The Oreo Jar, The Big Mouth, Nelson Mandela Square
There are plenty of reasons to stop by
The Big Mouth: the trendy eatery has a great location on the Square, warm, welcoming staff, and an extensive sushi menu. But frankly, we come here for one reason and one reason only — the Oreo Jar. It may not be the most visually appealing dessert, but don’t let that give you any doubts. There’s a downright delicious combination going on here with crunchy crumbled Oreos and chocolatey Nutella mousse. Served in a jar, it makes for easy eating — and it's love at first mouthful.
Where: Nelson Mandela Square, corner of Maude & 5th Streets, Sandton, Johannesburg.
The Chocolate Torte Slice, The Fat Zebra, Linden
The Fat Zebra has always taken desserts seriously. So it’s especially telling that, while the cakes on offer change regularly, there’s one thing that never changes — their killer Chocolate Torte Slice. This luxurious cake is decadent without being too rich and is served with a dollop of crème fraîche and seasonal berries. The dark, chocolate flavour will leave you wanting more, every time.
Where: Corner 7th Street & 3rd Avenue, Linden, Johannesburg.
The Chocolate Tart, Café del Sol, Olivedale
Café Del Sol’s Chocolate Tart could easily be the signature dessert on a five-star hotel restaurant menu. It has copious amounts of soft chocolate truffle, creating a high chocolate-to-flour ratio that fudge lovers will adore. A nutty pastry crust adds some balance and provides depth of flavour. This tart simply melts on your tongue.
Where: Café Del Sol Classico, Olivedale Corner Shopping Centre, corner of Olive & President Fouche Roads, Olivedale, Johannesburg & Café Del Sol Botanico, Bryanston Shopping Centre, William Nicol Drive, Bryanston, Johannesburg.
The Italian Dark Chocolate Ice Cream, Tortellini D’Oro, Oaklands
For us,
Tortellini D’Oro is, without question, one of the best Italian eateries in Joburg. The perfect combination of fresh ingredients and time-tested techniques are present in every dish but there’s no better showcase for the chef's skills than the Italian Dark Chocolate Ice Cream. The flavour is intense with a subtle hint of fruit and bitter coffee. It has a powerful richness akin to a slice of dense flourless chocolate cake and a smooth, silky texture. Served in an ice cream cup with chocolate biscotti, it’s the perfect dessert.
Where: Oaklands Shopping Centre, corner of Pretoria & Victoria Streets, Oaklands, Johannesburg.
The Chocolate Macaroons, The Patisserie, Illovo
The rich, bittersweet chocolate flavour makes these macaroons from
The Patisserie stand out from your average desserts. With their soft, crunchy shell and plenty of soft, intense chocolate inside, it’s natural to compare them to creamy chocolate truffles. A couple of these will result in that delightful chocolate overload that will make you thirst for an ice-cold glass of milk – one of the friendly waitresses can easily organise that for you.
Where: Post Office Centre, corner of Rudd Road & Otto Street, Illovo, Johannesburg.
The Ferrero Rocher Cupcakes, Walnut Grove, Sandton City
Walnut Grove may be best known for their designer cakes and stylish ambience but the cupcakes are also standouts. The little, baked creations have a rich flavour, a fluffy texture and fudgy icing. The Ferrero Rocher versions are particularly divine, whipped up with high-quality chocolate and topped with a Ferrero Rocher chocolate. Trust me when I say that you’ll never have an icing more delicious touch your lips.
Where: Sandton City Shopping Centre, corner of Rivonia Road & 5th Street, Sandton, Johannesburg.
The Chocolate Den & Trang, Saigon, Rivonia
Saigon Vietnamese restaurant is an institution for their steaming bowls of stir-fry and fragrant curries, but we can assure you that their desserts also need a mention, especially the Chocolate Den & Trang. This smooth and silky chocolate mousse is made from the finest ingredients and has an unbelievably light texture and is rich without being cloying.
Where: Rivonia Junction, corner Rivonia Road & 7th Avenue, Rivonia, Johannesburg.
The Chocolate-Filled Croissant, The Whippet, Linden
If you’re a fan of pastries with the added deliciousness of chocolate, we assume you’re a sucker for pain au chocolat, perhaps more commonly known as chocolate croissants. In that case, we assume you also know that it’s hard to find good ones locally. The charming little spot that is
The Whippet makes them amazingly well. While, quite frankly, there isn’t anything on the menu here that we
don’t recommend, the light, flaky croissants filled with rich chocolate are at the top of our list. Delicious for breakfast or brunch, order one up with a crème brûlée latte and you’re in for the ultimate indulgence.
Where: Corner 7th Street & 4th Avenue, Linden, Johannesburg.
The Belgian Chocolate Fondue, Licorish Bistro, Bryanston
Licorish Bistro’s bubbling Belgian Chocolate Fondue is in a class of its own. Roll up your sleeves and get ready to be set loose into chocolate heaven. Served with fresh fruit and vanilla sponge cake, the fondue is relatively simple but at the same time tremendously satisfying. The chocolate is superior quality, rich and creamy. After a long, hard week of work, there’s nothing better than sharing this delight with a friend or lover. Just be warned: you will leave feeling ‘chocolate wasted’.
Where: Nicolway Shopping Centre, William Nicol Drive, Bryanston, Johannesburg.
Do you know of any other sinfully rich chocolate desserts that you can recommend? If so, share with us in the comments below.
Remember that our “Top Picks” are not paid for and are compiled at the discretion of the journalist. We only write about what we love.
