The Whippet Coffee Melville
In July 2019,
The Whippet Coffee opened their second store in Melville, bringing Joburg foodies even more inspired brunches, gourmet coffee and contemporary South African desserts. However, one big change at the new Whippet store came in the form of a rooftop farm! Offering visitors fresh produce from right above their heads, this farm-to-table experience is definitely worth taking a trip to the Melville suburbs. If you didn't make it to The Whippet Melville in 2019, then make sure to pop by in the new year.
Click here for more information.
Olives and Plates
Olives and Plates is a well known cafe and restaurant with locations around Johannesburg. Taking over residence at Exclusive Books Hyde Park in late 2019, Olives and Plates is bringing a delicious medley of Mediterranean-inspired dishes to eager diners. Their menu is generous, offering breakfast, light snacks, quesadillas and tapas. Mains include hearty Greek salads and family favourites with an eclectic twist. Book lovers, add this to your must-visit
bookstore coffee shops list for 2020!
Click here for more information.
[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/B1sgJ2QDV8S/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link[/embed]
Social Parkwood
The new kid on the Bolton Road block,
Social Parkwood is an African-inspired homely restaurant perfect for after-work drinks and great tapas. Combining traditional South African flavours with Western cooking styles, this bar-meets-restaurant caters to serious meat lovers, as well as vegetarians and vegans. Take a whole bunch of friends along for a cocktail party to welcome in the new year.
Click here for more information.
Doppio Zero Sandton
Another vegan-friendly restaurant that made waves in 2019 on the Joburg foodie scene, was the newly revamped
Doppio Zero at Sandton City. With a new open kitchen, Doppio Zero's flagship store welcomed in inquisitive diners, proudly showing off their massive copper pizza oven and rows upon rows of fine wine. Needless to say that this much-loved restaurant chain is the uncontested home of thin-based pizza. Adding to the theatrics, Doppio Zero also introduced their loyal customers to Coco Me - an inviting chocolate counter complete with a chocolate fountain, gelato station and brownie building section! Visit them as soon as you can.
Click here for more information.
[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/B3Ojy-iAlOf/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link[/embed]
Lanser's On Main
While not quite a newbie to the Joburg restaurants bill,
Lanser's on Main cemented their status as Bryanston's favourite neighbourhood bistro in 2019. Under the careful expertise of Chef Lanser Fourie, this eatery is all about traditional restaurant hospitality, good food and the finest Cape wine. Make 2020 your year of trying new things by ordering the Steak Tartare at Lanser's on Main - a daunting, yet exquisite dish completed by a tot of cognac. It's the perfect way to kick off the brand-new decade. Cheers to a new you!
Click here for more information.
Just Teddy
Our list of must-visit Joburg restaurants for 2020 wouldn't be complete without a little touch of sweetness. Visit Hyde Park Corner's latest patisserie offering,
Just Teddy, this January. Specialising in French pastries and breads, teas and Middle Eastern-inspired cuisine, this restaurant offers something truly unique. Stand out dishes from the menu include the Hamburger Sûpreme - 100% grass fed beef, mature cheddar, butter lettuce, pickles, heirloom tomato, wholegrain mustard mayonnaise and ketchup, layered onto a 24k gold-plated black brioche bun. If you somehow have room leftover for dessert, you'll be in for a treat. Take your pick of delectable mini cakes, tartlets and French macarons.
Click here for more information.
[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BzLNCnrgdFr/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link[/embed]
George's Bread & Co.
Voted The Best Bakery in the
Best of Ekhuruleni 2019, George's Bread & Co. makes some of the best cakes, pastries and breads in the East Rand. While not a fine dining restaurant, we've added George's to the list because we all crave a great pie or cupcake every now and then. For the times when your New Year's diet becomes unbearable, head out to Boksburg for a taste of George's offerings. We promise that it'll be worth the few extra calories.
Click here for more information.
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.
Do you know of any other must-visit Joburg restaurants we should try out in the new year? Let us know about them! 
