Looking for an alternative Christmas dining experience? Joburg has plenty of festive options.

Parc Fermé (Sandton)

Located in the Michelangelo Towers in Sandton, Parc Fermé offers a chic dining experience for Africa’s refined tastes. The restaurant, headed by Mauritian executive chef Atmaram Mahadea, prides itself on its superb wine selection and excellent dishes and service. They are adept at hosting private functions and end-of-year festivities. Enjoy a five-course meal for both Christmas Eve dinner and Christmas Day lunch at R675 per person.

The Fat Zebra (Parkhurst and Linden)

With dishes packed with flavour and amazing drinks to match, The Fat Zebra is a neighbourhood restaurant to know in Parkhurst and Linden. There’s limited seating, so hurry and book for their Christmas Eve dinner and Christmas Day lunch, both for R425 per person. The three-course menu boasts chicken liver pate or melon wrapped in Parma ham for starters, sliced whole roasted fillet or basil and parmesan crusted salmon for the mains, and crème brûlée or pavlova for dessert.

Winehouse at Ten Bompas Hotel (Dunkeld West)

Named after a painting of Amy Winehouse by Joanna Flatau, The Winehouse brings together a fusion of flavours with a well-thought-out selection of South African wines. It is known for its food and wine pairing events. Book for their annual Christmas lunch in the garden at R650 per person.

Level Seven Restaurant and Sky Bar (Bredell,Kempton Park)

Level Seven is the latest venture by restaurateur Desmond Mabuza, who is also known for his Signature restaurant. Opened in October 2020 and perched on top of the new Radisson Hotel by OR Tambo International Airport, Level Seven is about a luxurious fine-dining experience in a glamorous setting. Escape to the city for their Christmas lunch set menu and an à la carte menu for Christmas dinner which both include a special Christmas gift. Watch their social media accounts for the menu release and pricing.

Aurelia’s Restaurant at Emperors Palace (Kempton Park)

Nestled inside Emperor’s Palace, Aurelia’s Restaurant boasts a fusion of international trends and bold African flavours. Festive feasts perfect for the whole family include the Christmas Eve dinner at R595 per person and Christmas lunch at R795 per person. Children between 6 and 12 years pay half price.

Vivace Bar & Restaurant at Radisson Blu (Sandton)

Radisson offers a lovely break away from the city in the hub of Sandton and Vivace is a sophisticated dining affair. The Christmas Eve dinner, dubbed Steak Night, boasts a Lebanese mezze platter, mains highlighting various meats and plant-based options, as well as dessert. At R465 per person, this is inclusive of a welcome drink and is from 6:30 till 10:30pm. The Christmas lunch buffet is at R655 per person and is inclusive of a welcome drink, live music and entertainment for the kids. This happens from 12:30 until 3:30pm.

Malagueta Restaurant (Edenvale)

Malagueta is a Mediterranean family restaurant known for hosting varied private and public events that range from comedy nights to corporate meetings. The space also boasts a kiddies’ entertainment area. Book for their Christmas buffet lunch for R395 per person. Kids between 5 and 10 years pay half price. This is from 12 until 3:30pm.

Aquila Café (Roodepoort)

The Black Eagle Hotel will host its Christmas lunch buffet in the garden of its Aquila Café. This is at R490 per person and R245 for kids under 12 years. Children under 5 years eat for free.

Have we missed a Christmas special in Johannesburg? Let us know in the comments below.

Please note that while we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of this information, some prices and deals might change without our knowledge. Bookings are essential and these specials are available to availability.