Whether crowned with spicy Mexican chicken or fiery chilli con carne, nachos are a great example of the simple fact that few things taste quite as good as an excessive helping of melted cheese. Here’s where to find this cheesy, satisfying dish in Johannesburg.

Billy the Bums (Fourways)

Slick lighting and colourful cocktails make this busy food and cocktail bar the perfect spot to let off some steam with friends. Served with a generous helping of guacamole, salsa and sour cream, their nachos are topped with a combination of melted mozzarella and cheddar cheese and adorned with mild jalapeño peppers.  Choose between chicken or chilli con carne beef (R70) and tangy salsa and avocado (R60) or feed four (or a very hungry two) with the deluxe nacho platter – a generous portion of nacho chips with double the cheese and half-chicken and half-chilli con carne topping (R120).

Nachos at Billy the BUMS Food & Cocktail Bar. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

Cubaña (Fourways)

Step into sultry Cubaña Latino caffè for a plate of breakfast nachos (R55) heaped with three cheeses (gouda, mozzarella and cheddar), scrambled egg, bacon and a sprinkling of Pico Ensalada – a traditional Mexican salsa salad. Breakfast is served until 2pm, but after that you can still tuck into a plate of crispy tortilla chips topped with three cheeses, spring onions, Cubaña salsa, cream cheese and guacamole. They are available as a side, ‘the Godmother’, for R59 or as main course, ‘the Godfather’, which serves two and costs R99. You can also load your nachos with braised pork, chicken strips or bacon bits (R15 each for side; R30 each for main) or jalapeño slices and caramelized red onion (R10 each for side; R20 each for main).

Mama Mexicana (Arts on Main)

Join Johannesburg’s artsy crowd to clink margarita jugs and nibble nachos at this modern Mexican restaurant. The beef nachos (R45) are topped with a rich cheddar cheese and their trademark Hot Mama Chilli – a mix of mince, onion, green pepper and beans – while the steak nachos (R50) are served with tender beef cubes. The vegetarian nachos are adorned with a vegetable Hot Mama Chilli garnish, and bacon lovers are bound to gravitate towards the bacon-topped nachos – both R45. All nachos are served with a side of tangy salsa, guacamole and sour cream.

Mexican Fresh (Bryanston)

This casual eatery pays homage to classic Tex-Mex cuisine and is located in the busy Epsom Downs shopping centre. Their nachos are carefully constructed with crispy tortilla chips, melted cheese (cheddar or mozzarella), chopped jalapeños and an authentic pico de gallo – a salsa salad made with chopped tomato, onion, coriander leaves and chilli. All nachos are served with a side of salsa, sour cream and guacamole and arrive plain (R36) or with the topping of your choice: chicken (R54), beef (R55) or prawns (R55).

Nachos at Mexican Fresh. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

Mochachos (Braamfontein)

Their forte may be Mexican flame-grilled chicken, but Mochachos is no stranger to cheesy nachos. Here, crunchy tortilla chips arrive smothered in salsa and cheddar cheese with a dollop of sour cream, guacamole and sliced jalapeno chillies. Order the vegetarian-friendly classic (R42.90) or experiment with different toppings, including Mexican chicken (R49.90), traditional refried beans (R44.90) and sliced rump steak (R59.90). Control the heat by picking your level of spiciness: options include lemon and herb, mild, hot, extra hot or, if you’re feeling very brave, dynamite.

What’s your favourite spot to grab a plate of nachos in Jozi? Let us know in the comments.