Fourways is one of the more diverse areas of the northern suburbs of Johannesburg. It’s populated by everyone from students through to established families, which has the happy result of a wide variety of options on the eating-out scene. Resident Graham Ebedes gives his guide to social dining in Fourways, for everything from a market grazing experience to pub grub with the guys.

Buitengeluk

A relaxed upmarket environment, Buitengeluk at the Broadacres Shopping Centre is set in a rose garden with ducks, swans and koi. The restaurant itself is in an old Cape-Dutch style building, which also serves as a beautiful wedding venue. (So make sure you book ahead.) Buitengeluk is open for breakfast and lunch, with flawlessly plated food of the highest quality. A must for special occasions.

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Fourways Farmers Market

Open every Sunday from 9am to 4pm, the Fourways Farmers Market is a relaxing way to round off the weekend. Edibles range from chicken money pockets to pulled pork rolls and lamb on a spit. Walk around the stalls, sample great food and sip on everything from craft beers and cocktails to coconut milk and organic teas. This experience should be in everybody’s social calendar, with each visit offering something new. Get there early to grab parking, and meet up with a group of friends to make the most of the log and hay bale seating under the massive Jacarandas.

The Fourways Farmers Market.

Hogshead in Douglasdale

For an upmarket pub vibe with exceptional service and traditional grub, you can’t go wrong with Hogshead in Douglasdale. All ingredients are sourced locally, and all food on the menu is homemade as far as possible and excludes preservatives and nitrates. By far the standout on their menu is anything that comes from Fatty, their in-house smoker. If you’re feeling up for a challenge, try the 500g Hogs Smokehouse Burger, a cold-smoked Kalahari beef patty topped with smoked bacon, cheese and pulled pork, and served with onion rings and chips. It’s a monumental task.

Kai Thai

Kai Thai offers an authentic experience in the heart of Montecasino, with everything from the staff through to the décor reminiscent of Thailand. Tuck into aromatic curries and vibrantly colourful stir-fries with all the beloved flavours of that style of cuisine. To best enjoy the experience, order a few different items for the table to share.

 

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Picolino’s

Located on Witkoppen Road, Picolino’s provides one of the most unique experiences in the Fourways area. Set under a thatch lapa, tables are dotted around a pond, with ducks and chickens roaming freely. Picolino’s is child-friendly, with ample space for kids to play, and five-a-side action soccer fields which host the Brazilian Soccer School. The menu is diverse, featuring anything from burgers to homemade pasta, although Picolino’s is most famous for its authentic and rustic pizzas, with bases handmade on the premises and baked in their wood-fired clay ovens. You can choose from 17 toppings on a tick slip.

Rodizio’s

This Brazilian restaurant is a great choice for a night out with entertainment and great food. The main attraction on the menu has to be the Meat Rodizio. Beef, lamb, chicken, chorizo and pork skewers are brought around and carved onto your plate, and served with potatoes, rice and vegetables. The robot system allows you to indicate to the staff when you have had enough. Leave your robot on green and the food will keep on coming; turn it to red to indicate that you’ve finally been defeated. Combine this with the live Latin band, DJ and dancers, and you have yourself a festive night out with friends.

The interior at Rodizio. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

Social on Main

Situated on the border of Fourways and Bryanston, Social on Main brings in a younger crowd for the more vibey occasion. The menu has an array of sharing platters and tapas-style servings, which works well with bigger tables, although there’s also a number of hearty meals for the hungry. Their jalapeño poppers deserve a special mention for those who enjoy a slightly more fiery experience, and the Social Burger is also a winner.

The deck at Social on Main. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

Society Eatery and Craft Bar

This spot offers high quality food in a very social and relaxed environment. The décor is upmarket but oozes the craft feel, with draught taps on the wall, face brick and natural woods. The food looks and tastes incredible, with standouts such as the lager-battered hake and chips served with wasabi-and-dill mayo, and the rib-eye burger.

Inside at Society Eatery and Craft Bar. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

Throbbing Strawberry

The Throbbing Strawberry has become somewhat of an institution in the Fourways/Douglasdale area, with many considering it their local. The outside seated area is popular for long weekend lunches, but it’s essential to book this spot far in advance. You can look forward to filling up on light meals, gourmet pizzas, sushi and seafood platters. For something different, try the chicken liver bunny chow or the hearty Miss Piggy pizza. Tell us about your favourite eateries in Fourways in the comments below.

 

A photo posted by Devan Josephs (@dev1jay) on Jul 5, 2015 at 4:57am PDT