Rosebank's location – between the historic city centre, Sandton's central business district and the leafy 'Parks' suburb – isn't the only reason that this cool neighbourhood is one of Joburg's most popular. Rosebank is also an art, shopping and dining capital. A popular place to be whether you're local or in town for business or leisure.
Art is a big Rosebank attraction, with many of South Africa's top contemporary galleries based here. There's also an enticing dining scene, bolstered by top chefs the likes of
David Higgs
and Luke Dale Roberts who have made the neighbourhood their base. Naturally, when these two attractions – art and food – come together you get some very good-looking restaurants.
So, hop on the Gautrain, bring your appetite, ready your Instagram and prep your taste buds, because we've got the rundown on the top stylish restaurants in Rosebank.
Tucked inside Clico Boutique Hotel (located one block up Jellicoe Avenue from
Keyes Art Mile
) is Sec restaurant, a fine-dining destination that boasts some of the most peaceful surroundings in this often busy neighbourhood. The restaurant’s setting is a minimalist double-volume glass structure that looks out onto a lush courtyard garden, making it an intimate dinner venue with low lighting, or a gloriously lit breakfast spot. You’ll find flavoursome dishes using seasonal, locally sourced and organic ingredients, a boutique wine menu and charming service. Renowned chef Dario De Angeli is at the helm.
Where: Clico Boutique Hotel, 7 Sturdee Ave (cnr Jellicoe Ave), Rosebank, tel. +27 11 252 3300.
Courtyard dining at Clico Restaurant at the Clico Boutique Hotel. Image: Johannesburg In Your Pocket.
This chic contemporary restaurant in Rosebank’s ongoing Oxford Parks development offers Greek-influenced Mediterranean cuisine with a menu co-created in partnership with top chef Luke Dale Roberts. The interiors provide a soothing mix of cream and white in every shade with natural blond wood, marble and ceramics, all beautifully lit and spilling out onto a wide pedestrianised walkway. For appetisers, enjoy a plate of oysters and for drinks, when it comes to the extensive wine list, the sky's the limit with an enviable range of exclusive bottles plus more entry-range wines by the glass.
Where: Oxford Parks, Cnr Eastwood Rd and Parks Blvd, Rosebank, tel. +27 10 446 9906.
The one-of-a-kind contemporary Mediterranean style at Ethos restaurant makes you feel like you're part of an architectural sculpture. Image: Johannesburg In Your Pocket.
From the creators of Proud Mary and Mamasamba, a New York-Italian inspired eatery Fugazzi tops the list of Rosebank’s trendy restaurants with moreish antipasto, sourdough pizzas, and ice cream sundaes. We love the addition of American diner-style menu items like meatball parm subs, crispy chicken waffles, blueberry hot cakes, and lemon whoopie pie shakes.
Where:Cradock Avenue, The Zone@Rosebank, tel. +27 10 730 0690.
New York–Italian cuisine in the heart of Rosebank. Image: Johannesburg In Your Pocket.
The kitchen utilises a Josper and Parilla to achieve a smokey depth of flavour in all their food – including pineapples used for charred pineapple salsa, sticky rib marinade, and more. Image: Johannesburg In Your Pocket.
This buzzing 250-seater restaurant, with a lounge and bar separated by a gorgeous glass wine cellar, offers surprisingly intimate seating and a wraparound balcony with a view. Impressive artworks, a turquoise ceramic-tiled wall and light wooden floors, give the impression of being suspended in a cabin in the sky and the rooftop lounge bar and terrace, with views stretching out towards the Magaliesberg, is the perfect place for sundowners. The heart of chef David Higgs’s Rosebank rooftop restaurant is the live-fire grill in the open kitchen, the spectacular flames cooking up everything from meats and seafood to freshly baked bread.
Where: Keyes Art Mile Trumpet building, 21 Keyes Ave, Rosebank, tel. +27 10 594 5550.
Mixologists at work at the bar at Marble on Keyes Art Mile. Image: Johannesburg In Your Pocket.
