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With fresh new eateries opening on every corner, it’s hard to keep up with the latest and greatest for your next gourmet outing. If you’re looking for the trendy new waffle bar, the cool new bar everyone’s talking about or hip eateries to add to your foodie bucket list, look no further. Ahead of the Eat Out Retail Capital New Restaurant Award, we count down the restaurants that have opened in the past four months in the major cities.

• Joburg
• Pretoria
• Durban
• Cape Town
• Winelands

Johannesburg

Blind Tiger (Parkview)

Lenin Vodka Bar’s infamous Bloody Marys have finally made their way to the suburbs. This new space, by Lenin’s former proprietor Roman Slepica, breathes much-needed boozy charm into Tyrone Avenue. Named after another name for a speakeasy, this deep-red deco bar hosts an amazing assortment of cocktails averaging around R47, a steady wine list and a great assortment of snacks. We guarantee this will be your new local.

The moody bar at Blind Tiger. Photo supplied.

Breezeblock (Brixton)

Brunch is hot currency and this perfect lazy breakfast spot can pay the bills. Nothing beats oven-baked Meppel pancakes with honey-sweetened ricotta and spekulaas cookie crumbs sprinkles for R65 – except eating them in this gorgeous location. Mid-century modern furniture and a pastel paint palette with swatches of gold make for the perfect backdrop to the great coffee and no corkage fee.

Breakfast at Breezeblock. Photo supplied.

La Boqueria (Parktown North)

Although named after Barcelona’s famous La Rambla street-side market space, this restaurant is inspired by street food from practically everywhere that’s delicious. Dine amongst indoor trees on Japanese edamame, Spanish cured meats, and the Bombay basket of spiced pea, potato and bean samoosas and vegetable bhajis for R64. And as you taste the world over come back home to the curated wine list of small-batch vintages and selection of local beers on tap.

The interior at La Boqueria. Photo supplied.

The Leopard Deli (44 Stanley)

We all mourned the passing of The Leopard in Melville, but thankfully chef Andrea Burgener blesses us with her pata plate once more. Find most of your old favourites now in take-away form, along with a lush selection of produce and products that live up to Burgener’s exacting standards. We recommend springing for one of the many indulgent soups and some of Nick’s bacon, smoked on the very roof of 44 Stanley.

MyShake Milkshake Bar (Rosebank Mall)

Everybody loves a little bit of excess every now and again, so why not treat yourself to a unicorn milkshake? Or perhaps you’d prefer a Candyland Shake, drizzled in strawberry sauce, topped with candyfloss and your choice of 10 types of candy for R35? Whichever you prefer, Joburg’s first MyShake has got your shakes covered in over 100 added extras. What’s more, they’re available on UberEats, so indulgence can now be delivered straight to your door.

An OTT shake at MyShake. Photo supplied.

Osteria Vincenzo (Killarney)

Part exclusive venue, part dinner party, all-round cool: this sneaky pop-up supper club is housed in a pink need-to-know location in Killarney. Those who book are treated like long lost friends and get to dine family style at a single massive table in this open-plan restaurant apartment. Each month is dedicated to a new three-course set menu of noodle dishes for R220, inspired by the feasts chef-patron Lee Ann Orton would enjoy while living in Melbourne.

The setting at Osteria Vincenzo. Photo supplied.

The Pot Luck Club Pop-up at Marabi Jazz Club (Maboneng)

Joburgers who can’t get enough of Luke Dale-Roberts at The Saxon will be delighted at this second incarnation of his culinary delights. The Pot Luck Club pop-up brings you all the small-plated joys of the Cape Town original, but with the added punch of exclusive new dishes and live jazz from the Marabi Bar. It’s running until the end of September only, so best you hurry and grab the last few places.

Sushi Burrito & Co (Melrose Arch)

Like the idea of having more sushi than you can handle? Then South Africa’s first take on the overseas sushi fad might just be for you. This laid back, clean and colourful space is also home to bao buns, poke bowls, excellent service and friendly staff. Be ready to Instagram the heck out of your meal.

Sushi Burrito & Co’s sushi burrito.

Pretoria

Altitude (Menlyn)

Calling itself a supper club and champagne garden, this beautifully decorated and sophisticated venue, located on the upper level of the Time Square complex, overlooks the Menlyn Maine precinct below and offers sweeping views over Pretoria. It serves Afro-Asian cuisine and boasts one of the finest vodka, gin and whiskey collections in Gauteng. If you’re looking for a really special spot to enjoy a night out, this should be it. No under-18s are allowed and after 5pm it’s over-23s only.

The Bone Yard (Clubview)

Specialising in American-style smoked food, The Bone Yard has a fairly small menu that includes salads, starters and a selection of mains from either the grill or the smoker. An assortment of sides is also on offer, and the restaurant advertises some great lunchtime specials. The vibe is casual and relaxed. The Bone Yard also runs the Hot Wing Challenge, offering diners their wings for free if they can finish them in under five minutes – the catch, however, is that they’re purportedly the hottest wings on the planet, made with imported Carolina Reaper chillies.

The Brew Monkey (Menlyn)

This microbrewery-meets-gastropub serves pub grub with a twist, washed down with some of the best craft beers in town. It’s a chilled self-service pub, offering a tick-box menu that you complete and present to a cashier to place your order. The menu includes things like boards to share (charcuterie or dipping), baby back ribs, salt-and-pepper squid, hot wings, burgers and ’dogs, along with gourmet sarmies. It all pairs nicely with the beers on offer, although an extensive wine list and gourmet milkshakes menu can also be found.

The bar at The Brew Monkey. Photo supplied.

CowFish (Hazelwood)

This latest addition to foodie neighbourhood The Village is an upmarket casual-industrial eatery that has made sushi, burgers and dim sum its signature offerings. The menu includes, for example, salmon or tuna carpaccio, tom yum soup, Hong Kong pears (fried potato dumplings filled with curried chicken and prawn), tomahawk steak, teriyaki salmon steak, and a wide range of sushi and burgers. There’s also an assortment of table platters.

Etas (Menlyn)

This chic tapas restaurant and bar was inspired by the fragrant flavours of Spain, a country famous for food made for sharing. Because most items are served in small portions, you can sample a lot of different dishes easily. Etas is a casual eatery with comfy chairs and lovely views, and has a welcoming, relaxed atmosphere.

Hogshead (Rooihuiskraal)

Pub-style Hogshead offers a wide range of meals, including plenty of smoked meat dishes, with the meat smoked on site in an authentic, Southern-style barbecue smoker. Think pulled-pork spring rolls, smoked pulled-pork burgers, thick-cut beef brisket, and crispy pork belly. The restaurant also offers a great craft beer selection, with no less than 12 local craft beers on tap at any given time. The restaurant has a fun sort of energy to it, and a great outdoor piazza seating area.

Something’s Cooking by J (Menlyn)

The brainchild of South African musician J’Something from Mi Casa, this restaurant serves South African and Portuguese-inspired food in a casual setting, with an open-pass serving hatch offering diners a view into the kitchen. The menu includes items like Portuguese chicken, pork belly ramen, deep fried mac and cheese, vegetable paella, and Mom’s Prawns, while the dessert menu includes treats like baked beignets, pasteis de nata cronuts (a variation of the traditional Portuguese milk tart), and deep-fried apple pie. It has a fun and unhurried feel to it.

J’Something at his first restaurant in Menlyn, Pretoria. Photo supplied.

Durban

D’urban Burger Co. (Morningside)

D’urban Burger Co. is the first sub-product of My Gourmet, created by Chef Khutso Nhlanhla Masethe. Enjoy a range of made-to-order burgers with options like the Moroccan burger, lamb burger, juicy chicken burger, and falafal burger for vegetarians. Bunless versions are also available.

Deep Blue Fish Co. (Durban North)

Founded by local Durban fisherman Sean Woodcock, this fish shop is the go-to place spot for daily fresh fish, frozen seafood and delicious seafood take-away. Try the traditional beer-battered hake and chips; fish nuggets and savoury rice; and a deep-fried Mars Bar for dessert.

Beer battered hake nuggets with rice at Deep Blue Fish Co. Photo supplied.

The Joint Jazz Café (OR Tambo Parade)

This new addition to OR Tambo Parade offers a taste of shisa nyama and local jazz. The menu at this beachfront joint is designed by Brendon Newport of Surf Riders and features braai-style meat, Durban-inspired tacos and bunnies, and local sides. Pro tip: Order the spicy chicken wings with glorious golden chips to mop up the sauce.

The sea views from the downstairs section of The Joint Jazz Café. Photo supplied.

Juke’s Wood Oven Pizza (Westville)

This new pizzeria is serving gourmet, wood-fired pizza to Westville locals. The menu features classic flavour combinations like the Audrey Hepburn with prosciutto and rocket; the Hudson Hornet with artichokes, olives and salami; and the simple margherita called Elizabeth Taylor. More adventurous slices include the John Wayne with pulled pork and roasted pineapple, or the Ford Thunderbird with chorizo, caramelised onion and jalapeño.

Masala Masala (Umhlanga Rocks)

This upmarket curry restaurant is situated in the bustling Umhlanga Village area and offers classic Durban-style curry dishes in an elegant setting.

Curry from Masala Masala. Photo supplied.

Mythos (Umhlanga Rocks)

This stylish new addition to The Village hub offers locals a taste of Greek fare with a menu inspired by Greek family recipes. Enjoy things meze-style, or go for mains like souvlakia with tzatziki and pita; lamb kleftiko with oven-roasted potatoes; veggie moussaka with a Greek side salad; or fresh whole line fish.

NIKOS Coalgrill Greek (Durban North)

Durban North’s new taverna offers guests a taste of Santorini with its light and breezy décor and delicious Greek grub. The pita breads are spot-on and the yiros are generously filled and pack tons of fresh flavours. Get here early; they don’t take bookings.

The interior at NIKOS Coalgrill Greek. Photo supplied.

Nouriti (Umhlanga Rocks)

Situated at the fitness centre, Movement X, is Nouriti’s newest shop. Fans of the health café will know all about the wholesome eats here. Expect high protein breakfasts; generously-filled sandwiches; filled salads, wraps and baked potatoes; and nutritious power bowls. Wash it down with cold pressed juices, kombucha, or their delicious coffees by Father Coffee served in beautiful Lou Harvey cups.

Plan B Dessertery (Durban North)

Bringing the trending bubble waffle to KZN’s shores is this dessert-only eatery. Besides the sweet waffle creations, there are also giant churros, and dessert tacos filled with all sorts of confections. Pro tip: Neighbouring Four15 serves Plan B’s desserts for after-dinner treats.

Stacked Eatery (Umhlanga Rocks)

This is yet another new eatery to open up in the sunny city’s Umhlanga Village. Stacked Eatery focuses on diner-style treats like doughnuts, cheesecakes, gourmet shakes, sundaes, and flapjack or waffle stacks.

The Midlands Kitchen (Nottingham Road)

The Midlands Kitchen is a market-style venue that boasts 15 new restaurants offering everything from gourmet burgers and pizzas to Mexican grub and vegan dishes. The dining area inside the space seats approximately 400 people and there is also a family- and pet-friendly area outdoors.

A coffee and biscuit at The Midlands Kitchen in KZN. Photo supplied.

Vasco’s Restaurant (Durban Central)

This new buffet restaurant offers Durban-inspired meals. Indulge in dishes from the tandoori oven or grill, and enjoy warming curries and stews. There is also a seafood buffet for those craving a taste of the ocean.

Views at Twenty5 (Morningside)

This swanky spot is Durban’s newest answer to rooftop cocktails with a view. The venue offers a vintage feel with modern twists with a fully stocked bar offering everything from bubbles, wine and whiskies to crafty cocktails and premium vodkas. As for the food, expect wood-fired shisa-nyama boards to pair with the soulful music and panoramic views.

Cape Town

126 Cape Kitchen & Café (City Bowl)

This new hotel eatery offers traditional South African, Cape Malay and Asian flavours and a Halaal-certified menu. There are also tea pairings with special brews from around the world.

A tea and dessert pairing at 126 Cape Kitchen. Photo supplied.

Café du Cap (City Bowl)

This relaxed Loop Street spot offers home-made, wholesome eats that are perfect for comforting out-of-office lunches. The menu features breakfasts ranging from salmon with scrambled eggs to croissants, while lunches feature quiches, a harvest table and salad bar, and sourdough toasties.

Cabrón Taco Bar (City Bowl)

Bree Street’s new taco spot serves up shells filled with tuna, pork, beef, or veg. There’s also a prawn taco, nachos and a corn salad for the health nuts. If you head here on the weekend, enjoy some Saturday morning breakfast tacos and bloody Marias.

The tacos at Cabron. Photo by Lauren Josephs.

Cocotte La French Rotisserie (Sea Point)

This rotisserie-chicken eatery has opened up on Regent Road in Sea Point to offer locals a Parisian-style twist on the classic. The chickens are served with wholesome sides of crispy potatoes, French-style coleslaw, broccoli with lemon, or tomatoes and spring onion, and French sauces like home-made French mayo or yoghurt and herb.

Cookies and Cream (City Bowl)

This ice-cream spot situated on Buitengracht Street is home to ice-cream sandwiches made with freshly baked cookies and home-made scoops. The team has also brought the bubble waffle to town, which is creating quite a craze.

The bubble waffle cone filled with red velvet ice cream at Cookies & Cream. Photo supplied.

Craft Burger Bar (City Bowl)

This burger bar fills the space that was previously owned by Boston. It is the second branch of the Craft Burger Bar brand – the first of which opened in Sea Point – and is known for affordable DIY burgers and a chilled-out atmosphere.

The Crazy Horse (City Bowl)

This British-style gastropub on Bree Street has already garnered a following for its great, hearty fare and drinks selection. The Scotch eggs, pork scratchings, and beef Wellington and gravy have received knockout reviews.

Yorkshire puddings topped with braised oxtail at The Crazy Horse. Photo supplied.

The Deckhouse Crab Shack & BBQ (V&A Waterfront)

This popular seafood establishment on Kloof Street has opened a second branch at the V&A Food Market.

Didi’s Mexican (Claremont)

The popular food truck, Didi’s Bitchin’ Burritos has now opened a fixed takeaway spot and eatery in Claremont. The new Mexican hatch offers an array of fiery street-food style dishes such as their legendary burritos; hard or soft tacos; quesadillas; enchiladas; and nachos. There are also Mexi-bowls and sides of street corn with feta and chilli poppers. Finish off your feast with churro pops with chocolate dipping sauce.

Kahvé Road (Claremont)

This coffee and patisserie specialist is situated in Cavendish Square. Refuel after a spot of shopping with all-day breakfasts and café classics like homemade quiches, pies, soup of the day, open sandwiches, and gourmet sliders. The extensive beverage menu features everything from single-origin coffee to loose-leaf teas and milkshakes.

Kahve Road at Cavendish Square. Photo supplied.

Lily’s Restaurant (Mouille Point)

The latest addition to The Kove Collection portfolio is this all-day dining spot with promenade views. Expect eggy breakfast options; a selection of sandwiches, salads and burgers for lunch; and dishes like sesame tuna, crispy confit duck leg and chicken supreme for dinner.

The stylish interior at new Lily’s Restaurant in Mouille Point. Photo supplied.

Localli (City Bowl)

This luxury dessert patisserie is centrally located in St. George’s Mall and serves a variety of delicate mille-crêpe cakes in flavours from crème brûlée to decadent chocolate. They also serve locally sourced teas, coffees, and hot chocolates.

The counter of crêpe cakes at Localli. Photo supplied.

Lou Lou’s Bar (Green Point)

This tapas spot and bar opened its doors in the popular Cape Quarter Square in Green Point. The menu features dishes like prawn toast with miso mayo, lamb-and-pea croquettes, seared beef carpaccio, and crumbed mushrooms with curry aioli.

Mojo Market (Sea Point)

Mojo Market is an exciting seven-day-a-week market. It is an eclectic mix of 45 designer retail stalls, a daily fresh goods section, and 25 food vendors, including Hokey Poke, IYO, Manga and more. Plus there’s a section that’s open 24 hours a day.

Nitro Brew SA (City Bowl)

Situated in the former Issi on Bree space, this spot specialises in Nitro coffee and kombucha, a variety of fermented, lightly effervescent sweetened black or green tea.

NOW NOW (City Bowl & Silo District)

Woolworths-owned NOW NOW offers a fast, healthy and locally sourced solution to a speedy lunch. Breakfasts range from yoghurt, muesli, and flapjack pots to egg buns and toasts, while lunches feature soups, hearty bowls, burgers and wraps, and mash pots.

A bowl featuring oak-smoked trout and avo. Photo supplied.

Salt (Kalk Bay)

Situated on the Kalk Bay harbour, Salt serves up shareable eats and easy-style dishes for relaxed dining. Pop in for a fresh bowl of soup, a spicy curry, Spanish sliders, or bánh-mì sirloin and slaw, and enjoy the great view on the bay.

SeaBreeze Fish & Shell (City Bowl)

Bree Street’s new seafood spot prides itself on local, sustainable fish and a delicious offering of oysters. Perch at the bar and sling back your choice of Knysna, Saldanha Bay or Lüderitz oysters, or go for classic fish and chips with a proper beer batter. Bubbly by the glass is also available, of course.

Outside tables offer prime people-watching opportunities on Bree Street. Photo by Claire Gunn.

Shift Espresso Bar (Waterway House)

Green Point’s hip espresso bar has opened up a new shop in the Silo District. Find delicious baked goods and signature coffees and chocolate-infused drinks on offer.

Souk (City Bowl)

This contemporary new spot on Long Street offers a selection of cocktails and tapas in a stylish setting. Dishes include wild mushroom croquettes; grilled lamb chops; calamari bowls and more. Head here for tapas specials and live lounge music.

The Sunnyside (Tamboerskloof)

In June last year, Rafiki’s on Kloof Nek closed its doors for the last time. Now, the team behind the well-known hangout The Power and the Glory have set up shop for this trendy new eatery. Dishes include pithivier pastry with mushrooms, red onion tarte tatin, elegant lamb, and cannolis for dessert.

The Vic Bar (Gardens)

Described as an epicurean bar and grill, The Vic is situated in the spot where Blah Blah Bar used to be. Look forward to live music, craft beers and cocktails, pizzas and other un-fussy pub food here.

The interior at The Vic. Photo supplied.

Unframed (V&A Waterfront)

One of the Mother City’s favourite ice-cream parlours has opened up at the V&A Market on the Wharf. Expect flavours of coconut, sea salt chocolate, and turmeric latte, as well as vegan and sorbet flavours.

Yuzu Kitchen & Bar (Gardens)

This Kill-Bill-inspired eatery fuses a range of flavours and styles with dishes like Danger Dumplings (sweet-and-sour spicy pork dumplings), Kung Fu Katsu (crispy chicken katsu burger served with wasabi mayo and fries), and That Ol’ Cow (sesame-coated Wagyu short rib with a whisky-and-molasses glaze, masala mash and grilled asparagus). There are also six different ramens available, as well as sushi.

Rock ‘n Ramen pork belly ramen with a soft boiled scotch egg, udon noodles, spring onion, toasted sesame, Chinese leaf, and bean sprouts in a lemongrass broth. Photo by Michael le Grange.

Winelands

Big Dog Café (Franschhoek)

The team from Terbodore coffee has moved its roastery closer to the scenic town of Franschhoek and opened up Big Dog Café. Stop off here between wine tastings for freshly brewed coffees and an array of light meals.

Sweet waffles at Big Dog Café in Franschhoek. Photo supplied.

La Petite Colombe (Franschhoek)

This new addition to chef Scot Kirton’s repertoire has taken over the space that was The Tasting Room at Le Quartier Français. Expect a similar experience to the Constantia restaurant with the kitchen headed up by talented young La Colombe chef John Norris-Rogers.

The setting at La Petite Colombe. Photo by Claire Gunn Photography.

Reuben’s Restaurant and Bar (Franschhoek)

Celeb chef Reuben Riffel may have several restaurants, but he’s back with new focus at this new location in the beautiful winelands town. Aside from Reuben’s time-honoured classics, the new menu also offers taster plates for sharing and main courses with global influence like picanha steak, butter chicken curry and, excellent Vietnamese pho.

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.