Here’s a roundup of your reviews of top-rated restaurants on our site over the past few weeks. Fancy sharing your experiences? Write a restaurant review now.

• Johannesburg
• Pretoria
• Mpumalanga
• Kwazulu Natal
• Cape Town
• Winelands
• Overberg
• Garden Route
• Swartland

 

Johannesburg

Café Mexicho (Melville)

We discovered this restaurant nestled among the bustling rejuvenated streets of Old Melville. As you enter through the saloon doors, you are transported to a Mexican bar, surrounded by old posters and cacti, and the Mexican music takes over. BEST MEXICAN FOOD EVER! We are massive fans of anything different, but this blew our socks off!

– Nadia Singh

EAT at Northcliff (Northcliff)

I joined my mother, sister and grandparents for Sunday lunch . (I am 15 years old.) What a surprising outing! We felt like special guests at the chef’s house. From start to finish he made an effort to make each and everyone feel treated. And the food! We had the four-course surprise meal – each of the courses beautifully served and a taste trip to another world.

– Sonja Dunn

Fire and Ice (Melrose Arch)

Amazing experience – the service was good and the food unforgettable. My fillet was cooked to perfection and all my extra requests were met. Will definitely be back for more.

– Michelle Lopes

Franco’s Pizzeria (Parkview)

After nearly 30 years, Franco’s still offers the best Italian food available. Well done, Franco and family. Keep it up, and may you retire one day with loads of money and happy memories.

– Philip Jansen

Mash Braai House (Bryanston)

Love, love Mash! Food is awesome. Great vibe.

– Ntswaki Booi

Pretoria

Atlantis Seekos Restaurant (Irene)

Atlantis has a relaxing atmosphere, it’s child-friendly and the food is spectacular. If you haven’t been there yet you are missing out.

– Yolanda Koch

Café Bree (Groenkloof)

From the moment you walk into Café Bree, you know you’re going to have a special experience. Everyone, regulars and first-timers alike, are treated like friends by owner and host Riaan. By the time I had to leave, I wanted to call out a see-you-later to the other patrons. The food is beautifully delicious and the portions are generous. The service is friendly and attentive.

– Annelie Imbrailo

De Kloof Restaurant (Waterkloof)

It was my first time at De Kloof Restaurant and it definitely won’t be my last. I had the five-course meal for tasting, and everything was just delicious. The service is on point and we were attended to at all times. It is a bit costly, but worth every penny. I would definitely recommend it.

– Lehlogonolo Sekoaila

DK Gourmet Burger & Craft Beer Bar (Waterkloof Ridge)

My husband and I enjoyed a lovely evening watching a Rugby World Cup match whilst eating gourmet burgers and drinking craft beers. I had a heavenly pulled springbok burger in honour of the team I was supporting. The roll was perfect, and the meat moist and delicious. My husband had an absolutely delicious fillet burger, with pretty ordinary chips as an extra side dish. It’s a good place to bring friends. I hear the craft beer pairing / tasting events are extremely good, so aim to do that soon.

– Janine Victor

Prosopa (Waterkloof Heights)

I took my girlfriend for dinner at Prosopa. We had a nice red Cab Sauv with the special of the night: 200g of the best beef fillet, a slice of cheese and a perfect black peppercorn sauce. It came with the most amazing little potato squares, which had a hint of lemon, and fresh green beans cooked in garlic. For dessert I had a soft, smooth chocolate cheesecake and my girlfriend had a berry meringue. O wow, what a treat that was. Our experience was truly magical. Thank you, Dino!

– Rohan van Vuuren

Ritrovo Ristorante (Waterkloof Heights)

We celebrated a friend’s birthday on 25 October, and it was our first visit to this restaurant. We had a fantastic meal. We chose the Italian selection, which is a variety of Italian specialities matched with wines. The food was outstanding and we tried dishes that we would not usually order. The chef was hugely entertaining with his explanation of the dishes and his operatic display. This all contributed to one of the most memorable and enjoyable meals we have ever had.

– RALPH CARBARNS

Urban Bistro (Centurion)

This is one of the only places in Pretoria where you can get organic meat, milk and eggs. There’s even a bakery that uses non-GMO stoneground flour – a bit more expensive but well worth it! Amazing food! I recommend the Bullet Cappuccino and any of the burgers.

– Monique Da Conceicao

Mpumalanga

Duck and Trout Restaurant and Pub (Dullstroom)

The ambience was lovely – a really great place to eat and drink. Surprisingly few trout and duck dishes on the menu. I ordered snails for a starter and I would be hard-pressed to find any better anywhere else, but unfortunately my main course of hake and chips with tartar sauce paled in comparison – overcooked, dry hake with a crumbly, odd-tasting batter. Would definitely go back for the snails and to try other dishes.

– Suanne Sampaio

The Food Fundi (Nelspruit)

The best place to go to for breakfast or lunch in Mpumalanga. Coffee is always excellent, ingredients always sourced locally and fresh, menu is updated every three months and, best of all, besides the delicious fresh smoothies and juices, is Friday lunch specials. The Food Fundi gets my 5-star vote for value-for-money deliciousness consistently.

– Linda Reeder

KwaZulu-Natal

Bertoua Cafe Lounge (Musgrave Road, Durban)

Absolutely the best food I have ever tasted in my life. From starter to the dessert round, nothing could be faulted. The staff are friendly and constantly checking up on you. Despite what they say about good food taking time, meals were served without delay, not compromising on taste or presentation. All this paired with a great setting – 5 stars all round, Bertoua!

– Avishkar Sewnath

Duke & Duchess (Umhlanga Rocks)

I love having breakfast at Duke & Duchess, because the atmosphere is peaceful. The staff are friendly and the setting is unpretentious, which is what I find most inviting. One of my favourite indulgences there is what they call the Staff Monkey shortbread pastry. And if you love soup as much as I do, Duke & Duchess offers a myriad of delicious soups.

– Gillian Ee-Marine

 

El Toro (Durban North)

I went to El Toro by accident, as I was lost, but it was the best accident ever. Mexican food is my favourite. I have been to Mexico and my best friend is Spanish, and the empanadas taste just like her mom’s! Great atmosphere, good food, reasonable prices and nice location.

– Rosann Francis

Four15 (Durban North)

Just enjoyed a really nice quick bite out with the hubby. Lovely spot, great team working there and making such an effort to make the evening a pleasure. Tasty and fun starter chips with salsa for the unlimited salsa bar – I’ve never seen such choice! Margarita for hubby was good and strong, and my blueberry lemonade was delish. Almost couldn’t fit a burrito in after the generous amount of tortilla chips and salsa, but we made a plan and demolished two impressively large burritos. We will be back.

– Leoni Sinclair

parc. (Glenwood, Durban)

Another favourite for breakfast/brunch, especially on a Saturday when they have some subdued live music that makes you feel like you just want to sit there all day. I love the Not-so-Benedict breakfast, and there are so many other delicious options.

– Jan B

Sagewood Café (Pietermaritzburg)

Just what PMB needed: a restaurant with actual good food. The Sunday buffet was simply amazing! Modern spins on classic dishes. Excellent roast pork and roasted green beans with cherry tomatoes and balsamic! Service needs some work, though.

– Eurisa Singh

Cape Town

65 on Main (Green Point)

From the pizza to the Banting-friendly cheesecake and brownies – everything served here is delicious. Nearly all of the Banting pizzas I’ve had at other restaurants are a lot less “sturdy” than your average dough base. Considering the base is made of cauliflower/zucchini, I really thought the pizza was crisp and the toppings generous.

– Talya Galasko

Active Sushi Hudson Street (City Bowl)

The best sushi in Cape Town! There’s a great vibe and the staff create such a happy atmosphere. Amazing specials!

– Nicole de Beer

Charango (City Bowl)

The tuna tataki was delicious – fresh, succulent slices of tuna, dressed with fresh, zingy flavours. Ditto the ceviche – really a fabulous dish. The pork belly was moreish in the sense that I wanted more – it is rather a small portion and doesn’t come with any carbs, or many veggies for that matter. The décor is beautiful. My only gripes are that some of the tables are pretty close together and there are two sittings, so if you want to relax and enjoy the evening at a slower pace, I’d recommend going to the later one.

– Anna Alves

Diemersdal Farm Eatery (Durbanville)

Been back the fourth time in six weeks – great food; love the tapas.

– Marian Theron

The General Store (City Bowl)

Incredible flavours. Great produce. Simple dishes. Quick service. A variety to choose from. Affordable midday fare. Did I mention fresh? I think The General Store has ruined all other lunch options for me.

– Helené Prinsloo

Giulio’s Café (City Bowl)

A friend and I went for lunch and we had a really great time! The décor caught my eye first – clean and modern with pops of colour, but homey at the same time. I had a green juice, which was yummy, and the peri-peri chicken livers, which I’m still dreaming of! Yesterday, I ordered chicken livers for delivery and ended up getting a lamb wrap, which was just as tasty: hummus, grilled strawberries, pickled red onion and pulled lamb. It was gooooood.

– Aletta Petzer

Giulio’s Café (City Bowl)

We went very excitedly to try Giulio’s this week. The restaurant is exquisite, light and airy with the undeniable touch of Mr Michael Chandler in the décor. The food is equally lovely in texture and flavour. We ate from the harvest table, from which you can have either three or five salads. A few niggles, though: There is not enough wait staff – we were seated very energetically and then ignored until we went up to the harvest table. My friends both ordered juices that never arrived and then had to ask for them to be taken off the bill. Verdict: Awesome space; delectable food; just needs some tweaking in the service department.

– Lindsay Meyerowitz

Govinda’s Natural Food Café (Rondebosch)

At Govinda’s it’s not about the ambiance – it’s small and simple and has strong Indian culture overtones, and there are only a few tables. It’s open for only three days of the week. It’s not about the service either, although this is not a problem. It’s about the food. Calling all vegetarians and lovers of wholesome, unfussy, superb-tasting food. Limited options, but then you don’t need variety because EVERYTHING tastes yummy: rice and dhal, spinach and potato, butternut and broccoli, chickpea balls with tomato sauce, rotis, chickpea fudge… and prices are extremely reasonable.

– Laura Bergh

Inside & You’re Out (IYO) (City Bowl)

The overall experience at IYO was refreshing and unique… smiling staff, delicious house-made juices topped off by an absolute taste explosion in my mouth! I will definitely be back to eat the Brie Street Burger on Bree Street. An absolute bonus was that my vegetarian and vegan friends were happy and well fed too, with more than one option to choose from! Smiles and full tummies all round.

– Maxime Duterloo

Jarryds (Sea Point)

Beautifully thought-through menu. Delicious food. Well priced. Friendly service. Worthy of being called a local favourite. Will definitely be back.

– Nicola van Wyk

Manna Epicure (City Bowl)

Love this beautiful spot. It’s perfect for breakfast, but I’ve yet to taste their famous coconut bread – it always seems to sell out before I wake up. The other breakfasts are great, though. Everything perfectly prepared. My only quibble is their style of plating: Everything comes separately, so you have to assemble your breakfast. Not having to lift a finger is part of the reason I go out for breakfast on the weekend. Never mind, the food is delicious.

– Jessica Stein

Meloncino (Victoria Wharf)

Best fillet I’ve had, and the service was excellent. My wife and I really enjoyed it and would definitely go back.

– Willem Odendaal

Orinoco (City Bowl)

Best cocktails, amazing special on Tuesday and Saturday, accommodating and interesting staff, and a welcoming atmosphere. You have a choice between sitting further inside the cosy restaurant, with the bar and kitchen providing nice background noise and views, or you can people-watch on Bree Street through the windows at the front of the restaurant while still enjoying privacy from the rest of the restaurant. The food is absolutely delicious.

– Olivia Ringer

Peking Kitchen (Claremont)

A highly recommended restaurant! The sushi was fabulously prepared and the best I’ve tasted.

– Suretha Van Bergen

Seelan Restaurant and Bar (V&A Waterfront)

What delicious food and impeccable service! Highly recommended!

– Inez Olwage

Some Oaks Bistro (Rondebosch)

What a great all-rounder kind of place! Great food, great vibe and great service. Will definitely be returning (soon!) to try out the cocktails.

– Natalie Anders

South China Dim Sum Bar (City Bowl)

Love, love, love this place! Do yourself a favour and order one of everything on the menu! Perfect for a group of three, as all dim sum served in portions of three (so no need for politeness!). Service was swift and friendly, with two waiting staff attending to all tables.

– Kelly Cloete

True Italic Rustic Restaurant (City Bowl)

Enjoyed a lovely authentic Sicilian meal here last night. Having just returned from a trip to Sicily, this delightful restaurant was perfect. Freshly made pasta with a wonderful tomato, anchovy, chilli and caper sauce. Lots of flavour and really delicious. The chef patron is charming and his restaurant deservedly full.

– Bernadine Zyl

Winelands

Basic Bistro (Stellenbosch)

Over time this cosy little place has become our favourite restaurant in the wider area. It is not only the excellent food from starters right through to desserts, but also the coffee and drinks are arguably the best you can wish for because they know how to make it properly. I join those who have voted this little place as highly recommended… and yes, maybe best to book for supper, as it does get busy!

– Janine van Zyl

Bistro 13 (Stellenbosch)

Had lunch here on Sunday and it was a great experience. The lamb spring roll starter was a winner and I can do with a whole bowl of the onion rings that come with the steak main. Pity they did not have the braised lamb on the day, so will have to go back for that.

– Werner Hayward

Espana Restaurant (Stellenbosch)

My first visit to Espana was absolutely amazing. The pizza was yum and the Haute Cabriere Pinot Noir was a perfect match. The waitress was friendly and knowledgeable. It’s the perfect setting for a first date. Definitely a Winelands must!

– Grizelda Martin

The Restaurant at Newton Johnson (Hermanus)

A spectacular meal in all senses! Each dish very well executed and presented. Truly an evening to remember.

– Henk Lourens

The Restaurant at Waterkloof (Somerset West)

Had a lovely meal here. The ambience is a bit intimidating in a way, but the food is fantastic. The compressed quince is a winner.

– Hugh Du Preez

Stables at Vergelegen (Somerset West)

Always, always fantastic. Great food, great ambiance and fantastic staff, especially Nuhraan. Love my Stables.

– Hannes Klerk

The Stone Kitchen (Wellington)

A hidden gem in the Winelands. I found this spot on Saturday on recommendation from a friend, and it was worth the drive.

– Danelle van der Merwe

Thirsty Scarecrow (Stellenbosch)

This is a very vibrant venue. At times too little attention is given to the patrons, hence me thinking the service isn’t 5-star. However, an all-round good place for an after-work drink situation.

– Lyndon Julius

Overberg

Betty Blue (Hermanus)

I have a confession to make: I have been to Betty about 10 times in the past 3 weeks. Also, my phone is filled with gorgeous forn (food porn), and looking at the photos makes me need to go back for more! My absolute fav is the Green Breakfast and, yes, I have shared the photo of it with numerous friends and family! Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have to go plan my next Betty date.

– Bernice Drake

The Post House (Greyton)

We ate here a few days ago: such a stunner of a meal! Main course highlight was the steak. Fillet done to perfection with so many flavours to complement, really good.

– Hugh du Preez

Woodpecker Pizza Deli (Swellendam)

Best pizza EVER! Crispy base, real ingredients. The atmosphere was cosy, romantic, but also casual and fun. Our waiter was a delight, making jokes and being attentive. The owner was really nice, walked around tables enquiring if everything was still OK. Can’t wait to go again.

– Jolene Kershoff

Garden Route

101 Meade Street (George)

Never have I felt an establishment deserves 5 stars all round, but chefs Ben and Jeremy as well as your lovely staff… You leave me no choice! The food is exquisite and of the highest quality. Not to mention the fabulous wine list. Consider me a regular!

– Lima van der Merwe

Kontrei Padstal (George)

Excellent service; the restaurant clean and cosy. Always the extra bit that will surprise you: not just coffee, but coffee with a home-made rusk, all nicely presented. Recently celebrated their third birthday and everyone got some chocolate cake on the house with their coffee. Just love the place. Friendly atmosphere and super-fast Wi-Fi!

– Amanda Malan

Swartland

Mama Cucina Pizza and Pasta Italian Restaurant (Riebeek Kasteel)

What an absolute privilege to have this restaurant in a small town. The Sophia pizza is the best and there is always something interesting on the chalk boards. Fresh and interesting food. We will go back again and again.

– Hendi de Jager