12 Top Steak Houses in Johannesburg

Butcher Block source their meat from one of the most renowned suppliers in the country and as such promises to serve only the best cuts. Try the BBC, choose between rump or sirloin and have it topped with pan-fried bacon, biltong shavings, melted mature cheddar and mozzarella. And don’t forget to check out the impressive wine list.

Chaplin’s has been a Johannesburg favourite since its opening in Melville in 1980. The restaurant moved to Hurlingham in 2012 and although the location changed, quality stayed the same. Their Châteaubriand is a must, but leave room for dessert because the chocolate pudding shouldn’t be skipped.

What started as a market stall quickly grew to become one of the most loved restaurants in Johannesburg. Che Argentine Grill was opened by Oscar and Bernardo, two South American locals who fell in love with South Africa and its love for meat. All their meat dishes are cooked on the grill in course salt and served with their flagship Chimi Churri sauce, which perfectly complements each meal.

The first Hinterland Meat Merchant opened in Pretoria and quickly gained ground as one of the top places to go when after a juicy steak. Expect a wide variety of meat cuts as well as starters, salads, sauces and desserts. Hinterland also sells meat and wine to the public on order.

Situated in the centre of Sandton, opposite the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, The Bull Run is one of the top lunch and dinner spots in the area. The menu is extensive and there’s a butchery on site so patrons can select prime cuts to take home.

The Grillhouse, in The Firs Shopping Centre, is situated next to the popular Katzy’s Jazz Bar and has been voted Leisure Options’ Best Independent Steakhouse five years in a row. The Grillhouse is known for their amazing steaks and succulent ribs, but the large menu has something on offer for everyone.

Another award-winning steakhouse, The Local Grill is one of the most recommended restaurants in Johannesburg. Book for their test kitchen to experience the best of what they have to offer. Seated in a private dining room, guests will taste everything from starters to prime cuts and of course, desserts.

The Meat Co. in Montecasino is the perfect restaurant when catching dinner and show. Steak of your choice is served with a unique basting, pepper crusted or natural and, if you’re after something a bit more gourmet, choose between specialities like fillet Mignon or grilled rump with escargot.

The Thunder Gun menu has remained pretty much unchanged for the past 40 years, which is testament to its success. Patrons return to the steakhouse to chow down on delicious steaks, including the ever so popular Amour Fillet which is filled with tangy cheddar cheese.

Trumps was the first ever restaurant to open on the now bustling Nelson Mandela Square in Sandton. Since their establishment in 1994 the menu has been revamped and updated and includes only the best quality meat cuts. Apart from more common prime cuts, Trumps also serves Kobe style Wagyu beef and have an onsite butcher.

Turn ‘n Tender opened its first restaurant in 1977 in Johannesburg, and since then has expanded to over 15 branches country wide. The extensive menu includes a ‘steaks of the world’ section and patrons can choose to have their steak accompanied by typical South African, French, American or Spanish toppings. If, however, you prefer your steak topping free, all the regulars also feature.

Wombles is another Johannesburg gem and a favourite among locals. The restaurant is decorated in a colonial style and serves a wide variety of steaks accompanied by seasonable veggies. Try the steak tartar – it’s dished up at your table and is great to share as a starter.