In this update, we recap the latest on Joburg's culinary scene – from Indian comfort food to globally inspired small plates – while highlighting ways to make the vegan lifestyle appealing for everyone. There are a few new neighbourhood additions we’re particularly excited about, yet the simple pleasures of bread and pastries are still found at the spots we’ve loved for years. We include a reminder of recent chats with Joburg foodies and share three team picks that are absolutely worth trying. Let’s eat!
1. Out and about: What's on our plates
DINNER WITH A SECRET
A histopathologist, an architect, a remuneration officer, and a sports coach were around the table with us at SecretEATS: a Joburg culinary experience designed to keep you on the edge of your seat. We found out the location on the day – for this edition: The Old Oak restaurant, Royal Johannesburg. A six-course menu took us from apple cannoli with an espresso mocktail to a standout roosterkoek with confit tomato, maple-lifted kabeljou, tomato risotto, and braised short rib with duck liver pâté. To end: a light, unforgettable mille-feuille. All paired with Bacco Estate wines. Read our conversation with director Darren Meltz.
LOW LIGHTS AND HIGH SPIRITS
High above the streets at Hyde Johannesburg Rosebank hotel, Nine Lives Supper Club has transformed the former engine room into something deliciously clandestine. Think speakeasy lighting, velvet, curved banquette seating, and a backlit bar that draws the eye. We dropped in for the launch: caviar doing the rounds, a Vesper Martini in hand (don’t skip it), and that sense of being somewhere far away, in a place that is sure of itself. Read our review.
BAGELS ALL THE WAY
Our team finally made it to Kleinsky's in Birdhaven for lunchtime bagels – the Cape Town cult classic with retro décor that feels like sunshine. On the table: the California on plain, hot honey halloumi on sesame, pastrami on everything, and the classic schnitzel. The standout for this writer was the hot honey halloumi, but others of us say the pastrami wins, every time. We met with one of the founding brothers, Joel Klein. More on this spot soon.
COMING IN HOT
New to hot pot? It's as much an activity as it is a meal. Red dominates at Bull Hot Pot in Rivonia Village, where moody concentric booths and suspended ring lights set the scene. Start by choosing your broths, then decide between a set menu or a build-your-own spread. Our table quickly filled with wagyu beef slices, crab roe buns, mixed mushrooms, dried tofu, and handmade noodles. The sauce station was a highlight: follow the house suggestions, ask your waiter for a preferred mix, or go wild with flavours. Full review coming up.
2. Follow the flavours: Five new spots to try
– New to Nine Yards, Ti Amo Deli opened a spot brimming with sandwiches, pastas, salads, and hot dishes. Settle into the cosy indoor space or grab a table outside. While there, Gelato Mania has the scoops you need, like the viral Japanese cheesecake flavour (and they're open late). Inside the nursery, Nunu The Artist’s restaurant is a fun spot to grab a bite while you paint; try the Asian omelette.
– Chowz is our go-to when craving a proper curry, but not the kind you make at home. The portions are generous, the flavours authentic. A winning combo? Bunny chow and a strawberry Super M. We love the Fourways branch and have high hopes for the new one at The Zone @ Rosebank.
– Rejoice! Beijing Opera now has a permanent home at 98 Conrad Drive in Blairgowrie. Expect excellent dim sum and an expanded pan-Asian menu. Courtyard seating and takeaways are available.
– At Rosebank Quarter (158 Jan Smuts Avenue) look out for Napz Pizzeria for top-notch Neapolitan-style pizzas. Don't skip Le Vin Wine Bar for a relaxed glass.
– A new café at Cremelat, Hyde Square Shopping Centre, offers superb coffee and standout sandwiches. Our pick: the Emmentaler, artichoke, and roast veg panini. The adjoining deli remains a constant favourite.
Coming soon: Our favourite for killer prawns, 1920 Portuguese restaurant, long loved in Hyde Park, is migrating to Rosebank's Sturdee Avenue.
3. Coupons, cookies, mimosas, and a little Mozart
The Veganuary Coupon Booklet: Joburg Edition by The Fussy Vegan makes plant-based eating more accessible (and more affordable), with deals from withHärt, The Vegan Chef, Vicky’s Veganry, Asian Herbivore, and more. Pick yours up at any of the participating stores.
We're particularly curious to try withHärt in Moove Sunninghill: a small-batch vegan bakery serving Danish pastries and chewy cookies. We hear Saturday spreads are the most decadent. If gym sessions end with flaky croissants, count us in.
SAVE THE DATE
Like music and mimosas? Visit Vicky’s Veganry on Sun, Mar 8 for drinks, treats, and classical tunes. Book here.
4. Pastry pause: Our favourite Joburg bakeries and pâtisseries
In Parktown North, Dough and Co is a petite bakery with neighbourhood charm. We’ve loved everything we’ve tried, but the simple glazed doughnut remains unbeaten – perfectly light and satisfying. Next on our hit list? The mini crookies: indulgent yet playfully bite-sized. (You’ll also find Dough & Co at LXX in Sandton and at Lynnridge Walk in Pretoria.) Want more sweet stuff? Here's the full list of seven Joburg bakeries and pâtisseries that keep us coming back for more.
Your friendly reminder: If you've not yet sampled Linden Loaves, now's a good time to try. Their bread can't be beat. We recently ordered the chocolate and cherry sourdough loaf – delectable.
5. In the hot seat: Getting to know Fehmz
Fehmida “Fehmz” Jordaan, founder of Halaal Goods Market, turned her love of home cooking into a colourful digital presence. In 2025, she released her debut cookbook, Damn Good Food. "My cooking is just me – honest, experimental, and real," she says. As long-time fans, we caught up with Fehmz about her favourite food memories – and the dishes that didn’t make the cut.
6. Team Swoons: Vada pav, fillet, and froyo
– Shayona in Illovo's Thrupps Centre is an underrated spot for affordable vegeterian and vegan food that's really, really good. We've loved the dosas for a long time, but recently tried the vada pav: an Indian street food with deep-fried mashed potato and coriander chutney inside a soft, fluffy bread roll.
– The Porcellini fillet at Bottega Cafe on Parkhurst's 4th Avenue is so delicious we crave it at least once a month. Fridays through Sundays can get busy here, but the excellent whiskey selection makes it worth the wait.
– Miss Wakaberry? The nostalgia lives on at Froyo, TotalEnergies Sandton Drive. Mixed berry still hits the spot, with tasty toppings, sauces, and friendly pricing.
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