To celebrate restaurants finally being allowed to reopen their doors for sit-down visitors, the Cape Town Central City Improvement District (CCID) asked three of their favourite foodies to share some of their top city centre eateries. This inspired us to reach out to our foodie friends in the rest of South Africa. First Durban foodies made their picks and now we’re heading to Jozi.

Tshepang Molisana

1. DW Eleven-13

I love the artful plates and the well-considered drinks pairings at DW, but more than anything, I love how everything about the restaurant makes dining out a treat. A warm atmosphere, delicious food and laughter in the air are the unmatched trifecta for an out-of-home dining experience. I love that chef Marthinus has made it possible to bring fine dining home during the pandemic.

A dessert at DW Eleven-13. Photo supplied.

2. Coobs 

The wild boar ragù here has invited many through the door, but diners stay for many reasons. Coobs goes beyond comfort food – it’s an exquisite intersection between a neighbourhood favourite and next-level sensational dining.

3. Marble

Johannesburg is a city that sparkles at night and where deals are done during the light of day. Marble epitomises the glamour of the city. Everything is well-considered, and even in an over 200-seated restaurant, there is still a personal touch. Marble’s well-heeled patrons are as stylish as the décor, while the flame-grilled steaks keep the heat rising. What a place!

4. Calisto’s

The homemade sauce, the hearty Portuguese menu, the supple chicken, the juicy king prawns – you’ll never forget or regret your Calisto’s experience.

Miles Kubheka

1. Kitchen Vibes

Located in Morningside, Kitchen Vibes is an eclectic mix of South African and West African cuisine. They sometimes have a live band in the evening.

2. Olives and Plates

I love how the owners pay attention to detail, the food is always on point and it’s great value for money. And it has beautiful views, too!

3. Ethos

This Sandton spot has great views and great décor.

Fahmeeda Innoos, AKA Femi from Food Blogger South Africa

1. Fireroom

Fireroom is our secret weapon and our go-to spot when we have friends and family from abroad in town. Their fillet on the bone is to die for, and who can resist their award-winning sushi? The ambience, service and culinary experience will impress even the fussiest foodies.

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It never gets old!🔥@fireroomsa @tsogosun #filletsteak #fireroom #montecasino #tsogosun #foodbloggersouthafrica #johannesburg #foodblogger #foodphotography #foodbloggers #foodstagram #instafoodie #foodiesofinstagram #foodie #foodbloggerjhb #foodinspiration #foodfeed #feedfeed #huffposttaste #food52 #eeeats #tastespotting #johannesburgrestaurants #restaurants #southafrica

A post shared by Food Blogger South Africa 🇿🇦 (@foodbloggersouthafrica) on Oct 19, 2018 at 2:49pm PDT

2. A Streetbar Named Desire 

Streetbar is a plush multi-level bar in Parktown. Don’t be fooled by the name. This eclectic bar has an impressive tapas menu and the food combinations on offer won’t leave you wanting. One of the coolest spots in town for a fun night out.

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It's no secret that i absolutely ❤ @a.streetbar.named.desire I've been raving about it ever since my first visit sometime last year. So i get this question often, where can we go in Jhb with a cool vibe, good music, and food?🤔The answer is almost always Streetbar!!!😉This time we tried their stuffed olives, artichoke hearts, and za'atar fried chicken, amongst others, and it really lived up to expectations. Foodies, do you have a favourite spot in #jozi that ticks of all the boxes mentioned above? Please share it with us.😊 .. .. .. #foodbloggersouthafrica #jozi #streetbarnameddesire #notpaid #notinvited #johannesburg #foodblogger #foodphotography #foodbloggers #foodstagram #instafoodie #foodiesofinstagram #foodie #foodbloggerjhb #foodinspiration #foodfeed #feedfeed #huffposttaste #food52 #eeeats #tastespotting #johannesburgrestaurants #restaurants #southafrica

A post shared by Food Blogger South Africa 🇿🇦 (@foodbloggersouthafrica) on Jul 28, 2019 at 1:03pm PDT

 3. Il Contadino

We cannot get enough of the Il Contadino Bolognese and keep going back for that meaty goodness. The relaxed vibe and bistro-style setting make for a perfect dinner outing.

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We pondered over this post all morning, only to tell you that @ilcontandino makes the best bolognese in town and that you have to try it!!!🏆 @ilcontadinojhb We couldn't get enough of that rich, meaty bolognese sauce, and there is no doubt that the pasta was made with only the best, quality ingredients. The perfect combination for a true Italian classic. Well done!👏👏👏 .. .. #ilcontandino #parkhurst #foodbloggersouthafrica #invited #johannesburg #jozi #johannesburgrestaurants #southafrica #foodie  #foodblogger

A post shared by Food Blogger South Africa 🇿🇦 (@foodbloggersouthafrica) on Sep 15, 2019 at 4:20am PDT

 4. Dali Restaurant 

Undeniably the best Durban-style cuisine in Johannesburg. There is nothing like a good lamb bunny or mutton biryani to give you a taste of home. It ignites all the feels, and you don’t need deep pockets to enjoy a meal here.

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A TASTE OF HOME! ❤ There's something special about finding a place far from 'home' that ignites memories of your childhood, Saturday lunch with your family, the wonderful aroma's coming from the neighbours kitchen, and moments of laughter and love. Durbanites, if you searching for a taste of home, then Dali's Restaurant in Randburg, Jhb is the place to be. Deva, the chef and owner is a wonderful host, and both the lamb biryani and curry totally exceeded our expectations. The curry is available with rice, roti or in a bunny for just R65!😉 Find them on Facebook at Dali's Restaurant. #dalisrestaurant #foodbloggersouthafrica #notinvited

A post shared by Food Blogger South Africa 🇿🇦 (@foodbloggersouthafrica) on Mar 31, 2019 at 1:31pm PDT

And that’s it for our series! Remember, many restaurants are now open for sit-down dining as well as offering takeaways and collection services, so if you need a break from the baking and cooking, why not support your favourites?