Note: This guide was updated in December 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, sits just a few minutes' drive from the ever-buzzing Rosebank - home to Rosebank Mall, The Firs, The Zone @ Rosebank, Keyes Art Mile, a slew of other galleries, restaurants, markets, and shops, and the Gautrain station (check out our Rosebank neighbourhood guide for more ideas). And getting between the two has never been easier. New Gautrain midi-bus routes launched in September 2025 now link Rosebank directly to Parkhurst, making quick hops for coffee, shopping, or gallery visits an absolute breeze (read our Gautrain bus guide for how to ride them). It is also close to several green spaces such as Delta Park, Johannesburg Botanical Gardens and Emmarentia Dam, and Zoo Lake.
2. Getting there with Gautrain
If you prefer not to drive, Gauteng’s modern rail system is an easy way to reach Parkhurst. Board the Gautrain at your nearest station and hop off at Rosebank, where Gaubuses and midi-buses connect directly to Parkhurst. The route has 12 stops and operates daily, including weekends, with buses departing every 20 – 40 minutes. Make sure to plan your return trip to Rosebank before the final train, as stations are open from 05:30 – 21:00. Find out more about the Gautrain and the hop-on, hop-off bus service here.
3. 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. While less easily walkable because of its busy traffic and no stop streets, this is where you can 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 is buzzing from morning to late at night. But don't let 4th Avenue distract you entirely, because there are also other 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 yet enchanting courtyard just off the street, 4th Avenue Coffee Roasters is popular with families. It offers an extensive breakfast menu, excellent coffee, ice cream (your kids will love their wacky bubblegum and marshmallow 'unicorn' flavours), and kombucha, among other treats. 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, this spot is famous for its egg basket and decadent flapjack stacks. There are also a few vegan and vegetarian offerings on the menu, and your furry friend is welcome to join you.
For other places that welcome your fur baby around Joburg, visit 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 which is its Turkish coffee. Also on offer are ice cream, baklava in a variety of flavours, other delicious Turkish treats, and a range of interesting trinkets and gifts. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, it is also Halaal-certified.
4. Snack on something sweet
FAB & CO
Fab & Co is exactly as its name promises: fabulous. It is a quaint boutique eatery that specialises in breakfasts, light lunches, wood-fired pizza, and a mouthwatering selection of gelato and sorbet. Known for creating funky flavours such as gorgonzola and caramelised fig, it also has a deli on the premises. Kid-friendly and pet-friendly, this is one spot everyone can enjoy.
WEDGEWOOD GIFTING & HAMPER EMPORIUM
For an emporium of sensory delights, visit Wedgewood Gifting & Hamper Emporium. Here, you can sample the new nougat flavours, buy a gift hamper for a special someone, treat yourself to something sweet, or delight in some sublime handmade honey nougat ice cream. All playing out under a floral ceiling, you'll feel as if you've entered an entirely new world.
5. Joburg's ice cream high street
If ice-cream paradise had an address, it might just be 4th Avenue, Parkhurst. We're calling it Joburg's very own "ice cream high street". Start your crawl at Fab & Co with a bold gorgonzola and caramelised fig gelato, then head to Baglios for simple, old-school perfection (bonus: it's open 24/7). Try Wedgewood for thick, Turkish-inspired nougat ice cream and, because no dessert run is complete without it, swing by cult favourite Paul’s Homemade Ice Cream for the flavours of the month. Next door, Gelato Mania has you covered with velvety gelato in more than 30 flavours (don’t miss the wildly popular Pino Pinguino), and a range of vegan sorbets. Think we’re done? Not quite. Wrap up the crawl with a scoop from 4th Avenue Coffee Roasters, the ideal ice-cream digestif.
6. Daytime and dinner restaurants in Parkhurst
ANDICCIO’S x BAGLIOSFor those round-the-clock cravings, Andiccio’s and Baglios join forces with a 24-hour gelateria-meets-pizza spot. Whether you’re craving a midnight margherita or a post-party scoop, it's the ultimate collab: Andiccio’s crowd-pleasing pizzas and Baglios’ beloved gelato under one roof.
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 speakeasy-like setting. Think leather couches, dark hues, dimmed ambient lighting, and wood panelling, all wrapped up with good service and a great selection of whiskys.
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, iced tea, and craft beers. Also on the menu are a range of pizzas and salads, BBQ beef ribs and Cajun grilled chicken nachos. If none of these options tantalises your tastebuds, the peanut butter milkshake will definitely tick the box. Open later than many of the other restaurants on the street, this is where the party's at.
KOLONAKI GREEK KOUZINA
Kolonaki Greek Kouzina brings you a breezy taste of the Mediterranean 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 and hospitality as you enter 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 welcoming covered outdoor area filled with lush greenery that seamlessly connects with the intimate and charming indoor dining area. The menu offering can generally be described as 'contemporary Italian', with the arrabbiata con burrata 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, you will be taken on an "immersive cultural journey" that is brought to life with flavours from Spain, Italy, Greece, the Middle East, and North Africa. A perfect spot for sundowners, dinner, or weekend drinks, you can also indulge in the Middle Eastern Hubbly Experience. The dress code is smart casual and strictly no under-21s are allowed.
SLAPS SANDOS
SLAPS Sandos, Parkhurst’s grab-and-go spot, serves up fast food that genuinely slaps. Try the signature “sando” - a Japanese-inspired milk bun that is soft, fresh, and built to hold bold, stacked flavours. Inside, choose from juicy lamb, chicken, or falafel. It’s quick, satisfying, and a neighbourhood favourite.
SURASANG KOREAN BBQ & HOT POT
For authentic Korean cuisine, Surasang Korean BBQ & Hot Pot is the go-to place. The menu features a wide range of Korean dishes such as sizzling Korean BBQ, hearty hot pots, wholesome bibimbap, perfectly grilled bulgogi, and spicy tteokbokki. There are also a variety of desserts, drinks, and alcoholic beverages on offer, all made with the freshest ingredients and served by warm and welcoming staff.
7. 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
Set at the centre of the strip, 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 and draws a crowd. (The pizzas are half price from 17:00 on Wednesdays and Sundays.)
8. Where to go shopping
ASHA ELEVEN
Founded in 2018 by Olivia Kennaway, Asha Eleven is South African slow fashion at its most beautiful. The 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.
GROUNDCOVER LEATHER COMPANY
Groundcover Leather Company has been crafting beautiful, hard-wearing leather goods since 1990, and a passion for the craft shows in every stitch. Known for shoes for men, women, and kids – from sandals to boots – the shop also stocks an impressive range of bags, including laptop satchels, handbags, rucksacks, and travel gear. Everything is handcrafted with traditional techniques and a contemporary eye, making each piece the kind you’ll use, love, and likely pass down.
HANNAH LAVERY
Hannah Lavery is a women's lifestyle brand that was originally founded in Cape Town. The clothing and accessories celebrate the female form, with a firm focus on durability and quality. Inspired by classic shapes and tailoring, each piece features neutral tones and natural fibres that will flatter any shape.
HAPPYVILLE
Backed by a substantial online following, Happyville – founded by Lebo Serame in 2017 – takes its bold streetwear from viral fame to a real-world home in Parkhurst. Think hangover beanies, statement shirts, cargo pants, and leather trucker jackets in colours that pop like yellow and indigo. It’s street style with personality.
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 its bohemian approach, all the pieces are hand spun, hand woven, and hand stitched into wearable art.
PALLADIUM
For more than 70 years, Palladium has been the go-to boot brand for athletes, explorers, and activists. Today, it caters 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
The 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. Bespoke clothes with attitude that will keep you and your friends entertained - and coming back for more.
9. 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, it specialises in mid-century design, stock art, jewellery, silverware, furniture, and a host of other desirable gems. They also have extensive knowledge in antiques, and can offer advice or answer any questions you may have.
CABBAGES & ROSES
If you are in the market for premier bedlinen and homeware, there is no better place to shop 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 your neighbours.
GARDEN BLEU PARKHURST
Branded as a "garden decor and boutique nursery", Garden Bleu Parkhurst on 11th Street specialises in hard and soft landscaping design, plants, garden accessories, and decorative building (such as water features). In addition to selling beautiful artefacts of all kinds, they will also help you with the design of your dream 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, it stocks a curated selection of furniture pieces that have been restored with care and quality in mind. Buying a piece here is akin to 'bringing a piece of history into your home'.
10. Get bookish in Parkhurst
HARDCOPY BOOKS
Calling all bookworms! "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, chat with the knowledgeable staff, and maybe unearth 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 written daily on the blackboard.
11. 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 with a mission to promote affordable, high-quality art, the space also offers a custom framing service with a wide selection of frames from which to choose.
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.
12. Beauty, hair, health, and wellness
Parkhurst is home to where you can pamper yourself. Give your locks some love at Cellardoor Hair or Nails and Hair Bar, treat yourself to a manicure at Ruth's Nails, or indulge in facials, massages, and hair removal at Sorbet Parkhurst.THE AESTHETICS ROOM
The Aesthetics Room on 11th Street offers 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!
AND MORE...
Parkhurst is also home to other beauty and wellness spots where you can pamper yourself. Give your locks some love at Cellardoor Hair or Nails and Hair Bar, treat yourself to a manicure at Ruth's Nails, or indulge in facials, massages, and hair removal at Sorbet Parkhurst.
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. Located on the first floor of the Parkhurst Square building (don't be put off by having to ring the bell and wandering 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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15. Directions to Parkhurst
Parkhurst is easily accessible from Rosebank. Drive west on 7th Avenue off Jan Smuts Avenue, through Parktown North, and turn right onto 4th Avenue. If you're coming from the M1 highway (south or north) you take the Glenhove offramp onto Glenhove Road. Cross over Oxford Road into Rosebank.Gautrain’s bus service runs directly from Rosebank station to Parkhurst seven days a week, making it easy to enjoy the neighbourhood without a car.
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