Joburg has no shortage of big-name foodie hotspots, but some of the city’s tastiest finds are still flying under the radar. Maybe they’re brand-new, maybe they’re tucked away in corners you’d never think to check — but they’re the kind of places we love stumbling across and can’t wait to share. Here are a few fab restaurants you may not have heard of yet, but definitely don’t want to miss.
Kolonaki Greek Kouzina
They say Greek cuisine is some of the best in the world, and Kolonaki goes above and beyond to prove it. Both locations in Parkhurst and Bryanston perfectly illustrate what it means to elevate traditional dishes to fine dining level. With an impeccable menu and flawless decor that simultaneously feels sleek and comforting, once you sit down here, you won’t want to leave.
LalQila Johannesburg
LalQila is an upmarket restaurant that’s already garnered great popularity in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and its home in Pakistan. The setting feels sophisticated—almost regal—and the food on offer is a life-changing flavour explosion. With a buffet, swanky dessert bar, and an extensive a la carte menu, we can promise you won’t leave hungry.
Tribes
You’ll find Tribes at Emperor’s Palace, and what a treat it is! Traditional African cuisine has undergone a pretty fancy makeover here, and the flavours are indescribable. This is an ideal spot to stop for a meal if you’re a meat lover, feeling patriotic, or trying to impress your tourist friends.
Kōl Izakhaya
Kōl is the Japanese word for coal, which speaks to their mastery of the robata grill. You’re in for an elevated dining experience here that somehow still feels homely at the same time. Prepare your palate for delicate, smoky cuts of meat, wasabi-crusted tuna, and sushi that looks like it just came out of a magazine. The place is exquisite, no notes.
Beirut
If you’re a fan of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine, this is your next stop. Beirut opened its doors in January 2025, and our lives haven’t been the same since. The food is every bit as scrumptious as you’d expect from the region, with generous portions that you’ll be excited to share across the table. Seriously—we could write poetry about the hummus and flatbread.
Embarc
We’re not kidding when we say every dish here looks like it belongs in an art gallery. Embarc in Parkhurst uses seasonal, sustainable ingredients to create dishes that really do steal the show. Enjoy absolutely stunning plates full of bold flavours that you can match perfectly with a handpicked selection of wines. Yum.
Have we managed to make you hungry? You’ll be pleased to know this is really just a drop in the ocean when it comes to restaurants in Joburg that you may not have heard of. Stay tuned for a Part Two, because there’s more deliciousness to be uncovered!
Lus for dessert? Check out our favourite bakeries to grab a sweet treat! There’s a pistachio doughnut calling your name.
