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With sandwiches riding a new high on the global trend list February brings news of global food brand, Pret A Manger, landing in Melrose Arch – the first in Africa. Thanks to La Tarte Patisserie's door-to-door delivery service, high tea can become routine. Hush Money bar moves to a new rooftop location, traditional food spots are popping up, and one of our favourite people in food, Nick Hamman, launches a YouTube channel. Plus, there's plenty to celebrate with award-winning chefs and restaurants adding flair to Joburg's culinary scene. Keep reading for the latest in all things delicious.
1. Brunch at Besos is here to stay
Sundays might be for lazing about, but you still need to get a meal in. It's a good thing classy eatery Besos, located at The Woods Shopping Centre in Craighall Park, offers a Sunday brunch –previously an irregular event that's now a permanent fixture. Chicken benedict, steak house bagel, dulce de leche French toast, and crunchy chickpea tahini salad are on the menu and, for R300 p.p., you can get one brunch item and two mimosas. We visited recently and found it a treat; review loading.
2. Africa's first Pret A Manger opens in Melrose Arch
If you've ever had the chance to taste a Pret baguette, you'll understand the hype now that this UK-founded institution is touching down in Joburg. On Thu, Feb 13, 2025, Pret A Manger, a grab-and-go café chain known for freshly made sandwiches, salads, and organic coffees with a focus on natural ingredients, quick service, and sustainability opened at Melrose Arch to what seemed to be eager crowds wanting a taste. This expansion into South Africa, spearheaded by the Millat Group, adds to our growing café culture. While visitors can expect Pret's menu regulars, much of the selection has been infused with flavours already familiar among the locals, which is key to the establishment's local success. These include a chakalaka chicken wrap, braaibroodjie toastie, boerie breakfast bowl, and a milk tart temptation pot. Pret A Manger is set to make its opening at The Zone @ Rosebank in April. Keep an eye out for our review.
3. New moves for old faves
THE POTLUCK CLUB IS OPEN FOR BOOKINGS AT THE PEECH HOTEL
Formerly located at Oxford Parks precinct, The Potluck Club is officially up and running at its new home in Melrose's The Peech Hotel (as of Tue, Feb 11, 2025). Luke Dale Roberts' tasty small plates are now served up in a stunning new spot inside one of Joburg's most stylish boutique hotels. We love the new space. It's inviting, and intimate, and the cocktails are top notch. Our full review is loading soon.
HUSH MONEY TAKES IT TO NORWOOD
Previously part of the Delta Central strip in Blairgowrie, Hush Money has a new home at 72 Grant Avenue, Norwood. Brought to you by the folks behind A Streetbar Named Desire in Parkwood, this spot is still shaking up a wild line-up of cocktails and has even more live events on the cards for 2025. Swing by.
4. Sampling sweet sips at Royal Tea
If your idea of a perfect shopping break involves sipping something delicious while browsing, Royal Tea at We Are EGG in Rosebank has you covered. This Cape Town-born tea bar is all about bringing contemporary Chinese tea culture to South Africa, offering everything from classic bubble teas to oolong-based cheese teas (yes, you read that right) and fresh fruit infusions.
We took one for the team and tried the Oreo and Matcha Cheese tea – a bold mix of earthy matcha, a decadent cream cheese topping, and crushed Oreos. Sounds wild? It is. If you’re into rich, creamy drinks, you’ll love it. If dairy isn't your thing, proceed with caution or substitute with oat milk. But whatever you do, don’t sip before giving it a good mix – the magic is in the blend. At R60, it’s a little indulgent, and for an extra R10, you get a sturdy plastic cup you can reuse. Add-ons are available for all drinks, while snacks to grab on the go include mochi, soufflé cheesecake, swiss rolls, and chocolate lava cake.
For more bubble tea spots in the city, check out our guide.
5. Treats and eats at home
PATISSERIE AT LEISURE WITH LA TARTE
You could spend hours in the kitchen covered in flour, wrestling with temperamental dough and wondering why butter costs more than your rent, or you can leave it to the pros. La Tarte Pâtisserie delivers freshly baked perfection straight to your door in Joburg. Given that the service is fairly new, not all of your favourite tarts are available for delivery as of yet. Owner and award-winning Chef Jared Melamed tells us the vanilla mille-feuille is one of the bestsellers so far. Place your order here.
SUPPER CLUB WITH THE BUTTER BOYS
From tapas, salads, and sweet treats to homemade nut butter, Butter Boys (the cooking venture of Gaian Aukema and Oliver February) brings the flavour. Based in Observatory, their catering menu is a feast of Greek favourites, from crispy fattoush and pillowy pita bread to melt-in-your-mouth stuffed shortbread. For those nights when you're craving a home-cooked meal without the fuss, their weekly supper club runs from Mon – Thu and serves up a rotating array of dishes. Menus for this are sent on the preceding Saturday. Plus, freshly baked baguettes and ciabatta are also on the menu every Wednesday and Saturday. Get in touch here for catering and supper club orders. Note: Home deliveries are limited to a 10km radius.
6. SA Chef Ash Valenzuela-Heeger gets the Michelin nod
It's a big moment for South Africa as Eastern Cape-born Chef Ash Valenzuela-Heeger wins the prestigious Michelin Guide’s Young Chef Award for 2025 for her exceptional talent at her Birmingham-based restaurant in the United Kingdom, Riverine Rabbit. The award recognises chefs who are younger than 36 and is an assessment of not only technical skill in the kitchen, but also the ability to be creative, show leadership, and innovate while maintaining high standards.
Born in Mthatha and raised in Cape Town, Valenzuela-Heeger's culinary journey began at Chef Luke Dale Roberts' The Test Kitchen, after which she launched her own restaurant, ASH, in 2016. Two years later, this became Riverine Rabbit, which migrated with her to the UK. The restaurant has earned critical acclaim, including a Bib Gourmand (an award given by the Michelin Guide recognising excellent dining destinations that are more affordable than your typical Michelin-starred restaurant). Her appearance on Netflix's The Final Table further elevated her profile. Known for dishes infusing her South African roots with Asian flavours, it's been wonderful to witness Valenzuela-Heeger's culinary star on the rise. If you find yourself in the UK for a visit anytime soon, you know where to book a table.
7. Wins for Joburg's culinary scene
TWICE AS NICE AT THE 11TH FLOOR
A double win for The 11th Floor, named Best Luxury Dining Experience in South Africa at the 2025 Luxury Lifestyle Awards – a global award programme that selects, recognises, celebrates, and promotes luxury goods and services worldwide – and it snagged the title of Rooftop Restaurant of the Year at the 2025 Luxe Restaurant Awards.
Located atop the Alpha Building in Bedfordview, The 11th Floor offers Mediterranean cuisine in the form of wood-fired pizzas, charcoal grilled foods, and antipasti (the traditional first course of a formal Italian meal, so a starter essentially – not to be read as 'anti-pasta' – we'd never dare stoop that low). Signature dishes include beef ragu featuring eight-hour braised oxtail and short rib and fire-roasted red pepper risotto with Danish feta. On the drinks front, choose from crafted cocktails like the Coco Loco, Red Hot Rosie, or the Smore – which does in fact include marshmallow liqueur, all amidst twinkling lights and rooftop views. Note: The dress code is strictly smart casual. Make a booking here.
KEEPING IT LUXE: MORE 2025 WINNERS
In addition to getting the nod for its stand-out rooftop, The 11th Floor played host to the 2025 Luxe Restaurant Awards on Tue, Feb 18, where influential chefs, restaurateurs, and culinary tastemakers gathered for one of the most prestigious culinary events in South Africa. Here's who won big on the night:
Fine Dining Restaurant of the Year – Cyra at The Houghton Hotel
Chef of the Year – Head Chef of Cyra, Candice Philip
Bar of the Year – Sin+Tax
Hotel Restaurant of the Year – Proud Mary
International Restaurant of the Year – Club Como
Family Restaurant of the Year – Culinary Table
Lifestyle Restaurant of the Year – Gemelli
Patisserie of the Year – La Tarte Patisserie
Restaurant Group of the Year – Tashas
8. Mogodu Monday
Mogodu Monday is South Africa’s cheeky culinary tradition where locals dig into a hearty plate of mogodu (tripe stew) to kick off the week. Think tender, slow-cooked tripe packed with spices and veggies, served up with a side of pap, dumplings, or rice – the kind of comfort food that hits the spot. It’s not just about the food, though; it’s a bit of a social event, too, with people gathering to indulge in this unapologetically messy, flavourful dish. In townships, it’s a Monday must-have. Inspired by this, we've rounded up three places that serve up the best traditional food that can be eaten every day of the week.
1947 ON VILAKAZI STREET
1947 on Vilakazi Street in Soweto is a sophisticated yet authentic dining destination that celebrates South African culinary traditions. The menu, curated by Chef Junior Kotane, features local favourites such as mogodu (tripe stew), lamb trotters (amangqina), and pap and vleis (porridge and meat) served with chakalaka. For more global flavours, seafood, burgers, and pastas are also available here. The restaurant’s two-storey set-up includes a temperature-controlled wine cellar, a bar, and a cigar lounge, while the upstairs balcony looks out over Orlando and FNB stadiums. Book via Dineplan.
MOGODU IN THE NORTH
Mogodu In The North is your Fourways go-to for authentic African cuisine from mogodu, inyama yenhloko, hardbody chicken, and chicken feet to savoury stews and braai meals. The restaurant is great for a casual dining experience and is a popular takeaway spot. Home deliveries are also on offer; order here.
TASTY NATION
You may have spotted Tasty Nation's frozen meals in Pick n Pay stores across the country; perfect for those nights when you're craving a taste of home without having to chop or fry a thing. Long-time fans will be pleased to know that Tasty Nation has opened its first quick-service restaurant at Chilli Lane Shopping Centre in Sunninghill. The menu is stacked with everything from hearty classics like mogodu (beef tripe) and nhloko (beef head meat) to flame-grilled peri-peri chicken, and beef short rib. Plus, they've got comfort food faves like butter chicken and bobotie.
9. Your friend in food
From savouring cow tongue delicacies to hunting down the nation’s best chicken tikka, palate-curious Nick Hamman (the radio DJ of 5FM fame) is taking his love of food to YouTube, and if you’ve seen his viral TikToks and Instagram reels (the ones that always start with "I’m Nick Hamman…"), you already know he means business. His new channel, Hammy Eats, takes his love for exploring South Africa's food scene to the next level. From unusual flavours to cult favourites, he does the taste testing so you don’t have to suffer through a subpar meal. If you're on the hunt for your next great bite, hit subscribe and let Hamman lead the way. Read our #MyJoburg interview with him here.
10. Spirits and fiestas: Dates to diarise
OLA ROSEBANK! MEXICAN STREET FEAST
On Sat, Mar 1, 2025, Rosebank Mall becomes a mini fiesta for the Mexican Street Feast, touching down on Bath Avenue from 11:00 – 20:00. Think sizzling tacos, crispy nachos, and warm churro goodness served up by vendors from Good & Proper Food Trucks, with margaritas, craft cocktails, and ice-cold cervezas to sip on. The first 100 patrons get a margarita on the house. The beats will be just as fiery, with Rea Da Soul and Kyle Cassim on the decks, live Spanish guitar, and flamenco dancers. Best of all? The fest is free to attend.
AJABU COCKTAIL AND SPIRITS FEST
The Pan African, bi-annual cocktail and spirits festival, AJABU, is back for its second consecutive year in Joburg from Sun, Mar 9 – Wed, Mar 12, 2025. The event brings top global and local bars together for pop-ups, masterclasses, and interesting collaborations promoting African flavours. Stay tuned for more details. Register here.
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