With sandwiches riding a new high on the global trend list February brings news of global food brand, Pret A Manger, landing in Melrose Arch – the first in Africa. Thanks to La Tarte Patisserie's door-to-door delivery service, high tea can become routine. Hush Money bar moves to a new rooftop location, traditional food spots are popping up, and one of our favourite people in food, Nick Hamman, launches a YouTube channel. Plus, there's plenty to celebrate with award-winning chefs and restaurants adding flair to Joburg's culinary scene. Keep reading for the latest in all things delicious.
1. Brunch at Besos is here to stay
Sundays might be for lazing about, but you still need to get a meal in. It's a good thing classy eatery Besos , located at The Woods Shopping Centre in Craighall Park, offers a Sunday brunch –previously an irregular event that's now a permanent fixture. C hicken benedict, steak house bagel, dulce de leche French toast, and crunchy chickpea tahini salad are on the menu and, for R300 p.p., you can get one brunch item and two mimosas. We visited recently and found it a treat; review loading.
2. Africa's first Pret A Manger opens in Melrose Arch
If you've ever had the chance to taste a Pret baguette, you'll understand the hype now that this UK-founded institution is touching down in Joburg. On Thu, Feb 13, 2025, Pret A Manger , a grab-and-go café chain known for freshly made sandwiches, salads, and organic coffees with a focus on natural ingredients, quick service, and sustainability opened at Melrose Arch to what seemed to be eager crowds wanting a taste. This expansion into South Africa, spearheaded by the Millat Group , adds to our growing café culture. While visitors can expect Pret's menu regulars, much of the selection has been infused with flavours already familiar among the locals, which is key to the establishment's local success. These include a chakalaka chicken wrap, braaibroodjie toastie, boerie breakfast bowl, and a milk tart temptation pot. Pret A Manger is set to make its opening at The Zone @ Rosebank in April. Keep an eye out for our review.
3. New moves for old faves
THE POTLUCK CLUB IS OPEN FOR BOOKINGS AT THE PEECH HOTEL
Formerly located at Oxford Parks precinct, The Potluck Club is officially up and running at its new home in Melrose's The Peech Hotel (as of Tue, Feb 11, 2025). Luke Dale Roberts' tasty small plates are now served up in a stunning new spot inside one of Joburg's most stylish boutique hotels. We love the new space. It's inviting, and intimate, and the cocktails are top notch. Our full review is loading soon.
HUSH MONEY TAKES IT TO NORWOOD
Previously part of the Delta Central strip in Blairgowrie, Hush Money has a new home at 72 Grant Avenue, Norwood. Brought to you by the folks behind A Streetbar Named Desire in Parkwood, this spot is still shaking up a wild line-up of cocktails and has even more live events on the cards for 2025. Swing by.
4. Sampling sweet sips at Royal Tea
If your idea of a perfect shopping break involves sipping something delicious while browsing, Royal Tea at We Are EGG in Rosebank has you covered. This Cape Town-born tea bar is all about bringing contemporary Chinese tea culture to South Africa, offering everything from classic bubble teas to oolong-based cheese teas (yes, you read that right) and fresh fruit infusions.
We took one for the team and tried the Oreo and Matcha Cheese tea – a bold mix of earthy matcha, a decadent cream cheese topping, and crushed Oreos. Sounds wild? It is. If you’re into rich, creamy drinks, you’ll love it. If dairy isn't your thing, proceed with caution or substitute with oat milk. But whatever you do, don’t sip before giving it a good mix – the magic is in the blend. At R60, it’s a little indulgent, and for an extra R10, you get a sturdy plastic cup you can reuse. Add-ons are available for all drinks, while snacks to grab on the go include mochi, soufflé cheesecake, swiss rolls, and chocolate lava cake.
For more bubble tea spots in the city, check out our guide.
5. Treats and eats at home
PATISSERIE AT LEISURE WITH LA TARTE
You could spend hours in the kitchen covered in flour, wrestling with temperamental dough and wondering why butter costs more than your rent, or you can leave it to the pros. La Tarte Pâtisserie delivers freshly baked perfection straight to your door in Joburg. Given that the service is fairly new, not all of your favourite tarts are available for delivery as of yet. Owner and award-winning Chef Jared Melamed tells us the vanilla mille-feuille is one of the bestsellers so far. Place your order here.
SUPPER CLUB WITH THE BUTTER BOYS
From tapas, salads, and sweet treats to homemade nut butter, Butter Boys (the cooking venture of Gaian Aukema and Oliver February) brings the flavour. Based in Observatory, their catering menu is a feast of Greek favourites, from crispy fattoush and pillowy pita bread to melt-in-your-mouth stuffed shortbread. For those nights when you're craving a home-cooked meal without the fuss, their weekly supper club runs from Mon – Thu and serves up a rotating array of dishes. Menus for this are sent on the preceding Saturday. Plus, freshly baked baguettes and ciabatta are also on the menu every Wednesday and Saturday. Get in touch here for catering and supper club orders. Note: Home deliveries are limited to a 10km radius.
6. SA Chef Ash Valenzuela-Heeger gets the Michelin nod
It's a big moment for South Africa as Eastern Cape-born Chef Ash Valenzuela-Heeger wins the prestigious Michelin Guide’s Young Chef Award for 2025 for her exceptional talent at her Birmingham-based restaurant in the United Kingdom, Riverine Rabbit
