Want to know where the best restaurants are in your ‘hood? Here are the restaurants our readers have been loving in the past few days. Write your own review now.

Johannesburg

Waffles at Café Hemingways. Photo supplied.

Café Hemingways (Kyalami)
The best food I have ever had. Exquisite and definitely the place to go in Joburg. – Esmé Fourie

Great Eastern Food Bar (Melville)
I first went to this restaurant at the end of last year, and their delicious scallion pancakes have been a regular feature in my food dreams where all the best things I’ve ever eaten live. We went again last night and my memory did not do me wrong. From the pomegranate vinegar to the steamed bun with shiitake mushrooms and hoisin sauce, to the scallion pancakes (which are every bit as delicious as they were in my memory and dreams) to the Korean fried chicken (crispy, saucy, tender all at once with a spicy kick), everything that passed our lips and ventured into our palates was like eating in high definition – the various tastes and flavours are so crisp, clear and distinct and utterly delicious. I love you, Great Eastern. Thank you for my taste awakening! – Nompumelelo Mazibuko

The Steamworks Gastropub bar. Photo supplied.

The Steamworks Gastropub (Lonehill)
The Steamworks is my ultimate go-to restaurant in Jozi. Unfortunately, it’s everyone else’s too. It is a destination that is ‘perfect’ for pretty much everything, whether it’s some action at the bar, a simple enjoyable lunch or dinner, birthday party or night Out. Its decor is out of this world and the huge steamworks type of clock at the bar is one of a kind. The place is buzzing every night and the food is pretty happening as well! Every item on the menu leaves your mouth salivating and craft beer from around the world seals the deal. – Joleen Smith

Pretoria

KinGelato (Montana)
KinGelato is the best Gelato place in town! One cannot go wrong with freshly made authentic Italian Gelato. I recommend it to all who love good food and have a desire to spoil their taste buds. – Joane Olivier

Kream Restaurant. Photo supplied.

Kream (Brooklyn)
Lunch was mussels poached in lobster bisque with nori; beetroot salad with dill, fennel, radish, deep-fried brie and gorgonzola crumbs; rump steak béarnaise, topped with a poached egg, mushrooms and baby onions; and rump with mushroom and truffle sauce. The salad was the star dish. Service always excellent and we rarely book but they always accommodate us. – Benita Cooper

Signature Restaurant (Brooklyn)
Rockefeller oysters (the best we have ever had), perfectly done steak, excellent flavour combinations, pork belly and scallops. Really good service. Beautiful space, elegant. – Benita Cooper

The Three Ducks – Le Trois Canards (Waterkloof)
Chef Albert, or as I say, Alberto, is very charming, warm and welcoming. He caters to your needs without fuss. I had a pasta with mussels and calamari and his special tomato-based sauce and all the extras (special attention to detail). It was delicious. Just the right portion and service was excellent. It was accompanied by wine of Chef’s choice. All worked well together. Compliments to the chef and his team. Dessert recommended was a blueberry cheesecake. Simply delicious and the ideal finish to a wonderful meal and superb service. – Connie Hall

Durban

A dish of risotto at Old Town Italy. Photo supplied.

Old Town Italy (Umhlanga Rocks)
This is a recent find that has sky rocketed to the top of the list of places I love to go for a bite to eat. If you’re mad about a strong cup of coffee, this is worth a pit stop. Their Americanos are superb. The menu is extensive – from a wide variety of breakfast options, delicious pasta and out-of-the-box sandwiches to fit your mood. Make sure you stop by their ice cream section on the way out and get a scoop of their incredible gelato. Their flavours change often, but you can usually expect something on the plainer side and then something more unusual like cherry or watermelon. It can be super packed on the weekends, so if you don’t want to wait for a table, pull yourself out of bed to be there when the doors crack open at 7am. – Arri-Anne Barnard

Garden Route

Fynboshoek Cheese (Garden Route)
The Fynboshoek cheese farm restaurant is nothing less than an exceptional and unforgettable experience. The farm with its beauty and the charm of the house and magnificent surroundings are enough to sweep you off your feet; and then the meal arrives – and you know you’re in love. A table of heaven arrives in the form of warm freshly baked bread with farm butter, a simple salad with the seduction of cranberry dressing, roasted pine nuts, stewed pears topped with parmesan to follow. Next a bowl of caprese salad arrives to continue the seduction with red plump tomatoes topped with fresh mozzarella. A cheese board is served with a selection of matured cheddar, gouda, cottage cheese, provolone, goat’s cheese and ricotta drizzled with the farm’s own honey. For desert I had what I believe to be the best ice cream I’ve ever tasted along with freshly baked pecan nut pie. We can only thank Alje, the host, for sharing his talent and what is clearly a passion with us. This meal and experience was truly magnificent in its elegance and simple beauty. –  Zané Möhr

The view at Ristorante Enrico. Photo supplied.

Ristorante Enrico (Plettenberg Bay)
Still an awesome treat to have a meal at Enrico – nothing fancy but a good evening out. The waitress had such a lovely smile. – Tina Panayi

Zinzi Restaurant (Plettenberg Bay)
Amazing experience! Most beautiful venue, gorgeous estate, elegant restaurant. Amazing food beautifully presented. Welcoming staff and delightful manageress Sally Ann. It’s a night or day out – varied price range, worth the experience. Look forward to our next visit. – Helen Rosin

Cape Town

The street-side seating at Locanda at Villa 47. Photo by Katharine Jacobs.

Locanda at Villa 47 (City Bowl)
When I walked into Villa 47, I was greeted by friendly staff, a welcoming atmosphere and a feeling I was in for a good breakfast. When it comes to how my eggs are cooked, I can be a very fussy customer, I was more than satisfied with eggs scrambled to perfection and a good cup of coffee, the right amount of hot and strong, served with a delicious biscuit. The décor is beautiful, interesting and functional; note the barstools! The music is relaxed and the vibe very cool. A place that beckons one to come back for more! – Tamara Nankin

Pajamas and Jam Eatery (Strand)
Absolutely stunning; a very unique setting. A true hidden gem with amazing food. I was surprised at the huge variety on the menu. An absolute must. – Pauline du Plessis

Pajamas and Jam Eatery (Strand)
Gem of an eatery. Unique decor. Lovely vegetarian breakfast options. Will be going back for the pastries! – Mariska Redelinghuys

Societi Bistro (Gardens)
Top class food along with top class service. We were blown away by the friendly waiters, amazing food and excellent wine. Will definitely be back soon. The vegan Thai curry was the best ever (coming from a non-vegan person). – PetaMalan

Winelands

Mogg’s Country Cookhouse. Photo supplied.

Mogg’s Country Cookhouse (Hemel-en-Aarde Valley)
An overdue return visit to Mogg’s reminded us what a glorious country-style venue this is, so close yet so far from the ever increasing greater Hermanus urban sprawl, and also the development in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley. Owner-managed by the Mogg family, the food is delicious, the service friendly and efficient and somehow it is perfect for families, many with small children and other diners with no children. The added benefit now of an intelligent, well-priced and comprehensive wine list, with wines available by the glass and carafe too. The unique pine-cone ceiling, eclectic art (for sale, and we snapped up a colourful collage of pomegranets) are all still there, but they now also take credit cards, previously it was cash only. Loyal local support and savvy visitors keep it happily busy! – Lew Rood

Some reviews have been condensed and edited.