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So if you’re not from Joburg, let me give you a quick overview of the general area. Linden is between Randburg and Northcliff and is pretty much a quiet family-orientated neighbourhood. Nightclubs get shut down if they’re even suspected of noise or drug violations; the streets are tidy and the gardens green.
4th Avenue is pretty much Linden's commercial zone. It plays host to the hip Red Pepper Studios, as well as a bevy of cafes, bakeries, restaurants and clothing stores. That being said, you’d still think you’re in a the middle of a small town rather than overlooking the Sentech Tower in Africa's fastest moving city. It’s a quiet, breezy street but boasts some fantastic dining options, most of which have an Al Fresco element to them.
So I’ve found some of my favourites and decided to let you in on the best places to dine Al Fresco in Linden.
Paputzi’s
Paputzi’s is my new home away from home. They are by far the best garden dining spot in Joburg and they have even won a spot on the Top 10 Cafés in South Africa list a couple years in a row to prove it. They have a fairly small indoor dining area, but the real treat is their massive outdoor area with tables and tents occupying a little piece of heaven. Their menu is extensive but the thing that caught my eye was the amount of purely South African treats, from roosterbrood to oxtail and everything in between.
Address: 69 Fourth Ave, Linden.
Argentinean Bakery & Coffee Shop
If attendance is anything to go by, then the Argentinean is easily the most popular Al Fresco spot in Linden. This humble little bakery and coffee shop is rather deceiving to the eye, with an unpretentious corner shop style and a menu that sees customers swarming back every time. Their breakfasts are scrumptious but their baked goods (such as their croissants and bread) set them apart. They also strike me as a perfect example of Al fresco dining because the chairs and tables literally spill out onto the pavement outside.
Address: Corner 4th Avenue and 7th Street, Linden.
The Whippet
The Whippet created a real buzz when its first opened doors in Linden. Their contemporary style and upmarket vibe are immediately inviting and they have an awesome Al Fresco element going on outside on the pavement. Their menu is simple but enjoys attention for a few highlights including craft beer and fresh muffins. Sit out in the shade and watch an afternoon go by at one of Jozi’s most loved diners.
Address: Corner 4th Avenue and 7th Street, Linden.
Angelo’s Deli & Bistro
Angelo’s is a super little deli which only recently opened on 4th Avenue. Their focus is on cheese and meats but their menu is just astounding and they have a lovely little outdoor seating area where you could enjoy some cheese, wine and good company in the summer months.
Address: Shop 3, Lynley Court, 51 4th Avenue, Linden.
Cheese Gourmet Fine Food Boutique and Coffee Shop
Cheese Gourmet is a hidden gem in Linden, only known by real cheese and sausage fans. The best part is that they also have a coffee shop and outdoor seating area where patrons can relax and soak up the sun. Production crews from the nearby Red Pepper Studios can be found having cake and coffee while planning shoots.
Address: 71 3rd Avenue (Corner 7th street), Linden.
Crafter's and Cravings
Situated just off 4th Avenue Linden, Crafter's and Cravings is a unique little cafe which is mainly a home store but has a coffee shop and high-tea offering tacked on for good measure. They offer High-Tea with treats wide and varied not to mention the fact that they have 16 different tea varieties. Their little outdoor seating area is modest but it would make for the perfect place to taste some teas and treats in summer.
Address: 65 4th Avenue, Linden.
by Byron Marais
