow pizza, topped with pulled beef, cherry tomato, rocket, yoghurt and avo.
The Fresh Earth Café & Restaurant is a vegetarian, vegan, raw, gluten free and banting friendly deli and is your one-stop-shop for all things banting. Whether you’re after groceries or takeaways, you’ll find it here. From muffins to rusks and wraps, they even have a banting-friendly Christmas cake so you don’t miss out over the festive season.
Voodoo Lily Café in Birdhaven is a popular choice when after a bite to eat. The menu is large and includes something for everyone, including banters. From carb free breakfasts, and we’re talking more than just bacon and eggs, to delicious mains of salmon, salads, steaks and more. You can also build your own breakfast using different ingredients to complement your taste.
Pizza and pasta is the name of the game at popular pizzeria franchise Col’Cacchio. Luckily, banters don’t have to feel left out. Their carb-conscious menu includes pasta, pizza and even dessert. Pizza bases are cleverly made using cauliflower, psyllium husks, flax seeds, egg and a dusting of coconut flour.
Belle’s is one of the most renowned patisseries in Johannesburg, frequented by locals for their sweet treats and decadent bakes. They have however extended their offering to include low carb, healthy options. Expect tasty breakfasts like coconut quinoa porridge and salmon open omelettes. The watermelon salad is perfect when brunching on hot summer days and Fran’s low carb cheesecake on an almond crust is the ideal banting dessert.
The Fat Zebra in Linden is great for leisurely breakfast dates as banters can pick and choose the ingredients as they please. When it comes to lunch and dinner there are many dishes to choose from including beef fillet and sliced rump, a banting burger served on greens instead of a roll and the tapas menu allows patrons a variety of flavours.