Lacklustre, microwave-heated food needn't be par for the course when popping into the pub for a spot of grub. These beloved watering holes are pulling out all the stops to bring their patrons rustic, rib-sticking and truly delicious pub fare.

Johannesburg

The Flamingo
Try the grilled calamari or the peri-peri chicken.

The Guildhall
Try the chorizo and deep-fried squid, the steak, done in four different ways, or the peri-peri roast chicken.

Pretoria

Hillside Tavern
Try the lamb curry with sambals and poppadoms or the tongue in mustard sauce.

Cape Town

Dias Tavern
Try the garlicky trinchado or flash fried calamari tentacles.

Fireman's Arms (pictured)
Try the slow-cooked oxtail or the crip, thin-based pizzas fired in the wood oven.

Percy's
Try the beer-battered fish with tartare sauce and chips or the legendary eisbein.

Winelands

Elephant and Barrel
Try the old-school bangers and mash or the homemade pies.

Durban and Surrounds

Budds on the Bay
Try the spicy prawn samoosas or delicious bunny chow on for size.

Zacks 
Try the line fish with coriander mash.