Braamfontein's restaurant scene is as diverse as its population. You can find all assortments of cuisine types here, ranging from homestyle pap en wors to the fanciest flapjack stack you've likely ever seen. If you're planning on taking a culinary journey through Braam, check out our list of the best restaurants in the area below.
What Are You Looking For?
African
American and Fast Food
Italian
Steak and Grill
Mediterranean
Coffee Shops and Cafes
Great Dane
African
Great Dane
Braamfontein becomes "Braaifontein" on Friday nights at Great Dane. For just *R60 you can get sticky ribs, pap and coleslaw, plus an assortment of potent cocktails and beer on tap. Great Dane also serves up some of the best gourmet hotdogs in the city. The "Boerbull" is their most authentic South African hotdog - boerewors, baby onions and barbeque sauce. However, they offer a number of other cuisine varieties, so be sure to come and test them out on your next journey through the restaurant scene in Braamfontein.
African Cuisine and Restaurant
If you're craving good old chicken and chips when in Braam, visit African Cuisine and Restaurant. Situated on Simmonds street, this authentic South African grill and burger shop offers super affordable meals, without sacrificing on flavour or freshness. This is the ideal spot to hit up after a night of hard partying. Get a super combo - full chicken, chuck steak, boerewors, 2l Coca Cola, six rolls and chips - to share with your friends for only *R299.
Find African Cuisine and Restaurant on UberEats.
Artivist
Artivist and Untitled Basement is an art gallery, live music venue, coffee shop and bistro all rolled into one. You might imagine then that their food offerings would be kept simple. Wrong! Artivist serves up some of the tastiest grub in Braam, including a Friday night shisanyama to rival any other restaurant in the area. However, this is no ordinary steak and grill feast. Come and dine on flamed-grilled North African chicken, "Boujee Wings" and traditional steamed bread served with hearty beef stew.
Artivist.
American &Fast Food
RocoGo Braamfontein
When you're in the mood for a juicy, cheesy burger where do you turn? RocoMamas, of course! Pop by their mini branch in Braamfontein when you feel the craving for a mouthwatering, sauce laden burger kick in. Here, you can get your hands on their best Smash burgers, wings and loaded fries. Oh, and don't forget to throw in a double thick milkshake to finish off your meal. It's the ultimate indulgence.
Burger King
Burger King has fast become one of Joburg's favourite fast food restaurants since launching in the country in 2018. Stop by Burger King at Park Station in Braamfontein to try out the legendary Whopper - 100% beef burger patty sandwiched between a fresh sesame seed roll and topped with thinly sliced onion, tomato, cheese and tangy pickles. Their menu also includes a number of tasty sides, including jalapeno cheese poppers, spicy wings and fries.
Visit Burger King Park Station.
Burger King SA.
Italian
The Devonshire Hotel Restaurant
The Devonshire Hotel is one of the oldest hotels in Braamfontein. It has been in operation since 1930! The Devonshire restaurant serves up a delightful Italian menu, as well as a breakfast buffet spread to help you kick off your morning. Take a step back in time by visiting the Devonshire restaurant and hotel. It's quite unlike any other eatery in Braamfontein.
Visit the Devonshire Hotel Restaurant.
86 Public Pizzeria
If it's pizza you want, it's pizza you'll get at 86 Public Pizzeria in Braamfontein. Situated at the Grove retail and restaurant precinct in central Braam, this classy pizzeria meets bar is the ideal spot for business drinks, Friday night cocktails and slow Sundays with friends. So, come and enjoy pizza made the good old fashioned way the next time you are in Braam.
86 Public Pizzeria.
Steak and Grill
The Urban Grill & Smokehouse
The Urban Grill & Smokehouse prides itself as being the home of the best ribs in Braamfontein. Who can blame them? Their menu features pretty much nothing other than baby back ribs, handcut chips, beef burgers and decadent open sandwiches. Bring your mates along to enjoy a cold beer and 600g baby back ribs. This is the ideal spot to catch the Saturday afternoon rugby, the smell of meat cooking over the flames punctuating each enthralling moment of the match. Don't miss out.
Visit the Urban Grill & Smokehouse.
Wing Republic
Don't get your chicken wings from just any old restaurant. Put your trust in the experts - Wing Republic. Their buffalo wings have been frequently voted as the best in the city by Joburg foodies. With over 25 different basting sauces, this is a wing lover's idea of heaven. So, whether you like your wings sticky, sweet, spicy or smoked, you're bound to be impressed by Wing Republic's offerings.
Wing Republic
Mediterranean
The Bannister Hotel Restaurant
The Bannister Hotel offers a "home away from home" to many business travelers, bohemian tourists and locals alike. The restaurant and bar here operates under the same ethos, creating a comfortable, homely environment for its guests. Their food offerings are diverse, spanning from Mediterranean platters, to South African shisanyama and even sushi! Nevertheless, it's the comforting feel of enjoying a meal that reminds you of home that makes this feel so much like an authentic Mediterranean eatery. If you visit only one restaurant in Braamfontein, let it be this one.
Visit the Bannister Hotel Restaurant.
Olive and Plates
Olive and Plates at the WITS Club is a true hidden gem. If the divine cake display doesn't tempt you in, the hearty Mediterranean menu should. Enjoy a delightful tapas meal out in the courtyard of the WITS Club or share a tasty pasta dish with your sweetheart inside the restaurant's upmarket dining area. It's a dining experience you aren't likely to forget.
Olive and Plates
Coffee Shops and Cafes
Bean There Coffee
If you blink, you'll miss it. Bean There Coffee is a quaint coffee shop and roastery situated just off of Smit street. These coffee gurus are all about fair trade and keeping the coffee industry sustainable for the future. But you needn't be an environmentalist to enjoy their premium brews. Pop by in the early morning to enjoy a freshly brewed cuppa. Their baristas are super friendly too, so strike up a conversation while waiting for your coffee.
Father Coffee
Braamfontein is coffee obsessed. This may be due to the large student population or the number of large corporate companies in the area, but we aren't complaining. One of the best coffee joints in the area is Father Coffee. Come and get your morning brew paired with a slice of gourmet toast. Our top pick is their dark chocolate nut butter and banana Brioche toast, but they've got tons of options to choose from for those who prefer a savoury brekkie. And, don't worry if you miss the breakfast rush, they're open till 16:00 from Monday to Saturday.
Father Coffee.
Bean There Coffee Company
Braamfontein is a coffee lover's idea of heaven. With a number of quaint corner coffee houses and some of the best breakfast spots in the city, this is the place to get your morning brew. However, there is one Braamfontein coffee cafe that stands out from all the rest - Bean There Coffee Company. South Africa's first roasters of Certified Fairtrade coffee, Bean There is all about ensuring a sustainable future for Africa's coffee farmers and bringing you the best coffee the continent has to offer. Visit them on weekdays between 08:00 - 16:00.
Details: 111 Smit Street, Braamfontein, Johannesburg | (Tel) 011 310 3100 | [email protected]
Olives & Plates
Anyone who's visited WITS University has most likely heard of the legendary Olives and Plates. Situated at the far end of WITS' West Campus, this fine Greek restaurant is definitely a hidden gem. A glorious table of sweet temptations greet you in the foyer, filled with an assortment of cakes and pastries. If you can manage to skirt past without ordering a chocolate croissant or huge slice of carrot cake, take a seat in the restaurant's elegant dining hall. Then take your pick from a wide variety of Greek and Mediterranean-inspired dishes. Their "little plates" or tapas offerings are to die for. But don't take our word for it, visit them yourself!
*Olives and Plates is open on Monday to Friday from 07:00 - 16:00, and on Saturdays between 08:00 - 15:00.
Details: (Tel) 011 717 9365/0 | WITS University West Campus, 1 Jan Smuts Avenue, Braamfontein, Johannesburg.
The Kalashnikovv Gallery
Situated along one of Braamfontein's most vibrant streets is the Kalashnikovv Gallery. This contemporary art gallery breaks boundaries by supporting young and upcoming artists. A number of events and exhibitions are held here year round, but you may also visit between Tuesday to Saturday for a look around. When the hustle and bustle of Braam scene gets to be too much, pop in here to find a new perspective on life and art. You can keep up to date with the happenings at the Kalashnikkov Gallery on their Facebook and Instagram pages.
*Opening times: Tuesdays – Fridays: 10:00 – 15:30, Saturdays: 10:00 – 15:00.
Details: 70 Juta Street, Braamfontein, Johannesburg | (Tel) +27 (0) 61 241 2291 | [email protected]
https://www.instagram.com/p/B8gs-9DpFsl/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
JFF Rooftop Farm
Once you've thoroughly explored the modern art world, head on up to the JFF Rooftop Farm. Located just behind the Kalashnikovv Gallery and up a winding staircase, this urban farm has all you need to grow your own veggie patch and lovely little herb garden. They've also got a wide selection of indoor plants to brighten up your living space. These are verified urban gardening experts, so come and learn from them. There is a rooftop tea garden here, so plop down and take a few notes while enjoying a hot cup of tea or coffee.
*The JFF Rooftop Farm is open on Tuesday to Saturday between 10:00 - 14:00.
Details: 70 Juta Street, Braamfontein, Johannesburg | (Tel) 081 768 4827 | [email protected]
Once In Joburg
Have you ever explored Braam by night? This tiny slice of the city takes on a whole new look and feel after dark, welcoming in visitors from across town. Keep the party going by booking yourself into Once in Joburg - a hostel meets backpackers accommodation complete with 4-star facilities. The hotel also offers a range of activities around Braamfontein, including bike tours, graffiti walks and much more. You've never stayed in a hotel like this before, trust us.
Details: 90 De Korte Street, Braamfontein, Johannesburg | (Tel) +27 10 599 0259 | [email protected]
Artivist/Untitled Basement
Artivist is where fashion, food, art and music meet in Braamfontein. This arts and culture hub hosts everything from fashion launches to underground jazz sessions, making it one of Braam's most eclectic hidden gems. Put on your coolest pair of sneakers and vintage ripped jeans and head out here for a one-of-a-kind experience. P.S: Order the beer battered fish burger served on a charcoal bun and served with handcut chips for a marvelous taste adventure.
You can keep up to date with events and performances happening at Artivist/Untitled Basement on their Facebook page.
Details: 7 Reserve Street, Braamfontein, Johannesburg | (Tel) 011 339 1647 | [email protected]
Artivist/Untitled Basement
Do you know of any other hidden gems in Braamfontein? Let us know about them!
For all the coffee addicts and tea lovers in Joburg, I went out and about in the city and tested some great cuppa Joes to bring you this list of Top 10 Coffee Spots in Joburg. From great lattés and aromatic teas to freshly brewed coffees, these spots are definitely worth a visit!
Cramers Coffee
If you want some good quality coffee on the go, or to sit back and catch up on the latest gossip with your bestie, then head down to Cramers coffee in Marshalltown. This little spot is definitely worth a stop if you are in the middle of the CBD. They have great snacks to nibble on and I just loved their Gingerbread Latté.
For more information, visit their website.
Bean There Coffee Company
With fair-trade coffee that is rich in flavour and a great space for you to sit out in the sun, Bean There at 44 Stanley is the perfect spot to sit back and chill. They roast their own coffee and you are sure to be welcomed with freshly brewed aromas of coffee from Ethiopia, Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania and Burundi. I will definitely be back!
For more information, visit their website.
Lattélicious
With everything from espressos, frappés, and chilled cappuccinos to flavoured and gourmet lattés, Lattélicious in Nelson Mandela Square definitely has a great selection of coffee beverages to choose from. The medium roast Lattélicious Brazilian is perfect if you are looking for something different with a bit of a sweet flavour and the Choc Mint Cookie Latté is divine!
For more information, visit their website.
Walnut Grove
This has always been one of my favourite spots in Sandton City when I need a break from shopping. Walnut Grove near the Food Court has a nice selection of Artisanal coffees for you to choose from to get your caffeine fix. I absolutely love the moreish Sinful Cappuccino drizzled with condensed milk. Definitely one for those who have a sweet tooth!
For more information, visit their website.
Motherland Coffee Company
Motherland Coffee Company is the perfect place for all coffee addicts! At Motherland, you can get your favourite coffee fix in either small, tall or the Mother Cuppa sizes, and there is a good selection of coffees (hot or iced), hot chocolates, teas and smoothies to choose from. Be sure to try the Dictator – condensed milk, double espresso, whipped cream all topped with chocolate shavings ... too yummy! Tip: Try the cheesecake!
For more information, visit their website.
Doubleshot Coffee and Tea
A great coffee hot spot in Braamies is Doubleshot Coffee and Tea. With a welcoming roasted coffee aroma and tasty baked goods to go with your aromatic coffee, this is a great place to just relax. And, if you want to take some great coffee home with you, you can buy some stock to take home and enjoy. Their double shot flat white is so good!
For more information, visit their website.
The Fat Zebra
A perfect cosy spot for some great breakfast and even greater coffee is this Linden-based gem. Only the creamiest cappuccinos come out of The Fat Zebra and be sure to order some tasty eggs to go with your cuppa ... it's the only way to start the day!
For more information, visit their website.
Father Coffee
Another fab spot in Braamfontein to grab a hot cup of coffee is Father Coffee. You will feel as if you have just walked into a wooden cabin filled with the delicious aroma of coffee everywhere! You can sit back and relax with a cuppa or get one on the go. Their own secret blend is so rich and delicious!
For more information, visit their website.
The Whippet
Perfect for a Sunday morning outing with the family, the Whippet out in Linden is a cosy little spot for you to sit back and relax. Enjoy a hot cup of coffee and indulge in a tasty baked treat to get your day started. Try their boutique teas that include flavours such as strawberry-hibiscus and pineapple-ginger. And for the coffee addicts, enjoy their Linden blend made from a balance of creamy Costa Rican and rich chocolate Malawian beans.
For more information, visit their website.
Warm & Glad
One of Joburg’s favourite coffee spots, Warm & Glad offers you the perfect spot to get comfy and indulge in some decadent treats. Their coffee is from Deluxe Coffeeworks in Cape Town, and is roasted to perfection!
For more information, visit their website.