My colleagues and I love to eat out and we go to a restaurant for lunch or dinner at least once a week. That’s why we’ve decided to compile a list of some of our favourite restaurants in the country.
Two Olives, Port Elizabeth
From mezes to mains, Two Olives in Port Elizabeth is definitely a hotspot that offers diners delicious Mediterranean meals that have them coming back for more. Situated on Stanley Street in Richmond Hill, PE’s food hub, Two Olives is the perfect space to have a family meal, or even a dinner for two. We recommend you indulge in the mezes for a starter or the lamb shank spring rolls. Mains range from traditional Greek-style lamb chops to succulent prawns, even and peri-peri chicken. You have to end off your dining experience with the trio of desserts, guaranteed to tantalise your taste buds.
1 Stanley Street, Richmond Hill, Port Elizabeth. 041 585 0371
The Test Kitchen, Cape Town
Luke Dale-Roberts’ award-winning restaurant at the trendy Biscuit Mill is fine dinning at its best. The name was inspired by Luke’s love for experimenting with food and flavours, so you can expect some really tasty and surprising combinations. Lunch is generally laid back with the à la carte menu offering dishes made from fresh, local produce. And dinner – a gastronomic feast with options of three, five or eight courses, which can be paired with wines.
The Old Biscuit Mill, 375 Albert Rd, Cape Town. 021 447 2337. www.thetestkitchen.co.za.
El Burro, Cape Town
This is a great place to go for authentic Mexican cuisine, tequilas, artisan beers and cocktails. The menu – simple authentic Mexican meals alongside bold and adventurous dishes made from the freshest ingredients. We especially love the mole, ceviche, tacos, churros and Mexican Horcha (a Mexican beverage made with rice and flavoured with lime and cinnamon).
1st Exhibition Building, 81 Main Road, Green Point, Cape Town. 021 433 2364. www.elburro.co.za
Nobu, Cape Town
Founded by renowned chef, Nobuyuki ‘Nobu’ Matsuhisa, and situated at the luxurious One & Only Hotel, Nobu offers a world-class dining experience. The menu boasts traditional Japanese cuisine prepared with a contemporary twist.
The food, ambience, service and location make it the best place to blow the budget on sublime Japanese cuisine.
One & Only Hotel, Dock Road, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town. 021 431 4511. restaurantreservations@oneandonlycapetown.com
Reuben’s, Cape Town
Owned by SA’s celebrity chef, Reuben Riffel, this local gem is famous for making beautifully plated, tasty and textured food with punchy flavours. Dishes are also made from seasonal produce and the service is outstanding.
One & Only Hotel, Dock Road, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town. 021 431 4511. restaurantreservations@oneandonlycapetown.com
B’s Steakhouse, Hermanus
B’s Steakhouse is a warm and welcoming restaurant with excellent food and service. Considered by many locals as the best steakhouse in Hermanus – the proof is definitely in the bite at B’s. It has been awarded the regional title for “Steakhouse of the Year” for two consecutive years.
No. 5 Hemel-en-Aarde Village, Hermanus, Overberg, Western Cape
Pigalle, Johannesburg
With restaurants at the Michelangelo Towers and Melrose Arch, Pigalle is one of Johannesburg’s premium restaurants.
Pigalle’s menu is carefully planned to offer fresh, tasty and generous portions of seafood and Portuguese dishes such as the lobster thermidor – a signature dish of Pigalle. For those who don’t like seafood, a variety of meat, poultry and game dishes also feature on the menu.
www.pigallerestaurant.co.za
The Leopard, Johannesburg
Renowned chef, Andrea Burgener’s The Leopard is a quirky, inviitng restaurant situated in Melville. The menu is as unconventional as the chef, featuring a bit of Asian, African and Italian inspiration – perfect for those with an adventurous palate.
63A, 4th Avenue, (corner 5th Street), Melville. 011 482 9356. admin@leopardfoodcompany.com
Licorish, Johannesburg
For affordable, good-quality food with great flavours, we love Licorish. One of our favourite dishes at this beautiful bistro in Bryanston is the chili salt squid with mayo. A must try when you are there – the trio of either meat or fish specialty dishes. For those who love variety, Licorish also offers small portions of three different dishes on the menu.
432 Nicolway Bryanston, Cnr Wedgewood Link and William Nicol Drive, Bryanston. 011 706 0991 / 076 350 5475. www.licorish.co.za
DW Eleven-13, Johannesburg
Repeatedly featured on the list of top restaurants in the country, DW Eleven-13 has an ever-evolving menu of moorish, hearty food that is absolutely delicious. With opulent decor and excellent service, it is the perfect treat for that special someone or when celebrating just about any occasion.
Dunkeld West Shopping Centre, Cnr Jan Smuts & Bompass Street, Dunkeld West.
011 341 0663. www.dw11-13.co.za
Parreirinha, South of Johannesburg
Parreirinha is one of Jozi’s best-kept secret. For those who are used to fine dinning in leafy suburbs and exquisite hotels, don’t let the area fool you when it comes to Parreirinha – it’s what’s inside that counts. This family-owned authentic Portuguese restaurant in Rosettenville has the best prawns in Johannesburg. Nothing beats it! We also love to indulge in the prawn cakes and Bacalhau na Braza (a traditional dish of cod on the braai). If you enjoy fresh, tasty, authentic Portuguese food in a relaxed setting, make a reservation at Parreirinha – you wont be disappointed. We advise you to take some extra cash so you can buy some homemade peri-peri sauce, coffee beans, prawn cakes and other goodies at the market on the property.
9 6th St, Rosettenville, Johannesburg. 011 435 3809. parrjo@mweb.co.za
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