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Midway between Joburg’s historic City Centre and the slick Sandton business district, Rosebank is one of the most popular places to be in Joburg for business or leisure. Rosebank’s busy pedestrianised shopping precinct is centred around three interconnected malls – The Firs, Rosebank Mall, and The Zone @ Rosebank – and hums with a diverse crowd who enjoy Rosebank’s many restaurants and café society. Just across the road, the Rosebank Gautrain station makes it easy to travel in and out of this hub.
Rosebank's skyline is filled with stylish office towers and luxurious high-rise apartments, and boasts top dining destinations in Keyes Art Mile and Oxford Parks, and a vibrant nightlife scene. Art is a big drawcard, with many of South Africa's top contemporary galleries based in this suburb. Fun family entertainment is also on offer, as well as a wide choice of fashion stores for the style-conscious. This makes it a popular neighbourhood in the city, as there's something for everyone in this district. It's also possible to explore much of the area on foot – in fact, it's regarded as one of Joburg's most walkable suburbs.
While there's plenty to keep you entertained in this district alone, Rosebank is an excellent base – centrally located near neighbourhoods such as Parktown North, Parkhurst, Illovo, and Melrose; all well-worth exploring in their own right.
In the heart of Rosebank you'll find The Capital on Bath, a premier hotel that is part of The Capital group's collection of smart apartment hotels. Whether you check in for business, leisure, or a bit of both, our guide to some of the district's best attractions will come in handy.
1. Rosebank's best coffee spots
DOUBLESHOT COFFEE AND TEA
Doubleshot coffee and tea in Oxford Parks is a specialty roastery. Alongside their coffee, they’re known for craft iced teas – especially the cling peach flavour – and standout pastries like pastéis de nata and custard-filled cannolis.
MOTHERLAND COFFEE CO
Motherland Coffee Co is a popular work and meeting spot located on Sturdee Avenue. Their famous, extra large Mothercuppa is a blend of Ethiopian Sidamo and Rwandan Kivu beans. If you're feeling peckish there's a good selection of fresh salads, wraps, and paninis.
FATHER COFFEE
Father Coffee is stylish coffee spot at The Zone @ Rosebank that serves some of the city's best brews, with beans roasted in Kramerville and exclusive limited edition blends. Pair your cup with top-notch pastries (we love the Swedish buns and the almond croissants) or a light brunch.
HERE COFFEE
A new contemporary spot located in The Tyrwhitt building, Here Coffee is a sleek work space and coffee shop. Visit for their coffee (stocked by Father Coffee) or a great cup of matcha.
2. Culture, creativity, and art
KEYES ART MILE
Within walking distance of Rosebank's shopping precinct and located in the landmark Trumpet building in Keyes Avenue is Keyes Art Mile, an impressive space filled with local art spaces, showrooms, bars, and restaurants. Contemporary galleries Origin Art and BKhz Gallery are always worth a visit, while the popular Keyes Art Night lights up on the first Thursday of every month for a feast of art, live music, and eats.
EVERARD READ AND CIRCA
Next to Keyes Art Mile is Everard Read, South Africa's oldest commercial art gallery, and its sister space, the spectacular Circa: a local architectural landmark with a circular structure and metal fins that reach proudly into the sky. Both galleries put on fantastic solo and group shows, while Circa's famous staircase doubles as a selfie spot.
223 JAN SMUTS CREATIVE HUB
This showstopper venue along the busy Jan Smuts Avenue houses two galleries – Candice Berman and Berman Contemporary – as well as an artist residency space, The Creatory. 223 Creative Hub is also home to sale partner Magicode's showroom for Swiss furniture brand USM and gorgeous, sustainably made textiles from Something Good Studios and Romaria. Head here for First Thursdays in Joburg.
GOODMAN GALLERY
One of the country's leading galleries at the forefront of contemporary art in South Africa, Goodman Gallery's focus is on African and diaspora artists who engage in a dialogue with the African context. Among some of the most famous artists represented by the gallery are William Kentridge, Sam Nhlengethwa, and Haroon Gunn-Salie.
3. Where to eat in Rosebank
TURKISH KEBAB HOUSE ROSEBANK
This certified halaal Turkish Kebab House Rosebank serves up succulent grills and authentic mezes with warm hospitality, and some of the best baklava we’ve ever tasted. Located on the ground floor of residential tower, The Tyrwhitt. Read our review here.
OXFORD PARKS
Oxford Parks offers a diverse mix of eateries. Grab a classic American burger at BGR or opt for fine dining at Ethos. For drinks and tapas, try the elegant QBar by Quion Rock or the laid-back Oui Bar Terrace at Radisson RED.
THE FIRS
The Firs is another spot where you're spoilt for choice. Head to Doppio Zero for lunch or dinner al fresco and La Parada for drinks. Steak-lovers, book a table at the celebrated The Grillhouse. Other good food spots are Chunky Chau for Asian fusion cuisine and The Fishmonger for seafood. For something sweet, you can't go wrong with Gelato Mania.
SOUL SOUVLAKI
Perfect for both a quick coffee or a leisurely meal, Soul Souvlaki is an unusual space in central Rosebank with a towering tree in its cosy courtyard and a rooftop deck. The menu is based on Greek-style street food – every bite is fresh and more-ish, and vegans and vegetarians are well catered to here. Read our review hered.
For more ideas, check out our list of restaurants and bars in Rosebank.
4. Al fresco: Outdoor dining spots we love
THE ZONE @ ROSEBANK
With its open piazzas and trendy atmosphere, outdoor dining is a treat at The Zone @ Rosebank. Enjoy a chic brunch at tashas or juicy burgers, steaks, and ribs at George's Grill. Or simply walk around the interlinked courtyards, and see what strikes your fancy.
PINK MAMA'S
Pretty as a picture, Pink Mama’s serves authentic, al fresco Italian fare. Located in a beautiful old house next to Joy Jozi, it’s a superb spot for a long, relaxed lunch shared with friends and family. Enthusiasts can book a game of padel at the on-site courts (to be followed by refreshing cocktails, of course). Make your reservation here.
OZZY'S @ THE MONARCH
A former telephone exchange dating back to 1924, The Monarch Hotel's hidden courtyard restaurant Ozzy's is as recharging an experience as a trip to the countryside. It features three distinct menus, from fine dining to a relaxed terrace selection of light snacks or East Asian-inspired dishes.
5. Market shopping and proudly South African brands in Rosebank
ROSEBANK ART AND CRAFT MARKET
From the outside, the Rosebank Art and Craft Market looks small and unassuming. Step inside, and you’ll find two levels packed with more than 100 traders, offering African curios and hand-crafts with everything from beaded flowers and bold statement jewellery to handwoven baskets and leather goods.
ROSEBANK SUNDAY MARKET
If you're in Rosebank over the weekend, don't miss the Rosebank Sunday Market on the rooftop of Rosebank Mall. It’s a local favourite, packed with food stalls, thrift and vintage finds, local fashion, art, and handmade goods. There's also a kids' craft area.
KIM SACKS GALLERY
In nearby Parkwood, Kim Sacks Gallery showcases exquisite, museum-quality handmade objects by African artists, including ceramics, woven textiles, and beautiful beadwork.
SOKO DISTRICT
Inside Rosebank Mall, the innovative retail space SOKO District offers a wide array of fashion, homeware, accessories, and artisanal food in a flexible, lease-free space. “Soko” means market in Swahili, and the atmosphere fits the name.
WE ARE EGG
"Redefining and redesigning retail," We Are EGG is a next-generation department store that curates the best of local and international creators. With over 180 brands spanning fashion, beauty, sneakers, jewellery, food, wellness, homeware, and gifting (plus customisation services), it’s a one-stop shop for the style-savvy.
For more local love, see our guide to proudly South African stores at The Zone.
6. Family-fun and entertainment at The Zone @ Rosebank
Photo: Johannesburg In Your Pocket.
THE FUN COMPANY
The Fun Company at The Zone is a great spot for kids and the young at heart. Play arcade games, go bowling, take an XD-Theatre ride, and enjoy some bumper bashing with the bumper cars – it's pure, unadulterated fun.
CRACKER ZAC'S
Cracker Zac's is for older crowds (21 and up) to eat, drink, and play. You can try your hand at Hyper Bowling, darts with an augmented reality twist, and a slew of arcade games, with a side of beer and pizza. Note: Dress code is smart casual. No flip-flops, overalls, hats, or caps are allowed.
STER-KINEKOR
Ditch the laptop for popcorn, a slushy, and the big screen at the Ster-Kinekor at The Zone. This cinema stalwart has all the major blockbusters on rotation, as well as special programming that changes seasonally.
HAMLEYS
Despite having been around since 1760, Hamleys is a haven for modern-day toys. Look out for Hamleys' famous, colourful train and hop aboard to keep the kids entertained and give your own feet a rest (tickets can be purchased in-store).
7. Nightlife experiences
KATZY'S LIVE
Katzy's Live is a popular wine bar and lounge located in The Firs. Stylish and sophisticated, it's reminiscent of an old Chicago jazz club. Here, you can enjoy live music, good food, and a fantastic selection of wines. Note: The dress code is smart casual, and only 25-year-olds and up are admitted.
MAMBASAMBA AT THE ZONE
For delicious bites and refreshing cocktails, MAMBASAMBA at The Zone @ Rosebank blends Latin American and Japanese-inspired flavours. The space itself is a sight to behold: a veritable indoor jungle with emerald tiling, hanging greenery, and a winding staircase.
OBSCURA COCKTAIL BAR AND EATERY
Obscura cocktail bar and eatery at Oxford Parks is the brainchild of mixologist George Hunter. The standout here is the cocktail menu – featuring creative twists on classics like a clarified pina colada, seasonal signature drinks, and quality virgin options. For eats, expect a tapas-style menu designed for sharing.
PROUD MARY
Proud Mary is stylish bar and bistro on the ground floor of Hyde Hotel, and features one of the neighbourhood’s best-looking counters and a top-notch wine and cocktail menu, perfect for a sundowner session. To eat, you can get everything from oysters to picanha steaks and salads, as well as beautifully plated small dishes. The coffee bar serves a solid brew.
LE VIN WINE BAR
Le Vin Wine Bar, tucked away through a hidden gate in the parking lot of Keyes Avenue's Design District, offers a plush, vinyl-spun experience focused on boutique wines served by the glass. Guided by expert sommeliers, guests can enjoy local and international labels alongside sushi and a curated selection of classic vinyl records.
8. Rosebank rooftops
MARBLE
Star chef David Higgs's live-fire grill restaurant, Marble, with a wraparound balcony on the rooftop of Keyes Art Mile is a popular sundowner spot. The whole space gives the impression of being suspended in a cabin in the sky.
RADISSON RED ROSEBANK
A signature feature of Radisson RED Rosebank is the rooftop bar; the kind of spot that you'll find hard to leave. On a summer weekend afternoon, it's all good tunes and cocktails as you nestle into comfy seating and watch the sun sink over the great tree expanse of Joburg.
54 ON BATH
54 on Bath boutique hotel (housed in the former Grace Hotel building) is known for its acclaimed Level Four restaurant, rooftop and terrace bar with a lovely view over Rosebank, and excellent afternoon tea offering.
9. Grab and go: Gourmet garage shops
Photo: Pantry by Marble via Instagram.
PANTRY BY MARBLE
For some, Pantry by Marble needs no introduction. Adjoining the Sasol Garage next to Keyes Art Mile, it's one of Joburg’s most stylish 24-hour pitstops – part gourmet deli, part petrol station, part pâtisserie.
RELISH
Newly opened Relish at Astron Energy in Parkwood is described as a food oasis, with a stocked pantry and fresh food selection. Plus, this 24/7 gourmet stop is strictly halaal, with on-site prayer rooms for convenience.
10. Weekly, monthly, and seasonal experiences
EXPLORE THE CITY WITH CITY SIGHTSEEING
The bright red City Sightseeing bus is a well-known sight around Joburg. Leaving from The Zone @ Rosebank, this hop-on-hop-off bus offers a variety of excellent tours around the city.
JACARANDA SEASON
For just over three weeks from mid-October, Rosebank becomes a prime spot to see Johannesburg’s iconic jacaranda trees in bloom. To celebrate this, each year Johannesburg In Your Pocket runs the #JacarandaInYourPocket photo competition and event series.
TAKE TO THE STREETS
Explore Rosebank on foot with a good jog or run through the neighbourhood. We love Benchwarmers Runners Club's 5km Wednesdays, the #Letthepeoplerun weekly 4km, 6km, 8km, and 10km jaunts, and the Shelflife Running Club 5km or 10km runs. Find out more here.
Book your stay at The Capital on Bath
The Capital on Bath hotel is an ideal base from which to explore beautiful Rosebank and surrounds. The rooms feature well-equipped kitchens with the latest appliances, dining rooms, and balconies that overlook the neighbourhood's many trees. They also offer a complimentary laundry service and shuttle service to the Rosebank Gautrain station and Sandton Central.
Even more enticing are their breakfasts served with bubbly, their sunny cafe where you can get coffee throughout the day, a fitness centre, and a swimming pool complete with loungers where you can find peace in the heart of the city.
While the hotel takes care of your accommodation and relaxation needs, Rosebank has plenty to offer in terms of sightseeing, art, restaurants, bars, and shopping. Whether you're in the area for a day, a week, or even longer, we guarantee you won't be bored.
SPECIALS AT THE CAPITAL ON BATH – UNTIL TUE, MAR 31, 2026
The Woza Weekend Deal provides all the requirements for a fun stay – a chic room, vibrant weekend energy, and the freedom to explore at your own pace. Book now.
You Booze, Come Snooze is your ultimate no-stress, weekend escape – where you call the shots. Book a room at The Capital on Bath and let the good times roll with a R300 bar voucher, a tasty bar snacks platter, and a Hangover Pack for the morning after. Book now.
The Capital on Bath is located at 72 Bath Ave, Rosebank. Visit thecapital.co.za to find out more and book your stay.
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