by Leah Reed Forbes
Parkhurst is thriving as one of Joburg’s most popular suburbs, buzzing with restaurants, coffee shops, and (very notably) ice cream spots. 4th Avenue has been through a few changes in the last few years, with hopeful restaurateurs trying their luck alongside establishments that have gone almost three decades strong. Foodies will find plenty of joy here, so come hungry and walk with me along the Ultimate Taste Tour as we explore the best restaurants in Parkhurst.
Breakfast Bites
The most important meal of the day could be a languid brunch with a mimosa, or a quick croissant on your way to work. The best breakfast in Parkhurst is tricky to define, but we’ll try.
The Weekend Brunch
Modena is a Parkhurst staple for Italian food, but on Saturday and Sunday mornings, they host a brunch buffet that’s out of this world. From focaccia, eggs, brinjal involtini and a selection of pastries, this is the place for a languid, DIY brunch for those who love a continental breakfast. R190 for adults and R190 for children from 8 AM-11 AM.
OBA Cafe is an authentic Turkish Cafe in Parkhurst that entices you with the assortment of baklava and Turkish delights shining through the window. Serving Turkish coffee over their shared breakfast platter, this is the place to arrive hungry and leave satisfied. Their breakfast consists of eggs, traditional Turkish meats and sausages, pastries, salads and breads.
What to order: The Turkish Breakfast.
Grab And Go
Fab & Co is a local’s spot in Parkhurst that serves up a breakfast and lunch menu, alongside cakes, woodfired pizza and lekker coffee. They’re dog-friendly and great for a first date.
What to order: The Pavement Special - their take on a bacon and egg roll with their homemade tomato ragu. Egg-celent to pick up on the run.
Sidewalk Pickup
Slaps Sandos are the latest addition to 4th Avenue’s culinary landscape. While some restaurants try to do everything at once, Slaps focus on burger-style sandwiches made fresh while you wait, and packaged ready to go.
What to order: Chicken sando with a smashed cucumber salad on the side, and a slice of cheesecake to go.
Carnivore’s Delight
The Blockman, ranked as #97 out of the 101 World’s Best Steak Restaurants in 2025, is located at 33 4th Avenue, Parkhurst. Their dry and wet-aged steaks can be selected right from their butcher’s block before arriving perfectly cooked at your table. An array of sauces and sides accompany their dishes, but this isn’t the place for your vegetarian mother-in-law.
What to order: Ribeye on the bone with Blockman Butter and a Caesar salad.
A Culinary Adventure
A contemporary, modern and trendy restaurant on the corner of 4th Avenue and 13th Street, Embarc merges comfortable European design with bold, clean flavours. With a menu that focuses on sustainability and changes seasonally, you’ll want to visit regularly and try something new every time. With plenty of vegetarian and vegan options, Embarc brings a carefully curated menu each season and caters to a refined palate.
What to order: Crack Calamari to start, Hispi Cabbage for mains and the lemongrass panna cotta for dessert.
Korean Barbeque
There are two standout Korean restaurants in Parkhurst: Surasang and Pocha. They both offer different experiences of traditional Korean food. Surasang features authentic Korean Barbeque (KBBQ) and hotpot, built into the table. This communal style of eating allows you to order and cook your own food at the table. They also have various Korean street food dishes, like fried chicken and tteokbokki. Pocha is next door, and they serve huge sharing dishes, rice and stews.
What to order: Any sharing dish to feed a large table.
Mediterranean Delights
If small plates and sharing are your idea of a great night out, you have to try Liban Cafe & Restaurant. This Lebanese restaurant has large TV screens and hookahs on tables, and the food is arguably some of the best in Joburg. From hummus and pickles to traditional Lebanese meats and pies, all served with fresh Lebanese bread, this is an unforgettable dining experience.
What to order: The Lebanese Experience and a margarita.
Kolonaki remains undefeated as one of the best restaurants in Parkhurst. An elevated twist on the traditional Greek taverna, Kolonaki takes Greek dining to the next level, with seafood dishes, sharing platters and dips with pita to die for.
What to order: Tahini & lamb dip with pita, and prawns to share.
This is just a taste of the smorgasbord on offer in Parkhurst. It’s bustling with boutiques, snacks and even cannabis shops, so find a parking spot and explore 4th Avenue on foot. With plenty of pizza, pubs and ice cream shops, look out for where to get the best ice cream in Joburg and keep an eye on our Ultimate Taste Tour guides around Joburg.
