With the rise of social media, great emphasis has been placed on the importance of aesthetics. It’s not uncommon for diners to choose to eat at restaurants solely because they believe they are “Instagram-worthy”. Yes, they might go for the vibe and the food, but they’ll also be lured by the ambience, visually striking exterior, creative signage, or stunning décor. The true value of a restaurant ultimately lies in the quality of the food and the overall dining experience, but in order to be successful in the age of social media, restaurants should consider striking a careful balance between food quality and visual aesthetics.

Here is a list of 20 picturesque restaurants you need to snap for your Insta feed!

Gauteng

Gabriella’s Tea Room, Johannesburg

Be sure to visit Gabriella’s Tea Room in Parktown North, where a walk through their stunning Instagram-worthy garden arch leads to a magical courtyard that transports you to a mystical realm. The meal offerings include sweet and savoury options perfect for any time of day.

 

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The Forum Kitchen at L’antico Giardino, Johannesburg

The Forum Kitchen at L’antico Giardino is an outdoor gem in Lanseria offering an array of fresh and scrumptious food using produce that has been sourced from the area. Savour the moment and capture the perfect photo in the restaurant’s beautiful gardens.

 

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MAMASAMBA, Johannesburg

Situated at The Zone @ Rosebank shopping centre, MAMASAMBA is a vibrant Latin-American-inspired double-storey restaurant and bar that has a jungle-meets-carnival feel. The elegant emerald spiral staircase is not just a way to get to the cocktail bar, but a work of art waiting to be shared on Instagram.

 

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Goddess Garden Café, Rietondale

Welcome to the Goddess Garden Café in Rietondale, a little slice of pink paradise. From the pink caffè lattes to the vibrant beetroot wraps, the Goddess Garden Café offers a spectrum of pink delights that are Instagram-worthy. If you leave the pink palace without taking a picture by the pretty flower wall, were you even there?

 

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The Dandelion Cocktail Bar, Johannesburg

Located in Northcliff, The Dandelion Cocktail Bar is a spot where the uniquely crafted cocktails and stunning wall paintings are equally awe-inspiring.

 

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Buitengeluk, Johannesburg

Buitengeluk is a Cape Dutch restaurant and venue located in the heart of Fourways. This Instagram-worthy venue features a breathtaking glasshouse that offers views of the beautiful garden, so go ahead and capture memories that will last a lifetime.

 

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TANG Sandton

First impressions matter, and the IG-worthy water feature at the entrance of TANG Sandton sure does set the tone for an unforgettable dining experience. TANG promises a luxurious take on Japanese Izakaya-style dishes that are expertly crafted and beautifully plated, where every meal will leave your taste buds tingling.

 

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Flames Restaurant, Westcliff

Bask in the beauty of Johannesburg’s mesmerising city views at Flames Restaurant at the Four Seasons Hotel in Westcliff, while sipping on sundowners and indulging in the fire-grilled cuisine. This is truly an Instagrammer’s paradise.

 

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Western Cape

StrangeLove, Cape Town

StrangeLove is a cocktail lounge located upstairs at the Hope Distillery in the Mother City, offering mini food pairings and cocktails that are as unique as they are delicious. The popular Gin Alexander made with cacao and nutmeg, served with a mini nutmeg macaron is a masterpiece that will certainly get you excited to snap and sip.

 

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Honest Chocolate, Cape Town

Love chocolate? You will love Honest Chocolate Café even more! Located in the heart of Cape Town, the café offers coffees, teas, hot chocolates and the most delectable and picture-perfect treats that will satisfy your cravings and your eyes, such as almond chocolate cheesecake, ice cream cookies, banana bread bunny chows and brownie milkshakes.

 

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Jarryds Eatery, Cape Town

Located in the heart of Sea Point, Jarryds Eatery is an all-day breakfast and brunch spot. Their famous eggs Benedict and beautifully presented stacked brioche bread, topped with cinnamon sugar and Belgium chocolate with a side of vanilla bean ice cream is the epitome of Instagram-worthy!

 

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The Lawns at the Roundhouse, Cape Town

The Lawns at the Roundhouse in Camps Bay provides delicious breakfasts, decadent brunches, lunches, sundowners, picnics and, of course, the most spectacular mountain views and sunsets that deserve to be shared on Instagram.

 

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Ouzeri, Cape Town

Situated on Cape Town’s Wale Street, Ouzeri offers delicious and authentic Greek and Cypriot dishes that will transport you to the heart of the Mediterranean. The charming atmosphere and the restaurant’s design seamlessly blend with the food on offer, creating a beautiful Instagram-worthy culinary experience.

 

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Scheckter’s RAW, Sea Point

Experience vegan food at its finest at Scheckter’s RAW in Sea Point. The much-loved classic Scheckter’s RAW burger is made up of a beetroot bun, a signature, homemade Scheckter’s burger patty, vegan cheddar cheese, pickled gherkins, onion relish, tomato sauce, basil and aioli – a meal that is as pretty as it is delicious!

 

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Fable, Cape Town

Fable is a vibey experiential cocktail bar situated on the corner of Bree and Wale Streets in Cape Town. The cocktails here are almost too pretty to drink and will impress you at first sip. If the Adamastor cocktail made with Tanqueray No. Ten gin, litchi cordial, dry vermouth and salted aloe air doesn’t hook you, then the popular Kronendal lovers made with tantalising flavours of Roku Japanese gin, elderflower, cucumber, lemon and Fitch & Leedes soda probably will!

 

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KwaZulu-Natal

The Barn Owl Coffee, Midlands

Situated in the heart of the Midlands Meander, the charming The Barn Owl Coffee is a picturesque café serving some of the best coffee around and offering delectable desserts and delicious brunch and lunch.

 

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Neighbourhood Café & Bar, La Lucia

Located in the heart of La Lucia, Neighbourhood Café & Bar is a family-run restaurant that serves light breakfasts and lunches. The entrance to the café is picture perfect – so don’t forget to take a moment to snap a picture under the arch before you sit down to enjoy your meal.

 

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The Chefs’ Table, Umhlanga

Located in the heart of Umhlanga, The Chefs’ Table offers a modern, seasonal menu inspired by the best fresh, seasonal ingredients that KwaZulu-Natal has to offer. The restaurant features a beautiful painted exposed brick wall, the perfect backdrop against which to savour the exquisite cuisine.

 

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Boston Brew, Durban

Boston Brew is a speciality coffee shop located in Morningside, Durban. This quaint gem is the perfect spot to sip on freshly brewed coffee and enjoy scrumptious food while you soak in the stunning interiors in a super-relaxing atmosphere.

 

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Freedom Café, Durban

Looking for a café with character? Look no further. Located at the arty Concierge Boutique Hotel, the delightfully offbeat Freedom Café is housed inside an award-winning vibrant red shipping container, expanded with glass walls. The food menu is quite extensive and features breakfast and lunch options such as the eggs Benedict and their famous Freedom burger.

 

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