The Fussy Vegan
The Fussy Vegan is a small eatery hiding out in a garage in Blairgowrie. They supply a few vegan items like biltong, ice cream, iced coffees and even shampoo. It is definitely worth checking out this small restaurant just for their pre-packaged BLT, with seitan bacon and vegan mayo. Their breakfast burrito is also worth a try, a toasted tortilla stuffed with avocado, bacon, tofu scramble and black rice. But the reason they're on this list is for their delicious seitan rib burger. You'll be hard-pressed to find another rib burger, vegan or meat, that is as good as this one. This consists of a sesame seed bun topped with some fresh greens, slaw and seitan ribs smothered in barbecue sauce.
Find more information here.
Dukes Burgers
Dukes Burgers has an entire page of options dedicated to vegetarian burgers. They offer to make any of these vegan by removing the dairy and switching to an egg-free bun. Switching to an egg-free bun is free of charge, an added bonus for those of us who are sick of paying an extra R12 for soy milk. A favourite burger here is the Kung Fu Tofu; tofu, carrot, cashew and basil patty in a Thai peanut soy sauce, with carrots, pineapple, red cabbage and sesame seeds. This is the perfect sweet and sour combination.
Find more information here.
Hudsons The Burger Joint
Hudsons has many vegan burger options. Each one of these is mouthwatering in their own right, but we go there for The Stack burger. This consists of a lentil and chickpea patty topped with caramalised onions, Violife feta cheese and creamy avocado. We are suckers for anything with creamy avocado. And at this joint, we can wash it all down with a vegan Oreo milkshake.
Find more information here.
Craft Restaurant
If you find yourself in the Parkhurst area craving a burger, then you should stop at Craft. In fact, even if you are on the other side of Joburg, it is worth making the trip to this establishment. Why, you ask? Because this restaurant makes one of the most amazing vegan burgers this side of the world. We're talking about a black bean and freekeh patty topped with avocado and edamame purée and a chickpea and coriander patty in a spicy vegan mayonnaise. This has got our mouths watering.
Find more information here.
Lexi's Eatery
Lexi's, based in Sandton and now Modderfontein, is a vegan restaurant with a few non-vegan choices. Which can be a nice change from regular restaurants, where you'll be lucky to get three vegan options. At Lexi's, you'll certainly have many more choices. One such choice is the Activated Charcoal Burger. This consists of a sweet potato, chickpea and activated charcoal patty served with carrot hummus, purple sauerkraut, chipotle mayo, tomato and greens on a fresh burger bun.
Find more information here.
Special Mention: Beyond Meat Burger
This burger patty hit South African shores in 2018 and ever since we have all been going crazy trying to get our hands, or rather mouths, on them. What's all the fuss about? Well, Beyond Meat uses special technology to make fake meat that looks, tastes and feels like the real thing. If you haven't tried this product yet, here are some of the places to get it.
Joburg people are privileged with a flood of the best entertainment in the country, however it can be hard finding spots where you can jam and participate in open mic experimentals. That's why we had to give you a taste of the open mic spots that are keeping the jamming culture alive.
Open mics really allow artists to get into their zone and experiment, try something new and really create an experience for the person rendering the art or enjoying the entertainment. A lot of artists can really attest to the fact that one can really grow through partaking in jam sessions and live entertainment in general.
A quick low down in case you not familiar with the Open Mic scene
What is an Open Mic?
An open mic is an open platform for anyone who wants to perform, ranging from anything between music, spoken work (poetry) and even comedy if you are lucky.
How it works?
Ideally, you would find spots like the ones we will be checking out, get there on open mic day/night, register your name and await your performance. (However registration process can differ depending on spot).
Note: Some spots can be specific to theme or genre i.e. Acoustic night however don't let that put you off, you could bump into a guitarist you can collaborate with. That is what jamming is about right?
Why Open Mic?
This is an opportunity to have fun, build confidence, meet other performers and just learn from the idea of creating a moment.
And here are some spots you can find open mic sessions...
Rustic Cafe
Rustic Cafe is situated at the Old Parktonian Sports Club in Bordeaux, neighbour to Blairgowrie. Many who are not from the area have not heard about Rustic but it has been around and has become quite the spot for foodies, sports fans, artists and students of course - the cafe is across the road from Vega School Johannesburg.
The cafe hosts open mics on the 1st Thursday of the month (Acoustic Nite) and on the 2nd and last Thursday (Open Mic Nite) so if you want a cool night out, this is the spot.
Outie Bakery + Cafe
Better known as "Outie", this amazing cafe is situated in one of the most artistic hubs in Joburg - Newtown, right in front of The Market Theatre so you definitely won't miss it.
They collaborated with Word N Sound to bring poetry to this amazing crowd that love poetry every Wednesday and just an extra mention - they also host Jazzy Sundays. Outie has become thee spot for some famous faces, we are pretty sure this also has to do with their food. LOL! Swing by sometime!
Niki's Oasis
Niki's Oasis, also situated in Newtown; is one of the oldest jazz lounges in Joburg. Rooted to the raw element of music and has hosted ample international and local artists, Niki's is known for its good reputation.
As a very Word of Mouth driven spot, performing here might require you to pay the spot a visit to confirm when the next open mic or event is - this is what I call spontaneity. Don't let that discourage you because when you do get there, you won't want to leave. The people are warm including the owner, Niki.
Let's start creating moments peeps!
Jokes like "what is the Native American word for a vegan? Bad Hunter!" was cool when we were 15 years old. Now, it's just silly. Giggles aside, we're headed straight to flavour town (sorry, Guy Fieri you're not coming with), so buckle up and sit tight - you're in for a treat. We're headed to one of our new favourite vegan places in Joburg.
What started out as a dietary change, soon turned into a lifestyle and eventually a business for the self-taught chef and owner Werner Prinsloo when The Fussy Vegan opened its doors on 21 January 2018. Werner noticed that there was a gap in the market for good vegan food on the go. "There are only so many times you can eat plain salted Lays," Werner jokes. The gap in the market Werner is referring to is vegan fast food. The type of stuff that you grab at a petrol station on your way to work ... but better. With that said, this hidden vegan gem does not slap a sandwich together and send you on your way. Nope. The aim here is what Werner calls "slow fast food". The Fussy Vegan sets out to create meals stuffed with attention to detail. An example of this would be my absolute favourite menu item, the toasted tofu mayo and bacon sandwich. Wait, what? Bacon? Yeah, vegan bacon. It's made from something called seitan - a wheat gluten meat substitute dating back to 6th century China.
Werner is a bit of a mad scientist in the kitchen and enjoys experimenting with different ingredients. Patrons can expect dishes such as mushroom risottos, mac 'n cheese, shiitake lasagna, and a variety of other comfort foods. Not to mention a display of ready-made sandwiches packed in biodegradable packaging; the BLT and Tofu Mayo are some of the best sellers and are so delicious even carnivores love them. Other favourites include the Breakfast Burrito, Philly Cheese Steak roll and the Pulled Mushroom Sandwich that are so good that you don't even miss the meat and dairy. The Fussy Vegan has also recently started making the much anticipated Beyond Meat Burger; a veggie burger that looks, smells and tastes like the real thing.
The Fussy vegan is well priced for the freshness that you get. In fact, for the price of a chicken mayo wrap at Woolies, you can buy a toasted sandwich and a cupcake at the Fussy Vegan.
The Fussy Vegan also sells pressed fruit and veg juices, vegan kefir, kombucha, vegan cheeses, yogurts and butter to name but a few ... oh! And vegan biltong! To boot, Werner's right-hand man, Dave Sampson is a rock star when it comes to brewing a cup of coffee that uses almond milk to create rich and creamy cappuccinos. You can also get a bottle of the best macadamia and almond nut iced coffee, sold in a glass bottle. The Fussy Vegan also acts as a mini convenience store for vegans, stocking cooking and cleaning products, toiletries, as well as glass straws and bamboo toothbrushes which have no impact on the environment.
All in all, if you're not a vegan or a vegetarian (and you're like me who just loves food), then do yourself a favour and stop by the Fussy Vegan - you won't be sorry. The service is great, the dudes are friendly and the food is off the charts. Be warned though, the toasted BLT sandwich can get you hooked. Also, there is a daily lunchtime rush so either pop in before or after regular lunch hours. Pro tip: If there is a lunchtime rush at an eatery then it means the food is good.
Can I tell you a vegan joke? I promise it won’t be cheesy ...
Find more information here.
Eat
Fussy Vegan
Run by a very fussy vegan with a love for food and animal activism, the Fussy Vegan in Blairgowrie has become the go-to spot for great vegan meals. Food choices include vegan mac n cheese, toasted tofu mayo (which is highly addictive), lasagna and a host of other hearty plates. The coffee also scores two thumbs up from us and is frothed with almond or soy milk. The Fussy Vegan acts as a popular takeaway spot next to the Caltex on Jan Smuts Avenue and can become quite busy during lunch hours.
Details: https://www.facebook.com/TheFussyVegan/
J's Diner
For quite some time now J’s Diner has been the talk of Blairgowrie with its tender peri-peri chicken and authentic décor and design. We all love good Portuguese food, right? Be sure to grab a table and a drink and get lost in J’s awesome menu. You will not be disappointed – not by a long shot. From gourmet burgers to classic dishes from Lisbon, it’s all here. What are you waiting for? Go get your prawn on!
Details: https://www.facebook.com/Js-Diner-455607101238940/
Patisserie de Paris
The owner of Patisserie de Paris, Paul, studied classic French cuisine in the south of France and brought fancy bistro food to Blairgowrie. The kitchen is big on sourcing top-quality ingredients and crafting artisan breads, adding a much fuller flavour to this authentic experience. The menu brags items such as croque monsieur, as well as a burger topped with camembert and preserved fig. And once you’ve filled up on proper food, you’ll have the strength to go inside and eyeball the cake selection. Was I charmed? Quite. Was I happy with my meal? Certainly. Am I going to return at some point with a little wheelbarrow to relieve Paul of his pastries and cheeses? You guessed it.
Details: http://www.patisseriedeparis.co.za/
Shop
Fruit, Flower, & Nut Market
Fancy some micro-greens? Or perhaps some Mediterranean spices? The Fruit, Flower, & Nut Market on the corner of Fir and Conrad is one of Blairgowrie's most treasured hidden gems. This fruit and veg market specialises in – as the name states – a wide variety of fruit and nuts at discounted prices.
Details: 2 Fir Cnr, Blairgowrie, Johannesburg, 2194, 011 789 3229
Randview Shopping Centre
We've all driven past the Randview Shopping Centre without knowing what's it called. That big old grey and red building with the wooden facade and clock tower on the corner of Jan Smuts and Republic is filled with hidden gems. Here you can purchase everything from cheap electronics to bao buns and dried ramen.
Details: 511 Jan Smuts Ave & Republic Rd, Randburg, Johannesburg, 2194, 011 074 8783
Do
Delta Park
Known for its Parks Runs, picnic spots and being a doggy haven, Delta Park offers 104 hectares of grass and woodlands. It also has an array of picnic benches and safe parking. Over weekends the park is frequented by mountain bike riders, runners and even horse riders and acts as an excellent lookout point, with Sandton in all its glory to the north, and the City of Johannesburg to the south-west.
Details: http://www.jhbcityparks.com/index.php/list-of-parks-mainmenu-39/36-delta-park
Source: Liz At Lancaster Guesthouse
By Shawn Greyling
The Irish Club
Since its opening in 2002 by the Irish Ambassador to South Africa, The Irish (as it's known to the locals) has been the go-to spot for cheap beer, cheaper whiskey and even cheaper comfort. The bar is stocked and a big screen TV is fitted right above it, showcasing major rugby, football and F1 events. The only problem you'll encounter is visiting the Irish Club when South Africa plays Ireland, and the tension so thick, you could cut it with a knife! But that's not the case when it comes to the Super Rugby... just make sure that you support the Lions - yes, we're making it to the finals again this year!
Details: http://theirishclub.co.za/
Gilroy's Brewery
Steve Gilroy's beer is so famous that it somehow made its way into the James Bond novel, Carte Blanche, as Bond's drink of choice while staying at a hotel in Cape Town. Gilroy's Brewery is set right on our doorstep here in Johannesburg. Good news for sports fans – the bar counter is right opposite the big-screen TVs. The beer and food are good, and the vibe is something special, especially when master brewer, Steve Gilroy, addresses the crowd in the special way only Steve can.
Details: http://www.gilroybeers.co.za
Hooters
If you're looking for a bar with a massive selection of big-screen TVs showing a whole lot of different sports all at the same time, head to Hooters in Ruimsig. The place gets pretty packed, but at least the beer's always cold, and the curly fries with jalapeno cheese sauce are enough to make you return the next time a big match is being aired. The boneless chicken wings are a winner too... especially when paired with a basket of curly fries!
Details: https://www.facebook.com/HootersSA/
Green and Gold
If there's a place that can boast real pub food served in a gourmet style and enough TVs to make an appliance store jealous, it's Green and Gold. Inspired by our men and women in green and gold, it's often the number-one spot to be whenever our team takes to the field, track, pool or pitch. Green and Gold is kitted out with super-big screen TVs, cold beer and delicious food. Book a table in advance as this grand pub is quite popular among locals.
Details: https://www.greenandgoldpubs.co.za
Paddy's
Whether you're looking to play a few rounds of pool, hang out with your mates, grab an ice-cold beer or catch some sporting action on their screens, Paddy's in Randburg is just the place to be. It's rather chilled by day, but as soon as the sun sets this spot becomes rather rowdy, especially over the weekend and during sport seasons like the Super Rugby.
Details: http://www.paddyscafe.co.za
The Weekend Market
For a spot that's more family and less bar, the Weekend Market offers live sport screenings, entertainment for the kids, a market to stroll through if you're looking to stretch your legs in between games, and good food and drinks. Click here to find out which games they'll be screening over the next few weekends.
Details: http://weekendmarketjhb.co.za
1Fox Market Shed
With the 2018 Super Rugby drawing to a close, 1Fox Market Shed will be hosting rugby fans and showcasing the game on their big screen. You'll be able to catch all the rugga action live while munching on delicious dishes paired with ice-cold and oh-so-refreshing craft beers provided by Urbanologi and the Mad Giant brewery.
Details: http://www.1fox.co.za
The Brazen Head Sandton
The Brazen Head Sandton is always a good option. It's a restaurant loaded with a semi-private library and a separate bar that opens up onto the veranda, which has both smoking and non-smoking areas. The bar area and veranda is equipped with TVs for those sport enthusiasts and, last but certainly not least, guests are offered a choice of seven different beers on tap, as well as a wide variety of bottled beers from both local and imported sources. What more do you need?
Details: https://brazenhead.co.za/the-brazen-head-sandton/
By Shawn Greyling
Do you know where to watch live rugby in Johannesburg? No sweat, we've put together a list of decent sports bars where you can watch the rugby and have cold beers without stepping foot outside of Joburg.
The Irish Club
Since its opening in 2002 by the Irish Ambassador to South Africa, The Irish (as it's known to the locals) has been the go-to spot for cheap beer, cheaper whiskey and even cheaper comfort. The bar is stocked and a big screen TV is fitted right above it, showcasing major rugby, football and F1 events. The only problem you'll encounter is visiting the Irish Club when South Africa plays Ireland, and the tension so thick, you could cut it with a knife! But that's not the case when it comes to the Super Rugby... just make sure that you support the Lions - yes, we're making it to the finals again this year!
Details: http://theirishclub.co.za/
Gilroy's Brewery
Steve Gilroy's beer is so famous that it somehow made its way into the James Bond novel, Carte Blanche, as Bond's drink of choice while staying at a hotel in Cape Town. Gilroy's Brewery is set right on our doorstep here in Johannesburg. Good news for sports fans – the bar counter is right opposite the big-screen TVs. The beer and food are good, and the vibe is something special, especially when master brewer, Steve Gilroy, addresses the crowd in the special way only Steve can.
Details: http://www.gilroybeers.co.za
Hooters
If you're looking for a bar with a massive selection of big-screen TVs showing a whole lot of different sports all at the same time, head to Hooters in Ruimsig. The place gets pretty packed, but at least the beer's always cold, and the curly fries with jalapeno cheese sauce are enough to make you return the next time a big match is being aired. The boneless chicken wings are a winner too... especially when paired with a basket of curly fries!
Details: https://www.facebook.com/HootersSA/
Green and Gold
If there's a place that can boast real pub food served in a gourmet style and enough TVs to make an appliance store jealous, it's Green and Gold. Inspired by our men and women in green and gold, it's often the number-one spot to be whenever our team takes to the field, track, pool or pitch. Green and Gold is kitted out with super-big screen TVs, cold beer and delicious food. Book a table in advance as this grand pub is quite popular among locals.
Details: https://www.greenandgoldpubs.co.za
Paddy's
Whether you're looking to play a few rounds of pool, hang out with your mates, grab an ice-cold beer or catch some sporting action on their screens, Paddy's in Randburg is just the place to be. It's rather chilled by day, but as soon as the sun sets this spot becomes rather rowdy, especially over the weekend and during sport seasons like the Super Rugby.
Details: http://www.paddyscafe.co.za
The Weekend Market
For a spot that's more family and less bar, the Weekend Market offers live sport screenings, entertainment for the kids, a market to stroll through if you're looking to stretch your legs in between games, and good food and drinks. Click here to find out which games they'll be screening over the next few weekends.
Details: http://weekendmarketjhb.co.za
1Fox Market Shed
With the 2018 Super Rugby drawing to a close, 1Fox Market Shed will be hosting rugby fans and showcasing the game on their big screen. You'll be able to catch all the rugga action live while munching on delicious dishes paired with ice-cold and oh-so-refreshing craft beers provided by Urbanologi and the Mad Giant brewery.
Details: http://www.1fox.co.za
The Brazen Head Sandton
The Brazen Head Sandton is always a good option. It's a restaurant loaded with a semi-private library and a separate bar that opens up onto the veranda, which has both smoking and non-smoking areas. The bar area and veranda is equipped with TVs for those sport enthusiasts and, last but certainly not least, guests are offered a choice of seven different beers on tap, as well as a wide variety of bottled beers from both local and imported sources. What more do you need?
Details: https://brazenhead.co.za/the-brazen-head-sandton/
By Shawn Greyling
Eat
Fussy Vegan
Run by a very fussy vegan with a love for food and animal activism, the Fussy Vegan in Blairgowrie has become the go-to spot for great vegan meals. Food choices include vegan mac n cheese, toasted tofu mayo (which is highly addictive), lasagna and a host of other hearty plates. The coffee also scores two thumbs up from us and is frothed with almond or soy milk. The Fussy Vegan acts as a popular takeaway spot next to the Caltex on Jan Smuts Avenue and can become quite busy during lunch hours.
Details: https://www.facebook.com/TheFussyVegan/
J's Diner
For quite some time now J’s Diner has been the talk of Blairgowrie with its tender peri-peri chicken and authentic décor and design. We all love good Portuguese food, right? Be sure to grab a table and a drink and get lost in J’s awesome menu. You will not be disappointed – not by a long shot. From gourmet burgers to classic dishes from Lisbon, it’s all here. What are you waiting for? Go get your prawn on!
Details: https://www.facebook.com/Js-Diner-455607101238940/
Patisserie de Paris
The owner of Patisserie de Paris, Paul, studied classic French cuisine in the south of France and brought fancy bistro food to Blairgowrie. The kitchen is big on sourcing top-quality ingredients and crafting artisan breads, adding a much fuller flavour to this authentic experience. The menu brags items such as croque monsieur, as well as a burger topped with camembert and preserved fig. And once you’ve filled up on proper food, you’ll have the strength to go inside and eyeball the cake selection. Was I charmed? Quite. Was I happy with my meal? Certainly. Am I going to return at some point with a little wheelbarrow to relieve Paul of his pastries and cheeses? You guessed it.
Details: http://www.patisseriedeparis.co.za/
Shop
Fruit, Flower, & Nut Market
Fancy some micro-greens? Or perhaps some Mediterranean spices? The Fruit, Flower, & Nut Market on the corner of Fir and Conrad is one of Blairgowrie's most treasured hidden gems. This fruit and veg market specialises in – as the name states – a wide variety of fruit and nuts at discounted prices.
Details: 2 Fir Cnr, Blairgowrie, Johannesburg, 2194, 011 789 3229
Randview Shopping Centre
We've all driven past the Randview Shopping Centre without knowing what's it called. That big old grey and red building with the wooden facade and clock tower on the corner of Jan Smuts and Republic is filled with hidden gems. Here you can purchase everything from cheap electronics to bao buns and dried ramen.
Details: 511 Jan Smuts Ave & Republic Rd, Randburg, Johannesburg, 2194, 011 074 8783
Do
Delta Park
Known for its Parks Runs, picnic spots and being a doggy haven, Delta Park offers 104 hectares of grass and woodlands. It also has an array of picnic benches and safe parking. Over weekends the park is frequented by mountain bike riders, runners and even horse riders and acts as an excellent lookout point, with Sandton in all its glory to the north, and the City of Johannesburg to the south-west.
Details: http://www.jhbcityparks.com/index.php/list-of-parks-mainmenu-39/36-delta-park
Source: Liz At Lancaster Guesthouse
By Shawn Greyling
Jokes like "what is the Native American word for a vegan? Bad Hunter!" was cool when we were 15 years old. Now, it's just silly. Giggles aside, we're headed straight to flavour town (sorry, Guy Fieri you're not coming with), so buckle up and sit tight - you're in for a treat. We're headed to one of our new favourite vegan places in Joburg.
What started out as a dietary change, soon turned into a lifestyle and eventually a business for the self-taught chef and owner Werner Prinsloo when The Fussy Vegan opened its doors on 21 January 2018. Werner noticed that there was a gap in the market for good vegan food on the go. "There are only so many times you can eat plain salted Lays," Werner jokes. The gap in the market Werner is referring to is vegan fast food. The type of stuff that you grab at a petrol station on your way to work ... but better. With that said, this hidden vegan gem does not slap a sandwich together and send you on your way. Nope. The aim here is what Werner calls "slow fast food". The Fussy Vegan sets out to create meals stuffed with attention to detail. An example of this would be my absolute favourite menu item, the toasted tofu mayo and bacon sandwich. Wait, what? Bacon? Yeah, vegan bacon. It's made from something called seitan - a wheat gluten meat substitute dating back to 6th century China.
Werner is a bit of a mad scientist in the kitchen and enjoys experimenting with different ingredients. Patrons can expect dishes such as mushroom risottos, mac 'n cheese, shiitake lasagna, and a variety of other comfort foods. Not to mention a display of ready-made sandwiches packed in biodegradable packaging; the BLT and Tofu Mayo are some of the best sellers and are so delicious even carnivores love them. Other favourites include the Breakfast Burrito, Philly Cheese Steak roll and the Pulled Mushroom Sandwich that are so good that you don't even miss the meat and dairy. The Fussy Vegan has also recently started making the much anticipated Beyond Meat Burger; a veggie burger that looks, smells and tastes like the real thing.
The Fussy vegan is well priced for the freshness that you get. In fact, for the price of a chicken mayo wrap at Woolies, you can buy a toasted sandwich and a cupcake at the Fussy Vegan.
The Fussy Vegan also sells pressed fruit and veg juices, vegan kefir, kombucha, vegan cheeses, yogurts and butter to name but a few ... oh! And vegan biltong! To boot, Werner's right-hand man, Dave Sampson is a rock star when it comes to brewing a cup of coffee that uses almond milk to create rich and creamy cappuccinos. You can also get a bottle of the best macadamia and almond nut iced coffee, sold in a glass bottle. The Fussy Vegan also acts as a mini convenience store for vegans, stocking cooking and cleaning products, toiletries, as well as glass straws and bamboo toothbrushes which have no impact on the environment.
All in all, if you're not a vegan or a vegetarian (and you're like me who just loves food), then do yourself a favour and stop by the Fussy Vegan - you won't be sorry. The service is great, the dudes are friendly and the food is off the charts. Be warned though, the toasted BLT sandwich can get you hooked. Also, there is a daily lunchtime rush so either pop in before or after regular lunch hours. Pro tip: If there is a lunchtime rush at an eatery then it means the food is good.
Can I tell you a vegan joke? I promise it won’t be cheesy ...
Find more information here.
Patisserie de Paris
The owner, Paul, studied classic French cuisine in the south of France. Fancy. He’s big on sourcing top-quality ingredients and crafting artisan breads. I am such a push-over when it comes to homemade bread, so I decided to try a filled baguette - I’m sensible like that. It’s been rated the best baguette in Johannesburg, so I was curious to see if it lived up to all the hype.
While I waited, I sipped on strawberry juice and pinched some lavender from a little wooden crate. Cheesy French music put a smile on my face, as did snippets of the conversation taking place two tables away from me. Blairgowrie moms can gossip like nobody’s business. My baguette arrived in good time, laden with smoked Norwegian salmon, cream cheese, capers, cucumber, and dill. The baguette itself was delicious and incredibly chewy (I’m assuming the French like it this way – no complaints from my side either). The ingredients, the salmon especially, were fresh.
The menu also boasts a French-bistro-style croque monsieur (basically a posh cheese toastie), as well as a burger topped with camembert and preserved fig. Once you’ve filled up on proper food, you’ll have the strength to go inside and eyeball the cake selection.
Was I charmed? Quite. Was I happy with my meal? Certainly. Am I going to return to Patisserie de Paris at some point with a little wheelbarrow to relieve Paul of his pastries and cheeses? Oui.
Have you been here before? Rate and review your experience below!
Are you looking for Portuguese restaurants in Randburg? Look no further! We've put together the best guide on this side of Lisbon.
1920 Restaurant
On the outskirts of Ferndale hides a family-run restaurant that serves the best Portuguese food this side of Madeira. Just like the dishes of the Portuguese island, seafood plays a big role in 1920's set menu. Our favourite pick would be the Porco Com Ameijoa which consists of pork, clams and potato braised in garlic, tomato and wine.
Details: Ferndale Village, Oxford Street, Ferndale, Randburg, Johannesburg | Tel: 011 326 3161
Galito's
Famous for their flame-grilled chicken, Galito's is a little eatery which specialises in prego-styled burgers at wallet-friendly prices. Galito's recently introduced the half Portuguese-styled chicken with pap... which is surprisingly tasty. Get some!
Details: Shop 252, Corner Jan Smuts and braamfisher Drive, Randburg, Johannesburg | Tel: 011 886 0558
Cesco's
Peri-peri prawns for days - that's the vibe Cesco's in Strijdom Park is going for, and they are pulling it off like no other. This pub and Portuguese restaurant is a favourite amongst the locals who flock to this spot at least once a week. Give it a shot and order the king prawns, or maybe go for the blue cheese and bacon steak.
Details: C. R. Swart Drive & Tungsten Rd, Strydompark, Randburg, Johannesburg | Tel: 011 792 7495
J's Diner
In Blairgowrie, there's a little eatery that has a complete menu dedicated to food from Porto - Portugal's food capital. From chourico to trinchado, it's all here at J's Diner. Give the half chicken and prawns a go - you won't be sorry. J's Diner is one of those Portuguese restaurants in Randburg that you simply need to check out for yourself - it's so good!
Details: 53 Conrad Drive, Blairgowrie, Randburg, Johannesburg | Tel: 011 781 3401
Senhor Calistos
Somewhere along Conrad Drive there's a Senhor Calisto's which serves the best Portuguese-styled chicken, available in seven different flavours - of which the XX-Hot is our favorite. Try the mild creamy livers on for size - it comes with a delicate roll and will low five your taste buds. Make sure you go check Calisto's out for delicious treats.
Details: Cnr Conrad Drive and Hillcrest Road, Blairgowrie, Randburg, Johannesburg | Tel: 011 326 3444 / 3354
By Shawn Greyling
Remember that our "Top Picks" are not paid for and are compiled at the discretion of the journalist. We only write about what we love.
Let us know if we've left out your favourite spot from our list.