Everyone loves exploring nowadays and with Covid restricting certain movements, it seems like we need to celebrate restaurants as much as we can. In this article we take a look at the top ten most popular restaurants all over the country. Some we may see them on certain influencer pages and automatically assume that they are part of the top ten, is it though? Find out whether your favourite has made the list below or not.
- Wolfgat (Paternoster)
That the World Restaurant of the Year can start a tasting menu with a skillet of bokkom butter and a hessian bag of breadsticks is a testament to the assured ease of Kobus van der Merwe, who’s just doing his own thing here – and you will love him for it. The focus is on simplicity, purity and locality with dishes like creamed white mussels served in its own shell with buttermilk rusk crumbs or black mussel custard
2. Saint Restaurant (Sandton, Johannesburg)
It wouldn’t be a most-popular list without perennial cool-kid Saint. David Higgs’s Italian restaurant is ever-popular, with its offering of creamy burrata, fluffy gnocchi and meaty mains. If you find yourself at Saint, though, you’re probably there for the perfect pizza, with simple options like the Neapolitan and margherita that will have you coming back for more.
3. San Deck at Sandton Sun Hotel (Sandton, Johannesburg)
A rooftop bar in Sandton – need we say more? Go for breakfast, lunch and dinner (all with cocktails, of course) or enjoy Thursday to Saturday nights with a live DJ spinning you into the weekend.
4. Mustang Sally’s Pub & Diner (Hatfield, Pretoria)
If you want an American diner experience, this is the place to get it. Mustang Sally’s offers giant burgers, mac-and-cheese balls, Southern fried chicken, and freak shakes topped with everything from entire doughnuts to mounds of candy floss.
5. Chefs Warehouse at Beau Constantia (Constantia, Cape Town)
Ivor Jones’s punchy flavours and inspired tapas-for-two menu keep guests coming back to this wine farm gem.
6.Momo Kuro (Rosebank, Johannesburg)
The newest Momo boasts bold flavours and delicious tapas options in a gorgeous open restaurant space. Be sure to try the Formoso calamari with mint, basil and ginger; the Siu Mai open dumplings; the crispy salmon ceviche tacos; the Szechuan prawn wontons; the pulled beef brisket; and the Peking duck.
7. Momo Soko (Illovo, Sandton)
The little sister of Momo Baohaus, Momo Soko serves up sublimely delicious Asian street cuisine with a modern twist. Be sure to try the soko – tender marinated skewers of protein and vegetables grilled to perfection and seasoned in various ways – and the fluffy bao.
8.Thali (Gardens, Cape Town)
This must-visit Gardens restaurant comes from chef Liam Tomlin of Chefs Warehouse. It’s an oldie but a goody, offering a spectacular feast of modern Indian cuisine and décor to match.
9.The Athletic Club and Social (City Bowl, Cape Town)
Athos Euripidou, who hails from Durban and was behind Station Drive’s Fortune Coffee, is the brains behind this hot new speakeasy-style bar. This perfect spot for after-work drinks or a cosy date night serves up Greek and Mediterranean cuisine like charred aubergine, home-made labneh and roasted lamb shoulder with tzatziki.
10. The Wing Republic (Braamfontein, Johannesburg)
This popular spot pulls in the crowds for its saucy chicken wings, ribs and burgers. If you’re one of those who used to travel all the way out to Braamfontein to get your fix, you’ll be happy to know that another branch will be opening in Pretoria in August.
Main Image: insideguide
