“Brunch is always a good idea”, they say. Add a lovely view and you have a happy occasion. Here are a few places where you can enjoy brunch with some inspired views in Jozi.

Flames Restaurant at the Four Seasons Hotel (The Westcliff)

Boasting breathtaking views of the city with leafy landscapes and jacarandas in spring and summer from the Four Seasons Hotel at the Westcliff, Flames Restaurant’s location is its most prized attraction. This is complemented by an urban, casual menu with fresh seasonal ingredients. Flames is also known for its celebrated brunch menu on weekends. This is no longer served buffet-style due to Covid-19 regulations and is now served at the table. It includes a cold selection featuring a fruit trifle, mini savoury quiche muffins, salads and sushi. Included in the mains is beef sirloin, chicken and waffle (nacho-style), spicy bean chilli, pulled pork pizza and Russian Cru Royal Sturgeon Caviar as an extra. This is followed by a compact dessert menu featuring coffee crème brûlée and banana malva pudding. Brunch is served from 11am to 3pm. Booking is essential.

Ferguson’s 5th Floor  (Illovo)

Ferguson’s offers an exquisite rooftop view and experience in the heart of Sandton. Because of this, the restaurant also doubles up as a function space. Enjoy freshly roasted coffee, delicious breakfasts and easy lunches as well as a daily, freshly prepared harvest table. Choose from their signature breakfast bowls, eggs Benedict or hangover sarmie for breakfast. Breakfast is served until 11:30am. Ferguson’s is open Monday to Thursday from 7:30am to 4pm and on Fridays from 7:30am to 10pm.

La Vie en Rose (Houghton and Linksfield)

Located in the lush and picturesque garden of the Killarney Country Club, La Vie en Rose is a quality-driven café in lower Houghton. The owners, Rony Muller and Lior Ezerzer, are experienced when it comes to events and hosting, so the café is big on private functions. The garden is both romantic and child-friendly, creating a synergy between elegance and ease. The spot is suitable for occasions ranging from brunches and kitchen teas to birthdays and big family gatherings. There is a selection of brunch buffet menus catering to a minimum of 15 people. With Rony’s gastronomic influences borrowing from India, Germany and New York and Lior’s experience as a pastry chef, the à la carte menu has extensive breakfast options with a variety of waffles, sandwiches and wraps. The café has just opened a new branch at the Huddle Park Golf and Recreation Centre in Linksfield. The Houghton branch is open from Wednesday to Sunday from 7am to 6pm. Linksfield is open Monday to Sunday from 7am to 6pm.

Breezeblock (Brixton)

Breezeblock sits on the edge of Melville and is Brixton’s neighbourhood coffee shop and café, which adds to the artistic feel of the location. Come for the view of the lush garden, the fish pond and the enlivening tile mural in the courtyard designed by artist Justin Brett. The spot prides itself on its delicious coffee and it’s perfect for quick bites, all-day breakfasts, brunches and lazy lunches. It’s also a great space to work from or host a party or private event. Working with global flavours interpreted simply, signature breakfast dishes include the Dutch-inspired baked pancakes with bacon and roast tomatoes, Persian-inspired baked eggs and the Mexican classic huevos rancheros. Go for the hearty salads for lunch or the popular inkhukhu (chicken) couscous served with beans and topped with tomato relish and cucumber salsa. Vegan and vegetarian options are available. End with a glass of craft beer or wine or a cocktail. Breezeblock is open Monday to Friday from 7am to 4pm and on weekends from 8am to 4pm.

Salvation Café (44 Stanley)

Salvation Café is among the top brunch spots to visit in Johannesburg. Perched underneath a huge olive tree with a courtyard seating area within 44 Stanley’s chic and down-to-earth atmosphere, it boasts a restful setting perfect for quick solo breaks or family occasions. This is complemented by a soulful food offering of breakfast, lunch and light meals. With handmade traditions, inventive flavours and fresh ingredients, the menu leaves an unforgettable mark. The Salvation shakshuka eggs is a signature hit. The variety of eggs Benedict, the breakfast burrito and the nachos are also ones to try. There are also plenty of vegan options. The café is open from 8am to 6pm.