From idyllic glimpses of rolling hills to breathtaking cityscapes and tranquil lakes, Joburg restaurants wouldn’t be the same without their epic views. Here are 10 of some of the best restaurants in Jozi from which to enjoy a sumptuous meal while appreciating the surrounding scenery.

Higher Ground Restaurant (Sandton)

Set on the landscaped grounds of St Stithians College, Higher Ground Restaurant offers panoramic views of the Sandton skyline as well as bustling Bryanston from the deck, terrace or deli seating areas. One of the crowd pullers of this Mediterranean restaurant is its “Dinner in the Sky” experience, offering breathtaking views of the city. Dig into a ribeye steak, seafood paella, roast chicken or grilled salmon hollandaise while sipping on some cool cocktails from the wide selection on offer.

The view from Higher Ground. Photo supplied.

Flames Restaurant at the Four Seasons Hotel (Westcliff)

While the iconic View Restaurant at the Four Seasons has shut its doors to public, the hotel’s Flames Restaurant is very much up and running, offering spectacular views of the Johannesburg skyline and cityscape from the rooftop. Open for breakfast, lunch, sundowners and dinner through the week, as well as an early and late brunch on weekends, Flames boasts an extensive food and drinks menu. Some of the favourites are the 28-day ribeye tomahawk steak weighing in at 700g and the 4 All Seasons G&T from the cocktail menu.

Gorgeous Jozi views at Flames Restaurant. Photo supplied.

Island Bar and Luce restaurant (Hyde Park)

Southern Sun’s Island Bar is the perfect spot to socialise with friends on long summer days. Situated on the hotel’s pool deck, Island Bar offers sunbathing, cocktails and awesome views of the city, while its adjoining Luce restaurant can satiate all those booze-induced cravings. Choose from the popular beef or chicken sliders, beef or chicken Hyde Park burger, pork ribs, pork belly, or salmon scottato, while sipping on a mojito or “Pornstar”, Island Bar’s glamorous in-house cocktail.

The idyllic deck at Island Bar for those summer sundowners.

Living Room (Maboneng)

Vibrant, spacious and well-lit with interiors that soak up the natural light, Living Room is the place to be to experience a great view of Maboneng. While the restaurant is only open on weekends currently, the food, cocktails and view make it worth a visit. Try the basket case, manic beef burger or carnivore tapas boards while sipping on heady signature cocktails such as the Berry Blaze, Halo Aloe or Fruit Loops. Note that during the week, they host only private events.

Sliders at Living Room. Photo supplied.

Mr George (Melrose Arch)

The erstwhile JB’s Corner at Melrose Arch was last year rechristened as Mr George. While the café boasts an all-new menu, you’ll still find the same team working behind the scenes in the kitchen and the same great view of Melrose Arch and the street below from its gorgeous glass interiors. Do order the signature sushi, which is what the restaurant is known for, as well as the charcoal grills, salads, burgers and Mediterranean sharing plates with a variety of beers and wines to wash it down.

Mozambik (Benoni)

Newly opened Mozambik in Benoni overlooks a picturesque lake that is home to an abundance of bird life. The tranquil environment offers a getaway from the bustle of the city and yet is close to home. With both indoor and outdoor seating available, it also has a fun play area for kids. While the restaurant chain has several locations across South Africa, the menu is synonymous with traditional Portuguese food. Favourites include peri-peri or lemon-and-herb grilled chicken with sides like coconut rice and wasabi mash or prawn bilene, which is a starter of pan-fried prawns in a butter-garlic cream sauce smothered in cheddar and Danish feta and served with fresh Portuguese rolls. One of the most-ordered cocktails is the R&R Jug, a classic in Mozambique itself.

The setting at Mozambik Benoni. Photo by Juandre Vorster.

Marble (Rosebank)

Known for its elegant interiors offering stunning vistas of Rosebank, Marble continues to woo patrons with the promise of sumptuous cuisine and magnificent views. The wood-fired grill is the focal point here – which is no surprise, given the wood-fired food philosophy of this David Higgs restaurant. Some of the popular dishes include the ribeye steak, fish and limited-edition lobster, besides the quintessential meat and seafood cooked over coals.

The iconic Marble view. Photo supplied.

Saint (Sandton)

Managed by the same team that runs Marble, this Italian restaurant located on the second floor of The Marc in Sandton, has a main dining area plus balcony seating that offers exquisite views of Rivonia Road. While pizzas and pastas continue to pull in the crowds, the Italian-inspired steak, fish and chicken are also popular. Saint has an extensive cocktail list as well as boutique and international wines, including some rare vintage champagnes. Its signature cocktails include Italian Rose, Bianco Charrara #1 and Cazador.

The stylish interior at Saint Restaurant. Photo supplied.

A Streetbar Named Desire (Parkwood)

Enjoy gorgeous street views from the first-floor balcony of this Parkwood Mansions eatery while listening to foot-tapping music and nibbling on Middle Eastern-inspired bar snacks, such as smoked baba ghanoush, flatbreads, deep-fried olives and hummus with an edible veggie patch. Besides having a lip-smacking variety of seafood and meat tapas, you can also expect a vast array of vegetarian tapas. Choose one or more of the cheekily named cocktails (think Epic Fornications, Pearls of Wisdom and Coarse Behaviour to pair with your meal.

San Deck Bar & Restaurant (Sandton)

Offering a stunning view of the Sandton skyline, San Deck rooftop, located on the sixth floor of the Sandton Sun Hotel is one of Johannesburg’s most exclusive rooftop bars. The restaurant is open all day, providing you with views of the sunrise or sunset from your table. The restaurant’s philosophy encompasses local sourcing of seasonal ingredients and the show kitchen offers diners a chance to interact with the chef as their food is being prepared. Some of the favourites from the menu include the lamb shank, oxtail, pork ribs and chicken pies. The drinks menu has a comprehensive selection of South African beers, wines and spirits, as well as signature SAN cocktails. Some of the most ordered cocktails include San Sunset, Cucumber and Rosemary, and Lazy Old Fashioned. From Thursdays to Saturdays, San Deck pulsates to the beats of resident DJs from 6 pm to 10 pm.

Did we miss your favourite restaurant with a breathtaking view in Joburg? Let us know in the comments section below.