From charcoal and live-fire dining to brunches and Asian street food, August’s most-viewed restaurants present a bucket list for foodies this spring. Here are the most popular restaurants on the Eat Out site during last month.

Sunday Brunch at The Pot Luck Club. Photo supplied.

• Joburg
• Pretoria
• Durban
• Cape Town
• Winelands

Johannesburg

1. Marble by David Higgs (Rosebank)

At the heart of David Higgs’s new fine dining restaurant is a magnificent, custom-made wood-fired grill. Breath-taking views and beautifully presented dishes of blackened octopus, côte de bœuf, served with bone marrow, thin-cut fries, grilled asparagus and parmesan, and playful ice-cream sandwiches are what you can expect.

The rib eye with bone marrow and fries. Photo supplied.

2. Craft (Parkhurst)

Instagram-worthy milkshakes and OTT hot chocolate are drawcards here. They also serve a pretty insane pulled-pork mac ’n cheese.

3. Mash Braai House (Fourways)

Chill out at this soul-food favourite and tuck into proper shisa nyama. Chops, dombolo, T-bone and wors are all on the menu and pair well with the vibey atmosphere.

4. Momo Baohaus (Greenside)

This new Taiwanese spot serves traditional street food with some delicious twists, including bao filled with braised lamb, crispy beef, tempura prawns and bowls of wokked noodles. There’s also a dessert bao with sweet milk or caramel dip.

One of the bowl options. Photo supplied.

5. 1Fox – The Sheds (Ferreirasdorp)

Artisanal pizza, seared tuna wraps, gourmet burgers and dim sum: There are hundreds of delicious reasons to visit this market. There are arts and crafts on sale, too, as well as occasional live music.

6. EB Social Kitchen & Bar (Hyde Park)

Hunt down your favourite novel and grab a spot at this super-stylish bookstore restaurant. There’s risotto, pork shoulder and tandoori quail on offer.

7. Pron (Linden)

Emma Chen of The Red Chamber is behind this unpretentious yet trendy noodle bar. Dishes include pork soup with noodles and the popular hand-break bread filled with fresh spring onions and salt. There’s also Szechuan-chilli chicken with peanut sauce and a delicious pig’s ear salad with coriander.

8. San Deck at Sandton Sun Hotel (Sandton)

Perfect for sundowners or a romantic meal, this Sandton bar offers killer city views. Sip on a cocktail and tuck into items like Caesar salad, seasonal soups, hearty sandwiches, new-style hot dogs and South African gourmet bunny chows.

The rooftop at San Deck at the Sandton Sun. Photo supplied.

9. DW Eleven-13 (Dunkeld West)

Marthinus Ferreira’s modern menu offers fine dining with a twist of the familiar. Head here for a special occasion and order the degustation menu with a wine pairing.

10. Life Grand (Mall of Africa)

A popular eatery in this supersized mall, Life Grand is great for people watching and enjoying a post-shopping sushi fix.

Pretoria

1. Afro-boer (Die Wilgers)

This child-friendly eatery and bakery offers locals modern yet comforting meals of cauliflower soup, freshly baked pies, vibrant salads, and even gourmet braaibroodjies.

The interior at Afro-boer. Photo supplied.

2. Restaurant Mosaic at The Orient (Elandsfontein)

Currently sitting pretty at number seven in the country, this fine-dining restaurant impresses with delicate, beautiful food inspired by mother nature

3. Black Bamboo (Ashlea Gardens)

Now that the warmer weather is on its way, nab a spot on the tree-covered deck for some relaxing alfresco dining. Recent menu items include seared salmon with potato gnocchi and lemon-butter sauce, and strawberry-and-vanilla panna cotta with oat crumble.

4. La Terrasse Rooftop Café and Deli (Pretoria East)

Exotic Moroccan fare is the order of the day here. Indulge in hummus, baba ganoush, bountiful tagines and fragrant couscous.

La Terrasse Rooftop Café. Photo supplied.

5. Life Grand Café (Hazelwood)

A popular spot for breakfast, lunch and after-work drinks, with delicious tapas of charcuterie, dips and cheeses.

6. Chefs 566 (Garsfontein)

Brett Ladds, former private chef to Nelson Mandela, is serving up bistro-style cafe food at this relaxed restaurant. Enjoy bone marrow on toast, brie baked in pyllo, and Greek lamb kleftiko.

7. Alfies The Original (Hazelwood)

This local gem is still serving classic cafe-fare and Italian dishes to devoted locals.

Alfies foccacia. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

8. Aroma Bistro (Silver Lakes)

Coffee is roasted on site and the gelato-and-waffle lounge is a crowd pleaser. Word has it that they’ll soon be offering savoury waffles, too.

9. A’la Turka Speciality Restaurant (Doringkloof East)

The place in Pretoria for good Middle-Eastern and Turkish cuisine in beautifully lush and dreamy surrounds. Feast on platters, saucy bowls with soft flatbreads, meat on skewers and aromatic casseroles.

Outside at A’la Turka. Photo supplied.

10. Hinterland Vleishandelaar (Hazelwood)

Meat is king, with steak and lamb the stars of this particular show.

Durban

1. Fourteen on Chartwell (Umhlanga Rocks)

Enjoy gastropub fare and crafty cocktails at this stylish Umhlanga restaurant. Think gourmet jaffles, creamy mussels, and the glorious pie of the day.

The pulled pork jaffle at Fourteen on Chartwell. Photo supplied.

2. Jaipur Palace (Durban North)

Here you are invited to feast on a curry buffet with aromatic options like crab and prawn, lamb, chicken and lentils.

3. Pop-up Society (Glenwood)

Pop in for breakfast, lunch or dinner, or attend one of this spot’s family nights, quiz evenings, wine tastings, or kiddies’ activities. Don’t leave without trying one of the OTT milkshakes.

4. Old Town Italy (Umhlanga Ridge)

Old-school Italian recipes, imported top-quality products and a beautifully designed space make this spot insanely popular. Get there early for a cronut fix.

The cheese counter at Old Town Italy. Photo supplied.

5. Prep Room (Glenwood)

Glenwood’s newest eatery is cleverly built in shipping containers at Glenwood Preparatory School. Head here for a decent cup of Colombia coffee and a tasty breakfast or lunch. Keep an eye out for the fun Friday pasta or burger evenings.

6. Surf Riders Food Shack (Addington Beach)

All-day breakfasts, gourmet burgers and wood-fired pizzas are what diners can expect at this beachfront spot. Head here for a sneaky helping of cheesy fries after a walk on the promenade.

7. Boiler Room Café (Morningside)

This quirky café is ideal for working lunch break or a lazy Saturday brunch. Try comforting highlights like the duck and potato hash with parmesan and fried egg; the lamb bunny chow with homemade steam bread and spicy apple yoghurt; or the bacon, banana and peanut butter toastie.

A burger and chips at Boiler Room Café. Photo supplied.

8. Lingela at Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani (Snell Parade)

It might look like a typical international hotel buffet, but the choice is excellent and the quality great. Have prawns, fish, steaks and cutlets grilled exactly the way you want them.

9. S43 Home to That Brewing Co. (Morningside)

With dishes like pork sliders with wasabi mayo, mini Malay bunny chows, and mini doughnuts with salted caramel, it’s no surprise that this craft beer haven buzzes on a weekend.

The interior at S43 in Station Drive. Photo supplied.

10. La Crêpe (Umhlanga Rocks)

It’s treats galore at this recently opened crêperie. Enjoy sweet fillings of custard and banana, hot fudge or Nutella, and savoury options with three cheeses, chicken mayo, and butter chicken.

Cape Town

1. Ash Restaurant (City Bowl)

Ash Heeger worked under Luke Dale-Roberts before heading overseas and then returning to open this beautiful restaurant in the space formerly occupied by Frankie Fenner butchery and Publik wine bar. Charcoal dining means that the meat is cooked to perfection and packed with flavour.

ASH Restaurant in Cape Town. Photo supplied.

2. Three Wise Monkeys (Sea Point)

It’s all about ramen and poké bowls at this new Regent Road hotspot. The simple ramen is perfect for a midweek pick-me-up.

3. The Shortmarket Club (City Bowl)

Led by The Pot Luck Club chef Wesley Randles, this is the newest venture to join the Luke Dale-Roberts family. The bistro-focused menu suits the lavish New-York-inspired loft space. It’s a treat for a special occasion.

The bar area at The Shortmarket Club. Photo supplied.

4. Obi Restaurant (City Bowl)

Papa San’s fans followed him from Minato to Takumi, and now to Obi. The new spot is unpretentious and serves the Japanese favourites we’ve all come to know and love.

5. Mulberry & Prince (City Bowl)

This Pepper Street spot serves up contemporary tapas dishes in an interior that could’ve been in New York. Surround yourself in the rose gold décor as you sample the delicious bacalhao fritters or blissful lamb ribs.

6. La Colombe (Constantia)

Our reining chef of the year, Scot Kirton, runs the pass at this destination restaurant overlooking the beautiful Silvermist vineyards.

The new venue feels like a lodge in the treetops. Photo by Jan Ras.

7. The Test Kitchen (Woodstock)

South Africa’s number one restaurant for four years running, The Test Kitchen serves world-class food that delight all the senses. The bad news is they’re currently closed for a couple of months while they refurbish.

8. The Pot Luck Club (Woodstock)

This must-visit restaurant atop The Old Biscuit Mill offers innovative tapas. Don’t miss out on the festive Sunday brunches with the build-your-own bloody Mary station. The sweeping Cape Town views are an added bonus.

9. The Village Idiot (City Bowl)

With a buzzing atmosphere and great drinks selection, it’s no wonder that this city bowl watering hole has been one of the most viewed restaurants all year.

That Durban Chick – hot spicy peri Peri-style grilled chicken at The Village Idiot. Photo supplied.

10. Unframed Ice Cream (Gardens)

The new addition to Kloof Street is fast becoming popular for its magnificently creamy ice cream. Current flavours include peanut butter, Nuttikrust, sea-salt chocolate and burned white chocolate.

Winelands

1. The Tasting Room at Le Quartier Français (Franschhoek)

Margot Janse and her team of superstars continue to turn out a uniquely South African surprise menu at this Top 10 restaurant.

2. Jordan Restaurant (Stellenbosch)

George Jardine consistently impresses with his delicious fine-dining fare at SA’s current number 10. Arrive before sunset to watch the sky turn pink over the dam.

Butter-roasted lamb heart, caramelised onion and spring greens at Jordan. Photo by Jan Ras.

3. Hudsons The Burger Joint (Stellenbosch)

Great burgers and a hungry crowd means this spot is always bustling. Don’t forget to try the deep-fried Oreos for dessert.

4. The Thirsty Scarecrow (Stellenbosch)

The Thirsty Scarecrow is popular with the younger crowds who might be more into craft beer than fine wines. On sunny days, sit on the deck overlooking the strawberry fields.

5. Terroir (Stellebosch)

Michael Broughton’s risotto and sauces consistently receive rave reviews. Warmer weather calls for sitting under the rustling trees with a glass of Kleine Zalze bubbles.

A ceviche dish at Terroir. Photo by Nikita Buxton.

6. Schoon de Companje (Stellenbosch)

For a pre-wine tasting brunch, visit this atmospheric bakery. Superb bread, pastries and artisanal Fanny Chanel ice cream are on offer, including a breakfast selection of luxuriously creamy scrambled eggs, cheesy croquet madame, and decadent brioche French toast.

7. Eight at Spier (Stellenbosch)

Located on Spier Estate, Eight offers a farm-to-table experience with natural and organic ingredients grown on site or bought from surrounding farms.

8. Rust en Vred Restaurant (Stellenbosch)

Fine-dining finesse and expert-level service remain at the core of this elegant winelands location. It’s definitely one for the bucket list.

A dish at Rust en Vrede. Photo supplied.

9. Delaire Graff Restaurant (Stellenbosch)

Enjoy exquisite views over the Banhoek Valley, opulent architecture and objects of beauty throughout the estate – all while enjoying great food and wine.

10. The Restaurant at Waterkloof (Somerset West)

Chef Gregory Czarnecki impresses with his exquisitely plated fare inspired by the stunning landscape. The biodynamic estate supplies many of the ingredients, not to mention the delicious wines.

A beautifully plated dish at The Restaurant at Waterkloof. Photo supplied.