From industrial estates to suburban homes, in Joburg if you are looking for hidden gems, you'll often find yourself driving out to some pretty unassuming locations. Which is exactly the case with the delightful Lanser's on Main, an accomplished French-Italian bistro that is hidden away inside a typically unremarkable Bryanston office park. If you are looking for well-executed classic French fare such as steak tartare and moules frites in the northern suburbs, it's here at Lanser's on Main.

The restaurant is named for chef and owner Lanser Fourie, a warm and welcoming host who with his impressive beard reminds a gentle giant in chef whites. Lanser loves to entertain and his restaurant's cosy and unpretentious ambience are a reflection of his desire to run a laidback restaurant that feels like an extension of the family kitchen at home, complete with the delicious aromas of Lanser's famous pies wafting around the dining room.

The compact menu mixes French and Italian classics, including a long list of pizzas cooked in an old-school stone pizza oven, and regularly changing daily specials. Among the restaurant's bestsellers are the authentic steak tartare, a perfectly formed tomato tart topped with the creamiest chevre and a bowl of brilliantly-executed Belgian-style mussels that is among the best we have tried in this city.

For mains take your pick from classic pastas (the prawn linguine is reportedly a favourite among Lanser's regulars) or one of a selection of rich, meat dishes. Lanser is a particular fan of game meat and his venison steak was cooked to perfection and ideally paired with a simple French red wine jus. We also couldn't resist tucking into the chicken, zucchini and mushroom pie, one of the day's specials. Described as "our kitchen's favourite dish!", with its wonderfully flaky and crisp crust breaking to reveal a classically French creamy filling, Lanser's pie is classic comfort food done well.

Ever the consummate host you'll find it difficult not to be swayed by Lanser's suggestions to stay on longer (the kitchen closes at 21:30) and pair dessert (we recommend the silky smooth vanilla panna cotta) with a glass or two of grappa. Combining finely executed French bistro-style cuisine with plenty of personality and lots of soul, it's little wonder that in-the-know Bryanston locals pack out the place on weekend evenings.