With unusual food combos as a recurring theme for 2025, we were delighted to have a taste of Curry Up's milk tart samoosas – hand-delivered to us at the office to sample on our weekly deadline day. Legends in the Asian food scene, Glory is doing a pop-up, so head over to say hello to them at 44 Stanley. And culinary enthusiasts, take note: Restaurant Week South Africa runs until Sun, May 4.
For your weekend wanderings, Octo Bar in Sandton has a monthly Sunday lamb spit braai. A local classic. If that's not your style, we're loving the vegetarian and vegan options on the menu at Soul Souvlaki. Gigi's in Midrand launches an exclusive new tasting menu, while Pink Mama's arrives in Dunkeld – a pretty spot to try out.
With Easter around the corner, we are sharing some festive meal and treat ideas. The Troyeville Hotel is offering a Portuguese-inspired Easter buffet, and the Bootlegger Coffee Company is going creative with a new twist on hot cross buns.
In the fair Cape, the Mother City's Salsify at the Roundhouse was crowned South Africa's Best Restaurant in the Eat Out Woolworths Awards for 2025. And for your next foodie adventure, bookmark our reviews for Cyra, Turkish Kebab House Rosebank, and Manaka Coffee – from fine dining to authentic flavours and simply delicious cafe-style fare.
Office taste tests: Sampling Curry Up's viral milk tart samoosas
The deadline stresses of a Wednesday morning melted at the scent of cinnamon and crisp pastry when Alex Zohany of Curry Up dropped into our office with a box of warm milk tart samoosas for our team to try out. It was love at first bite.
Zohany tells us these treats have been on the menu for a while but have seen an upsurge in demand after a TikTok video of them went viral. Having tasted them for ourselves, it's easy to see why. These crispy pockets blend a classic Indian snack with the nostalgia of grandma's milk tart. Some remarks from the team:
"Crisp pastry lightly dusted with cinnamon and sugar, and the creamiest milk tart filling. Light and utterly delicious."
"What more to say? An inspired combo."
Curry Up is just one of the restaurant brands in the We Sell Flavourz stable, which also includes Thai Me Up and Pasta Worx. Beyond their restaurant operations, they provide catering services for events ranging from intimate gatherings to large-scale functions. Visit their website here for more info.
Joburg restaurant openings and culinary news
A NEW TASTING MENU SERIES AT GIGI'S
Led by Chef Moses Moloi, Gigi's in Waterfall, Midrand offers a unique dining experience for April 2025, with the humble yet versatile mushroom as the star of the month. Each month, a new key ingredient takes centre stage in the restaurant's seven-course tasting menu, every Wednesday night with only 10 places available each week. "This series is deeply personal to me, shaped by my travels and time spent alongside some of the most talented chefs, both locally and abroad," says Moloi. "Tasting menus have always been at the core of my cooking." To book for this experience, contact +27 10 443 9711.
PINK MAMA'S BRINGS THE FLAVOURS OF ITALY TO DUNKELD
Where Livy's used to be, Pink Mama's is open for business at 49 Eastwood Road, Dunkeld – bringing summertime charm and al fresco Italian fare to Joburg. It wouldn't be true to form without a wide variety of antipasta (or antipasto, meaning starters) on the menu, as well as pizzas, pastas, insalate (salads), and delicious secondis (main courses) – lasagne is said to be one of their specialities, and we can't wait to try it. The dolce (desserts) include pistachio tiramisu, chocolate cannoli, and gelato, ensuring those with a sweet tooth will not be disappointed. (While much has changed from when it was Livy's, the padel courts remain an attraction.) Make a reservation via Dineplan here.
GLORY ALL AROUND JOBURG
If you've visited Glory at No.17 4th Avenue in Parktown North, you'll know this is Asian food with an operatic twist. Which is simply to say, it's very good. The menu takes inspiration from Southeast and East Asian dishes, and every plate is a beautifully styled affair. The sit-down menu is still available for lunch and dinner at the Parktown restaurant, while Glory also does takeaways of the original Glory box meals.
For even more opportunities to tuck into something glorious, Glory has teamed up with 44 Stanley in Milpark for a pop-up called Glory 44 (in the corner space opposite The Bioscope cinema where Beijing Opera used to be). This will run throughout April and May 2025, currently on Saturdays and Sundays. To find out about additional pop-up days, follow @gloryjoburg on Instagram.
Book your table with Restaurant Week South Africa 2025
Restaurant Week South Africa 2025 is currently underway, running from Fri, Mar 28 – Sun, May 4. This annual culinary celebration features over 150 of the country's top restaurants, offering specially curated two-course lunches starting at R195 and three-course dinners from R295. Establishments range from award-winning fine dining venues to trendy hotspots, providing food enthusiasts with an excellent opportunity to explore South Africa's diverse gastronomic landscape. Participating Joburg restaurants include The Potato Shed in Waterfall, Midrand; Marble at Keyes Art Mile, Rosebank; and Saint in Sandton.
Given the popularity of the event, reservations are highly recommended. For more details and to secure a booking, visit the official website here.
Salsify at The Roundhouse in Cape Town is crowned 'South Africa's Best Restaurant'
Salsify at The Roundhouse was awarded the title of South Africa's Best Restaurant at the Eat Out Woolworths Awards 2025. The restaurant is located in Cape Town's historic Roundhouse building, which dates back to 1786, first serving as a guardhouse and then as a hunting lodge for the 19th-century Governor of the Cape, Sir Lord Charles Somerset. With the arrival of Salsify in 2018, it's become a fine dining location of note.
The three-star restaurant, co-owned by executive Chef Ryan Cole, serves modern cuisine inspired by nature and driven by the seasons – it's all about sustainable, locally sourced ingredients. There are two menus on offer at Salsify: the reduced menu, and the chef's menu. The former is available for lunch and comprises five courses. The chef's menu is the full monty, featuring 10 courses that they describe as "an elegant study of local ingredients and unexpected flavour combinations."
The restaurant's interior features graffiti art by Louis de Villiers, narrating the story of Dr. James Barry, one of the building's earliest residents, and an origami ceiling installation crafted from old menus. Panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and Lion's Head are the icing on the cake.
Salsify's other accolades include Africa's Best Landmark Restaurant (World Culinary Awards) and Best Culinary Experience (South Africa Restaurant Awards). Make a reservation via Dineplan.
First Sundays of the month are for spit braais
You know when you're minding your own business and suddenly catch a whiff of braai smoke that stirs up a craving? It may seem an unlikely place to fulfill this craving, but now you can head to Octo Bar at The Leonardo in Sandton when the need strikes. Every first Sunday of the month, they fire up the spit for a legendary lamb spit braai. For R440 p.p. you can get a plate of the spit and two sides which include roasted baby potatoes, pumpkin fritters, creamy spinach, aurum fries, sweet potato fries, a side house salad, and roasted rosemary vegetables. Book your spot via WhatsApp on +27 76 471 1489.Hearty veggie options we love at Soul Souvlaki
Nowadays, it's not uncommon to call ahead to to check on vegetarian- and vegan-friendly options at a restaurant, especially when making a group booking. Catering to diverse dietary preferences is certainly not an afterthought at spots like Greek restaurant Soul Souvlaki – where the meat-free items on the menu are stars in their own right. We love the grilled giant mushroom with hummus, Italian parsley, rocket, red onion, tomato, and fresh chilli. New to the menu, the falafel bifteki (essentially baked patties) sounds heavenly – with tahinosalata (tahini dip), exotic tomato, capers, kalamata olives, pickled jalapeno, rocket, and avo. Or opt for the veggie burger on a brioche bun. Soul Souvlaki has multiple restaurants around Joburg, including Rosebank and Parktown North.
Small plates are here to stay
A dream for commitment phobes and those with wandering palettes – with the proliferation of small plates, there's no need to select just one entrée for your meal out. Made to share among friends, small plates let you sample more of the menu without overindulging. Below are a few spots we've visited of late that offer tasty bites.
PARTY ANTICS AND BIG FLAVOUR AT DEMOCRACY BAR
Illovo's new nightlife spot Democracy Bar doesn't just serve party antics (though we're here for it – read about our recent visit here.) The globally-inspired menu has small plates that are big in flavour. Dishes that come recommended include the old brown sherry pork belly bites with mango atchar mayo, and the spicy buffalo cauliflower "wings". Make a reservation here.
GOODNESS TO SHARE AT THE POTLUCK CLUB JOHANNESBURG
Small plates pack attitude at The Pot Luck Club Johannesburg at The Peech Hotel. The crispy 'Taco 2.0' is bursting with black beans, pickled shiitake mushrooms, and a chipotle dressing, while the beef tataki consists of thinly sliced beef served with caper dressing and roasted garlic aioli, topped with crispy fried leek and garlic. The beetroot tartare gets flirty with ponzu mayo, and the chickpea fries are served with truffle aioli and smoked ketchup. To make a booking, email reservations@plcj.co.za.
MIDDLE EASTERN BITES AT A STREETBAR NAMED DESIRE
A Streetbar Named Desire in Parkwood is one of our faves for a vibrant selection of Middle Eastern-inspired small plates. Stand-out meat and seafood dishes include the sirloin marinated with harissa, lemon zest, onion, and spicy harissa butter; cumin meatballs; smoked bacon wrapped with tomato, mint, and maple salsa; and the spicy prawn tagliatelle with Pernod velouté, parmesan cheese, and basil. The harissa and rose water roast potato dish with confit garlic thyme and feta is also a winner. Make a reservation here.
Easter in Joburg: Where to eat and treats on our radar
THE TROYEVILLE'S EASTER BUFFET
If you are looking for a family-friendly venue to relax over an Easter lunch, head to The Troyeville's excellent restaurant for an Easter buffet on Sun, Apr 20 from 12:00 – 16:30. The Portuguese-inspired spread includes salad, starters, mains, sides, and desserts. The lunch costs R350 per person for adults, R90 per person for children under 12, and R220 per person for pensioners. Booking is essential; book online here or phone +27 79 612 0125 to secure your spot.
SANDTON CITY'S CHOCOLATE CAFÉ
Make this Easter a delicious one with the return of Sandton City's Chocolate Café, where chocolate lovers of all ages can indulge in a world of sweet treats. From Thu, Apr 10 – Mon, Apr 21, you can shop a tempting selection from Lindt, Ferrero Rocher, Cadbury, Beacon, Mister Sweets, Sally Williams, Kinder, and Sweetie Pie in the Centre Court next to Checkers.
HOT CROSS BUNS REIMAGINED
While they're available year-round, hot cross buns are the sweet, spiced treat (with a cross on top symbolizing Christ’s crucifixion) served traditionally around Easter. The Bootlegger Coffee Company in Grayston is giving hot cross buns a creative twist with limited-edition flavour combinations: think maple fried chicken, cinnamon bread pudding, and a brie toastie. To find out when it's available, follow @bootleggercoffeecompany on Instagram. For something different, try Casa De Nata's Hot Cross Bun Nata – a festive spin on the classic with cinnamon and a touch of fruit.
Still hungry? Get our full guide to Joburg's delectable Easter chocolates and treats.
Recent reviews, from family style to fine dining
TURKISH KEBAB HOUSE ROSEBANK
“We won’t make it if it’s not authentic,” says Harun Seker, whose family founded Turkish Kebab House in Mayfair in 2014. The certified halal restaurant has been serving up succulent grills and authentic mezes with warm hospitality ever since. We were invited for a lunchtime feast at the new Turkish Kebab House restaurant in Rosebank and loved every bite, including some of the best baklava we’ve ever tasted. Read our review here.
CYRA AT THE HOUGHTON HOTEL
At Cyra at The Houghton Hotel, the view is as spectacular as the food – Joburg sunsets melting into a generous, seasonal tasting menu by award-winning Chef Candice Philip. Philip turns simple ingredients into edible works of art, while the wine pairings are curated with masterful precision. Read our review here.
MANAKA COFFEE AT RAND STEAM SHOPPING CENTRE
In the 2000s Brad Symons left his career in advertising for a globe-trotting adventure – returning to Joburg with a vision so grand only ample cups of coffee could fuel it. The first Manaka Coffee shop and roastery opened in 2018, while the latest addition to the Manaka family is the Rand Steam Shopping Centre branch. The large and welcoming space is a great lunchtime spot or office away from home. In February 2025, we visited for coffee, some shared bites, and a conversation with founder Brad Symons. Read the story here.
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