Struggling to find that perfect spot, with fantastic food to match, to celebrate the end of the year? We’ve got you covered.

Arbour Café and Courtyard (Birdhaven)

Hidden behind the stylish shops of Wrenrose Court you’ll find this enchanting French-inspired leaf-dappled alcove. Seating is available both indoors and outdoors, but the secluded inner courtyard that transforms into the perfect destination hideaway at night is particularly fantastic for private functions. There are even special function menus available for breakfasts, lunches and dinners. These range from plated à la carte to harvest tables, seated four-course dinners and canapés. Prices range from R140 to R350 per head for three courses. Think baked brie with pecan nuts and cranberry chilli, seared sirloin served with herbed Béarnaise and chicken fillets in a creamy white wine with spinach, sundried tomato and feta. Plus they may have the best-priced champagne in Johannesburg: Veuve Clicquot for just R695 a bottle!

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Arbour Café (@arbourcafe) on May 8, 2018 at 5:20am PDT

Café del Sol Botanico (Bryanston) ? 

They have three separate dining areas, each of which can be hired exclusively, and an events team that will ensure that your choice is decorated fittingly. They offer three set menus for special occasions, an antipasto-style sharing menu (R420 per person) and two- or three-course menus (R495 per person). Think roasted butternut and goat’s cheese salad or beef carpaccio to start; the seafood risotto or balsamic fillet for mains; and the milk tart panna cotta for dessert.

? Available for online bookings on the Eat Out app. 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Cafe del Sol (@cafedelsolsa) on Aug 6, 2018 at 12:23am PDT

Calexico (Braamfontein Werf) ? 

Calexico is a hip and trendy Americana-themed vinyl lounge, bar and grill in 44 Stanley Avenue. The menu showcases a vibrant blend of flavours from California and over the border. As a function venue, the space offers both indoor and outdoor seating. Function menus range from R150 to R250 a head and can take the form of canapés, sharing boards or three-course plated meals that can include quesadillas, nachos, free-range BBQ pork or beef ribs, chipotle rotisserie chickens and their awesome chocolate brownies. They have a variety of vinyl DJs or bands available on request and welcome drinks are included for parties larger than 20 people.

? Available for online bookings on the Eat Out app. 

One of the areas where you can host your end-of-year function at Calexico. Photo supplied.

Carnelian (Fourways) ? 

Carnelian has two stylish private dining rooms: the first, Cellar Room, seats a maximum of 12 people while the second, Living Wall, seats a maximum of 16 people. Each room is available at a minimum spend of R350 per person Mondays to Thursdays and a minimum spend of R450 per person Fridays to Sundays. (Minimum spend replaces the cost of venue hire.) They also have three different menu options for larger groups. For groups of up to 40 people there’s a lovely set menu comprising three plated courses, which can include the ‘roasted caprese’ bruschetta with tomatoes, balsamic, bocconcini and basil to start; a 250g AAA grade rump steak served with chips for mains; and a salted caramel crème brûlée for dessert (from R295 per person). For groups of 40 to 80 people they offer a harvest-table concept served family-style on each table and for groups over 80 the tapas menu is served on a variety of boards (both from R350 per person).

? Available for online bookings on the Eat Out app. 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Carnelian at the ROCK (@carnelianattherock) on Oct 21, 2018 at 3:35am PDT

Clico Restaurant (Rosebank) ? 

Clico has just renovated its function room and garden area, making it the perfect space for a special celebration. Half-day venue hire costs R1550 and the venue seats a maximum of 30 people for a formal sit-down dinner. The three-course function menu comprises a choice of delectable dishes from Chef Marnus Scholly (R475 per person), with the option of wine pairing. Highlights include chicken parfait with roasted fruits and bread, aged beef sirloin with chimichurri, artichokes, grapefruit and pearl onions, and crème caramel with almonds, berries and macarons.

? Available for online bookings on the Eat Out app. 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Clico (@clico_sa) on Oct 30, 2018 at 9:42am PDT

The Countess (Melville) ? 

You won’t find a typical three-course function menu at this funky steampunk smokehouse eatery. Guests can enjoy The Countess’s famous ‘planks’ loaded with smoked ribs, wings, pâtés, 18-hour brisket, burger sliders, beer-battered fish, pickles and sides. It’s also easy on the wallet, costing between R200 and R300 per person, depending on the size of party and the menu choices. And, if it’s a party you’re after, they can organise gin and craft beer stations plus a DJ.

? Available for online bookings on the Eat Out app. 

Gemelli Italian Restaurant (Bryanston)

Book one of the long tables inside the restaurant that can accommodate between 30 and 60 seated guests. Gemelli has a variety of set menus to choose from for private functions, plus there’s no hiring fee and clients are billed per head. The restaurant also offers Gemelli@Home, which is a full service team that includes a private chef, waiters and barmen, all of whom ensure that you experience everything you love about Gemelli in the comfort of your own home or venue.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Gemelli Cucina Bar (@gemelli_restaurant) on Nov 1, 2018 at 7:47am PDT

KCC – La Vie en Rose (Lower Houghton)

The restaurant can seat up to 300 guests, so there’s ample space for bigger tables. If it’s al fresco dining you’re after, look no further than the picturesque gardens dappled in trees and fairy lights. For larger tables they offer gorgeous brunch buffets: filled croissants, quiches, muesli, pancakes, Danishes, caprese skewers and more at R220 per person. They also offer family-style lunch and dinner menus with a selection of starters, mains (heads of fillet, braised chicken thighs, salads, pastas, veggies) and desserts at R395 per person. Else opt for the high tea buffet at R260 and various lunch and dinner buffets starting at R295 per person.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by KCC – La Vie en Rose (@lavieenrosejhb) on Jan 8, 2018 at 4:22am PST

Luce at Southern Sun (Hyde Park) ? 
Southern Sun Hyde Park has a uniquely stunning rooftop bar with palatial views across Johannesburg as well as a plush whiskey lounge that’s ideal for private functions. Fridays feature a DJ on the deck and, if you’d like a more formal sit-down dinner, you can dine at Luce. The upmarket fine-dining restaurant offers both an à la carte menu and the option of family-style platters for each table.

? Available for online bookings on the Eat Out app. 

Marble (Rosebank)

Marble offers a complete experience on an elevated level: outstanding service, flawless décor, an amazing location and a superb flame- and coal-inspired menu that celebrates the very best of local produce. Marble has two private dining rooms, one 12-seater and one 16-seater, both of which are great for smaller groups and there’s no cost for venue hire. Guests order from the à la carte menu.

The stunning interior at Marble. Photo supplied.

Olives & Plates (Wits Clubhouse)

This exquisite hidden gem offers beautiful interiors and a stunning outside area under oak trees on the Wits Campus. It also has a host of conference venues that can be used for private parties. To eat, go for the awesome buffet option or the three-course breakfast and lunch. The three-course set lunch menu (for more than 15 people) includes mezze starter platters with homemade dips, antipasti, salads, breads, a choice of four mains (sage chicken, grilled hake, pasta or their famed chicken salad), and a slice of OTT cake for approximately R300 per person.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Olives&Plates-140West (@olivesandplates140west) on Jul 12, 2018 at 1:41am PDT

OneNINEone (Rosebank)

For intimate gatherings there’s a private dining room and exclusive terrace that seats a maximum of 12 people. For bigger groups they have an exciting offering that has recently been added to the oneNINEone experience: Art on Wheels – enormous artworks that act as room dividers, giving patrons an exclusive experience without the added cost of venue hire. They offer an à la carte menu as well as a nine-course experience menu.

The private dining room at oneNINEone. Photo supplied.

Perron (Bryanston)

Perron in Bryanston, with its expansive summer deck, pops of riotous colour and fun-filled vibes, making it the perfect choice for a laid-back year-end function. They can cater for small parties and large events. The entire venue can host up to 100 seated or 150 standing guests, with the option to book out the patio for around 50 people. They offer a choice of three set menus (between R190 and R290 a head) or more communal-style tapas platters. For larger groups there’s a minimum spend instead of a venue hire fee. They can also organise a mariachi band and face-painters for your special occasion.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Perron (@we_are_perron) on Aug 27, 2018 at 4:55am PDT

Please note that while we take care to ensure that the details listed here are accurate, some specifics and costs may change without our knowledge.