In this neighbourhood guide, we’ll take you down Parktown North's main artery of 7th Avenue and along various side streets, stopping off at indie galleries, stylish coffee shops, design-led boutiques, and some of the city’s best restaurants.
Note: This guide was updated in May 2025. Like much of Joburg, Parktown North 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 Parktown North, Johannesburg
Officially proclaimed a township in 1903, Parktown North was advertised in The Star as the place to be, boasting fertile soil, beautiful views, and a generous offer of 20,000 young trees for new homeowners. Named for its location north of Parktown, the suburb was just a short walk from the planned electric tramline to Zoo Lake, making it even more appealing.Uniquely, it remains the only Johannesburg suburb with numbered avenues but no numbered streets. Early community life saw Methodists gathering for worship in a 5th Avenue home, and many of the original houses, now over a century old, are protected heritage gems. Today, Parktown North blends its old-world charm with contemporary flair, home to art galleries, antique shops, and top-notch restaurants.
Parktown North is neatly tucked in between some very specific borders – with Jan Smuts Avenue to the east (neighbouring Rosebank), First Avenue West to the west (edging towards Craighall and Parkhurst), North of Chester Road as its southern edge (bordering Parktown), and Sutherland Avenue marking its northern limit (with Craighall Park just beyond). This means that a day out in Parktown North can be supplemented with explorations of the vibrant neighbourhoods that surround it from all sides.
2. Coffee shops, quick bites, and sweet treats
CRAFT COFFEE
Craft Coffee brings serious brew cred to Parktown North with its expertly roasted beans and cult-favourite Marshalltown blends. Born in Newtown, this café’s now a go-to for early risers and flat white fanatics. Pair your cup with fresh pastries or artisan toast – no fuss, just great coffee.
15 7th Avenue
DOUGH & co.
Dough & co. is the perfect stop for a sweet treat. Their menu boasts an array of delectable delights, including buttery croissants, flaky pastries, and their signature “Crookie” – a delightful fusion of croissant and cookie (a must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth). Complementing their baked offerings is a selection of expertly brewed coffees made from Dimello’s Capri blend, known for its balanced flavour and velvety crema.
40 7th Avenue, Corner of 3rd Avenue
GABRIELLA'S TEA ROOM
To the right of Ciro's Mediterranean Cucina you'll step through the bamboo arches and tumble down the rabbit hole into Gabriella’s Tea Room. With emerald creeper walls, antique chandeliers, and a crackling fireplace, it’s a secluded setting for indulgent high teas, lazy brunches, or enchanting private events. Sweet or savoury delights, Gabriella's Tea Room promises a menu as charming as the setting itself.
43 7th Avenue
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MOTHERLAND COFFEE
Motherland Coffee is a popular spot for work and meetings, with plenty of plug points to keep you charged. At their Parktown North location, early risers, remote workers, and load-shedding escapees are all happily plugged in. Sip on ethically sourced Ethiopian and Rwandan blends while enjoying fresh salads, wraps, and paninis.
38 7th Avenue
3. Restaurants in Parktown North – around-the-world flavours
GLORY
You’ve probably walked past Glory without even realising it’s a restaurant – don’t worry, you’re not alone. With its leafy exterior and lack of signage, it could easily be mistaken for a florist or plant shop, but trust us: step inside, and you’ll be rewarded. The space is intimate and eclectic, part greenhouse, part dinner party, with menus inspired by South-East Asian ingredients.
17 4th Avenue
IL CONTADINO
Il Contadino is a neighbourhood eatery that channels rustic Italian dining with a modern Joburg twist. Led by chef James Diack, it champions sustainability, sourcing most ingredients directly from the family farm. The menu blends earthy, wholesome flavours with refined technique, all in a laid-back, countryside-inspired setting. Enjoy the sun-dappled terrace, shelves of preserved produce, and warm farmhouse décor.
Corner 4th Avenue and 7th Avenue
LA BOQUERIA
La Boqueria is a lively Hispanic eatery inspired by the bustling food markets of Latin America and Spain. Its diverse menu features Peruvian ceviche, Mexican tacos, Argentinian asado, and Spanish paellas, all perfect for sharing. With stylish, eclectic décor, lush greenery, and a choice of cosy indoor booths or a lively outdoor terrace, it captures the spirit of Barcelona’s iconic La Boqueria market.
17 3rd Avenue
NARANG
Narang is a welcoming Syrian restaurant inspired by Damascus’s Naranj tree, a symbol of hospitality. Enjoy authentic dishes like mutabal, shawarma, and grills, paired with fresh mocktails such as the avocado and dates blend. With colourful murals, comfy seating, and a patio for shisha, it’s a cosy spot to unwind. Off-street parking and a takeaway option make it even more convenient.
40 7th Avenue
SOUL SOUVLAKI
Soul Souvlaki serves fresh, made-to-order Greek street food in a cosy, rustic setting. Favourites include lamb and chicken souvlaki, bifteki, chilli feta parcels, and tasty vegetarian options. Traditional Greek desserts and authentic coffee add extra charm. Perfect for a quick takeaway or a platter for the office.
Corner of 3rd Avenue and 7th Avenue
THE CODFATHER
The Codfather is a premier seafood and grill spot, famed for its fresh, sustainable fare. At the unique Fish Counter, diners hand-pick their seafood, from sardines to south coast crayfish. The menu also includes sushi, tapas, and gourmet desserts like homemade gelato. A must-visit for seafood lovers seeking a refined dining experience.
55 7th Avenue
TURN 'N TENDER
Turn ‘n Tender is a beloved steakhouse known for expertly aged beef, warm service, and a welcoming atmosphere. Ideal for business lunches or get-together family meals, it offers premium steaks, ribs, and classic South African dishes. The well-curated wine list pairs beautifully with the signature grills.
Corner of 3rd Avenue and 7th Avenue
4. Neighbourhood grooves – music and nightlife
NEIGHBARHOODAt Neighbarhood the goal is simple: wood-fired sourdough pizza, boutique wines, and vinyl-only grooves. Seasonal small plates keep the menu fresh, while the decks spin everything from local favourites to rare finds. It’s a stylish, shareable space where music and food lovers feel right at home.
32 7th Avenue
BANTU RECORDS
Bantu Records, a queer Black-owned vinyl store is tucked in next to Neighbarhood, is a sonic treasure trove of jazz, neo-soul, Afrobeats, and proudly South African sounds. Step inside, and you’ll hear why vinyl’s timeless crackle still beats digital’s clean lines.
32 7th Avenue
5. Art galleries in Parktown North
GALLERY MOMO
Gallery MOMO is a contemporary art space housed in a renovated early 20th-century home. Founded by Monna Mokoena in 2002, it showcases cutting-edge works by both emerging and established African and diaspora artists, including the likes of Mary Sibande. The gallery appeals to art lovers, collectors, and tourists seeking innovative African art.
52 7th Avenue
STEVENSON
Founded in 2003, Stevenson is a prominent contemporary art space that relocated from Braamfontein to Parktown North in 2019 to enhance accessibility and engage a broader audience. The gallery now occupies a thoughtfully renovated early 20th-century home, preserving its historical value while offering a minimalist environment conducive to art viewing. With a fresh rotation of shows featuring art stars like Penny Siopis and Zander Blom, a visit to Stevenson is never amiss. The gallery also has spaces in Cape Town and Amsterdam.
46 7th Avenue
6. Where to shop – Thrifts, antiques, fashion, and design darlings
TOC H CHARITY SHOP
Toc H Charity Shop is where your old treasures get a fabulous second act – and all for a good cause. Founded from a WWI-era spirit of service, this shop is packed with everything from vintage crockery to vinyl and gadgets to garden gear. Clear out your cupboards and donate your forgotten gems, or hunt for a quirky bargain – it’s thrifting with history.
17 4th Avenue
ANTIGONE ART AND ANTIQUES
Antigone Art and Antiques is no ordinary shop – where else can you browse 14th, 15th, and 16th century African maps and furniture, a Boer War amputation kit, or a 19th-century vampire killing set in a mahogany case? This Parktown North spot is a treasure chest of the rare, and the marvellously unexpected.
17 4th Avenue
Photo: Johannesburg In Your Pocket.
JEREMY STEPHEN ANTIQUES
Just a stone's throw away from Antigone Art and Antiques is Jeremy Stephen Antiques. Step inside and discover a treasure trove of mid-century masterpieces, rare objets d’art, and French-polished furniture, all restored to perfection. With over 30 years of expertise, owner Jeremy Stephen Du Mughn transforms vintage finds into timeless showpieces. Renowned artists like Trevor Coleman and Damien Hirst grace the walls, while 20th-century gems fill the floor.
19 4th Avenue
WIZARDS VINTAGE
Tucked away in Parktown North’s Roxburgh House, Wizards Vintage is a fashion lover’s playground for those in the know. With a curated collection of pre-loved designer pieces from labels like Loewe, Karl Lagerfeld, Alexander McQueen, and Gucci, co-owner Braam Naude’s keen eye helps you shop with style and confidence. Pop in for a personal styling session, sip on tea, and unearth your next statement piece. Read about our visit to Wizards here.
24 3rd Avenue, Corner 7th Avenue
UNI FORM
At Uni Form, you’ll find wardrobe classics – think crisp white shirts and sleek black trousers – elevated with an ultra-contemporary, cool twist. Designer Luke Radloff channels the energy of Joburg into modular, trans-seasonal pieces, crafted with luxury-level finesse. Sophisticated, sharp, and unmistakably unique.
23 7th Avenue
MEZZANINE
Mezzanine is where global style meets local craftsmanship, offering a curated collection of luxury furniture, homeware, and interior design services. For over 25 years, they’ve been creating custom pieces that transform spaces into something uniquely you. Whether you’re refreshing a room or reimagining your entire home, Mezzanine has you covered.
45 7th Avenue
TONIC
Tonic, operating from a former heritage home, offers full-service interior design solutions for residential, retail, corporate, and hospitality spaces. With over 20 years of award-winning work, they’ve crafted interiors and products that turn heads worldwide. Expect bold design, impeccable craftsmanship, and timeless style in every detail.
42 7th Avenue
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