We know what you’ve been eating – and we approve! The below restaurants are the most-viewed restaurants on the Eat Out site in the past month. There’ve been some high profile new openings – but it’s clear that comfort food is still pulling the crowds around the country. From doughnuts and ice cream sandwiches to ribs and dim sum, it sounds like it’s been a delicious month.

• Joburg
• Pretoria
• Durban
• Cape Town
• Winelands

Joburg

1. Ubuntu Buffet Restaurant at Emerald Resort Casino (Vanderbijl Park)
This buffet restaurant boasts a private dining area, great for corporate lunches, and has a play area for kids. We have to confess we haven’t tried it – should we?

2. Pron (Linden)
Chef-restaurateur Emma Chen (of upmarket Red Chamber in Hyde Park) serves Chinese food from her childhood here – unpretentious and generous – to a packed restaurant of grateful patrons.

Three dishes at Emma Chen’s PRON. Photo by Rupesh Kassen.

3. Sheds@1Fox (Fordsburg)
Located in an historic warehouse, this thriving market is also home to Mad Giant, The Good Luck Bar and Urbanologi. Tuck into every kind of food imaginable in a vibey environment.

4. Craft (Parkhurst)
This buzzing spot is probably most famous for their insane milkshakes, but try the ostrich mince bobotie, spare ribs, or the loaded hot chocolate, too.

The J’Something shake at Craft. Photo supplied.

5. EB Social Kitchen & Bar (Hyde Park)
Russel Armstrong’s high-end menu is delicious and inspired. The relaxed space has beautiful views of Joburg. A good option for a business lunch or a night out with the girls.

6. Momo Baohaus (Greenside)
Tapas, buns, bowls and sushi rolls: the Asian menu here is scrumptious. It’s cosy and informal.

In addition to Taiwanese street food at Momo Baohaus, the menu also offers Chinese, Japanese and Korean cuisine. Photo supplied.

7. The San Deck at Sandton Sun Hotel (Sandton)
This is one of Joburg’s best spots for sundowners. The views from the sunloungers on the deck are simply spectacular.

8. Crumbs & Cream (Illovo Junction)
Born in Cape Town as a food truck, this ice cream sandwich brand has grown up with their very first Jozi store. The cookies are gloriously chewy.

9. Bolton Road Collection (Rosebank)
This is fast becoming one of the most popular Joburg hipster hangouts. Standouts include slow-roasted beef short rib, grilled sea bass and the tonka bean panna cotta.

The stylish interior at Bolton Road. Photo supplied.

10. Brian Lara Rum Eatery (Linden)
The nice, short menu features tropical-themed comfort food with splashes of rum. Tuck into jerk chicken, salt-and-pepper squid and rum-basted ribs while you sip on outlandish cocktails.

Pretoria

1. Forti Grill & Bar (Menlyn Maine)
Fortunato Mazzone’s new spot features an amethyst and natural oak bar and a glass-enclosed wine cellar, plus great views of Pretoria East. Early reviews of the food are positive.

2. Life Grand Cafe (Waterfall Corner)
The large menu offers something for everyone, while trendy decor – blue couches and wood finishes – make it a popular after-work drinking spot.

The interior of LIFE Grand Cafe in Waterfall Corner. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

3. Fermier (The Willows)
Adriaan Maree, chef-extraordinaire formerly of Roots in the Cradle of Humankind, is challenging diners with something totally new and delicious at his sustainability-driven restaurant. Decor is rustic, but food is refined and elegant. An absolute gem.

The simple yet elegant interior of Fermier. Photo supplied.

4. Black Bamboo (Ashlea Gardens)
Head chef Pellie Grobler prides himself on a turn-around menu of three weeks. The options are either a la carte or a seven-course tasting menu. Either way, it’s an experience to remember.

5. Restaurant Mosaic at The Orient (Elandsfontein)
Chef Chantel Dartnall’s fine dining restaurant will dazzle you in every way – from the delicate botanical food to the lavish, Belle Epoque decor. It’s currently number 5 on Eat Out’s Top 10 list.

Recipe for Romance – a dish at Mosaic. Photo supplied.

6. afro-boer (Die Wilgers)
Afro-boer has perfected the balance between classic Afrikaans culture and eclectic modern trends. Think braaibroodjies, and butternut fritters. There’s also a good outdoor playground for kids.

7. Mustang Sally (Hatfield)
This American diner-style spot is busy and buzzing. If you want to fall in line with the ethos, opt for one of the burgers.

A burger at Mustang Sally. Photo supplied.

8. Kream (Mall of Africa)
This new outpost of Kream is getting good reviews from readers. Think oxtail braised in red wine, lamb shank and blondies and brownies with pistachio ice cream.

9. Old Town Italy (Menlyn Maine)
Much like the original in Durban, this Italian restaurant is very popular. The pasta is good and the Italian apple tart is a good way to finish.

10. Guy Fieri’s Kitchen + Bar (Menlyn)
This zany restaurant with its trashcan nachos and potato chip cheesecake seems to divide diners, but if you’re game for that kind of thing, the burgers are genuinely tasty.

Durban

1. 1904 Bistro Américain (Kloof)
The American-themed menu is massive, featuring everything from bagels and chowder to smoked meats and gourmet dogs – with some real hits and a few misses. We recommend The Coney Island dog or the po’boy sandwich.

2. Krispy Kreme (Umhlanga)
Durbanites are going crazy for the doughnuts at this KZN outpost of the international chain.

Mixed doughnuts from Krispy Kreme. Photo supplied.

3. The Chef’s Table (Umhlanga)
Kayla-Ann Osborn is bringing fine food to KZN. Think Greenfield roasted bone marrow and slow-braised beef tongue, tender wood-fired swordfish and chocolate popcorn for pud.

4. The Joint Jazz Cafe (Beachfront)
Tuck into shisa-nyama while you watch live jazz. Decor-wise, think beer crates, maize meal and Coke bottle chandeliers.

Drinks at The Joint Jazz Cafe. Photo supplied.

5. Nikos Coalgrill Greek (Durban North)
This Greek restaurant is getting rave reviews for its yiros, souvlaki and mezze. Our tip: try the Santorini-baked feta in phyllo pastry with sticky honey and grapes; and save room for the deconstructed baklava.

6. Old Town Italy (Umhlanga)
This restaurant-deli-market is famous for their brunch feasts, home-made pasta and scrumptious baked goods. Located in the midst of the newly established light industrial/commercial space of Umhlanga, it’ll transport you to a traditional Italian market square.

Old Town Italy’s cronuts. Photo supplied.

7. Jaipur Palace (Durban Central)
The curry buffet is perennially popular at this huge house.

8. Smokin’ Joe’s (Berea)
A comfortable spot for American-style diner food. Think beef burgers, crispy fries and fun milkshakes.

9. Fourteen on Chartwell (Umhlanga)
This gastropub is reminiscent of a swanky 70’s hotel with palm tree wallpaper and low-slung lights. Try the flights of beer served with cheese or German sausage bites for a fun, mini beer-and-food pairing.

The pulled pork jaffle at Fourteen on Chartwell. Photo supplied.

10. Pop-up Society (Glenwood)
A popular spot for wacky milkshakes, burgers and drinking. The deck is hot property on warm evenings.

Cape Town

1. The Silo Rooftop (V & A Waterfront)
Insane views over the city and up towards Table Mountain have this new spot at the Silo Hotel trending on Instagram. The food options include charcoal-fired dishes, salads and tempura. It’s only open to the public by prior reservation, so call ahead to book.

2. Granary Cafe at the Silo Hotel (V&A Waterfront)
The Silo Hotel’s main restaurant is also pulling in curious punters with its faceted windows and majestic decor. Reviews of the food are mixed, but it’s a stunning spot at sunset.

3. Yuzu Kitchen & Bar (Gardens)
Michelin-star trained chef Rikku Ó’Donnchü’s Kill Bill-inspired restaurant is located on buzzing Kloof Street, and early signs suggest it’s going to be mighty popular. Food is Asian fusion.

4. The Village Idiot (City Bowl)
This is a vibey, trendy spot to drink, but the braai-style food gets some pretty good reviews. Try the ribs.

5. Thali (Gardens)
Tandoori chicken, tempura pork belly with ginger-tamarind sauce and chicken in coriander and mint sauce: the tapas dishes at Liam Tomlin’s Indian outpost are something special. It’s a set menu: tapas for two for R620.

The beautifully array of copper crockery at Thali. Photo by Katharine Jacobs.

6. The Test Kitchen (Woodstock)
Our current number one restaurant, The Test Kitchen remains outrageously popular – with very good reason. Dishes might include corn chawanmushi, 12-hour smoked trout tartare or strawberry and rose ice cream with coconut meringue.

Pine-needle granita with lime-compressed cucumber and gin-and-tonic jelly at The Test Kitchen. Photo by Jan Ras.

7. South China Dim Sum Bar (City Bowl)
If casual dining is your thing, and authentic Asian taste is what you’re after, this little gem won’t disappoint. Think chicken wontons, potstickers and hawker tofu noodles.

8. NOW NOW (City Bowl)
The first branch of Woolworths’ new fast-casual eatery opened in April. Dishes include cauli-mash bowls, burgers and salads. It’s quick, affordably priced, and tasty.

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

9. Cabron Taco Bar (City Bowl)
Bree Street’s newest addition serves up Mexican street food, tequila and frozen margaritas.

10. Downtown Ramen (East City)
This inner-city restaurant’s menu is small but to the point: the main event is fragrant, flavourful bowls of ramen.

Winelands and beyond

1. Bosjes Kombuis (near Ceres)
This estate has made the cover and homepage of every décor title in the land with their new wedding chapel. The restaurant is a beautifully designed but it’s a casual affair with robust food designed by Pete Goffe-Wood.

The iconic chapel at Bosjes. Photo supplied.

2. The Noisy Oyster (Paternoster)
This much-loved fixture of Paternoster’s restaurant scene offers up a wonderfully diverse menu where you’ll be tempted to order one of everything. Start with a platter of the eponymous oysters, progress to fish fresh from the ocean and finish with a great crème brûlée.

3. Overture (Stellenbosch)
Bertus Basson is back in the Top 10, thanks to his laid-back and seemingly effortless excellence. Book in advance for fine food overlooking the beautiful Hidden Valley wine farm and distant mountains.

Roasted yellowtail, mussels, taramasalata and courgette at Overture. Photo by Jan Ras.

4. The Tasting Room at Le Quartier Francais (Franschhoek)
Margot Janse served her last meal at this multi-award-winning restaurant in April, and so ended an era of excellence. The restaurant is now closed until the La Colombe team take over later this year. Watch this space!

5. Bertus Basson at Spice Route (Suider Paarl)
Experience Bertus’s food in a family-style setting. South African classics get the gourmet treatment. It’s bright and airy with gorgeous views.

6. Foliage (Franschhoek)
Chris Erasmus and his team pick up crossbows in the morning and head off into the hills to find your lunch. The result is a beautifully fresh take on fine dining.

Warm salad of charcoal-roasted beetroot, broccoli, sorrel yoghurt and 19-year-old vinegar dressing at Foliage. Photo by Jan Ras.

7. The Hickory Shack (Elgin)
This Texan-style barbecue shack is a great stop-off en route to Hermanus or the Garden Route. Think pulled pork with moreish barbecue sauce with fries and home-made baked beans.

8. The Kitchen at Maison (Franschhoek)
Chef Arno Janse van Rensburg continues to turn out delicious fine dining food with a valley- and farm-to-plate philosophy, with nods to Asia and South America. The garden is a lovely spot to sit on warm days. Bonus: there is a pet pig named Porcini.

Dark chocolate with quinoa, citrus, yoghurt and almond at The Kitchen at Maison. Photo supplied.

9. Jordan Restaurant (Stellenbosch)
George Jardine’s fine dining restaurant turns out refined comfort food. The view over the dam and up towards the mountains will make you feel you’re really living your best life.

10. Spek & Bone (Stellenbosch)
Bertus Basson opened Spek & Bone with a slightly different concept than you might expect from the chef: it focuses on the sharing of small tapas plates and great wine. Think slow-cooked lamb ribs on sweet-and-sour braised beans or a bespoke Peppermint Crisp ‘King Cone’.

The Peppermint Crisp King Cones at Spek & Bone. Photo supplied.

This list shows what readers are searching for on eatout.co.za, compiled using statistics of the most-viewed restaurant listings in April 2017.