Sandton Central – a neighbourhood guide

Just 50 years ago the Sandton Central Business District was little more than a convenient stopping point on the drive from Joburg to Pretoria – rolling farmland dotted with a tea house and a polo club. Nowadays it is the economic hub of South Africa, and Africa's, richest square mile. The location of the headquarters of many of Africa’s biggest companies, Sandton's brash skyscrapers have transformed the Joburg skyline. 

While  Sandton City and Nelson Mandela Square shopping malls can still be considered Sandton Central's centre, the district has grown considerably over the past decade. The Marc shopping centre, with its pavement cafes and swanky nightlife offerings, and the soaring The Leonardo (Africa's tallest building), have cemented their place among Sandton's key lifestyle attractions, while Sandton Central's green space Mushroom Farm Park is always an attraction both for its green space and its outdoor restaurant, Truffles on the Park.

GET THERE WITH THE GAUTRAIN: Sandton Central has its own Gautrain station at the corner of West Street and Rivonia Road. All of the biggest attractions are within a 10-minute walk. Turn left out of the station and walk one block down West Street to Nelson Mandela Square. One more block further is Maude Street where you'll find The Marc and The Leonardo .

The Sandton Central vibe 

From High Street brands to designer fashion labels, shopping is a major Sandton attraction. The huge interlinked Sandton City, Nelson Mandela Square, Legacy Corner, and Michelangelo Towers malls together make up one of the biggest shopping precincts on the continent. Drinking and dining is another major attraction with a host of glamorous venues to enjoy a taste of the Champagne lifestyle. Don't forget to dress up and flash your designer labels. Sandton loves bling. 

Lazy lunch or casual dinner 

The Big Mouth
We love this slick joint with its nod to Art Deco that replaced a tired Nelson Mandela Square tourist trap serving sad pizzas. The Big Mouth has an innovative Asian-inspired menu with plenty of variety, that includes signature sushi dishes (we love the fish 'n' chips roll), or choose from bowls, ceviche, grills, or pan dishes.  

Milk Bar
This quirky African-retro-styled café's wide terrace, jungle gym and beer garden make it perfect for a family lunch in the sun and their TV means you don't have to worry about missing the Saturday rugby or football.

Tashas' 
‘African glamour’ inspired the Nelson Mandela Square branch of the chic local bistro chain Tashas. The decor is dramatically elegant (the rose gold and pink Flamingo room is favoured by the boujee crowd) and the menu is Mediterranean-inspired, and perfect for a lazy lunch. There's also a second branch at The Marc on Maude Street.

Just Teddy
Fine boulangerie and patisserie Just Teddy's second store in Nelson Mandela Square has some of Joburg's most moreish pastries (which is saying a lot given the number of patisseries popping up) and their Middle Eastern flourish means you can try flavourful creations such as sweet tahini macarons, karak chai tea and pistachio religieuse.

Stelle 
This Northern-Italian-inspired restaurant is located in Acorn Lane, a rambling and secluded estate on Rivonia Road, about 15 minutes walk from the Gautrain station. Ideal for lazy afternoon meals, the restaurant   flows out into a large and picturesque courtyard and garden.  

Olives & Plates Embassy Towers
A popular spot for ladies who lunch, this bistro at 175 Empire Place has a bulging menu that runs to several pages and it may take you longer to choose from than it actually does to eat your meal. The food here is always good, albeit a bit fussily served. 
 
Truffles on the Park 
Located in Mushroom Farm Park, this is a great spot for summer with a fun beach-style beer garden looking over the park. There's plenty of tapas and sharing plates on the menu and great summer cocktails.

Pablo Sandton
A brilliant brunch destination serving Mediterranean and Middle-Eastern-inspired dishes and excellent wood-fired pizzas. Located at the Mint Hotel, Pablo has a breezy space that offers outdoor seating looking onto a poolside.

Ribs and Burgers  
Another casual eatery, this family-owned chain hails from Australia. Enjoy juicy burgers and saucy ribs while sitting on the wide sheltered sidewalk at The Marc on Maude Street. 
 

Where to enjoy the sunset 

The Grillhouse
Admire one of the best sunset views in Sandton at Alice Lane Precinct, two blocks down the hill from Sandton City, on the terrace at the excellent steakhouse  The Grillhouse .

San Deck
Another sunset favourite is Sandton Sun hotel's rooftop bar and restaurant. On weekend evenings DJ sets and a fire pit add atmosphere, although the view is not as unrivalled as it once was. Still, if you enjoy celebrity spotting, it's also a good place to be.

Alto234 Bar
For the most superior sunset views head to Alto234, the dizzying Sky Bar situated on the very top of Africa’s tallest building The Leonardo (234 metres above the street). Offering unparalleled 360-degree views, booking is essential.

Dining and nightlife hotspots 

If you really want to get into the Sandton spirit, then we recommend getting dressed up and making a booking for a blow the budget evening out at one of Sandton Central's glitzy dining hotspots. Charge those credit cards and don't expect low key. This is after all Africa's richest square mile and Joburg is forever the gold rush city. Extravagance is the order of the day.
Tang
Launched in winter 2021 Tang is an ultra-glam luxury Asian restaurant and bar overlooking Nelson Mandela Square. The menu designed by Chef de Cuisine Wesley Chen focuses on Japanese Izakaya-style dishes, sushi and other delights. Start by taking a seat at the luxurious Moët & Chandon Champagne bar and toast the evening with bubbles.