by Beverley Wilcock
Local to the East Rand or looking for a quick sho’t left for dinner? Then this one is for you. We’ve listed some of Joburg’s east side gems if you’re craving something other than the same old, same old.
Upcycled Café
Upcycled Café’s unique decor will catch your eye from the get-go, and then their menu will bowl you over. They've got many breakfast options, including Ma’s Masala Eggs, and not one, but three Hipster Heaven breakfasts.
If that doesn’t tickle your fancy, you can try their Real Makhoya, one of two types of yoghurt bowls, or their Loaded Chip Bowl. Believe it or not, there’s even an AK-47 on the menu, and all their meals are halaal. The only thing missing from this menu is the kitchen sink!
Details: Atlas Junction, Corner Atlas and Edel Roads, Beyers Park, Boksburg | 011 029 0089 | https://upcycledcafe.co.za/
The 11th Floor
Looking for something fancier? Maybe you want to propose to your partner. Maybe there's an urgent need to score brownie points with the husband, wife, or in-laws. Named for being on the 11th floor of the Alpha Building in Bedfordview, this multi-award-winning restaurant offers luxury, fine dining, and a captivating view of Johannesburg’s skyline.
Every Wednesday to Sunday, you can also experience live music along with your fine dining, and for the month of February, breakfast is 25% off. Remember to bring your debit or credit card(s), since they don't accept cash.
Details: 28 Bradford Road, Bedfordview, 2007 | 010 045 0440 | [email protected]
Tribes African Grill and Steakhouse
If you miss mom, mamma, gogo, or granny’s cooking, then Tribes is the place for you. Tribes offers a range of South African classics like malva pudding, mogodu, oxtail and pap en sous, along with some twists on the classics we know.
If, as their menu says, you’re not chicken and will take on their dare, perhaps give their bobotie springroll a try or end off with a milktart springroll. You can also try one of their four set menus: Inkosi, Ayoba, Ubuntu or Isibaya. They are open seven days a week from 11 am until late.
Details: Shop 23, Emperor’s Palace, Jet Park, Boksburg | 011 397 6512 or 011 928 1227 or WhatsApp 076 957 8170 | [email protected]
Sass Café
Is life getting a little too sassy, or do you just need to blow off some steam? Sass Café is the perfect place for a family day out. There's a fabulous playground for the kids to enjoy while you relax and embrace the atmosphere.
Sass breakfasts are served until 11 am, and there's a wide variety of other menu options to choose from, including Sass salads and their signature sushi. If you’re looking for something lighter, try the tapas and meze: the Kibbeh Iris, Dolmathakia, and cabbage rolls are a hit.
While you’re there, you may also want to try out Sass Café’s signature cocktails. Perhaps a Dark & Stormy cocktail to go with the weather of late, or a Sassy Sunrise to match the beautiful sunrises we get to experience.
Details: 3 Iris Road, Bedfordview 2007 | 069 626 3671 | [email protected]
GRUBhouse (Glen Balad)
Have you always wanted to be in a real American diner like we see in the movies? The roadhouse with bench seats where you eat burgers, chips, and milkshakes? If this is your thing, then GRUBhouse is the place for you.
Young, old and everyone in between can do as their slogan says: roll up your sleeves and get messy. They also run daily specials: 90s prices on the kiddies' menu on Mondays, and bottomless wings on Wednesdays are just the beginning. On Thursdays, you can get two cocktails or a 1L Black Label as part of their Thirst Day special. Their East Rand location is in Kempton Park.
Details: Shop 6, Cnr. Weinberg and Loam Road, Glen Marais, Kempton Park | 079 134 7783 | [email protected]
The Green Craft Bar (Benoni)
There’s nothing quite like a cold beer at the end of a hard week, right? At The Green Craft Bar, there are 40 different beers to choose from, and on Fridays, you don’t even need to book a table. Just head on down to enjoy their ales, lagers, or pilsners with names like Striped Horse, Naked Face, Devils Peak, or even a Mad Giant! Their menu includes snacks like Benoni Cherries or meal options including a Big Cow Burger.
Details: Benoni Country Club, Morris St, Morehill, Benoni | 083 608 0763 | [email protected]
If you're passing through the East Rand and find yourself scouring Google Maps to find a spot to eat that actually sounds appealing, there's no longer any need. Skip the faff and try one of the establishments above! Each of these restaurants caters to a different audience with varied needs, so everyone's accounted for. No more "ag, this'll do," for you.
Are there any notable restaurants we've missed? Let us know!
