The cold weather won’t stop us from heading to our favourite restaurants for a comforting meal. Whether it’s fine dining or a cosy café, there’s something on the menu for everyone!
Durban
The LivingRoom at Summerhill Estate
Located in Pinetown, Durban, The LivingRoom is a fine-dining restaurant that offers local cuisine with creative flair and elegance. Awarded three stars and The Green Star Award by Eat Out, this elegant establishment takes pride in its commitment to sustainability and conservation, using local and indigenous ingredients to craft tantalising dishes.
Gqeberha
Off the Menu – Gqeberha & St. Francis Bay
This gourmet grocer, wine boutique, coffee bar and restaurant boast oodles of flavour and warmth in every bite. When dining, expect delicately styled sharing plates, when sipping you’ll find premium wines from near and far, and when shopping – fill your cart with smooth olives, lush cheeses and fresh cold meats.
@durbanfinds Understandable why it's been voted as one of the best restaurants in South Africa 🫶🏻✨ Exquisite. #durbanfinds #durbanrestaurants #wheretoeatdurban #thingstodoindurban #summerhill #thelivingroom #summerhillthelivingroom #foodies #durbantok #finedining #localcuisine #gardentoplate #SArestaurants #fyp #durbanfyp #cowieshill #durbanfindalert #durbanactivities #durbanfood #SAMA28 #birthdaydinner #foodtokph ♬ La belle vie - Sacha Distel
Cape Town
Bistro Sixteen82
Constantia winelands, mountain views, tapas and wine on tap -this flavour utopia has gained international recognition thanks to executive Chef Kerry Kilpin’s ever-changing seasonal menus. Here, you can expect dishes that are bursting with flavour.
Cooking with Love
Time to take food into your own hands! Step into Chef Faldelah Tolker’s Bo-Kaap kitchen. Nestled in between the colourful walls, Chef Faldelah takes students on a transformative journey into the beauty of Cape Malay cooking. Offering both classes and walking tours, you’ll be spoilt with the comforting scents of cardamom, buttery curries and fluffy breads – all with a rich history.
@atlieats Steenberg | Bistro sixteen 82 📍Cape Town. #fyp #foryoupage #foryou #aesthetic #foodtiktok #southafricanfoodblogger #johannesburg #capetown #foodie #steenberg #hiddengem ♬ original sound - ⠀
Johannesburg
Winehouse at Ten Bompas
Spend your evening curled up by the fire, sipping on a glass of fine wine and indulging in delicious cuisine at the Winehouse at Ten Bompas in Dunkeld. Their menu is thoughtfully crafted to offer delicious cuisine in a laid-back atmosphere. Expect casual contemporary dining, with dishes created using only the finest ingredients and fresh produce from their on-site vegetable garden.
Gigi restaurant
With world renowned Chef Moses Moloi at its helm, Gigi soars above the rest. Co-owned by Paris Xenophontos, the two form a formidable duo -bringing an elite-level dining experience with thoughtful decor, expertise as well as food from around the world. Most importantly, this world-class establishment boasts a love for local flavours. In and amongst the oysters, sirloin and sorbet, you will see cassava, chakalaka and jollof. Africa’s endless offerings are pearled, swirled and scooped onto handcrafted plates.
@ndyebolurayi Another day, another gem? 🤩 Joburg is the gift that keeps on giving. Today we’re at Gigi in Waterfall Corner. Aesthetics: 10/10 Food: 10/10 Drinks: 8/10 Service: 10/10 #restaurantlife #southafricancontentcreator #johannesburgrestaurants #restaurantreview #waterfall #waterfallcorner #datenightideas #thingstodojoburg #restaurantsinjohannesburg #fyp #SAMA28 ♬ FUTURE HOUSE - Sergey Wednesday
Stellenbosch
The Fat Butcher
Deep auburn hues meet wooden finishes in this cosy and classy steakhouse. The Fat Butcher offers premium quality meat sourced from a single farm with conscious farming practices. The restaurant prides itself in understanding meat and cooking it well, selling a variety of cuts from dry to wet-aged, assorted boxes and even chefs’ knives. Their shelves feature various labels of local wines and craft beers, and their website is stocked with mouth-watering recipes.
Spek & Bone
At the core of this Eat Out-rated two-star restaurant, Spek & Bone offers a modern fine-dining experience. The menu features a range of tapas-style dishes that take inspiration from local and global cuisines, sourcing produce and ingredients from local producers. You’ll also be offered a range of specially selected wines to enjoy from across the country, all brought to you by South Africa’s own Bertus Basson.
East London
Jules on Jarvis
Mountains of cheesy burgers, freshly fired pizza and plates adorned with slices of lavish cakes, Jules on Jarvis is comfort food at its peak! Indulge in the cosy weather with a serving of flapjacks, bao buns or battered hake.
Brazas Portuguese
“Family, culture and togetherness” is the secret behind the tastes of this Portuguese fusion restaurant. Fresh mussels in a creamy broth, chargrilled smoky espetadas and lovingly kneaded bread rolls fill the plates and bellies of restaurant goers. A well-earned top 100 spot in the Reviewers Choice Awards for 2024.
By: Sjaan van der Ploeg
Photography by: Supplied
Text courtesy of MyKitchen magazine
