2026 Food Trends in the South African Hospitality Industry
Something interesting is happening in professional kitchens right now. Diners are asking tougher questions. Chefs are stripping things back. Menus are becoming smarter, more personal and far more intentional. And according to the latest Future Menus report from Unilever Food Solutions South Africa, the 2026 Food Trend in the South African Hospitality Industry is all about meaning, value and flavour that actually tells a story.
The Ideal Guide on How To Roast the Perfect Autumn Brew
Autumn is a season of subtle shifts. The light softens, the air cools and our daily rituals begin to be showered in leaves of orange and brown. It’s the time of year when comfort takes precedence over speed, and flavour becomes deeper, warmer and more layered. Nowhere is this more evident than in the way we drink our first cup of coffee on a misty morning.
Our Top Nightlife Hangouts in Stellenbosch
When the sun sets over Stellenbosch, the corks come out. Here’s your inside scoop on where locals swirl, snack and settle in for seriously good wine.
Marbella Grand Café: Where Umhlanga’s Sea Breeze Meets Laid-Back Indulgence
Situated at The Pearls Mall in Umhlanga Rocks, with sweeping views of the Indian Ocean and that iconic pier curving out into the surf, the restaurant feels like the kind of coastal escape holidaymakers dream about. The buzz from the beach below sets the rhythm, while the soft clink of glasses and the low hum of conversation guide you inside.
A Gourmet Heaven Opens in Hazelwood: The Pantry’s Next Chapter
In a move set to delight food lovers across Pretoria, Pantry has officially opened its doors in the vibrant Hazelwood precinct. The stylish new spot marks a major milestone for Pantry by Marble, the gourmet convenience concept that has quickly become a favourite with Johannesburg diners and shoppers alike.
Inside Chef Michelle Theron’s World at Vergenoegd Wine Estate
Seasonality has become part of everyday dining, particularly in the Cape, where chefs increasingly cook with local harvests front of mind. Recently appointed to lead gastronomy at Vergenoegd Löw Wine Estate in Stellenbosch, Executive Chef Michelle Theron brings more than 20 years of fine-dining experience to a 160-hectare farm known for regenerative agriculture and its famous flock of Indian Runner ducks, which naturally manage pests in the vineyards.
A New Gourmet Sandwich Destination on Bree: The Whip Club
Cape Town’s Bree Street restaurant scene has long been one of the Mother City’s most vibrant culinary corridors – its bustling strip dotted with cafes, wine bars and international eateries drawing locals and visitors alike. Tucked into this gastronomic hotspot is a fresh neighbourhood star: The Whip Club, the new gourmet sandwich and coffee hatch at 61 Bree Street, brought to life by the team behind The Wiggle Room.
Our Top Kid-Friendly Restaurants in Joburg
Advertisement You’ve just stumbled upon the most comprehensive list of Kid-Firendly Restaurants in Joburg! Share this article Finding the perfect the ideal kid-friendly restaurant in Joburg that caters to both Children and adults can be a daunting task. Parents often struggle to strike a balance between keeping their children entertained in a safe environment […]
Fashion You Can Drink: Inside Gert-Johan Coetzee Wine Couture Collection
What happens when one of South Africa’s most recognisable fashion designers turns his attention to wine? The result is Wine Couture, a limited-edition collection from Gert-Johan Coetzee that merges the worlds of design and winemaking in a surprisingly elegant way.
Veld & Vine Bistro Brings a Farm-to-Fork Dining Experience to Cape Town
Veld & Vine Bistro in Claremont has officially opened inside the elegant grounds of The Claremont Boutique Hotel. And while the address carries history, the dining experience feels modern and welcoming yet still rooted in the land around it.
Mira Sandton: A Portuguese Dining Destination Reviving a Legendary Space
Visiting Mira, Sandton’s newest 200-seater Portuguese dining destination, felt like a moment of kismet – especially as we had no idea the restaurant occupies the same original venue as Villamoura.
Rooibos, But Make It Sparkling: Meet the Drink Built for Active Days
South African summers don’t do subtle. They arrive with blazing sunshine, early morning runs, beach walks, long workdays and the quiet determination to get back into routine as March rolls around. Somewhere between the gym bag, the car cup holder and the office desk, one thing quickly becomes clear: hydration matters. Introducing Sparkling Rooibos Fuel from Two in a Bush — a lightly sparkling drink built around one of South Africa’s most iconic ingredients.
Jacobs Turns Up the Flavour with NEW Latte and Cappuccino Flavours
As demand for café-style coffee at home continues to grow in South Africa, Jacobs is expanding its specialty mixes range with the launch of Jacobs Hot & Iced Latte and the much-anticipated return of Jacobs Vanilla Cappuccino.
What South Africans will be Eating, Drinking, and Leaving Behind in 2026
In the first few months of 2026, a clearer sense of what we actually want to eat, drink, and gather around emerges. Not what went viral. Not what photographed well for three weeks. But what endured, what exhausted us, and what is quietly inching its way onto menus and into our homes. In South Africa, this reckoning feels especially sharp. The cost of living has narrowed our appetite for novelty-for-novelty’s sake. Diners are cautious, more deliberate, and increasingly value- and values-driven. What follows are 10 emerging food trends identified by Dineplan that are shaping how – and why – we eat now.
A Night of Prestige and Plate: The 2026 LUXE Restaurant Awards
The 2026 LUXE Restaurant Awards unfolded in spectacular fashion at MIRA Sandton, presented in partnership with Audi South Africa, bringing together South Africa’s leading chefs, restaurateurs, and culinary trailblazers for an evening of prestige, recognition, and celebration.
The Icon Reimagined: Schweppes Awakens the Senses with NEW Trio of Flavours
There are few names in the world of beverages that carry the same quiet authority as Schweppes. Since 1783, the brand has defined what it means to drink well – not loudly, but with intention. Now, in a moment where taste, ritual, and restraint are shaping how we socialise, Schweppes returns with a reimagined identity that places flavour and connection at the centre of the experience.
A Spoonful of Goodness: Inside the World of ButtaNutt
In a wellness landscape increasingly driven by transparency and taste, ButtaNutt has carved out a space that feels both wholesome and indulgent. Known for its clean ingredients and proudly local roots, the brand has become a pantry staple for health-conscious South Africans looking for products that don’t compromise on flavour.
The Ultimate Food Pairings for Every Jacobs Coffee Moment
If you’ve ever curated a weekend brunch board or planned a Friday wind-down, you know that coffee isn’t just a drink, it’s a mood. In South Africa’s buzzing coffee scene, where sipping on something good is as iconic as the tune you pair it with, the flavour companion you choose can elevate every moment.
Whether you’re hosting friends on a sunlit patio, powering through emails at your desk, there’s a Jacobs coffee and a perfect pairing to match.
Una Mas: A Slice of Mexico on Sea Point’s Main Street
If you’ve ever wandered down Sea Point’s buzzing main road just as the sun begins to dip into the Atlantic, you’ll know the energy is unmatched. Nestled right in the heart of Sea Point’s town – just a stone’s throw away from the sea – you’ll find Una Mas, a vibrant Mexican eatery bringing bold flavour and even bolder vibes to this iconic street.
Chilled to Perfection: Nespresso Summer Iced Coffee Edit
This summer, it’s all about what’s in the cup. Nespresso’s latest Summer Iced Coffee Collection is a celebration of cold coffee rituals – bringing together new flavour-led blends, returning iced favourites, and limited-edition machines designed to elevate every chilled sip.
Your Ultimate Summer Ready-to-Drink (RTD) Guide
Discover the best ready-to-drink (RTD) for your summer adventures. From Patch cocktails to sparkling Mimosa and whisky High Ball in a can, here are the drinks perfect for picnics, beach days and game drives.
Oh, What a Place! Inside Nando’s 38-Year Legacy
Not many people realise this, but Nando’s started with humble beginnings as a single restaurant in Rosettenville, Johannesburg, in 1987. Believe it or not, this author visited that branch not long after it opened and vividly remembers the family member who took me along to try what he called “next-level chicken”, predicting it would become something massive one day. He was certainly on point with that prophecy!
Nine Lives: Inside Rosebank’s Hidden Supper Club & Speakeasy
Tucked discreetly between the fourth and fifth floors of Hyde Johannesburg, Nine Lives is the kind of venue that comes alive after the city goes to sleep. A new hidden speakeasy and supper club, Nine Lives invites guests into a moody, intimate world where 1970s-inspired drink culture meets modern culinary craft. Designed for lingering late into the night, it’s an after-dark destination that feels like you’re stepping into your ninth life.
#HelloRecommends: A Sensory Journey at S!GNS Restaurant Sandton
S!GNS Restaurant Sandton delivers an experience that goes beyond food, blending Afro-Global flavours with a stylish setting that feels right at home in Rivonia’s dining scene. From the thoughtfully plated dishes to the attentive service and vibrant atmosphere, the evening feels curated rather than rushed. It’s the kind of restaurant you choose when you’re marking an occasion or simply craving something a little more sensory than your usual night out.
