Kempton Park is one of the largest suburbs on the East Rand. As such, it boasts a number of restaurants, bakeries and fast food outlets. The area is also home to O.R. Tambo International Airport and Emperors Palace Casino, each of which offer a wide variety of dining options. Let's take a closer look to find the best restaurants in Kempton Park.
What Are You Looking For?
African
American and Fast Food
Asian
Mediterranean
Portuguese
Steak & Grill
Coffee shops and cafes
Oxtail and Karoo Lamb Shank - Tribes Restaurant.
African
Tribes Restaurant
Tribes Restaurant at Emperors Palace offers diners a modern, ethnic African theme paired with traditional fusion cuisine complete with a unique "Tribal touch". Come and enjoy a fine selection of African-inspired steaks and grills in the restaurant's boma area. Alternatively, book out your own private corner of the restaurant for a romantic dinner.
Quills Restaurant
Quills Restaurant is situated at the popular InterContinental Johannesburg Hotel at O.R. Tambo Airport. The restaurant exudes African culture and the spirit of the continent in its decor and menu offerings. Specialising in local delicacies such as springbok, warthog, kudu and crocodile, paired with outstanding South African wines, Quills Restaurant offers diners a truly unique taste adventure.
Rosetta's
Rosetta's is a buffet restaurant at Emperors Palace. The restaurant pays homage to Egyptian architecture and African cuisine in its decor and generous food offerings. With a 290 seating capacity, Rosetta's is a popular family-friendly eatery for Easter, Christmas and New Year's Eve celebrations. However, you can visit all year round for fabulous dining at the restaurant's 24-hour bistro. There is a DIY waffle and milkshake station famous for its massive selection of yummy toppings!
Aurelia's
Aurelia's is one of Emperors Palace's most popular restaurants. Situated at the five-star Peermont D’Oreale Grande Hotel, Aurelia's offers a fusion of the latest international food trends expertly blended with bold African flavours. This is the perfect destination for special occasions, a casual meal or Sunday lunch with the family. Come and enjoy five-star dining right in the heart of Kempton Park or risk missing out on a meal to remember.
American and Fast Food
Hooters
Hooters is well known for its all-American and Tex Mex-style menu. Their branch at Emperors Palace upholds the restaurant chain's reputation for being one of the best spots to tuck into hamburgers and wings. Come and enjoy fine service with a smile, paired with delectable gourmet fast food and ice cold beer.
News Café
News Café is far more than just a nightclub. Their branch at Emperors Palace serves up great American and fusion breakfasts, coffees, snack platters, burgers, sandwiches and grills. Try their All American Burger- premium beef patty, fried egg, bacon, cheese, onion rings, tomato salsa and lettuce served on a toasted bun. Paired with a classic News Café cocktail, this is a meal worth savouring.
News Cafe's Jack Daniels Tennessee whiskey infused smashed beef burger and onion rings.
Asian
Sky Chinese Restaurant and Sushi
Sky Chinese Restaurant and Sushi is a firm favourite among Kempton Park residents for stir fry noodles, fried rice dishes, dumplings and hand rolled sushi. Their menu specialty however, is deep fried ribs! Served on a steaming bed of jasmine rice, these sticky, sweet ribs will have you headed back to Sky Chinese Restaurant on a weekly basis!
Taste of Mumbai
If you're after a fiery curry, pop by Taste of Mumbai Restaurant at Emperors Palace. They serve up all you can eat curry dinners, seven days a week. Tuck into a delicious array of vegetable starters, hearty curry mains and an assortment of traditional sides. Finish off your feast with one of the chef's divine desserts. We've heard rave reviews about the blueberry cheesecake.
Mediterranean
Platia
Platia Greek Restaurant at Emperors Palace offers diners a taste of the Mediterranean, paired with traditional South African flavours. Take a seat on the outdoor patio or in the more secluded restaurant interior. Platia's menu features an array of well known Greek starters, mains and desserts to delight your taste buds. Read our review of the restaurant to find out which dishes we thought were simply divine.
Villa Bianca Mediterranean Cuisine & Sushi
What do sushi and Mediterranean fare have in common? Not much. However, Villa Bianca Mediterranean Cuisine and Sushi has crafted a wonderful amalgamation of these two very different food styles to bring you a one-of-a-kind eating experience. Their menu specialty is the Tuna Espatada - Tuna steaks grilled and skewered with haloumi cheese, red peppers, green peppers and onions served with rice or chips and Japanese style stir fried vegetables. Give them a visit to go on a cross continental taste journey right in the heart of Kempton Park!
Visit Villa Bianca Mediterranean Cuisine and Sushi.
Portuguese
Jose's Taverna and Oyster Bar
If you're in Kempton Park and have a hankering for premium seafood, check yourself into Jose's Taverna and Oyster Bar. This Portuguese restaurant serves up the best buttered prawns, oysters and calamari in the area. Besides the food, Jose's also boasts a unique atmosphere. Calling themselves a "vibey casual fine dining restaurant", they set themselves apart from other eateries by combining fine dining food with a warm, welcoming ambiance.
Visit Jose's Taverna and Oyster Bar.
Braza
Braza combines the flavours and cuisine styles of Portugal, Mozambique, Angola and Brazil, delivering a flavour explosion on every plate. Situated at Emperors Palace, Braza is the ideal spot for large celebrations, corporate functions and special events of all kinds. Join them for an unforgettable dining experience.
Steak & Grill
Italian Kitchen and Grill
Wood-fired pizzas, succulent steaks and hearty pastas await you at Italian Kitchen and Grill. This Italian fusion restaurant is situated at Emperors Palace, welcoming in guests from around the city to enjoy its generous menu offerings. Bring the kids along to share a pizza or let them enjoy a creamy alfredo while you dive into a platter of grilled garlic and parsley King prawns served with butter sauce. Yum!
Visit Italian Kitchen and Grill.
House of Ribs
How about an all you can eat ribs and steak dinner? House of Ribs has firmly established itself as one of the very best buffet restaurants in Gauteng. While their specialty is ribs and premium cut steaks, they also serve an array of other cuisines including salads, burgers and seafood platters. Stop by on a Sunday for all you can eat buffet-style lunch, complete with roast beef and pork, ribs, crispy potatoes, rice and four vegetable sides.
Coffee Shops & Cafés
Croydon Bakery
Ask any Kempton Park resident where to find the best freshly baked breads, cupcakes and pastries and they'll tell you to visit Croydon Bakery. However, you must get there early or risk missing out. Take a trip through early on a Saturday morning to get your hands on just baked bread and the best pies on the east rand. It's well worth getting up at the crack of dawn for. Croydon Bakery also offers sit down coffee and gourmet sandwiches to enjoy while you wait for your baked goodies to be packed up.
The Bean Bar
The Bean Bar is an artisanal coffee bar, cakery and cafe situated Cavendish Glen Shopping Centre. This is the perfect spot to enjoy a quiet cup of coffee by yourself or to catch up with friends. You'll feel right at home here, as the cafe's interior resembles your favourite aunt's kitsch living room, complete with mismatched dining chairs and quirky paintings. Order one of their traditional English scones served with strawberry jam and fresh cream to be transported directly back to your childhood.
Looking to explore the East Rand restaurant scene in more depth? Check out the awesome restaurants in Edenvale and Bedfordview.
TJIPS
This potato restaurant offers diners the chance to experience the luxury and deliciousness of this solanaceous vegetable. Their menu consists of nothing but loaded chips, saucy chips and dessert chips. Menu items include taters topped with items such as Parmesan with black truffle mayo, pulled chicken and sesame slaw and even a cheeseburger with no bun, just chips. Those braver than us may try the sweet chips, topped with vanilla ice cream, peanut-caramel sauce and toasted coconut flakes. It's about time Joburg had an eatery devoted to the humble potato, if you ask us.
Contact details: 011 485 0104 | Eastgate Shopping Centre, 43 Bradford Road, Bedfordview | [email protected] | https://tjips.co
Truffles On The Park
This eatery, based in Mushroom Park, offers a wide selection of bistro food, many of which centre around the earthy truffle. Diners can expect delectable meals ranging from bar food to signature mains. The Grilled Octopus, Burnt Corn & Avocado Salad, Braised Lamb Shoulder and Truffles Signature Burger are all fine choices. However, the Truffle Parmesan Fries remains one of the most raved about menu items. These twice-fried chips are served with nutty Parmesan and creamy black truffle aioli.
Contact details: 079 886 3134 | Mushroom Farm Park, Daisy Street, Sandown, Sandton | [email protected] | https://www.trufflesbistro.co.za
Hudsons The Burger Joint
Located in Parkhurst, this burger joint makes some of the most sought after burgers in Joburg. And we can see why. With over 20 burgers, including vegan options, to choose from, this is a burger haven. As fabulous as the burgers are, we can't resist their chips. The Loaded Fries comes covered in bacon bits, sweet chilli and mozzarella. They also offer up creamy peri peri and mozzarella Disco Fries and Truffle Cheese Fries. Low Carbers and Banters also have their pick with the Avo Fries served with tangy sweet chilli sauce.
Contact details: 011 268 0713 | Cnr 4th Avenue & 14th Street, Parkhurst | [email protected] | http://theburgerjoint.co.za
The Green Craft Bar
This bar in Benoni offers diners yummy pub grub, with everything from Deep Fried Ravioli and Brannas Basted Chicken Wings to a Peanut Butter Burger and Pulled Pork. Our favourite pub grub, especially while enjoying a few jam jars, are loaded chips. This bar caters to this with their Fully Loaded Chips. These are topped with cheddar and mozzarella. Dinners can then choose to top this with spring onion, bacon and jalapeno or pulled pork and BBQ.
Contact details: 084 603 0609 | Benoni Country Club, Morris St, Morehill, Benoni | [email protected] | http://www.thegreen.co.za
Brooklyn Brothers
Brooklyn Brothers has recently popped up at several locations across the city. We have often frequented the Bedford branch to get our fix of great burgers, sticky chicken wings, saucy ribs, fluffly waffles, thick milkshakes and perfectly fried chips. The Brothers have several fries that bridge the gap to gourmet including Macon & Cheese Fries, Blue Cheese Fries, Garlic Parmesan Fries and our favourite, Dirty Fries. These are smothered with Beef Chilli Mince, Cheedar Cheese, Beans and Jalapeno Fries.
Contact details: 011 615 0536 | Shop U50, Bedford Centre, Smith Road and Van Der Linde Road, Bedfordview | [email protected] | https://www.hooterssa.com
Hooters
No matter how we might feel about the values of this establishment, we can't deny that their food is delicious. This eatery offers patrons American-style cuisine with the burgers, tacos, curly fries, shrimp, philly cheesesteak and chicken wings. Although not suitable for fine dining, this place makes a good location when we have the munchies. But no cravings can be fulfilled without a plate of chips. This is where the Big Dipper Chili Fries comes in. Huge chips are loaded with chilli con carne, cheese and chipotle cream sauce.
Contact details: 010 443 5926 | The Buzz Shopping Centre, Witkoppen Rd, Fourways | [email protected] | https://www.hooterssa.com
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
The Irish Club, Linden
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!
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. Even better, 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.
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.
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.
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 FIFA World Cup.
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, as well as good food and drinks. Click here to find out which games they'll be screening over the next few weekends.
The Brazen Head Sandton
The Brazen Head Sandton is always a good option. It's a restaurant that boasts 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?
Know other pubs, bars or spots that are suited to watching sport? Let us know below!
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.