Summer is many things. It’s beach season, cricket season and tennis season, but it is also – most definitely – restaurant season. As thousands of tourists descend on our shores, new restaurants begin hatching faster than mosquitos. To help you find a new favourite for the new year, we’ve put together a list of all the new restaurants that have opened in the past few months. From hip new Japanese noodle bars to free-range burger joints and serene country kitchens in the Winelands, there’s something for everyone.

Johannesburg

The Elm Restaurant
Experience a peaceful meal under the shade of a 100 year-old tree.

Hogshead Pub
Stylish but comfortable, with new twists on traditional pub fare.

The Leopard
The perfect spot to sit and read the whole paper – and perhaps enjoy the whole menu.

Lucky Moo
Nifty wok boxes serve vibrant Asian, Thai and Chinese cuisine.

Possum’s Bistro and Deli
The combination of a French-style green grocery with local and imported produce, potted herbs and fresh bistro dining.

Ramen
An authentic Japanese noodle bar.

Ten Bompas Restaurant
This hotel restaurant focuses on fresh simple meals.

Pretoria

Alfie’s
As close to an authentic Italian trattoria as you can find in South Africa, Alfie’s serves simple, classic homemade Italian fare.

Blos Cafe and Venue
This café serves as a great breakfast and lunch spot and is also a function venue.

De Kloof
Expect French cuisine with a modern twist and local flavours.

Koi
Fashionable and sleek, this new addition to the Koi chain offers a wide variety of Asian food including sushi, dim sum and noodle dishes.

KwaZulu-Natal

The Burlesque Café
A vintage French eatery.

Eatwise
Fresh, healthy food with a focus on unprocessed ingredients, created while you watch.

Hai.bo
Fun dining on Zulu- and Indian-inspired South African food. Take some friends for a quirky treat.

Mooki Noodle Bar
A Japanese noodle bar offers fun décor and fresh food.

Oscar’s Bistro
Good quality homemade food in a gastropub-style environment.

Cape Town

@ Seoul Korean Restaurant
Cook your own food Korean-style on a hot griddle or in a bowl of broth.

5 Rooms Restaurant
With a dramatic, luxurious interior and generous portions of contemporary food, 5 Rooms Restaurant makes for a memorable dining experience.

Alexander Bar and Café 
Old-world design elements are used in new and fun ways to encourage chatting and lingering over drinks at this bar and eatery

Bistro on Rose
Interesting and tasty food, with generous portions of French cuisine, pizza, tapas and grills.

Bungalow
Taking over the old La Med location, Bungalow offers seafood, sushi, burgers and grills, in a hip refurbished space with one of the best views in the city.

The Charles Café
Great breakfasts and magnificent views.

Clarke’s Bar and Dining Room
A bit of America is offered in South Africa with classic free-range beef burgers and fries.

Connexxion
This hotel restaurant offers extravagant breakfasts and generous platters to share.

e’Mondo Café
Keeping it natural, e’Mondo is about natural fresh food.

F.east
Offering fine Indian cuisine, F.east has an extensive wine and cocktail list to complement the food.

Friends Café
Friends Café offers fresh food and friendly service.

Harbour House (Waterfront)
Beautiful scenery and views of the majestic harbour.

Kos Coffee and Cuisine
From English breakfasts to open sandwiches and burgers served vintage-style in old china.

La Belle Café and Bakery
Fresh home-baked goods and deli products are on offer in this cosy, elegant café. Eat in or take your meal home.

Nush
Differently Indian with fresh menu items like prawn pasta and fishcakes with mash.

Pulp Kitchen and Deli
Bright colours and fresh healthy meals with a vibey atmosphere.

Our Place
A popular outside area and deck is great for families and kids, and the inside ups the ante somewhat with leanings towards elegance.

The Pot luck Club
Luke Dale-Roberts’s latest culinary baby features small plates of modern global flavours and an art gallery.

Societi Brasserie
French bistro dining at its best.

South China Dim Sum Bar
Simple Asian street food with a menu that changes regularly to keep things fresh.

Toro Wine Bar
Combining Italian food and artisan wine, Toro offers top antipasti and light lunches.

Valora
Popular for cocktails and boasting a wine list with that personal touch.

Winelands

Cucina Carolina
The perfect spot for long lunches near the beach.

The Farmers Kitchen
French colonial meets the rustic countryside.

The Kitchen at Maison
Housed at the home of designer Chris Weylandt, The Kitchen at Maison offers the freshest, best local produce.

Riverside Grill by Andreas
The new steak house on the block.

Garden Route

Katarina’s Restaurant
Its state-of-the-art kitchen, designed by Executive Chef Leon Coetzee, ensures Katarina’s is suitable for boutique conferencing and special occasions.

Cafe Z
Located in Knysna, Cafe Z is the laidback neighbour of Zachary’s, serving simple wholesome food, and making use of some of the produce from Pezula’s own veggie patch.