Our list of the top 7 new(ish) restaurants in South Africa right now
South Africa's newest restaurants are calling
One of the most common questions our editors get asked is: “Which new restaurants can we try right now?” If you live North of the Vaal River, your options are sadly limited when it comes to things to do over the weekend. That’s why most Joburg and Pretoria residents have become self-proclaimed food critics, as they love exploring new places where they can wine and dine.
Faced with this conundrum, we’ve decided to offer up a selection of our best new(ish) restaurants in South Africa as of August 2022. If you consider yourself one of the country’s leading food critics, feel free to add your suggestions and comments in the comments box below this article.
Here’s our list of new(ish) restaurants in SA, in no particular order:
BarQGrill - Boksburg
Contemporary braai-inspired
They had us at braai. Opened by restaurateur Pari Xenophontos in the middle of COVID, this contemporary eatery on the main strip in Boksburg is inspired by the love South Africans have for cooking over an open flame.
It doesn’t get yummier than this. They specialise in a selection of braaied meat, such as their signature honey-mustard basted chicken sword, coal-grilled pork ribs and Wagyu beef burgers. And yes, you guessed it… All cooked over an open-coal fire.
For those not so keen on meat, they also offer sushi, poke bowls, pasta and a variety of delicious salads.
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Try one of their signature cocktails. We can recommend the Barbie Mojito, Mexican Slush Puppy, or a Spicy Mango Shot which has Smirnoff 1818 vodka, mango syrup, pineapple juice, and fresh-cut jalapenos. Insanely delicious!
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BarQGrill offers a selection of weekly specials, so don’t stress about counting your rands. Take the family or date out on a Monday for half-price sushi. Opt for their 300g rump steak and chips on a Tuesday, for only R119. Or, try their 1kg pork cage ribs on a Thursday for only R189.
GRK - Joburg
Modern and redefining Greek street food
The Greek g-ds have arrived. This brand new, modern Greek eatery just opened its doors in Sandton last month. And, it celebrates Greek street food.
Their gyro is definitely the star of the show, as they use a new method of cooking the meat. It’s a method the owners encountered in Greece five years ago, resulting in a product that is fresher and safer, utilising only top-quality meat prepared and grilled on flat grills on site. The meat is thinly sliced and then cut on the open kitchen’s butcher blocks, with custom-made half-moon knives. Moreover, we love that this method of cooking is cleaner and more sanitary, offering discerning diners great-tasting food.
Choose from pork, beef, lamb, chicken or kofta gyros, all served beautifully in pitas imported directly from Greece. Also, the pitas contain no added sugar.
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For all you vegetarians and vegans, we suggest you try their falafel and mushroom option. Remember to add all the delectable dips, which have been specially adjusted to South African palates.
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You cannot leave without ordering the Vaflaki (freshly baked mini waffles imported from Greece), served with homemade Italian gelato. We’re salivating right now. Perfection!
The Bailey - Cape Town
Four destinations; one address
Named after his beloved chocolate Labrador, Liam Tomlin has conjured yet another magical destination in the heart of Cape Town’s foodie district. With three destinations to choose from (and a whiskey bar on the top floor), patrons are sure to be impressed, entertained, and satisfied.
Café at The Bailey draws inspiration from Liam’s recent research trip to Paris, and has been modeled on a grand European café. Prepare your taste buds for croissants and patisserie delights baked on site. In addition, order coffee or sip wine at round tables paired with high-backed stools in pinstripes or green velvet.
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Visit the classic French Brasserie for something a little finer. Think duck confit, beef bourguignon, coq au vin and steak frites, and Tarte Tatin and Crème Brûlée to finish.
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The Bailey’s top floor houses the Old Bailey Whiskey Bar, where you can indulge in whiskeys and single malts from velvet armchairs.
91 Bree Street, Cape Town
+27.21.773.0440
Moonshine Menlyn - Pretoria
New York-style restaurant and bar
Conceptualised during the pandemic lockdowns, Moonshine Menlyn has opened at Time Square in Pretoria, offering an authentic New York-style restaurant and bar.
The luxuriously appointed establishment is located in a prime position overlooking the action at Time Square and the SunBet Arena and is sure to become the dinner and drinks choice for many before they head to a show or to the casino.
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Meat and grills! Try their Nashville baby chicken, ribeye, rump, and ribs which are expertly cooked over an open flame. Choose from either smoky BBQ basted or their signature dry rub. Another must-try is their American brisket, smoked for twelve hours in what they describe as “classic Texas style.” How sick?
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If you and your date are keen to get lit, then check out their line-up of live DJs and entertainment from Friday to Sunday.
Time Square, 209 Aramist Ave, Menlyn, Pretoria
+27.12.003.6176
Scala Pasta Bar - Cape Town
Not your mama's pasta
Pasta bars are taking the world by storm and why should Cape Town be any different? Michelin Star Chef Luciano Monosilio (aka the King of Carbonara) is bringing the taste of Italian pasta to the tables of Cape Town.
Think Spain meets Italy. Tapas-size pasta dishes are served in tasting portions. A very creative way to ensure that each member of your party can experience all that the menu has to offer.
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It’s a little difficult for us to recommend anything as the restaurant only opens on the 15th of September. We do however suggest booking as soon as possible on dineplan to avoid disappointment. Also keep an eye out on our social media for a proper review.
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Luciano is one of the youngest Italian chefs to be awarded a Michelin Star. He was only 27 at the time. Chef Luciano gained international fame thanks to pasta-based dishes, the cornerstone of Italian tradition, such as his Carbonara, now widely recognized worldwide.
81 Church Street, Herritage Square, Cape Town
Bard & Minstrel Café - Umhlanga
A French brasserie inspired café
As magazine publishers, we have to respect innovative entrepreneurs that create new ways to inspire readers. This one-of-a-kind French-inspired destination offers breakfast, lunch, and the finest quality cocktails and champagne. The café is associated with the high-end retail coffee table books, Assouline. Hence, it’s the perfect place to read, re-calibrate and lavish in luxury.
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Arriving earlier than planned, purchasing one of their exquisite coffee table books and surrendering to the peace that surrounds.
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Brand & Minstrel has a selection of the most beautifully crafted books. Channel, Dior, Louis Vuitton and many more.
Ncondo Place, Umhlanga Ridge, Umhlanga
+27.78.534.1580
La Parada - Joburg
Spanish-style tapas and vibes
La Parada is an iconic urban-chic tapas-style restaurant that is a tribute to the Spanish bars that bewitched Hemingway. With an atmosphere of casual decadence and soulfully sleek romance, this contemporary tropical bonanza in the bustling streets of Johannesburg is a must-do experience.
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Go hungry, because the menu is extensive! We suggest ordering a mix of their Tapas. Try the Prawn Croquetas and Tuna Tacos with pineapple rainbow salsa, guacamole, miso emulsion & jalapenos. Oh, and definitely go for the Wagyu Beef Potstickers. Top up with their Mediterranean Salad that consists of marinated zucchini noodles, sundried tomato pesto, candied red peppers, roasted aubergine, feta, toasted chickpeas and baby spinach.
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If you’re planning Sunday vibes with the crew then bottle service is the only way to go! Check out their menu here.
