Most 012 folk are creatures of habit, but every warthog needs a new watering hole and a change of scenery now and then. Expand your culinary comfort zone by trying out some of these hot new spots in the capital city.

Aroma Coffee Roastery (Hazelwood)

Regulars in The Village were eagerly eyeing the exterior street-art-style murals before Aroma opened its doors in March, but this vibey new spot is more than just a pretty façade. Expect a mouth-watering menu that features all your favourite coffee and gelato options from the original spot in Lynwood, but served in a beautiful new setting that seems to attract an equally endless and good-looking bevy of diners.

 

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A post shared by jay_christiano2 (@jay_christiano2) on May 15, 2019 at 1:55am PDT

Café 41 (Menlopark)

The original branch in Groenkloof built up a loyal clientele based on great location, consistently friendly service and, of course, all kinds of deliciousness. This latest addition to the Café 41 stable opened its gorgeous floor-to-ceiling glass-panel doors in December 2018, and offers the same winning combo with a slightly more modern feel. It’s a cosy spot for brunch, a coffee catch-up or a variety of meze shared with friends. Vegetarians have plenty from which to choose.

 

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Friday Fish & Chips! #Cafe41 #Menlo #Lunching #Foodie #WeekendVibes #FriYAY #Pretoria

A post shared by Cafe 41 Menlo (@cafe41_menlo) on May 24, 2019 at 5:53am PDT

Central (Hazelwood)

Classy without being finicky or pretentious, Central is fast becoming a favourite among The Village’s diners and caffeine addicts. The Mediterranean-inspired menu is both unassuming and innovative, allowing the ingredients to have the loudest say. For breakfast, try the Persian eggs – a delicious combo of fluffy scrambled eggs served with chilli, cumin, Medjool dates and Greek yoghurt. The lunch and dinner menu features comforting lamb and steak options, and multiple vegetarian dishes – including a shiitake mushroom moussaka.

 

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One of the dishes that has really taken off this winter @centralrestaurantza is our osso bucco yiovetsi. Slow cooked beef shin combined with kritharaki or orzo as most people know it make this the ultimate in winter comfort food… A definite for our cool winter evenings! Just remember to come hungry #yiovetsi #ossobucco #mediterraneanfood #winterfood #comfortfood #kritharaki #thevillagehazelwood #centralrestauranthazelwood #thechefdino

A post shared by CENTRAL. (@centralrestaurantza) on May 23, 2019 at 12:09am PDT

Fokof Bar (Lynnwood)

Just when we thought that the glorious dive bar of yore has died a sad and lonely death, Belville rockers Fokofpolisiekar stepped in to save the day and opened this new spot on ‘the strip’ in Lynwood. With its offbeat décor and craft beer, there’s sufficient millennial appeal ¬– yet the dark corners and delightfully grimy undertones hint at the kind of old-school revelry last sighted in the 90s.

 

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Our doors are open from 11am today. Come and have a #FOKNBURGER from only R35!! Swipe left for the #burger #menu

A post shared by FOKOF BAR (@fokofbar) on Feb 8, 2019 at 11:37pm PST

Johnny Church Organ (Groenkloof)

The traditional all-you-can-eat buffet concept is given a quirky update at this new steampunk-themed restaurant in Groenkloof – think chequered floors, gleaming metal touches and waitering staff sporting top hats and leather aprons. The ‘shrimp-sational’ Tuesday night buffet is a fantasy come true for those who feel like no portion of prawns is ever quite enough. Children under 10 and pensioners pay less. Not a buffet fan? There’s also an à la carte option.

La Rosa Mexican Grille (Menlyn Maine)

South Africa has finally woken up to the foodie wonderworld that is Mexican cuisine, and with the recent opening of La Rosa at Menlyn Maine, Tshwane residents now have another great option for getting their taco fix. The interior features lashings of bright colour and highly Instagrammable murals inspired by Mexican tropes like the día de los muertos and, of course, tequila. Gather your compadres and get your fiesta on with the expansive menu, Mexican beer and a massive variety of imported agave tequilas.

 

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A post shared by La Rosa Mexican Grille (@larosamexicansa) on Aug 27, 2018 at 10:53pm PDT

No. 89 (Hazelwood)

This Hazelwood spot comes from the same folks who brought you the Cape Town branch. The excellent specials are just one of the good reasons to check out this vibey new joint. There’s a good deal for just about every day of the week, including burger specials on Monday, half-price Mexican dishes on Wednesdays and an awesome ladies’ cocktail special on Thursdays. It’s also an ideal spot for your daily coffee or sundowner sessions with one of their many fine gins.

 

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A post shared by No.89 (@no.89hazelwood) on May 13, 2019 at 1:22am PDT

The Social Grill (Pretoriuspark)

With its barn-like structure, exposed brickwork, comfy booths and retro hanging lamps, The Social Grill is both rustic and sophisticated. This cool new restaurant opened is tucked away in Pretoriuspark (close to Woodlands Mall), slightly off the usual dining circuit. The extensive selection of wine and cocktails plus a well-thought-out menu – including unusual eats, as well as classic pizza options and meat dishes aplenty – make The Social Grill a classy kuierplek.

 

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Have you tried our Bone Marrow small plate yet? This dish offers a mix of beef marrow and braised shin, topped with a gorgonzola crumble and croutons. #Delicious

A post shared by thesocialgrill (@thesocialgrill) on May 24, 2019 at 12:06am PDT

Brought to you by Retail Capital, sponsors of the Eat Out Retail Capital New Restaurant of the Year Award. Want to find more new restaurants in your city? Check out our new restaurants section.