Note: This guide was updated in March 2025. Like much of Joburg, Parkhurst is ever-changing as restaurants and shops close, relocate, and new ones take their place. This suburb is best explored on foot. If there is something in our guide you specifically want to see or experience, it's best to call the establishment ahead.
1. History and location of Parkhurst, Johannesburg
Founded in 1904 by the African Realty Trust and the 67th suburb in the city, Parkhurst is a Joburg stalwart. This small, densely populated residential area is one of the city's most walkable districts. It gets its name from the Middle English park (park, enclosure) and hirste (hillock, copse).Parkhurst bordered by Craighall Park and Greenside, and is just a few minutes' drive from the ever-buzzing Rosebank where you can find Rosebank Mall, The Firs, The Zone @ Rosebank, Keyes Art Mile, a slew of other galleries, restaurants, markets, shops, and the Gautrain station (check out our Rosebank neighbourhood guide for more ideas). It is also close to several green spaces such as Delta Park, Johannesburg Botanical Gardens and Emmarentia Dam, and Zoo Lake.
2. A neighbourhood guide to Parkhurst and 4th Avenue
While life in Parkhurst revolves predominantly around 4th Avenue – with loads of offerings stretching from 6th Street to 14th Street – the main thoroughfare of 6th Street which connects Rosebank and then Parktown North to Parkhurst also has a number of attractions. Less easily walkable because of its busy traffic and no stop streets, this is where you'll find a number of art galleries and decor stores worth exploring.Known for its cosmopolitan atmosphere, Parkhurst has a village-like feel to it, with shops, cafes, and restaurants spilling onto the pavement. Jokingly referred to as 'Barkhurst', it is also popular with pet owners, and is for the most part, pet-friendly. It's a hit with the coffee crowd, shoppers, foodies, and families, and can be seen buzzing from morning to late at night. But don't let 4th Avenue distract you entirely, because there are also several places to explore within walking distance of the main street.
3. Breakfast, brunch, and coffee spots
4TH AVENUE COFFEE ROASTERS
Set in and around a small courtyard just off the street, 4th Avenue Coffee Roasters is popular with families. They have an extensive breakfast menu, excellent coffee, ice cream (your kids will love their wacky bubblegum and marshmallow 'unicorn' flavour), kombucha, and a cosy courtyard that never fails to enchant. Best of all, your fur baby can also join in the fun.
NICE ON 4TH
For a relaxed breakfast, a scrumptious brunch, or a low-key lunch meeting, Nice on 4th is popular with lovers of baked goods, coffee, and a new twist on traditional breakfast dishes. From quiche to cake, they are famous for their egg basket and decadent flapjack stacks. They also have a few vegan and vegetarian offerings on the menu, and your furry friend is welcome to join you.
You can take your fur baby all around Joburg with our guide to dog-friendly cafes and coffee shops in Joburg.
OBA CAFE
Oba Cafe on 4th Avenue is known for several things, the most prominent of those being their Turkish coffee. Also on offer are ice cream, baklava in a variety of flavours, other Turkish treats, and a range of interesting trinkets and gifts. They are open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and are Halaal-certified.
4. Snack on something sweet
FAB & CO
Fab & Co is exactly as their name promises: fabulous. A quaint boutique eatery, they specialise in breakfast, light lunches, wood-fired pizza, and a mouthwatering selection of gelato and sorbet. They are known for creating funky flavours such as gorgonzola and caramelised fig, and also have a deli on the premises. Kid-friendly and pet-friendly, this is one everyone can enjoy.
GELATO MANIA
Hailing all the way from Cape Town, Gelato Mania has taken Joburg by storm since they first opened their doors in Rosebank in December 2023. Their Parkhurst branch features velvety gelato (we recommend the wildly popular Pino Pinguino) in more than 30 flavours, as well as pancakes and waffles, all with a scoop of ice-cold goodness. They also have a range of vegan sorbets on offer that are so creamy, you'll never know they're dairy-free!
PAUL'S HOMEMADE ICE CREAM
A Joburg favourite, Paul's Homemade Ice Cream offers ice cream, milkshakes, and ice cream cakes in a delightful variety of delectable flavours. 'Some paint, others sculpt', and they churn – and we love them for it.
WEDGEWOOD GIFTING & HAMPER EMPORIUM
For an emporium of sensory delights, visit Wedgewood Gifting & Hamper Emporium. Here, you can sample their new nougat flavours, buy a gift hamper for a special someone, treat yourself to something sweet, or delight in their handmade honey nougat ice cream. All playing out under a floral ceiling, you'll feel as if you've entered an entirely new world.
If Parkhurst is not enough to satisfy your sweet tooth, check out our guide to the best ice cream in Joburg.
5. Daytime and dinner restaurants in Parkhurst
THE BIRMINGHAM
Here to bring 1920s London to Joburg, The Birmingham (formerly known as The Forty Thieves) offers cocktails, drinks, and hearty meals in a speak easy-like setting. Think leather couches, dark hues, dim, ambient lighting, and wood panelling, all wrapped up with good service and a great selection of whiskey.
HUDSONS – THE BURGER JOINT
Another trendy favourite, Hudsons – The Burger Joint has cemented its spot on the Parkhurst strip. This lively burger bar serves excellent burgers (including a range of vegan options), homemade ginger beer and iced tea, and craft beers, as well as pizza, salads, and goodies such as BBQ beef ribs and cajun grilled chicken nachos. And if none of this is enough to tantalise your tastebuds, their peanut butter milkshake will definitely do the trick. Open later than many of the other restaurants on the street, they are where the party's at.
KOLONAKI GREEK KOUZINA
Kolonaki Greek Kouzina brings you a breezy slice of the Mediterranean lifestyle right in the heart of a Joburg suburb. Presided over by restaurateur Theo Holiasmenos and his son, Chef Vassilios, there is a real sense of warmth as you enter the doors of the restaurant with its buzzing, wraparound balconies and fashionable crowd.
MODENA ITALIAN EATERY
One of Parkhurst's most popular dinner hotspots, Modena Italian Eatery has a fantastic covered outdoor area with lots of greenery that seamlessly connects with the small and super pretty indoor dining area. Their dishes can generally be described as 'contemporary Italian' with their arrabbiata con burrata being among the best in town.
NINETEEN ON FOURTH
Nineteen on Fourth is a tapas bar and hubbly lounge that offers high-quality food and drinks in a sleek and chic setting. Where Mediterranean meets Middle Eastern, they promise to take you on an "immersive cultural journey" that is brought to life by flavours from Spain, Italy, Greece, the Middle East, and North Africa. Join them for sundowners, dinner, or weekend drinks, and indulge in their Middle Eastern Hubbly Experience. The dress code is smart casual and strictly no under-21s are allowed.
SURASANG KOREAN BBQ & HOT POT
For authentic Korean cuisine, Surasang Korean BBQ & Hot Pot is the place to be. Their menu features a wide variety of Korean dishes, such as sizzling Korean BBQ, hearty hotpots, wholesome bibimbap, perfectly grilled bulgogi, and spicy tteokbokki. They also offer a variety of desserts, drinks, and alcoholic beverages, all made with the freshest ingredients and served by warm and welcoming staff.
6. High street stalwarts
BOTTEGA CAFE
Bottega Cafe is a cosy, pocket-sized Italian bistro with just a handful of tables and one of the most impressive whisky selections to be found anywhere in Joburg. Lined with towering shelves that touch the ceilings, this is a stalwart worthy of a visit.
ESPRESSO CAFFE & BISTRO
Bang in the middle of the street, Espresso Caffe & Bistro is a Parkhurst staple, and one of the longest-standing businesses on 4th Avenue. The large and widely varied menu pleases all tastes, the service is great, and there's a lively atmosphere as the restaurant spills out onto the sidewalk. Here, you can people-watch to your heart's content while enjoying breakfast, pasta, salad, pizza, focaccia, coffee (as the name suggests), and much, much more.
THE JOLLY ROGER
Amongst Parkhurst's most prominent businesses – and those that have stood the test of time – are the hardware store, the pharmacy, and the somewhat scruffy pub, The Jolly Roger. Fondly known as 'The Jolly', it's in stark contrast to the predominantly upmarket feel of the rest of 4th Avenue; but thanks to its jukebox, boozy pub atmosphere, excellent pizzas, and late trading hours, this smokey dive bar endures. (The pizzas are half price from 17:00 on Wednesdays and Sundays.)
7. Where to go shopping
ASHA ELEVEN
Founded in 2018 by Olivia Kennaway, Asha Eleven is South African slow fashion at its most beautiful. Their Parkhurst store is a chic space stocked with clothes that feature a kaleidoscope of colours, textures, and patterns, all made with sustainable, earth-friendly materials that are a testimony to craftsmanship.
HANNAH LAVERY
Hannah Lavery is a women's lifestyle brand that was originally founded in Cape Town. They make clothing and accessories that celebrate the female form, and their focus is on durability and quality. Inspired by classic shapes and tailoring, their pieces feature neutral tones and natural fibres that will flatter any shape.
JANE VALKEN
With their slogan, "colours in the sun", Jane Valken brings clothes, quilts, and cushions to life with a wide variety of colours, patterns, and textures. Known for their bohemian approach, they hand spin, hand weave, and hand stitch all their pieces into wearable art.
PALLADIUM
For more than 70 years, Palladium has been the go-to boot brand for athletes, explorers, and activists. Today, they cater for all people and all activities. From the scientist to the artist, from dancing in the club to sweating it up in the gym – they've got you covered.
PARTISAN AND CO
Home to men's clothing and shoes, Partisan and Co stocks brands such as Ben Sherman, Palladium, K-Swiis, Novesta, Cuba Libre, Chapman & Moore, and Goorin Bros. Here, they can dress you from head to toe in the most up-to-date threads of the season.
TSHIRT TERRORIST
Their name says it all: Tshirt Terrorist is your go-to for the quirkiest, cheekiest, and funniest graphic t-shirts, hoodies, and posters in town. "Locally made, original design" is their slogan and their passion, and they live this philosophy by supporting local artists in the design and distribution process. Clothes with attitude that will keep you and your friends entertained as long as you want.
8. Homeware and furniture
BILLYMOON & AGATHA'S ANTIQUES
For beautiful antiques and exquisite found objects, Billymoon & Agatha's Antiques is just the shop for you. Located on the corner of 4th Avenue and 6th Street, they specialise in mid-century design, and stock art, jewellery, silverware, furniture, and a host of other gems. They also have extensive knowledge in antiques, and can advise you on any questions you may have.
CABBAGES & ROSES
If you are in the market for premier bedlinen and homeware, there is no better place to be than Cabbages & Roses. Located on 13th Street, they design beautiful lifestyle pieces and fabrics that will elevate your home and make you the envy of all your neighbours.
GARDEN BLUE PARKHURST
Branded as a "garden decor and boutique nursery", Garden Bleu Parkhurst on 11th Street specialises in hard and soft landscaping, plants, garden accessories, and decorative building (such as water features). In addition to selling beautiful artefacts of all kinds, they will also help out with the design of your garden.
OBJECTS
As the name states, Objects in 4th Avenue is home to exquisite antiques and other home decor essentials. Here, you can find furniture, lamps, books, silverware, crockery, rugs, and all manner of interesting objects.
RE-TREND
If retro living is your thing, look no further than Re-Trend on 6th Street. Not your ordinary antique store, they sell a curated selection of furniture pieces that have been restored with care and quality in mind. As they say, buying a piece from them is akin to 'bringing a piece of history into your home'.
9. Get bookish in Parkhurst
HARDCOPY BOOKS
Calling all nerds! "Pleasure your shelf" at Hardcopy Books, a beloved second-hand bookshop nestled in the hubbub of 4th Avenue. Lose yourself amongst the book-lined shelves where you can chat with their knowledgeable staff and maybe scrounge up a gem or three.
RICK'S BOOKSHOP
A well-known second-hand bookshop at the end of 4th Avenue, Rick's Bookshop is a Parkhurst staple. Here, you will find not only high-quality books, but also several other vintage gems and toys in a relaxed setting. Browse at your leisure while being entertained by the witticisms they write daily on their blackboard.
10. Art in the suburbs
THE ART ROOM
A friendly art gallery that hosts predominantly group exhibitions, The Art Room is known for supporting young, local, and up-and-coming artists. In addition to beautiful pieces, you will also find specialist fine art framers who can help you preserve the art you love most with their custom-made frames.
THE COW ARTWORKS
Transform your walls with fine art photography and quirky graffiti collages from The Cow Artworks. Established in 2004, their mission is to promote affordable, high-quality art. They also offer a custom framing service with a wide selection of frames to choose from.
NO END CONTEMPORARY
On 6th Street (within walking distance of 4th Avenue), you will find No End Contemporary Art Space, a double-storey art gallery run by the artists themselves. Upstairs, they show the work of emerging artists who blur the line between art and design, and downstairs, they feature art that interrogates dominant discourses in an experimental and conceptually innovative way.
11. Beauty, health, and wellness
THE AESTHETICS ROOM
The Aesthetics Room on 11th Street has everything you need to feel pampered and groomed. Nails, brows, lashes, and skin – they take care of it all. From face mapping, facials, and hair removal to threading, tinting, manicures, and pedicures, this is your one-stop beauty shop.
AFRICOLOGY
In the hustle and bustle of 4th Avenue is Africology, winner of the Best of Joburg's 'Best Beauty Mecca Spa' in 2023. Here, they offer a selection of Africology treatments – including full body massages and manicures – as well as a range of Africology products.
BLACK BETTY DESIGN
Home of 'huggie culture' (a compact, earlobe-hugging earring style), Black Betty Design on 4th Avenue offers a wide selection of bespoke jewellery, as well as a piercing service. Also for sale are 'forever bracelets' that are welded to your wrist, their accompanying 'zapping charms', and travel organisers for your jewellery.
MISS SALON LONDON
For the perfect mani-pedi, Miss Salon London is the place to be. They also offer a range of accessories, hair removal, facials, all things lashes and brows, their award-winning mineral make-up, and the occasional glass of wine with their exciting pop-up events.
THE PIERCERY
Specialists in "piercings.. but fancy", The Piercery on 4th Avenue is both a piercing studio and a jewellery store. They offer 'piercesonalisation' – personalised piercings – and a promise of "pain-free piercings" with numbing by a certified doctor. They also host First Thursday events and specials, and can guarantee their products and services will turn you into the coolest kid on the block.
THE SOUTHERN REBELLION
A popular tattoo and piercing shop, The Southern Rebellion on 4th Avenue brings you experienced tattoo artists in a clean, professional, and beautiful studio. They welcome a variety of tattoo styles, promise to use only the best products, and will provide you with all the necessary aftercare instructions to make sure your tattoo heals beautifully. They also offer free consultations with any of their artists – so book your spot today!
12. Hair and beauty spots
Parkhurst is also home to other beauty and wellness spots where you can pamper yourself. Head to Nails and Hair Bar on 13th Street to give your locks some attention, Ruth's Nails on 15th Street for a beautiful manicure, or Sorbet Parkhurst on 4th Avenue for a range of treatments, including hair removal, facials, and massages.
13. Unexpected treasures
EGREK CINEMA
Tucked away above the boutiques, cafés, and restaurants of 4th Avenue is one of Parkhurst's loveliest hidden treasures: a small, independent cinema, Egrek Cinema. Hidden away on the first floor of the Parkhurst Square building (don't be scared to ring the bell and wander up and down the stairs a few times before finding them), there is a bar, and they screen a mix of family-friendly films, new blockbusters, and the occasional foreign language film. The venue can also be rented by private individuals or companies looking for a unique party idea or employee get-together.
14. Streetside sellers
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