Delta Central and surrounds in Blairgowrie – a visitor's guide

74 Hillcrest Avenue, Randburg , Rosebank & The Parks +27 83 257 8469 25 Mar 2025

Blairgowrie's vibrant Delta Central restaurant and shopping complex. Photo: Supplied.

You'll be all smiles too at Mr Pants Wine Bar. Photo: Delta Central.

Heavenly pastries are the order of the day at De La Creme at Delta Central. Photo: Delta Central.

The vibrant Delta Central complex and nearby Delta Heights in Blairgowrie have transformed an entire block on Conrad Drive, making it the type of high street experience we love. The people who designed it and refurbished the nearby buildings spoke of it as an equivalent to Sea Point's promenade when we met with them, and we can see why. On a sunny weekend, the crowds flock here, and there is always a morning buzz in this space – just sans the sea. Further up the road is Conrad Corner, which has even more shops and restaurants.

Head to Delta Central for a post-walk coffee or meal; there's much to explore. Photo: Delta Central. — Delta Central and Delta Heights extend along Conrad Drive, making a post-walk coffee or meal a must. Photo: Delta Central.

This attraction in Blairgowrie has continued to welcome new restaurants and shops into its fold since its launch in 2020. With its location near Delta Park's entrance along the Braamfontein Spruit, it's become a watering hole for walkers, cyclists, families, and residents. The Delta Central building was designed with the park in mind and its breezy architecture is adorned with plants. This makes it a great destination whether you are looking for a meal, on an afternoon grocery run, have an ice cream craving, or want to meet up for post-work drinks.

Delta Central shares a parking lot that gives you direct access to the park. And there you'll find the enterprising and delightful Abedi, who has guarded this car park for around 10 years and is greeted with much familiarity by regulars. This was one of the first places in Joburg where we met a car guard who offers several payment solutions so you don't drive off without leaving a tip for his important work – from Zapper and Snapscan. Abedi also offers a car washing service.

Abedi - car guard at Delta Park. Johannesburg in Your Pocket. — Meet Abedi, your car guard at Delta Central. Photo: Johannesburg In Your Pocket.

There's also so much more than meets the eye at this complex and surrounds, with a secret courtyard housing even more restaurants behind the main strip. Take the time to explore Delta Central and Delta Heights, and the shops across the road, and you might just discover your new neighbourhood favourite.

During cosmos season in Joburg (March – April) there's all the more reason to take a stroll through Delta Park and unwind in Blairgowrie afterwards. While Delta Park is one of our favourites for bloom-spotting, there are other great spots to see the cosmos in Joburg – check out our guide here.

Take the time to capture the pink and white beauties in bloom and enter our 2025 #CosmosInYourPocket photo competition from Wed, Mar 19 – Mon, Apr 21, 2025 for a chance to win some great prizes. You can also join our guided tours around Delta Park with MicroAdventure Tours on Sat, Mar 29, 2025 and Heather Mason aka @2Summers on Sat, Apr 5, 2025.

Now without further ado, a guide to some of our favourite spots at Delta Central, Delta Heights, Conrad Corner, and surrounds.

Bird's Bagels

A Bird's bagel is the perfect weekend morning pick-me-up. Photo: Delta Central.

This micro-bakery has a pop-up at Coalition in Blairgowrie on Sat and Sun from 08:00 – 12:00. Made traditionally, Bird's Bagels are hand-shaped and proofed for 48 hours, then freshly boiled and baked each morning. Whether you choose a plain, poppy seed, or zingy za'atar bagel, fillings include a classic BLT, trout and all the trimmings, almond butter, and creamed honey.

Chopstix

For authentic Chinese food and tea, head to Chopstix in Conrad Corner at 94 Conrad Drive. Following the success of their Melville branch, Chopstix is bringing the joy of Chinese cuisine to the streets of Blairgowrie. Featuring old-time favourites such as fortune cookies, chow mein, dim sum, fried rice, and mooncake, they can be found by simply following the red lanterns.

Conrad Collective

For gently worn designer and non-designer clothing, Conrad Collective is the place to go. This large thrift store is beautifully organised and caters to a wide range of tastes and budgets; you're sure to discover a few treasures to take home with you.

Coalition Pizza

**Coalition's** pizza is impossible to resist. Photo: Delta Central.

Coalition Pizza's chewy pizzas are made according to authentic Neapolitan methods. Located in a house facing the park, they have plenty of indoor and outdoor seating, which makes this a great spot to while away time. And with the pizza menu changing seasonally, you'll get to discover new combinations and favourites often. While a classic margarita never fails, we also recommend the maxini with white anchovies and caramelised red onions.

This branch of Coalition has a unique breakfast offering on weekends for the post-run and cycle crowds; you'll also find cycling racks for your bike. Head there from 08:00 for hearty baked eggs with bolognese sauce and a Bloody Mary.

De La Creme

The same bakery and café you know and love from Melville's 7th Avenue has a home at Delta Heights, too. A Joburg institution, De La Creme is a sure stop for heavenly croissants and other sweet treats, or more substantial options such as a hummus toastie or eggs benedict. From salads to pasta, their lunch menu is wholesome and varied.

Fresh Earth

This café, deli, and health store is your one-stop-shop if you're looking to eat delicious, yet healthy food. The Fresh Earth menu includes burgers, wraps, sandwiches, and salads, with a focus on vegan and gluten-free options. Get your groceries at their deli and be sure to grab one of their freshly baked breads or pastries on the way out. With good coffee, free Wi-Fi, and a large, covered deck space, Fresh Earth is also a great option if you're looking for a semi-outdoor office for the day.

Grub Club

One of two restaurants in the somewhat secret courtyard behind the main strip of restaurants at Delta Heights, the entrance to Grub Club lies near De La Creme. Their menu is small and friendly, serving up sticky chicken wings, cheese steak sarmies, and deep-fried mac and cheese.

Mad Giant Taproom

There's a regularly changing collection of seasonal beers at Mad Giant. Photo: Delta Central. — There's a regularly changing collection of seasonal beers at **Mad Giant**. Photo: Delta Central.

Mad Giant Taproom brings together science and an immense love of beer with the brand’s co-founder, Eben Uys, being a chemical engineer. The label started in Ferreirasdorp in the City Centre and their beers are dry-hopped, which results in a high-quality beer packed with a memorable aroma and flavour. Stop by for a rotating seasonal selection to be enjoyed with their delightfully greasy fries.

Mazi Eatery

Pronounced 'mah-zee', Mazi is Greek for 'together'. With their fresh Mediterranean-inspired fare, this is exactly the spirit that Mazi Eatery brings to Blairgowrie. From the team behind the long-running Pappas On the Square in Nelson Mandela Square, this family-owned business promises to satisfy all your gyro, kataifi, dolmades, and souvla needs.

Motherland Coffee

You can't miss Motherland Coffee across the road from Delta Central's main strip. Your go-to for speciality-grade African single-origin and blended coffees, they are considered pioneers in the movement to reclaim Africa's coffee heritage. They also offer a selection of café eats, which makes this cosy coffee spot the perfect place to hang out for a quick cuppa.

Mr Pants Wine Bar

Mr Pants Wine Bar is a petite wine bar founded by Shayne Holt, who local wine lovers might remember as the founder of the now-closed and much-missed Thief Wine Bar in Parkmore, Sandton. When it comes to fine wines, Holt is always hunting for the next great South African bottle to stock behind the bar. Mr Pants recently expanded to include a great rooftop spot with a view, and have introduced a small food menu that features delicacies such as coq au vin and pan con tamate. And if you're still not sold, they'll let you order pizza from Coalition across the road when the hunger pangs really set in.

Namak

Being off the beaten track – sharing the same cosy courtyard as Grub Club, Namak is a quieter spot to settle in for a meal at Delta Heights. Namak's menu of North Indian cuisine is nothing if not comprehensive. Standouts include butter chicken, kadhai lamb, and dal makhani. With butter naan on the side, you can't go wrong.

Olive & Co Studios

Tattoo studio Olive & Co Studios adopted a pit bull terrier who became their namesake (and who you may be lucky enough to meet on your visit). From traditional to contemporary tattoos, all styles are welcome in this space where a team of young, professional artists are ready to make your inked dreams a reality. If it's your first tattoo or you'd like design advice, pop in for a free consultation.

Paul's Homemade Ice-Cream

Paul's Homemade Ice-Cream needs no introduction and its range of classics and interesting rotation of flavours has quickly made it a favourite for Joburgers – and not only on hot summer days. Get a sugar cone for true bliss, or, if you're taking your dog for a walk at Delta Park, you can treat them to one of Paul's Dog Stix or Pupcakes after.

Salute Salon

Rounding out the offering at Delta Heights, the light-filled Salute Salon is where you can go to refresh your locks. Whether it's a cut and style, colour correction, Brazilian blowout, or balayage you're after, Salute's lovely team can help.

Vinyl Junkie

Founded in 2014 by ex-music industry stalwart Benjy Mudie, Vinyl Junkie is a throwback to the iconic record stores of the '70s and '80s. The laid-back atmosphere invites you to browse their huge range of new and pre-loved records, CDs, books, and artwork at your leisure. This is where you'll find the kind of gems you simply can't leave behind.

Directions to Delta Central and surrounds in Blairgowrie

Delta Central is at 74 Hillcrest Avenue, Blairgowrie. This and the surrounding attractions are close to the entrance to Delta Park that starts along the Braamfontein Spruit. There is parking at 51 Hillcrest Avenue, Blairgowrie.

Delta Central is easily accessible from Rosebank. To get there, drive north on Jan Smuts Avenue and through Hyde Park until you can turn left onto Conrad Drive.