by Leah Reed Forbes
Greenside is a central Joburg suburb that has survived multiple evolutions and identities, from the centre of the jol to steadfast eateries and coffee shops. It’s full of friendly faces and a laid-back, local vibe. A walkable neighbourhood full of street art, thrift shops, and delicious things for your face, Greenside is popular with foodies, cocktail lovers, and coffee connoisseurs. Grab your sneakers, because we’re exploring Greenside on foot.
The first thing you’ll notice about Greenside is how friendly everyone is. Wide smiles on the street and warm invitations from hosts will make you want to order something at every spot. Here are the best places to eat in Greenside.
The Fussy Vegan
The Fussy Vegan is a vegan institution in Greenside, with an entirely plant-based menu and a takeaway feel. Where vegan food is often compared to rabbit cuisine, The Fussy Vegan boasts a menu of indulgent, saucy burgers that will have the most devout meat-lovers go, “What do you mean this is vegan?!”
From tofu scramble to pulled mushrooms and seitan burgers, The Fussy Vegan is a must-try for anyone curious about a plant-based diet, and proves that a meal really doesn’t need to contain meat to be completely delicious. Find them at 34 Gleneagles Rd, Greenside.
What to order: The Philly Sub with seitan strips and cashew nut cheese on a whole-grain sub.
Kimono Bae/Kimono Sushi And Thai
Kimono Bae, also known as Kimono Sushi and Thai, is one of the most unique restaurants in Joburg. As South Africans, we don’t get much exposure to the Cajun tradition of seafood boil, and Kimono Bae makes this cuisine accessible and delicious. Traditionally prepared in a large pot, a seafood boil combines prawns, mussels, calamari, langoustines, crab, potatoes, and corn with spices to make a shareable dish full of intense seafood flavour. Find them at 14 Gleneagles Rd, Greenside.
What to order: The seafood boil. Obviously!
Dice And Dine
While we’re on unique places to eat in Greenside, the newest kid on the block is Dice and Dine. This is Wonderland straight out of the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party. With board games on offer, a place to race remote-controlled monster trucks and a train that delivers your drinks, this is a delightful space for kids and adults alike. From birthday parties to game nights, this is pretty much guaranteed to be a memorable outing for the whole family. Their menu includes sharing platters and potjies as well as vegetarian options like cauliflower bites and lettuce wraps. They’re hidden at 26 Gleneagles Road, and finding them feels like an adventure in itself.
What to order: Chicken on a stick and a game of Uno.
Jack's Bagels
When I was getting my hair done in Greenside and wanted a little snack, my hairdresser recommended Jack’s Bagels. He was right. Jack’s Bagels initially began as Port Elizabeth’s take on New York-style bagels, and they quickly became South Africa’s first bagel franchise. Offering both sweet and savoury bagels, their traditional recipe makes their breads soft, delicious, and full of flavour. Of course, they also offer a South African spin on savoury bagels; they feature biltong, avocado, and cream cheese as an option alongside classics like smoked salmon. They’ve also got a Bar One bagel, which obviously got our attention. Would you eat it?
What to order: My hairdresser recommended the Chicken Mayo. It’s a classic for a reason, and didn't disappoint.
Waki
Waki is a lounge-style restaurant that blends an air of sophistication with a surprisingly laid-back atmosphere. Speaking to their staff, their menu currently features pizza, pasta, and main course dishes, but some insider info indicates that they’re due to make major changes to their menu soon. The plan for the new menu at Waki includes plans for tapas-style small plates to establish a more elevated dining experience. A hubbly at your table, cocktails in hand, plates designed for sharing and seating in one of their lounge pockets sounds like a perfect night out with friends. Located at 18 Gleneagles Road, Greenside.
What to order: They recommended the chicken pasta, but we’ll wait with bated breath to see what they add to the menu.
Spiceburg
Spiceburg is an Indian restaurant in Greenside offering traditional North and South Indian dishes. Their menu is extensive, with chicken, lamb, and vegetarian dishes dominating the options. They also feature a wide range of traditional Indian starters and snacks like onion bhajiya, pakora, and pani puri. This is a pretty large restaurant designed to host big groups, but there are more intimate seating arrangements if you're not arriving with a ton of company. They also have free delivery within a 3km radius of their restaurant at 10 Gleneagles Rd, Greenside.
What to order: Any of their lamb dishes are considered their speciality.
Whether you’re looking for fish, curry, a daytime cafe or a unique dining experience, a friendly face in Greenside will make that happen for you. A wonderfully walkable neighbourhood with great street security, Greenside is one of our favourite neighbourhoods for foodies. Love exploring Joburg? Check out our Parkhurst Taste Tour.