In our monthly #FreshlyPlated round-up, we share news about Joburg's food scene, from new cafés, bars, and restaurants to special offers and chefs in the spotlight. 

As winter sets in, hearty comforts become essential. This month, we bring word of five tasty menu offerings at some of Joburg’s finest restaurants – perfect for the upcoming brisk evenings. In around the world flavours, we share dispatches from recent culinary expeditions including The Shortmarket Club x Greenhouse Bar, Hello Thailand, sister restaurants Kanpai and The Prawnery. Plus, discover which cocktail at The Pot Luck Club has stolen our team's hearts. 

In the mood for a surprise? Secret Eats is just the thing. For Father’s Day, treat the father figure in your life to The Troyeville's brunch buffet or take him to The Sourcery for some great coffee. Rounding up all things new and noteworthy, Rosebank has you covered from sandwiches to go and sweet treats. We're also excited for the reopening of fine dining spot Épicure by renowned Chef Coco Reinarhz. Meanwhile, rave culture’s getting a caffeine kick as DJs spin tracks at coffee shops and other unexpected locales. 

1. Sweet and savoury sips: Cocktail of the month

2. New and noteworthy spots in Joburg

NOUGAT AND SANDWICHES AT THE ZONE
Not only is the pretty  Wedgewood Emporium  now open at The Zone @ Rosebank – inviting you in with shelves of handcrafted nougat, biscuits and decadent hampers – but the much-anticipated  Pret A Manger  has officially opened its doors. The second South African location for this cult UK sandwich chain, decked out with a vibrant mural by UJ student Precious Mogoje , is ready for your on‑the‑go coffee and smoked trout sandwiches cravings (tried and tested), and other ready-to-go meals. 

PROUD MARY'S TERRACE UPGRADE
If you recently walked past Proud Mary   and noticed it's a little under construction, know that it was with good cause. As if it wasn't stylish enough, this Rosebank restaurant's terrace underwent a revamp, blending mid-century elegance with lush greenery and warm, open-air charm. This spot overlooking Cradock Avenue is now better than ever for relaxed dining, people-watching, and sunset drinks.

ÉPICURE REOPENS
For fans of acclaimed Chef Coco Reinarhz , fine dining restaurant  Épicure  is set to reopen after a Covid closure, with a new home at the   One Rosebank development. Reinarhz is a Burundian-born, Belgian-trained chef celebrated for redefining Pan-African cuisine. He has led acclaimed Johannesburg restaurants like Sel et Poivre in Morningside, and he's known internationally, from masterclasses and TV appearances on MasterChef South Africa and Clover’s Little Big Cook Off . Set to serve breakfast, lunch, dinner, and late‑night tapas, Épicure restaurant also has private‑dining options, a cigar lounge, and offers food‑and‑wine pairings. Expect inventive menu creations that draw on flavours across the continent.

THE SOURCERY IN MELVILLE 
Not new but newly on our radar,  The Sourcery  is a unique spot in Melville that combines a café, co-working space, and a curated store all in one. Known for its fantastic flat whites, the space offers more than just great coffee – it features an array of antique furniture, vintage books, and beautiful photography, all available for purchase. The only items not for sale are the vinyl collection, the turntable, and the artworks on the walls. Plan a visit soon.

3. Book these experiences and seasonal menus

SECRET EATS 
Does an overnight culinary journey on a grand Gauteng country estate, with a multi-course meal by a secret (but star) chef, strike your fancy? You're in for a treat. Choose between the Secret Supper or extend your stay with the Secret Escape . (For now, the location is part of the secret, but keep an eye out for more details.) Spaces are limited for this experience on Fri, Jun 27 and Sat, Jun 28, 2025 .  Book here . 

TANG'S NEW KAISEKI MENU
We loved sampling the new winter kaiseki menu (a multi-course Japanese meal) at  TANG  at Nelson Mandela Square . It's exceptionally good value for money, with stand-out chicken miso soup and, trust us on this, edamame beans. All served alongside TANG's own Mirabelle Rosé. Book here . 

A WINTER OFFERING AT CYRA
Chef Candice Philip works her seasonal magic at fine dining restaurant  Cyra at The Houghton Hotel .
Our highlights from the seven-course winter tasting menu include the beef tartare amuse bouche – described as 'umami velvet crunch' – and the coffee-glazed duck on parsnip purée. Each course is paired perfectly with an array of interesting wines and spirits.  Book here .

THE POT LUCK CLUB'S PRIX FIXE MENUS ARE BACK
We're nothing if not fans of  The Pot Luck Club 's delicious  prix fixe  (fixed price) menus – an affordable take on fine dining available from  Mon, May 5 – Tue, Sep 30, 2025 . Opt for the  Prix Fixe Lite , a six-plate sharing experience for two that's ideal for a quick lunch, or the  Prix Fixe Loaded,  which includes two more plates and is best-suited for dinner or a longer, lingering lunch.  Book here .

DIM SUM TO SHARE AT FAIRLAWNS BOUTIQUE HOTEL 
Sushi might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of  Fairlawns Boutique Hotel  in Sandton, but it's on the menu – and extensively so. New to this offering is the addition of dim sum in a variety of flavours. These bites are perfect for sharing in the relaxed and beautiful setting that this hotel is known for.