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In our monthly #FreshlyPlated round-up, we share news about Joburg's food scene, from new cafés, bars, and restaurants, to special offers and chefs in the spotlight. This month we give you the lowdown on fine dining in the city, the restaurants that are moving and shaking, and share some unique culinary experiences well worth tasting – including a long-awaited high tea offering, authentic Korean BBQ, and an international sandwich chain with diehard fans (coming soon to a mall near you). Plus, discover the food trends to keep an eye out for in 2025.
Chef Candice Philip's renaissance at Cyra at The Houghton Hotel
If fine dining is your thing, then you'll be delighted to know that Joburg has a new must-visit destination, Cyra at The Houghton Hotel. The luxury hotel and residential complex, one of our favourite stays in Joburg, is known for its resort-like feel, plush décor, elegant spa, and culinary excellence. Cyra quietly opened at the end of October 2024, headed by award-winning Chef Candice Philip, who previously had a residency at The Peech Hotel after having made her mark at Grei at Saxon Hotel. She was also the recipient of the Culinary Innovation Award at the 2022 Luxe Restaurant Awards.
Cyra is an intimate 50-seater restaurant, open by reservation only. Named for the Persian word for 'sun', Cyra’s design embodies the warmth and beauty of a sunset, inspired by the restaurant's panoramic views of the green expanse of the Houghton Golf Course. Book for the seven-course tasting menu, perfectly complemented by a selection of premium local and international wines, with options available for pescatarians and vegetarians. For those seeking a weekend indulgence, the restaurant offers a standard four-course meal every Sunday. Cyra takes up the spot that was previously Sejour by Chef Freddie Dias.
Just add pizza! New life for Kitchener's in Braamfontein
For a certain sect of Joburgers, the closure of Kitchener's in Braamfontein (71 Juta Street) in late 2024 was very grave news indeed. Thankfully, the team at Play Braam took up the mantle and reopened the bar we know and love, with a twist.
By day, Kitchener's has long existed as a quiet pub, transforming into a hangout for the city's cool kids at night with DJs spinning an eclectic mix of House, soul, and underground music. All that remains true, and now we welcome Little Kitchener's to the mix – a pizzeria serving a fresh take on the classics (try the pepperoni with hot honey sauce) alongside simple salads. When it comes to drinks, wines, spritzers, beers on tap, and speciality cocktails are on the menu. All in all, we're pleased that Joburg's second-oldest bar is here to stay. Here's to many more storied nights out in Joburg.
Win-win: The Pot Luck Club moves to The Peech Hotel
The first iteration of The Pot Luck Club by Chef Luke Dale Roberts was named one of the 50 best restaurants in the world in 2010. And since Joburg got its own branch of this excellent establishment in October 2023, our tastebuds have been nothing short of ecstatic. Diners who've enjoyed The Pot Luck Club at its original Oxford Parks location can soon find the restaurant at its new home at The Peech Hotel in Melrose North – a perfect match. Head Chef Ebie du Toit is still at the helm, while Asia-inspired small plates with bold flavours and innovative cocktails remain central to the menu. The Pot Luck Club opens at The Peech Hotel on Tue, 11 Feb, 2025.
Open-flame cooking at Alma, a new spot to try
Derived from the Latin word for 'soul', Alma is a new kid on the culinary block at The Woods Shopping Centre in Craighall Park (345 Jan Smuts Avenue). This contemporary steakhouse ups the ante, specialising in the art of open-flame cooking. The menu features small plates, perfect for sharing, and heroes prime cut meats – including Wagyu imported from Australia and Japan. Alma is the third offering from Origami Hospitality, the masterminds behind Gaucho in Linden and Besos, also in The Woods –setting the bar high.
Bad Manors and Democracy Bar light up the night in Illovo
There are sparkling new additions to Illovo's nightlife scene with the opening of Bad Manors and Democracy Bar, both at Illovo Muse (198 Oxford Road). Formerly a staple in Parkhurst, Bad Manors leaps into a larger and more versatile space, while Democracy Bar takes over where Beefcakes used to be. The duo join the ranks of Babylon and The Gallery Art Bar, a concentration of venues that puts Illovo on the radar for Joburg's party crowd.
BBQ at Banchan Korean Eatery's fresh Parkmore spot
If your TikTok algorithm's been serving you Korean BBQ, we don't blame you for being drawn in. This is your signal to check out Banchan Korean Eatery at its new location in Parkmore, Sandton (108 Victoria Avenue). It's the same Banchan we know and love, only in a bigger, prettier spot. This family-owned eatery offers authentic Korean cuisine featuring house-made kimchi, tofu, sauces, and marinades crafted with care, while each table comes equipped with its own gas-fired hot plate for grilling your own meat.
Blairgowrie gets its own Chopstix
A thriving restaurant at Melville's 27 Boxes complex, Chopstix has opened a second branch in Blairgowrie (94 Conrad Drive) – meaning there are more chances to get your fix. It's high on the list when it comes to authentic Chinese flavours and teas in Joburg. The food heroes fresh, seasonal ingredients and sauces made from scratch, all inspired by owner Charlie Chen's family heritage. We're huge fans of the cucumber salad, and the slow-cooked beef noodle soup is a crowd favourite.
The people's high tea, now at Flames Restaurant
It's the high tea everyone's been asking for. While Flames restaurant at Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff has delighted with pop-up high tea offerings like Bubbles & Treats, a similar treat is now a standard fixture on the menu due to popular demand. Go for a selection of savoury bites and patisserie perfectly paired with loose-leaf teas and Rosé Méthode Cap Classique, all from the terrace with one of the best views in the city. Vegetarians are catered for. Every Thu – Sun at 12:00 and 15:00. Reservations are essential: book here.
Kohi is a cute Japan-inspired coffee shop at 44 Stanely
Rodney Mudzengerere, who made vintage denim a Joburg style staple, has branched out. Just steps from the door of his retail outlet Ifuku is where you'll find Kohi – 44 Stanley's newest coffee spot. Plus, you'll see the familiar face of Felix Tongai Matsvai in the house: the style junkie with his own vintage line used to work at Father Coffee in Braamfontein and Rosebank, and is a barista of note. At this Japan-inspired joint, it's not just coffee but all manner of delights like matcha and white chocolate cookies and tiramisu cupcakes. We can't wait to visit.
Teff Cuisine serves up Ethiopian fare in Norwood
Fans of Ethiopian food have a new spot to try: Teff Ethiopian Cuisine in Norwood (118 William Road). It gets its name from teff, an ancient, gluten-free grain that's native to Eritrea and Ethiopia and is a cornerstone of Ethiopian cooking. Journalist and DJ Charles Leonard recommends the beyaynetu – a mix of curries served on a plate of injera – the honey wine known as Tej, and freshly brewed coffee. You can also shop here for fresh Ethiopian produce, making it easy to try out some new flavours at home.
From Mayfair to Rosebank with Turkish Kebab House
Turkish Kebab House, which we've followed since it opened in Mayfair, has branched out with a second restaurant in Rosebank (39 Bath Avenue) – absolutely no complaints here! The mixed grill platter comfortably feeds two to three and is our go-to order: it comes with an array of fresh and flavourful starters and grilled meats, with a wide range of kebabs, of course. Simply delicious. Halaal diners and vegetarians will find plenty on the menu. Heads up: there's free parking at 37 Bath Avenue for visitors to the Rosebank branch.
Chef Thabo Phake makes his mark at La Boqueria
If 'morogo emulsion' or 'naartjie gastrique' ring a bell, you've had the good fortune of experiencing Chef Thabo Phake's culinary brilliance at Oxford Parks' Obscura Cocktail Bar & Eatery. He also left his mark at Proud Mary in Rosebank, and now juggles roles at The Ivy Champagne Garden in Bedfordview and Parktown's Le Boqueria – a colourful Hispanic eatery known for its tapas and market-inspired dishes, perfect for sharing and feasting. We're looking forward to seeing how this formidable chef adds his own stamp to the menu.
British sandwich shop Pret A Manger comes to Joburg
While there's been some naysaying on social media about the arrival of an international food chain, Joburg doesn't have a sandwich brand of its own to rival Pret A Manger, the British cult favourite. We're interested to see what they'll bring to The Zone @ Rosebank and the city's food scene at large – perhaps it will shape some local ideas. It's all about grab-and-go here: freshly made sandwiches are the star of the show, but there's also a selection of wraps, salads, and treats baked in-house. Pret A Manger is due to open on home soil in April 2025; we'll keep you posted.
The end of an era: The Shortmarket Club makes way for Ocaso
Just in: while his signature The Pot Luck Club makes moves, acclaimed Chef Luke Dale Roberts' sister restaurant The Shortmarket Club reaches the end of its era. Hospitality entrepreneur Heinz Rynners assumes ownership of the space at Oxford Parks in Rosebank and will be launching Ocaso – a new dining concept that could be Joburg's answer to upmarket Mexican fare. The Shortmarket Club closes its doors on Fri, Jan 31, with Ocaso set to launch in April 2025. Expect adventurous shared plates and premium tequila, with The Shortmarket Club's head Chef Tyron Gentry staying on to lead the kitchen.
Herb Land in Midrand closes
We are sad to say goodbye to Herb Land, a former wonderland of herbs and flora in Midrand where kids (big and small) could run around and explore, and then rest with some treats at the fantastic café. The property has changed hands and this spot is now permanently closed.
Fun food trends to watch in 2025
National Geographic has weighed in on what to look out for in the culinary space in 2025, as has Charl Botha, a senior lecturer at Capsicum Culinary Studio – they both offer us some insights as fun and creativity lead the charge when it comes to this year's food trends. Predictions include over-the-top sandwiches (hey, Pret A Manger), gourmet hot dogs, and crisps reinvented as luxury snacks. TikTok continues to drive trends, with elevated instant noodles and pistachios emerging as star ingredients due to their versatility. Meanwhile, sustainability remains a focus: seaweed and plant-based alternatives are gaining popularity alongside reduced sugar and gluten-free products. Plus, drinks like soju and savoury cocktails are taking their place in the sun, while pickles and Asia-inspired dishes like bao buns and frozen dumplings are ready to steal the show. Chefs are embracing eccentric flavour combinations, signalling a playful culinary landscape.
Stopping by at Livy's and Joy Jozi
Speaking of play, we're hosting a concierge tour around the city with two excellent stops for food and fun: Livy's and Joy Jozi in Dunkeld on Wed, Jan 29. If you don't know these spaces, here's why they should be on your list: Livy's is a social club where you can show off your padel skills then head straight to the bar for a cocktail or two, as well as some French cuisine-inspired eats. It's a stylish space for a relaxed hangout with friends or a big celebration. Next door, with a transparent kiddies' slide looping through a thatch-roofed heritage house, Joy Jozi is easy to spot from the nearby Oxford Parks development. Here, kids are free to play in the tree house, the bicycle track, and mini splash park while the grown-ups enjoy the simple yet refined menu: think Neapolitan pizzas, signature burgers, and delicious milkshakes. These restaurants are unlike anything else on the dining scene and you'd be hard-pressed to leave without a smile.
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