With exciting new restaurants opening up on every corner, it’s hard to keep up with the latest and greatest for your next culinary outing. But we’ve got this: if you’re looking for the cool new wine bar in your ‘hood, the trendy burger joint everyone’s talking about, or elegant eateries to add to your date-night bucket list, look no further. In this list we count down the hottest new restaurants that have opened in the past three or four months in the major cities.

• Joburg
• Pretoria
• Durban
• Cape Town
• Winelands and beyond

Johannesburg

Antonnio’s Italian Kitchen (Lonehill)

Look forward to pizzas and pastas with a relaxing waterfront view. This spot has quickly become the go-to for local business meetings during the day. There’s a craft beer and deli section, too.

The Big Mouth (Sandton Square)

Jollying up this square quite a lot, The Big Mouth serves sushi, sashimi and ceviche, as well as charcoal-grilled foods on their Josper. The cocktails are good, as are the lobster buns. This spot can really lift the spirits with a friend or family member when the world looks dreary.

The Countess (Melville)

This lady has taken Joburg by storm with her natty, coppery version of steampunk, smoked foods, excellent meals and drinks. The outdoor area is fun for groups, with spaces for couples and smaller groups inside and upstairs. Sunday breakfast is big here, and there are delicious wares to take home too. Chef Gregg Abel has been around many kitchen blocks.

Downstairs @ Trio (Greenside)

Head down a narrow staircase, past the bar of gleaming metal dogs and into a bricked courtyard of aloes and some newly growing vegetables… then breathe out and relax. The drinks are amusing twists on old classics and the food is from the lovely new menu at Trio itself. Thursdays are for Courtyard Sessions of live acts.

EB Kitchen & Bar (Hyde Park)

Fascinating books and unbelievably good food – the chef is three-times Michelin-starred Russell Armstrong, whose deft touch lifts every dish.

Flight (Downtown Johannesburg)

This sibling of The Whippet in Linden places emphasis is on sourcing very good ingredients from nearby. It’s the place for delectable breakfasts and for breaks from the office, to sit under real chandeliers at crafty tables. It was originally intended more as a takeaway spot, but people obviously love to hang out here.

Gemelli Cucina Bar (Bryanston)

This is an Italian place that’s forward looking instead of nostalgic, in terms of both décor and food. Give the pastas and pizzas a break – there’s much more to Italian cooking. The cocktails are lovely surprises too.

Gentlemen’s Arthouse (Newtown) – opening soon

Joburg’s new Edwardian-inspired eatery and bar aims to be a private-club kind of place where guests can escape themselves to experience over-the-top food, cocktails and art.

The Good Luck Bar (The Sheds, Newtown)

This big space has launched a sit-down menu designed to do justice to the craft drinks. Musicians perform over the weekends, so it’s a cool place to invite friends for an evening with good content of every kind.

Gorge (Boskruin)

If you thought takeaway fare was all the same, this is where your mind and palate will be changed by good-for-you goodies and packaging. The proof is in the people arriving from way beyond Boskruin.

Jamie’s Italian (Melrose Arch) – opening soon

The world’s most famous chef is coming to Jozi! His rustic, Italian-style dishes are inspired by that country’s food traditions and values.

Krispy Kreme (Rosebank)

The first Krispy Kreme in Arica opened at the Zone. Now those outrageously tasty confections can be wolfed down with Krispy Kreme coffee, a combination to be recommended.

Krispy Kreme (Sandton Gautrain Station) – opening soon

All we’re wondering is: will the security bend their no-eating-on-board rules?

La Santa Muerte (Melville)

This Mexican concept (behind Hell’s Kitchen) is a winner on the food and drinks side. Just follow the groups of tattooed hipsters.

Life Grand Café (Waterfall)

Like others in this stable, it’s rather attractive and the food trendy but not scary. With tapas and sushi on one menu, plus good service, this café epitomises the description ‘smart-casual’. Always good for a brunch, a lunch or a light dinner, with a friend or solo.

The Test Kitchen pop-up at The Saxon (Sandhurst)

The Saxon’s chef Candice Philip with chef Ryan Cole from the Test Kitchen are producing the much-anticipated, most exquisite, seven-course menus at this pop-up for gilded wallets.

Marble (Rosebank) – opening soon

The former Chef of the Year and fine-dining king of Gauteng, David Higgs plans to gets his hands dirty at his new rooftop wood-fired grill.

Moema’s Restaurant (Parktown North)

Everything has been moved and a mighty kitchen installed. The comforting meals are as beautiful to behold as to consume, as expected from Danielle Postma.

The National (Parktown North)

Yes, it’s more speakeasy smokehouse stuff, but the difference here is that produce comes straight off the nearby family farm. The owner is James Diack from the fantastic Coobs in Parkhurst. Much of the emphasis is on the cocktails and whiskey drinks, so it’s most popular in the evenings.

Pablo Eggs Go Bar (Melville) – opening soon

In a cheeky nod to notorious druglord Pablo Escobar, this eggs-themed concept bar will serve breakfast day or night, cocktails and great coffee.

Paul’s Homemade Ice Cream (Rosebank)

Ice Cream prince Paul Ballen has been planning to open a real shop for a while. This parlour is scooping from 9am to 6pm every day in The Zone – just follow the queue. Carefully sourced ingredients go into inspired flavour creations that change all the time.

POP (Greenside) – opening soon

This old-Hollywood-style champagne bar and bistro will serve South African bubblies in a variety of interesting glasses, paired with oysters; salmon, tuna, trout and beef fillet tartare; and more serious dishes like salt-crusted beef tenderloin and cured venison.

Potato Shed (Newtown)

The name refers to the beautifully restored old buildings. The main vibe is steampunk but less punk and more relevant. Established by the Life Grand Café people, it’s good for breakfast, lunch or dinner and meetings any time of the day.

Remo’s Liberta (Sandton Square)

This, the fourth Remo’s, is yet another beauty, reminding us all of lively Latin life and the accompanying tastes. Service is fantastic and, depending on the time of day, it can be romantic or refreshing.

Rim & Rubber (Greenside)

You can’t imagine it until you’re there among the custom-made bikes, eating from a very well-designed fine dining menu. Go with someone you want to surprise for dinner.

Roving Bantu Kitchen (Brixton)

Sifiso Ntuli serves soul food that incorporates traditional South African dishes and food from across the continent.

Shadow Boxer (Newtown)

This trendy but welcoming space features distressed tin and polished wood, happy jugs and wines to pair with the fare.

Turkish Restaurant (Melville)

Bring some friends for a taste of delicious Iskender, and other dishes made famous at the legendary Mayfair Turkish Kebab House and Butchery. The prices are astonishingly low for such good, well-prepared and –made dishes. The owner always has a surprise or two as a special as well.

Turn n Tender (Dainfern, Fourways)

Just what the area needed – for golfers and estate dwellers alike. Even the aroma alone has made a positive difference.

Vleis Café (Maboneng)

This is a no-pretence place for people who really love meat from 12pm to 12am. Sip on interesting drinks in large Consol jars, and listen to the banter.

Pretoria

ABE African Beer Emporium (Pretoria central)

Pop-up princess Yulu Ishii has had her Instagram followers salivating over the African fusion food served here – perfect to match the brews from around the continent.

Alfie’s Pizzeria and Alfie’s Gastronomia and Deli (Hazelwood)

The original Alfie’s has extended and set up an entire new pizza shop and deli next door. The pizza shop is relatively plain with pale colours and pared-down details, much like the original shop, but benefits from large doors opening onto a deck where guests can dine alfresco. Apparently a real Italian was imported to train staff in the finer intricacies of the perfect pizza. The little deli specialises in all sorts of Italian tastes and aromas, from biscotti and breads just out of the oven to hams hanging from the roof. Grab an espresso at the counter, as they do in Italy.

Bosveld Lounge (Pretoria East)

This lounge, restaurant and pub offers a unique bushveld experience. Expect loads of braai meals, baskets and even a boerekos buffet.

Brooklyn Brothers (Lynnwood)

Located in the Glenfair Shopping Mall, Brooklyn Brothers has a New York feel with bagged cement walls, black counters, ‘subway’ tiles on the walls, patterned floor tiles and industrial light fittings. Get any party started with Whacky Wings – 100 deep-fried buffalo wings that come in five flavours for R455 – or a super selection of burgers. They also have ‘dirty’ fries topped with beef chilli, cheddar, beans and jalapeños. This is a true neighbourhood joint that offers craft beers and old-school shakes.

Burger Bistro (Villiera)

From modest beginnings on Pierneef Ridge in Villiera, Burger Bistro seems to have taken Pretoria by storm with its retro interiors, delicious, good-value burgers, and an eye-popping selection of milkshakes. The shop in Hazelwood is decked out with much the same kind of retro-with-a-twist décor, such as VW bonnets on the walls and light fittings fashioned from enamel bowls. The menu appears similar to the original, with delights such as the Hiroshima burger (covered by a blanket of mushroom sauce), the Karate Kid, Dirty Harry, Bruce Lee and the Elvis, with peanut-butter sauce and bacon.

Carbon Bistro (Brooklyn)

This space has seen many other restaurants come and go over the years. Completely revamped and redecorated, it’s now glitzy and modern, with light pouring in through large open windows. Ghost chairs and minimal décor make for a modern atmosphere. The menu features the usual suspects of chicken wings, salt-and-pepper calamari, boards for sharing, steaks and seafood, but it may well be their burgers that set them apart – 18 designer burgers have names such as The Casanova, Firehouse, Miss Daisy, Big Ben, Honky Tonk, Bohemian and The Rhinelander.

Chocolat et Café (Hazelwood)

A tiny little spot tucked away in the furthest corner of this new development, Chocolat et Café offers everything from hand-crafted Belgian chocolates and chocolate fondue to hand-rolled truffles. They have a few French-café-style tables and chairs outside, as well as a lovely lounge area upstairs, and really fast WiFi. They also have three breakfast and three lunch specials every day.

Fermier (Lynnwood)

Chef-extraordinaire Adriaan Maree (previously of Roots in the Cradle) is challenging diners with something totally new and delicious on his multiple-course menus. His passion for farm-to-table cooking and using every little bit of every ingredient in his kitchen is infectious.

Green is Better Salad Bar (Brooklyn)

Fresh and healthy is the focus, with a salad bar, smoothies and combo meals.

Jo Mexican (Garsfontein)

Crowds will be pleased by the margarita jugs, chilli poppers, smoked pork ribs, nachos and loads of melted cheese.

Respek (Waverley)

Christo Harvey made a name for himself with his previous venture called Platform on 18th, which offered a cool exhibition space for artists. Now he tries his hand at this new coffee shop located in a small 70s building in the far-flung reaches of Waverley, with lovely large Jakaranda trees outside. The small menu has a few breakfast and lunch items and good coffee. Pop into the tiny gallery next door to appreciate some fine art works by local artists.

Salute Restaurant (Faerie Glen)

This large, one-size-fits-all bar keeps young partygoers happy with its big screens, beers on tap and specials like barbecue ribs with onion rings and chips for R69.

Sano Juice and Smoothie bar & Kin Gelato

Housed in a converted container wedged between other businesses, this little shop sells fresh juices and lovely smoothies with combinations such as orange, pineapple and lemon sorbet; mango coconut; coconut cinnamon; and many more. The gelato counter, in true Italian style, offers flavours such as amarena (cherry), coffee, pistachio, nocciola (hazelnut), and new innovations like peanut butter and milk tart.

Smaak by D.o.u.g.h catering (Hazelwoood)

This small, quirky space has tables that look as if they were constructed from pipes that were screwed together. A seat outside under umbrellas and trees is first prize, where you can enjoy the lovely wafting aromas of a whole lamb roasting on the spit. On Sundays the spit-braai meal goes for R180 per person, and includes wood-fire baked bread, pesto and cheese, two salads, one warm dish and, of course, lamb. (You can BYOB.) The daily menu features pitas, sandwiches, freshly made pies, salads, and ‘build a box’ of local cheese and charcuterie selections. They also offer some frozen and family meals, which change weekly.

Urban Bistro (Centurion)

With the slogan ‘good life, good food, good friends’, this eatery aims to offer high-quality dishes made from organic and farm-fresh ingredients by local producers.

Durban

Afro’s Chicken (Umhlanga Ridge and New Germany)

Durban’s trendy chicken shop has spread its wings even further from its original yellow container. The buzzing eatery is now open in two new spots, still serving those famous succulent chicken burgers, strips and tjips. Order yours chilli hot or lemony koel. The new Umhlanga branch overlooks Chris Saunders Park, which is ideal for those wanting to eat alfresco. Take one of their convenient picnic baskets and head to the grassy lawns for an early dinner.

The Chef’s Table (Umhlanga Rocks) – opening soon

May 2016 will see a new eatery opening up in the buzzing Umhlanga Village. An open plan kitchen and restaurant layout will offer an entertainment aspect for diners who can watch the head chef, Kayla-Ann Osborn and her brigade prepare seasonal, artisanal meals. The menu will change almost daily as the ingredients will be brought in fresh each day,  based on what is available from local suppliers.

The Coop (Durban North)

This new takeaway hatch popped up in November 2015, ready to serve busy Durban North residents an easy and delicious lunch or early supper fix. The small eatery offers a few seats, but is best for a convenient chow on the run. The shop focuses on spicy or lemony chicken that’s been marinated and perfectly cooked. Enjoy your chicken in a wrap, with a side of chunky chips, or with a salad and slaw.

The Digs Kitchen (Durban North)

Located next door to The Coop, this Mackeurtan Avenue health-food spot offers locals slow-cooked meats from Hope Meats and fresh, cold-pressed juices on the go. Options include pulled pork buns, barbecued beef brisket with mature cheddar and fresh slaw, and slow-roasted lamb with mixed greens.

Distillery 031 (Berea)

Durban’s first craft distillery is now open for gourmet street food, cocktails and monthly music events. Situated in the trendy Station Drive Precinct, the distillery launched late last year with a range of artisanal spirits such as vodka, gin, spiced rum and absinthe. To complement the craft booze offering they serve mini lamb curry burgers, posh boerie rolls with kimchi relish, and pineapple and bacon jam burgers.

Fourteen on Chartwell (Umhlanga Rocks)

This chic new gastropub attracts a stylish crowd to the buzzing Umhlanga village. Craft beers and light meals are on offer, as well as more refined pub grub with a twist. The menu boasts a pie of the day, mussels, tasty burgers, and even a lobster mac ’n cheese. Dessert lovers can enjoy a sneaky spiked milkshake for a decadent ending.

La Bella Trattoria Riverside (Durban North)

Enjoy simple pizzas and pastas at this family-friendly trattoria. The thin-based pizzas are cooked in a wood-fired oven and served with a range of favourite toppings. They also offer great specials, a Sunday roast, and live entertainment on occasion.

Lola’s Bistro (Morningside)

Once a quiet café in Umhlanga, this newly revamped and relocated bistro now offers Florida Road foodies an intimate spot for sophisticated breakfasts, lunches and dinners. The new menu boasts dishes such as smoky bacon soup with beer bread, wild mushroom risotto, slow-roasted lamb shank with vetkoek balls and sundried tomatoes, and gourmet milk tart with mini koeksisters.

Pintxada (Umhlanga Rocks)

From the people behind Little Havana, this super-stylish restaurant and bar serves tapas (not all traditional) ranging from patas bravas to tender sticky ribs and unctuous pork belly served on lentils. The rotisserie chickens are a good choice for those requiring a more substantial meal, and are also available as takeaways. There’s a good selection of craft beer, making this a lovely spot for boozy dinners with friends.

Ray’s Kitchen (Salt Rock)

This leafy eatery offers home-cooked breakfasts, lunch, afternoon cakes and chilled evening dinners. Sit by the pool and sample dishes such as blue cheese salad and crispy calamari; wild mushroom and steamed broccoli risotto with rocket and shaved grana padano; and fresh fish of the day. Craft beer and a concise wine list are also on offer.

Zucca (Salt Rock)

This new North Coast eatery offers locals an easy-going taste of Italy with sparkling sea views. Guests can enjoy hearty salads dressed in sweet balsamic; generous antipasti plates; crisp, cheesy pizzas; and creamy homemade pastas.

Cape Town

Arcade (City Bowl)

This chilled ‘resto-bar’ on the top end of Bree Street is ideal for after-work drinks and vibey late-night dinners. The menu focuses on cafe-style food like chicken pregos and pizzas, gourmet burgers and salads. On the drinks side of things, the bar serves classic and new cocktails, shots and SAB beer on tap.

ASH Restaurant (City Bowl) – opening soon

The teams behind Frankie Fenner Meat Merchants and Publik Wine Bar have partnered with chef Ash Heeger, who’s worked at La Colombe and The Test Kitchen in Cape Town and The Ledbury and Dinner by Heston in London, to add a new indoor barbecue restaurant offering to this Church Street location.

Barney’s Deli (Hout Bay)

The laid-back location reflects the home-style menu of readymade meals. Hout Bay locals can build their own sandwiches and salads or grab a coffee or a cold-pressed juice to go while shopping for deli items.

Billy Boo’s Cakery (Observatory)

Previously known as Petite Bouchée, this quaint little cake shop is headed up by pastry chef Lianne Holt. Scrumptious and gorgeous baked offerings are available for sit-in treats and to take home. There’s also good coffee.

Bootlegger Coffee Company (Kalk Bay)

The popular coffee roasters have now opened up on the beachy Kalk Bay strip. Patrons can order takeaways or sit down to breakfast, lunch or cocktails while admiring the calming sea views.

Bouchon Bistro (City Bowl)

Cape Town winery Dorrance shares an intimate space with this eatery. The wine bar and cellar offer a simple, ever-changing tapas menu with a carefully selected wine list. Think small portions of cloud-like gnocchi and mushrooms; pan-fried polenta strips with a roasted tomato sauce; tender beef tataki; and pepper-dusted squid.

Brownies & Downies (City Bowl)

This new coffee and lunch spot offers a happy and bright space for guests to enjoy cafe-style eats and delicious brews by Truth Coffee. The dishes on the menu are prepared, cooked and served by the intellectually disabled staff as part of a training programme to prepare them for work in the hospitality industry.

City Bowl Health Kitchen (City Bowl)

This convenient salad bar and Mexican restaurant offers healthy breakfasts and lunches. Dishes include simple egg breakfasts or yoghurt bowls, make-your-own salads and smoothies, and fiery quesadillas.

The Creamery Café (Mouille Point)

The latest to join the string of The Creamery ice-cream parlours is this sunny Atlantic Seaboard shop. Their famous ice creams are on offer in ever-changing seasonal flavours, served with Rosetta coffee. For something extra decadent, try one of their hot cookies with ice cream before walking it off on the promenade.

Cucina at Casa Labia (Muizenberg)

With Andrea and Oscar Foulkes and their team from Dish Food & Social now running the show, Cucina Labia is set to be an elegant date-night favourite with sophisticated Italian fare.

Dalliance (V&A Waterfront)

The new urban-style space (the former Solero location) boasts beautiful views of the stadium and sea. The sharing and pairing experience here includes smaller portions of food matched with a choice of one of four craft beers, or a glass or carafe of speciality wine or champagne.

Dapper Coffee Co. (City Bowl)

The menu at this slick luxury car showroom and eatery features dishes like mushrooms on brioche toast with radish and watercress salad, and slow-stewed chickpeas on toasted sourdough, topped with poached egg and crispy pancetta. As for the beans, the brew is Dapper Coffee Co.’s special blend of coffee from the team over at Tribe.

Dropkick Murphy’s (City Bowl)

Born on Durban’s Florida Road, Irish pub Dropkick Murphy’s opened up in Cape Town in November in the spot formerly occupied by Gourmet Boerie on Kloof Street. This hip bar serves beer on tap, cocktails and gourmet pub fare such as burgers, deep-fried mac-and-cheese balls, and bowls o’ bacon.

First Base (Milnerton)

Col’Cacchio’s new build-your-own pizza brand offers diners the opportunity to design their own pizzas and salads from nearly 40 toppings. The new spot has taken on the ‘fast-casual’ trend, so you order and pay upfront before watching your meal being crafted. To end off the meal, there’s soft serve ice cream with a choice of unique homemade toppings.

Folk Coffee Anthropology (City Bowl)

This bright and breezy café in Bree Street offers worker bees a spot for good coffee and easy-going lunch bites. Tuck into salads, hearty gourmet burgers, and interesting sandwiches. For something more substantial, there’s also Italian-style melanzane and a 450g T-bone steak.

The FUE – Festive Underground Eatery (Table View)

Street food delivered by bicycle to neighbouring businesses is the name of the game here. The fresh eats include pulled pork buns, chicken burgers, kebabs, nachos and salads as well as coffee.

Guts & Gizzards (City Bowl)

The quirky name is sure to grab your attention, but this spot defies its label by offering very approachable dishes made from high-quality locally sourced products. Think brioche French toast with bacon and maple syrup, glazed pork fillet with buttered greens, and a Bourbon dark chocolate torte with clotted cream.

Hank’s (City Bowl)

Bree Street’s new drinking hole inside Weinhaus + Biergarten offers drinks enthusiasts a whiskey, malt and bourbon driven menu as well as beers on tap and a growing selection of good local wines such as Leeuwenkuil Cinsault, Bouchard Finlayson Hannibal, and Shannon Sanctuary Peak Sauvignon Blanc.

The Honey Badger (City Bowl)

This trendy bistro in the heart of Cape Town serves organic, fresh and seasonal cuisine for breakfast, lunch or dinner. The coffees are brewed by Deluxe, and beers include local crafts such as Alliance on tap and Fokof Lager.

Jerry’s Burger Bar (Willowbridge)

The latest to join the hipster burger chain is this Willowbridge Centre spot. The burgers are epic and include options like the stuffed Seven Deadly Sins burgers. These babies are filled with anything from mature cheddar to chorizo, blue cheese, or camembert and port reduction.

Little Saint (City Bowl)

Local, fresh and sustainable produce is used to produce everything from eggs and mushroom on toast to sweet-potato tortillas and minted lamb on a bed of creamed spinach. End of the meal with strawberries and cream, or poached pear pudding.

Maggie’s Café (Green Point)

This sunlit eatery has a relaxed feel and an easy-going menu with a few cheffy twists. Breakfasts and brunches can all be washed down with a brew from Gourmet Coffee Roasters. The lunch and dinner offerings are wide ranging and include pulled pork sandwiches, beer-braised brisket, soba noodle salad, and Cape crayfish mac ’n cheese balls.

The Mash Tun ZA (Woodstock)

The Woodstock district plays host to this contemporary craft beer, gin and wine bar that also serves delicious snacks. Enjoy the likes of gourmet burgers, Belgian fries and simple biltong bites.

Midtown Restaurant and Bar (City Bowl)

Offering a taste of traditional Middle Eastern dishes with a modern twist, this new eatery on Plein Street serves favourites like traditional hummus, falafels and a spruced-up baba ghanoush, plus more adventurous dishes like deconstructed kebabs served on nori with a side of risotto and a selection of sauces, and Italian-inspired pasta la Jordan with mince, nuts and a creamy Mediterranean sauce.

Naturalis (Woodstock)

Chef Luke Dale-Roberts’s new food lab and lunch spot is a small place for eager foodies to enjoy a gourmet harvest table and out-of-the-ordinary takeaway items. The spread varies, but can include interesting salads such as sweet potato and red onion with miso crème; refreshing radicchio and endive cups with citrus and homemade mascarpone; roasted heirloom carrots with rocket and walnut pesto; and beautiful baby beets with creamy kefir.

NOMAD Bistro Fusion (City Bowl) – opening soon

Soon to open on leafy Waterkant Street, this new spot will offer modern bites and good coffee. We expect it’ll be a winner for midweek breakfasts and lunches.

The Nunnery (City Bowl)

This eccentric new Bree Street eatery offers affordable dining, great drinks specials, vibey music, and live entertainment. We hear their pizzas are pretty good, too.

O’Jangles Gastro Pub (City Bowl)

Soulful food with a great drinks list is what you can expect here from chef Wesley Peters (of Zewenwacht fame). The refined pub grub includes succulent burgers, calamari and tasting plates.

Outrage of Modesty (City Bowl)

Cape Town’s seriously cutting-edge cocktail bar is the place to be for a pre- or post-dinner drink. Choose one of the seating times and look forward to trying their incredibly creative cocktails like the Berry and the Bee, with wild blackberry flavours, perfumed honey and tangy fennel pollen.

Ranoushe (V&A Waterfront)

Serving delicious small plated dishes and tapas along with traditional main dishes of aromatic grilled meats and fish dishes, this Middle Eastern restaurant is a great spot for a mid-shop pit stop.

Ravish (City Bowl)

This moody and beautiful café at the bottom of Bree Street specialises in gourmet health food such as build-your-own wraps, unusual salads, smoothies and raw juices.

Rocomamas (Green Point)

This popular Gauteng-born burger chain has finally hit Cape Town’s shores. The famous lip-smacking smashburgers, spicy wings and ribs make this Atlantic Seaboard joint a great place for a casual feast. Try their mushroom swizz burger with smashed beef, emmenthal cheese, sautéed mushrooms and their signature Rocomayo.

Sexy Food (City Bowl)

Name any trendy health food and this café will have it: alive bowls, probiotics, kimchi, kefir, kombucha and cold-drip tea juices. It’s great for mid-week lunch breaks or a healthy pick-me-up after a heavy weekend.

SMAK Delicatessen (City Bowl)

Bree Street’s newest deli and restaurant offers customers the chance to build their own sandwiches or sit down for a fancy bite. Breakfasts take the form of gourmet beans on toast with smoked tomato, chorizo and crème fraîche, while the lunch selection includes seafood offerings such as seared salmon with grilled asparagus and a bowl with fresh mussels, bacon and a marinière sauce, served with freshly baked ciabatta.

Shortmarket Club (City Bowl) – opening soon

In June 2016, Luke Dale-Roberts, chef-patron of The Test Kitchen and Naturalis in Woodstock, will open The Shortmarket Club on Shortmarket Street in conjunction with chef Wesley Randles and restaurateur Simon Widdison, both of The Pot Luck Club.

Strolla (Sea Point)

Situated at The Peninsula Hotel in Sea Point, this new restaurant and bar situated offers all-day dining and cocktails. There’s also a convenient Bootlegger Coffee hatch on site for a quick takeaway coffee.

Track & Rail Bistro (Kenilworth)

Head to this new eatery after your evening train ride to Kenilworth station and enjoy an array of beer on tap and bistro-style dishes. The menu offers highlights like confit pork belly with roasted garlic mash, sautéed baby spinach and caramelised apply gravy, and the popular Thai pork burger with Japanese mayo and rice-vinegar-pickled cucumber.

Vivante (Claremont)

This stylish shopping centre eatery is a good place for pre-movie lunch or post-shopping refreshments. Breakfasts include fried ricotta hotcakes with honeycomb butter or baked shakshuka with chorizo, and mains might be grilled rib-eye with a choice of sauce, or the homemade butter chicken curry with jasmine rice. There is also a kiddies’ menu as well as a sushi menu for lighter meals.

Yumcious by Jenny Morris (De Waterkant)

SA’s celeb chef Jenny Morris has opened up a welcoming eatery in the busy Cape Quarter. Diners can look forward to the KiloTable (a harvest table filled with wholesome dishes) or order off the café-style menu. Tarts, salads and baked treats are what to expect for a delicious midweek lunch or takeaway.

Winelands and beyond

Café Pavé (Stellenbosch)

This bistro-café offers a relaxed atmosphere between the vineyards and oak trees. The menu stars dishes such as Franschhoek smoked salmon salad, a barbecue pulled pork sandwich, or a Thai veggie quinoa bowl with a soy-lime dressing as well as a selection of Camberley Wines. It also houses a showroom for Colnago Cycles for bike enthusiasts.

Darling Brew Tasteroom & Brewery (Darling)

Visitors to the Darling Brew Tasteroom can enjoy a meaty braai menu in the garden washed down with craft brews, or order a special off the blackboard. For hops novices, there’s also a beginner’s beer tasting, which goes perfectly with a platter for two.

Manor House Restaurant (Stanford)

Enjoy upmarket country cuisine fare at this newly renovated Standford gem. The restaurant is complemented by art exhibitions and beautiful views of the Akkedisberg mountains and is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The seasonal menu changes every quarter, but guests can look forward to dishes such as aubergine involtini with ricotta cheese, walnuts and slow-roasted tomato sauce; and slow-roasted lamb shoulder on barley-and-date risotto.

Marigold Restaurant (Franschhoek) – opening soon

Look forward to classic Indian cuisine on Heritage Square.

Mon Désir (Hermanus)

This fine-dining restaurant and wine bar offers a relaxed setting with menu items like summer rainbow tomato salad with fynbos pesto and goat’s cheese pebbles; springbok loin with prawn bisque and sweet-potato crisps; and a deconstructed berry fridge cheesecake with a ginger crumble.

Orangerie Restaurant at Le Lude (Franschhoek)

Situated in the picturesque town of Franschhoek next to the historical Huguenot monument lies Le Lude MCC farm. The wine-farm restaurant offers a French-style atmosphere that’s perfect for an afternoon of drinking bubbles. Enjoy the classic lunch menu, high tea and MCC tastings served with a selection of canapés.

Restaurant Jardine (Stellenbosch)

The celebrated chef of Jordan Restaurant, George Jardine, has opened his dream fine-dining restaurant in Stellenbosch. Look forward to dishes such as carpaccio of aged fillet with porcini dressing and glazed marrow; roasted cauliflower polonaise with cauliflower espuma and gruyère dauphine; and compressed spanspek melon with lime jelly and melon sorbet.

Tuk Tuk Microbrewery (Franschhoek)

Franschhoek’s first microbrewery offers guests a top selection of craft beers paired with fresh and authentic Mexican food. It’s recommended for evening drinks with views of the picturesque street and the hum of beer brewing in the background. Sip on CBC beers as well as Tuk Tuk’s own brews while tucking in to dishes such as nachos, ceviche and zingy tacos.