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Top Dining Out Spots in Pretoria [updated Jan ’26]

Our ever-growing list of #HelloRecommends restaurants in PTA

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Best Pretoria Dining Out Spots

Here’s a tasty introduction to top dining-out spots in Pretoria – a vibrant city where culinary diversity meets local flair. From elegant fine-dining experiences and chic international menus to relaxed neighbourhood favourites and hidden gems, Pretoria’s restaurant scene has something for food lovers of every taste and occasion.

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La Vie Lente

La Vie Lente is described by the owners as a slow life destination, with the venue created around a yearning for unpretentious living. This little sanctuary tells rich stories of the original family homestead being transformed into a vibrant bistro and sophisticated venue. The bistro serves a relatively small, but frequently changing contemporary menu of simple, quality, and visually delectable dishes in a peaceful, spacious, and family-friendly environment. La Vie Lente is also an idyllic environment to host a special, intimate celebration or get-together, as well as small conferences.  

www.lavielente.co.za
@lavielentebistrovenue
La Vie Lente

Papa’s Restaurant

Papa’s Real Food in Duncan Yard, Hatfield, has always been unique and popular with the locals. The eclectic architecture and design in the outside piazza area will make you feel like you’ve escaped the city, giving you that different-world charm. Relax under the trees whilst enjoying the cuisine or a cocktail, or experience the ambience at the more formal Songbird indoor restaurant. Expect a value-for-money menu, a venue that thrives on the summer vibes, a unique setting, and if you get your timing right, you may even get to enjoy some laid-back blues on a Thursday evening or Sunday. 

www.facebook.com/papashatfield
@papasrestaurantpretoria
Papa's Restaurant

The Blue Crane Restaurant & Bar

 The Blue Crane, situated in the heart of Pretoria next to the Austin Roberts Bird Sanctuary, is now under new ownership and management. Not only has the entire venue been extensively renovated, but it also features a new boma area,ideal for functions or simply relaxing next to the bonfire on a chilly or rainy evening. Visitors can also expect a new coffee deli on the outside deck of the restaurant, an upstairs bar with a deck overlooking the dam and bird sanctuary, and acustom jungle gym for the kiddies.  

www.bluecranerestaurant.co.za
@thebluecranerestaurant
Blue Crane Restaurant

Sooper

Sooper, in the Watermeyer Park Shopping Centre in Val de Grace, has been a staple favourite for years for locals in the area. Positioned in the same spot where Mimmos Watermeyer served residents for many years, Sooper has become somewhat of a landmark in the area as the go-to local Italian restaurant and take away shop. The vision of Marc Chryssanthou, the owner, has been to take the existing essence of the restaurant – good quality food and trusted friendly service in a relaxed atmosphere – and amplify it to the next level. 

www.soopereats.co.za
@sooper_eats
Sooper

Upper Eastside

Upper Eastside is another popular spot in Hazelwood, Pretoria. Located on Maroelena Street, this lively restaurant specialises in seafood and grills whilst still being vegetarian friendly. With indoor and outdoor areas, Upper Eastside is child friendly, pet friendly and wheelchair friendly. Their big screens also broadcast live sport whenever there is an occasion, making it a laidback dining destination for friends and families to unite.  

@uppereastside_hazelwood_
Upper Eastside

Hazel Food Market

Could this be your last chance to try to eat healthily before the festive binge starts. Described as a uniquely international food market in the heart of Pretoria’s old East, this foodie haven in Lynnwood offers many tastes and smells of the world (including a few healthy options, just saying), with cuisine from far-away lands like India, Greece, and Portugal sure to tempt your most discerning tastebuds. Hazel Food Market is open every Saturday from 08h00 to 14h00. 

www.facebook.com/hazelfoodmarket
@hazelfood_arts_crafts
Hazel Food Market

Prosopa

Prosopa Restaurant is no stranger to the food scene in Pretoria, but what you might not have known is that they got a face lift earlier this year. This Greek restaurant might be an oldie, but it’s a goodie. Furthermore, with its revamped look and feel, it’s a completely new experience. Ultimately, their good reputation of being a leader when it comes to a Mediterranean adventure of taste and flavour still stands. 

prosopa.co.za
@prosoparestaurant
Prosopa

Karoo Café

Karoo Café brings the essence of the Karoo to the capital in many different ways. Here, you can indulge in marrow bones, slow roasted to perfection and served with a bright parsley and caper salad and crisp bruschetta. Or, salted Karoo lamb rib with roasted pumpkin wedges and creamy samp. This is the place where life slows down a bit and where you’re simply invited to be – whether it’s with a hearty meal, a glass of wine or a cup of boeretroos (an Afrikaans word referring to coffee, meaning farmer’s comfort). They host art exhibitions, wine tastings and craft workshops on a regular basis too, making it a fabulous venue for friend and family gatherings.  

karoocafe.co.za
@karoo_cafe
Karoo Cafe

Fermier

This is your date night, celebratory dinner type of dining destination. Fermier has a way of elevating local flavours, offering a spectacular culinary experience in a surprisingly low-key, yet elegant setting. Chef Adriaan and his team cook up an incredible feast with local produce, paired with exceptional local wines. The atmosphere is romantic and calm and the restaurant – which seats only a few – allows for guests to see the chefs’ culinary mastery as they prepare the fine dining meal in the open kitchen. Bookings for this experience are essential.  

fermierrestaurant.com
@fermierrestaurant
Fermier

Blos Café

Nestled in the heart of Pretoria East, this destination eatery serves up some of the best hearty cuisine in town. The multitier hospitality conglomeration is constantly growing and evolving, offering a new experience every time. The restaurant alone seats about 420 and their bistro-style menu brings a lot of South African classics to the plate. Their open-air deck overlooks a beautiful green belt and has become a favourite for sundowners. From Cape Malay Chicken Livers for breakfast to a Lamb and Mint Panini for lunch, or a Picanha steak for dinner, the menu has endless options and you’re bound to find something fit for your palate. The atmosphere is welcoming and warm and the food is great -true South African hospitality.   

bloscafe.co.za
@blos_cafe
Blos

Blu Saffron

This is one of the few restaurants in Pretoria that has stood the test of time. In fact, it’s a go-to for locals. Here, you’ll find all kinds of delicious dishes and the chef is a brilliant addition to the experience, offering guests a rather theatricalexplanation of the options on the menu. Located in Waterkloof at the Pretoria Country Club, it also boasts spectacular views, especially in spring and summer months. The restaurant has 4 private dining rooms, making it a lovely venue for events too and the outside patio overlooks the first tee.  

@blu_saffron
Blu Saffron

Cheese Louise Social Club

Cheese Louise is the latest pizza craze in P-town, having opened their doors to the public in December last year. One thing is certain: If you’re looking for good pizza and a good time, you can call on them. Their retro-inspired menu and unparalleled dining experience invites pizza lovers to discover a whole new level of social gathering, with their food, of course, as the main attraction. It’s so good, you’ll eat it from the floor!  

@cheese_louise_social_club
Cheese Louise Social Club

Annam Vietnamese Restaurant

Relatively new to the Pretoria foodie scene, this Vietnamese restaurant is set to take you on a culinary (and cultural) journey of note. Here, they are passionate about all things Vietnamese cuisine and evidently, they celebrate the country’s vibrant flavours, fresh ingredients and diverse regional specialties. Whether you’re keen on a casual lunch, a family dinner or in need of a unique venue for a special celebration, you’re bound to be wowed by the essence of Vietnam at Annam, right in the heart of Pretoria. 

annam.co.za
@annam_vietcuisine
Annam Vietnamese Restaurant

Boma

In the cold winter months, there’s nothing like an open fire and some well-prepared meat to warm you up from the inside. Boma, located in Erasmusrand, was inspired by the powerful element of fire and this is where you can expect to savour the flavours or South Africa and revel in the country’s extraordinary, diverse spirit. Through their open coal fire experiences, you can reconnect with the roots of African cuisine with an ever-evolving menu, exciting collaborations, a selection of world-class wines, one-of-a-kind cocktails, beers and other drinks. Boma is open from Wednesdays through to Sundays and on public holidays, from 11:30 ’til late.  

bo-ma.co
@boma.southafrica
Boma Restaurant

Lucky Bread Company

With its founder hailing from the City of Jacarandas herself, it comes as no surprise that Lucky Bread Company has become synonymous with Pretoria. The brand has grown into a firm favourite among locals with multiple locations in its portfolio, with its latest having recently been launched at the Castle Gate Lifestyle Centre. Based in the one corner of the lifestyle centre, the space offers ample indoor and outdoor seating with greenery hiding the parking lot from view. Its high ceilings, large windows and natural hues make for a refreshing, yet homy atmosphere and from the menu, you can pick and choose between all sorts of delicious options. From delightful granola bowls with papaya or berries, to an impressive, generously portioned Mediterranean Egg Bowl and a Bacon & Brie Lucky Fresh Sandwich (of which we could get a gluten-free version), we thought we’d tried it all.  

luckybread.co.za
@luckybreadco
Lucky Bread Company

Goddess Café

Recently sold to Bonnie Cooper, a seasoned marketing and franchising professional, Goddess Café and Miss Cake – two of Pretoria’s beloved feminine brands – is set to soar even higher. Goddess Café is always a safe bet when it comes to brunch or luncheons with the ladies, with a bold, pink space drawing you in. Initially founded by Anelda Martin, the brand’s unique character and potential for growth are what convinced Cooper to buy the brand. “With my strong team, I am excited to take Goddess Café and Miss Cake to the next level,” Cooper says. Of course, a huge plus is the menu items, all plated beautifully by well-trained chefs and served by professional waiters.Pop in at their Waterloof Corner, Southdowns or Rietondale shops for delicious breakfasts and lunches. 

goddesscafe.co.za
@goddesscafesa
Goddess Cafe Pretoria

Pantry by Marble

Yes, you read that right. Pantry by Marble is now in Pretoria. Having opened its doors toward the end of 2025, it calls Hazelwood’s The Village home. What’s more is that its Hazelwood store is the very first standalone store, affirming the brand’s success. Foodies can expect a fancy, but easy approach at Pantry Hazelwood, with a seamless fusion of takeaway, retail, deli and supermarket experiences.  

www.pantry.co.za
@pantry_jhb
Pantry by Marble Pretoria

BAH Fresco

Also recently opened at Hazelwood’s The Village, BAH Fresco is yet another dining destination to add to you Pretoria bucket list. BAH Restôbar, as they refer to it on their Instagram feed, is coming in hot with superb wood fired meats, bold flavours and an unforgettable experience. With over seventeen years of experience opening and running some of the top restaurants across the country alongside Chef Luke Dale Roberts (including The Test Kitchen, The Pot Luck Club and The Shortmarket Club), Chef Tyron Gentry is ready to wow Pretorians with his culinary skills. Having earned numerous awards, diners can expect only the finest at BAH. He’s bringing his expertise, creativity and passion to the City of Jacarandas, so prepare yourselves for innovative dishes made from ethically farmed and sustainably sourced ingredients.

www.bahparilla.com
@bah_fresco
BAH Fresco

Seattle Coffee Co

Probably one of their biggest spaces yet, Seattle Coffee Co’s shop at Castle Gate is where digital nomads and coffee lovers tend to hang out these days. The stunning space boasts high ceilings and a modern coffee bar at centre of it all, with lots of indoor and outdoor seating. Unlike any other in the Seattle Coffee Company family, this one comes with new food on the menu, alternative brewing methods and more. People are calling it the New York experience in Pretoria, but with better coffee. Don’t walk, run!  

www.seattlecoffeecompany.co.za
@seattlecoffeeco
Seattle Coffee Company

Doppio Zero

Known for its beautiful interiors and delicious breakfasts, Pretoria’s Old East recently got richer with the addition of a Doppio Zero at its famous The Village in Hazelwood. The space has been designed with its loyal patrons, but also The Village’s vibe in mind and is sure to lure both locals and visitors inside. Located in Oaktree Avenue, this eatery offers an array of breakfast, lunch and dinner options, with freshly squeezed juices and a smoothie bar to kickstart the day the right way. They also serve their famous Beninies at their Hazelwood space and if you’re carb conscious, you can always ask for Haloumi instead. The family-friendly restaurant has a kiddies’ menu too, with the option for littles to build their own pizzas. So, next time you cycle or run past, be sure to pop in for a brekkie.

www.doppio.co.za
@doppiozerosa
Doppio Zero Hazelwood

Modern Tailors

Having opened in Groenkloof recently, Modern Tailors’ Ambassador restaurant is the ultimate dining destination for those who enjoy Indian cuisine. Their authentic Indian food menu was created by Executive Chef Jessica Munisamy and the team and features generational recipes with a modern influence. While the cuisine is a feast in itself, the décor is a feast for the eyes with brilliant, bold details like tasseled lampshades and rattan weave chairs. Warm colours make for a welcoming atmosphere at this new eatery with a bold entrance framed with red tiles that lure patrons inside.  

www.moderntailors.co.za
@moderntailors_za
Modern Tailors

Sorcery Coffee Roasters

Sorcery Coffee Roasters has two truly unique espresso bars in Pretoria, with Sorcery Ruins being our favourite. Located at Diep in die Berg in Wapadrand, this coffee spot allows for the most spectacular views as you sip on an expertly prepared and seriously great americano, cappuccino or cortado. Their focus is on extremely high-grade coffees, which means you can expect only the best. They roast with the utmost attention to detail, resulting in a gently roasted coffeethat highlights the characteristics of the bean and less of the bitterness. Their menu isn’t big, but you can enjoy some delicious croissants and other baked goods, as well as sourdough pizzas and toasties here. It’s a self-service caféand kids and pets are welcome.  

sorcerycoffee.co.za
@sorcerycoffee
Sorcery Coffee Roasters

Hillside Tavern

As a Pretoria restaurant that has stood the test of time, Hillside Tavern brings a touch of vintage to your Valentine’s Day and every other day. Catering to the Pretorian crowd, its menu is vast with various delectable classics like Eisbein, Wiener Schnitzel and Chicken Cordon Bleu. Their generous portions are one of the reasons loyal diners return time and again. With a quaint courtyard for those wanting to dine al fresco, Hillside Tavern is a nostalgic haven perfect for lovebirds who enjoy a quieter restaurant where they can have a proper conversation.  

hillsidetavern.co.za
@hillsiderestaurantandgrill
Hillside Tavern

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