Article updated on 27 June 2022

As the mercury dips and sweaters pop out, there’s nothing better than getting toasty warm in front of a roaring fireplace. Check out these restaurants in Joburg promising a cosy ambience with comfort food to tide over this chilly weather. 

Salvation Café (Milpark)

Renowned as a brunch favourite by Jozi regulars who enjoy dining in the sunny courtyard, Salvation Café offers indoor seating around a warm fireplace when the temperature outside proves too cold for comfort. Besides its breakfast and brunch staples, the restaurant also offers heartwarming soups, gourmet burgers, cheesecakes, coffees and hot chocolate to beat the wintry chill. For lunch reservations on busy weekends, call 011 482 7795. 

Winehouse at Ten Bompas (Dunkeld West)

Make your way to the hot seat(s) around the fireplace in the dining room or lounge and prepare for a wintry feast at Winehouse at Ten Bompas. Their á la carte menu boasts hearty dishes such as risotto and lamb shank with white wine velouté, and for dessert, you can indulge in their chocolate affair comprising chocolate mousse, brownie, nibs, ice cream and strawberries.

The fireplace at Winehouse at Ten Bompas. Photo supplied.

Casalinga Ristorante Italiano (Muldersdrift)

With two blazing fireplaces in the dining room and seasonal favourites such as their comforting seafood pasta, Casalinga Ristorante Italiano is perfect for a hearty Italian meal on a bleak wintry day. On weekends, the restaurant offers a seasonal set menu that includes options like comforting four-cheese gnocchi for starters, homemade lasagne Bolognese for mains, and a special dessert of the day.

Bambanani (Melville)

With two fireplaces inside the dining area, this cosy restaurant is ideal for a family meal with comfort food adding to the warmth. Take your pick from the range of soups, curries, Moroccan lamb and other hearty dishes with winter favourites like malva pudding for dessert, accompanied by foamy cappuccinos or a steaming cup of tea. The restaurant does not accept reservations and seating is on a first come-first serve basis.

Beach Blanket Bohemia (Sunninghill)

This popular Jozi restaurant exudes warmth from the name itself, which extends to the seating around the cosy fireplace indoors. Some of its winter specials guaranteed to warm the cockles of your heart include Spanish-style oxtail with sherry and saffron, as well as an exciting range of pizzas and pastas. Be sure to keep your glass of red wine handy as the indulgence continues with desserts such as chocolate brownie, affogato and a delectable cake table selection.

Fireroom (Bedfordview)

Warm yourself at the fireplace in the Fireroom as you get ready to indulge in hearty winter fare like fillet on the bone, Kingklip Sorrento (grilled kingklip with shrimps, green and white asparagus, and á la crema sauce), deep-fried California sushi roll, and Bar-One sliders for dessert, accompanied by a glass of red or a cup of coffee. Fireroom has another branch in Montecasino and a third in Castle Gate in Pretoria.

Paputzis (Linden)

This family restaurant with a fireplace right in the centre of the dining area excels in homestyle, comforting meals, with winter specials such as the prawn or chicken curry, Durban curry, and delicious oxtail that is sure to pique your palate. Paputzis also offers a sizeable wine list, as well as piping hot cappuccinos and hot chocolate for the little ones. Call 011 782 9393 for lunch reservations from Thursday to Saturday when the restaurant is at its busiest best.

The Bull Run (Sandton)

This steakhouse that is managed by the Protea Hotel by Marriott Balalaika Sandton promises to offer you comforting meals by its indoor fireplace this winter. Specials include a comforting oxtail pie served with your choice of side and a single shot of Glenmorangie 10 years. This promotional offer on winter specials is valid till the end of June 2022 and can be checked out on their website https://www.thebullrun.co.za/menu/. 

Inside at The Bull Run. Photo supplied.

2 Thai 4 (Sandton) 

Spicy Thai food may be just the thing to warm your body and soul this winter, and with two fireplaces in the dining room, there is nothing more comforting you could ask for. Start off with the tangy Tom Yum Goong soup and proceed to their famous green curry or the warm and spicy Massaman chicken curry for mains.

Amuse-Bouche at Fairlawns (Sandton)

While Amuse-Bouche is usually popular for its terrace dining area, come chilly weather and the crowd shifts indoors to revel in the warmth by the fireplace. The slow-braised oxtail, grilled salmon and ricotta ravioli as well as the lamb rack are popular winter favourites.

Have you been to any of these warming spots? Want to tell us about your favourite restaurant with a fireplace? Let us know in the comments below.