The Best Restaurants in South Africa: A Culinary Guide

South Africa is a country that has eternally spoken to the senses of curious travellers: the scent of wild fynbos on a Cape breeze, the shimmer of sunlight across vineyard rows, the gentle slap of waves along Durban’s wild coast. And then there’s the food: bold, unapologetic, and endlessly inventive. Naturally, much of the country’s magic is found on a plate. So, whether you’re in the planning stages of your luxury escape or wandering its sun-drenched cities, you’ll want to know the best restaurants in South Africa.

We’ve collaborated with our friends on the ground - Tour d’Afrique - to create this guide on where to eat, sip, and work time into your itinerary to savour. Though we haven’t personally tasted every bite (...yet), this list combines thorough research, insider tips, and a dash of imagination to point you toward unforgettable meals. From Cape Town’s avant-garde bistros to Johannesburg’s cosmopolitan gems, Durban’s seaside treasures to the Garden Route’s seafood havens, here’s your map to a South African experience rooted in great plates.

Cape Town & Atlantic Seaboard: Flavour Meets Flair

Cape Town is a city of contrasts: mountain and sea, historic streets and sleek modernity. Its dining scene mirrors this wonderful dichotomy – it’s refined yet playful, bold yet subtle. Here are the top 5 restaurants in Cape Town we think should be on your radar:

FYN

Sat on the fifth floor at Speakers Corner, FYN is a study in contrast: South Africa’s raw and wild spirit translated into modern cuisine. Plates are sculptural, flavours are layered and sometimes audacious – think Cape lobster with a hint of smoke, or venison paired with indigenous herbs. The wine list is nothing short of impeccable, featuring some of the country’s most celebrated vintages. Dining here feels a little like theatre, but it doesn’t scrimp on taste in the slightest. It’s an experience that demands attention.

The Pot Luck Club

Set atop the Old Biscuit Mill, The Pot Luck Club is a lively, if not slightly anarchic playground for the taste buds. Chef Luke Dale-Roberts’ small plates are inventive and ever-changing, and designed to be shared. There’s a sense of joyous chaos as diners peer into the busy kitchen, all steam rising, sauces flying, and laughter echoing. It’s edgy, it’s playful, and it’s undeniably one of the best restaurants in Cape Town South Africa for those who love food with a side of atmosphere and buzz.

La Colombe

Consistently hailed as one the best restaurants in South Africa, La Colombe in Constantia is the epitome of understated elegance. French technique meets South African terroir, so you’ll find a menu of rare vegetables, seafood flown in from local waters, and meats sourced with care. Each tasting menu holds its own narrative – carefully designed to be subtle, precise, and harmonious. The vineyard setting - as ever - adds a quiet sense of sophistication, of being tied to the land, making this a true standout.

Grub & Vine

A breezy and relaxed bistro on Bree Street, Grub & Vine merges an approachable air of sophistication with seasonal innovation. That means Chef Matt Manning’s dishes constantly shift with the seasons, while the wine list champions both South African classics and hidden gems you might not typically stumble across during a jaunt around the capital. Perfect for a lunch with a fellow traveller or a low-key dinner with a view of the city’s colourful streets.

Salsify

Located in the historic Roundhouse in Camps Bay, Salsify matches daring flavour combinations with a classic restaurant feel we all search for after a busy day exploring. Dishes manage to surprise diners without overwhelming the palate, and the ocean views remind you exactly why you’re here. It’s modern fine dining with a hint of South African magic.

Other Recommended Cape Town Restaurants: 

• Belly of the Beast – A 30-seater temple of trust-your-chef tasting experiences. No menu, no stress, just flavour fireworks.
• Paranga – Casual luxury, perfect for sun-drenched lunches with a hint of champagne indulgence.
• Nobu Cape Town – The only Nobu in Africa; expect sushi, Japanese-Peruvian fusion, and desserts you’ll dream about.
• Pier Restaurant – Waterfront intimacy paired with multi-course mastery.
• Test Kitchen Fledgelings – Urban, vibrant, and brimming with culinary promise.
• Thali – A fragrant journey through Indian-inspired flavours, served over three courses.
• Carne SA – For carnivores craving traceable, ethically sourced cuts of South Africa’s finest meat. 
• Hacienda – Baja California meets Cape Town; tequila not optional.
• Iron Steak – World-class grilled meats, perfected on a Spanish Vulcano grill.
• Scala – Handcrafted pasta, seasonal ingredients, and Italian finesse.
• Gold – An African experience, 14 dishes deep, complete with puppetry for good measure.
• Baia – Portuguese-inspired seafood with panoramic V&A Waterfront views.
• Kloof Street House – Victorian charm, jazz-filled Sunday lunches, and garden cocktails.
• Sevruga – Asian-fusion seafood with cocktails that sparkle as much as the ocean.
• Bilboa – Mediterranean flavours, cosmopolitan flair, Camps Bay vistas.
• Ëlgr – Globally inspired shared plates with a woodfired twist.
• Ouzeri – Modern Greek-Cypriot flavours, sourced seasonally.
• Seaforth Restaurant – Penguins on the patio, seafood on the plate, views for days.
• Black Marlin – Scenic, classic seafood with a reputation as enduring as the coastline.

Constantia & Cape Winelands: Vineyards, Views, Inventive Cuisine

In the Cape Winelands, the food and wine seem almost inseparable. Here, the scenery sets the stage and the plates well and truly perform:

Chef’s Warehouse at Beau Constantia

A vineyard terrace, seasonal small plates, and views that’ll make any lucky recipients of your snaps instantly jealous. Each dish is crafted from the freshest local produce, and is carefully paired with wines that showcase the depth and bounty of Constantia’s terroir.

Beyond Restaurant

If you like your meals to surprise you, Beyond is a must. Rare heirloom vegetables, uncommon meats, and a playful approach to every plate make this restaurant as intriguing as it is delicious. The setting is chic yet beautifully relaxed, with each bite prompting a delighted “what’s next?”

La Petite Colombe

In Franschhoek’s rolling vineyard-draped hills, La Petite Colombe delivers multi-course tasting menus that balance the drama of the landscape with the natural finesse restaurants in the region seem to channel. The light-flooded dining room and far-stretching vineyard views make every course feel cinematic, and what's going on on your plate is equally entrancing.

Jan Franschhoek

Sat in a historic cottage encircled by fragrant lavender fields, Jan Franschhoek strikes a clever balance between South African family-style nostalgia with Michelin-star ambition. Seasonal, thoughtful, and deeply satisfying, it’s a place where every dish tells a story you’re unlikely to forget any time soon.

Ōku

Ōku brings Southeast Asian inspiration to the Winelands – a contrast that mirrors the juxtaposition of much of the nation. The minimalist, bonsai-dotted interiors hint at a subtle culinary artistry that respects local ingredients while delivering a unique global twist.

Other Top Restaurants in the Winelands South Africa: 

• Le Coin Français – Heritage, art, and French elegance meet in the valley.
• Reuben’s – Comfortably luxurious, with a wine list that rivals any in the region.
• Babel Tokara – Farm-to-fork philosophy in a Cape Dutch meets glass setting.
• Jordan Restaurant – Classic South African gastronomy meets international flair.
• Delaire Graff Restaurant – Bistro favourites with wine, views, and drama.
• Tokara – Terroir-driven dining, overlooking Stellenbosch and False Bay.
• Hame – Scottish charm and candlelit dinners in Hermanus.
• Wortelgat – Foraged ingredients and limestone wines in Stanford.
• The Pavilion – 1920s elegance with panoramic Walker Bay views.

Johannesburg: Cosmopolitan Dining

Johannesburg’s restaurants are sophisticated, vibrant, and unapologetically bold. Here’s where to head for the best meals in the city:

Qunu at The Saxon

Qunu offers modern-day South African cuisine with a focus on seasonal and local ingredients – it’d be remiss not to in a city that both acts as a massive hub for South African agriculture and holds one of Africa's largest fresh produce markets. The wine pairings, suggested by expert sommeliers, elevate every dish, creating a dining experience that’s luxurious without ever feeling inaccessible or haughty.

Marble Restaurant

Keyes Corner in Rosebank houses Marble, where open-fire cooking and inventive bistro plates dominate the experience. The view across Johannesburg’s skyline adds an unexpected elegance to every meal, and helps this establishment to feature on lists naming the best restaurants in South Africa. It calls to travellers from all corners of the globe.

Tang

Japanese izakayas meet Cantonese influences in this sleek and sensory dining experience. Expect bold flavours, inventive presentations, and attention to detail – each works together to make Tang one of the best restaurants in Johannesburg South Africa.

Zioux

Zioux is a plush, lounge-style affair perfect for sharing extravagant dishes, sipping Champagne, and spending hours catching up or discussing the itinerary to come over inventive cocktails. The vibe is undoubtedly glamorous, but also wonderfully inviting – a real “go big or go home” kind of place.

Yamato Restaurant

For sushi lovers, Yamato really is a non-negotiable. Located in Melrose Arch, this spot offers fresh and precisely prepared Japanese dishes in a fittingly stylish setting.

Other Favourite Restaurants in Johannesburg: 

• Signature Restaurant Maximillien – Lunch and dinner in exclusive, sophisticated comfort.
• Bowl’d Restaurant – Mediterranean, Asian, South African fusion, lively atmosphere.
• Verdicchio – Italian classics with perfectly matched wines.
• Momo Soko – Taiwanese street food with flair.
• Embarc – Modern, elegant, neighbourhood dining.
• Coalition – Artisanal pizza and wine; come for one, stay for both.
• The Pot Luck Club Johannesburg – Small plate sharing, big energy.
• The Butcher Shop – Landmark steakhouse, part of South Africa’s culinary fabric.
• Proud Mary – Mid-century style, global cuisine, relaxed luxury.

Durban: The East Coast Spice Route

Durban’s restaurants lean into the flavours of the coast: fresh seafood, the fragrant spices of its history, and the same bistro-style elegance we’ve come to recognise from the best restaurants in South Africa.

The Grill Jichana

Robust East Coast spices - cassia, cardamom, turmeric and more - elevate grilled meat, fish, and poultry to delicious heights, making this a sensory highlight of Durban’s ever-changing, and ever-evolving culinary scene. The very definition of ‘eating good’. 

The Chef’s Table

With an open kitchen, seasonal, carefully grown ingredients and beautifully plated dishes, this Chef’s Table combines theatre with deliciousness, the ideal conclusion to a day spent strolling botanic gardens or getting closer to the region’s wildlife.

9th Avenue Waterside

Harbour views and fine dining meet at 9th Avenue Waterside, creating a chic but approachable experience for both locals and visitors.

Oyster Box

A Durban institution, the Oyster Box hotel’s candy-striped charm pairs perfectly with ocean views, timeless bistro-style plates that champion both continental and local cuisine, and a selection of wines from a host of coveted South African estates. The bars within the hotel also serve specialist beers, single malt whiskies and imported cigars.

The Ocean Terrace at Oyster Box Hotel

Modern, seasonal, and firmly grounded in local ingredients, The Ocean Terrace is open for both relaxed lunches and sophisticated dinners with a view – a favourite of families looking to dine al fresco in Umhlanga. 

Garden Route: Fresh Air, Fresh Food

The Garden Route is one of South Africa’s most attractive regions: a lush tapestry of forests, lagoons, and wild coastline. The culinary scene here mirrors the landscape - it’s fresh, it’s vibrant, and it’s always been deeply tied to the local environment. From Knysna to Plettenberg Bay and Wilderness, chefs have turned the region’s bounty - whether that be seafood, game, or local produce - into dishes that are as scenic as the views.

Here’s your definitive guide the best restaurants in South Africa's Garden Route, perfect for travellers who want to savour every bite while soaking up the breathtaking surroundings.

Seafood at The Plettenberg

Famed for its ocean bounty, Seafood at The Plettenberg celebrates Plettenberg Bay’s rich marine life. The indoor dining area offers views of the pool and ocean, while the outdoor terrace is ideal for alfresco dinners, especially at sunset. Signature dishes showcase sustainable, locally sourced seafood - think perfectly seared linefish or a decadent seafood platter - paired with a delicious selection of over 50 South African wines.

Zinzi Restaurant

At Hunter’s Estate, Zinzi’s chefs craft a menu inspired by Africa and beyond, combining simple ingredients into striking and flavourful dishes. Seasonal menus highlight the region’s produce while offering variety and creativity. Affordable yet refined, Zinzi is perfect for those who want both quality and a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.

Serendipity Restaurant

Superb cuisine, professional service, and a graceful yet relaxed setting make Serendipity one of the Garden Route’s most coveted dining experiences. The five-course South African–inspired table d’hôte menu is leisurely and refined, with each dish showcasing local ingredients and culinary artistry. Dining here is as much about the atmosphere as it is about flavour – it all makes a difference.

Café Gannet

Café Gannet combines that air of sophistication that seems eternally present along the coast with an approachable and warm kind of comfort. Located in the heart of the Knysna waterfront, it excels in fresh and locally sourced seafood, artful plating, and inventive flavor combinations. The menu is playful yet elegant, perfect for both lunch and dinner.

The Fat Fish

Whether you lean toward seafood, meat, or vegetarian cuisine, The Fat Fish delivers with a wide range of tapas, sushi, and original dishes – featuring sustainably sourced seafood where appropriate. Its playful, creative approach makes it a favourite for adventurous foodies travelling along the Garden Route.

The Rest of the Garden Route’s Culinary Gems

• 34 South, Knysna Quays – Waterfront dining with fresh Knysna oysters, sushi, and a wine shop – all rolled into one.
• The Drydock – A lagoon-side spot for fresh seafood, fusion dishes, and cocktails while watching the sun set over Knysna.
• Emily’s Restaurant, Plettenberg Bay – Home-style dishes with a 2020s twist, featuring local produce like Karoo lamb and Bali-inspired bowls.
• Sirocco, Thesen Harbour Town – Modern, waterside dining with a relaxed atmosphere and Mediterranean-influenced cuisine.
• Jemima’s Restaurant – A calm yet intricately decorated space serving local ingredients and wines, with an emphasis on simplicity and quality.
• Marilyn’s 60s Diner – A playful throwback to classic American diners, complete with burgers, milkshakes, vintage car décor, and the all-important jukebox.
• Muse Restaurant – Nouvelle cuisine emphasising seasonal ingredients and artistic presentation.

Conclusion

From innovative tasting menus in Cape Town to vineyard dining in the Winelands, cosmopolitan flavours in Johannesburg and rich spices along Durban’s coast, these are - in our opinion - the best restaurants in South Africa. As with any country, each region brings its own personality and each dish endeavours to tell a story, whether it’s of local produce, global inspiration, or culinary bravado.

Planning your South African itinerary? Call our Tailor-Made Holidays team to craft a luxury culinary escape, with reservations at the very best tables.

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