Are you looking for the best breakfast in Braamfontein? Look no further! We ate our way through many an early-bird menu to bring you the best of the best that this hipster hangout has to offer.

Ent Eatery

On the corner of de Beer and Juta Street, in a colourful little building you can find one of the best spots to grab a refreshing cup of coffee. Recently opened (well, at the time of writing at least), Ent Eatery in Braamfontein serves the best breakfast in town. Why not swing by on the first Sunday of every month for their already-famous brunch displays.

Love Food

Across Jan Smuts from the Wits Art Museum, there's a little Café all Joburgers should visit at least five times in their lives. Love Food on Ameshof Street is a quaint little eatery that serves breakfast and lunch. We recommend the bacon stack which consists of ciabatta, cheddar bacon, tomato relish and fried or scrambled eggs.

Artivist

Artivist is one of the gems in Braam that go unnoticed. Little do people know that there is a lot happening in this modern contemporary and artistic space. It's all in the name really - they bring you the best of art whether its music or food. One thing you can look forward to at this restaurant is their breakfast, wow! What a way to start your day.

Bannister Hotel

Luxury and budget are two words rarely used to describe a hotel. But when it comes to the Bannister Hotel on de Beer Street then you're in for a treat. Don't stress, you don't have to stay at the hotel to take advantage of their breakfast tables. What we suggest is that you fly in there with an appetite and take advantage of one of their farm styled breakfasts. How's about a plate of eggs, toast, bacon and sausage? Welcome to the best of Braamfontein.

Galata

Galata is a Turkish family-owned business, situated in Braamfontein and Braampark. This family loved South Africa so much that they just had to officiate their stay with restaurants - having fallen in love with the friendly environment, they were hooked. Galata has now become a very well known brand, catering the best food from breakfast to dinner and dessert. A must visit!

Velo Cafè

Velo Cafè can be found nearby the Juta Street restaurant district. This urban hang out is the go-to for traditional, uncomplicated, but still delicious Eggs Benedict. If you pop by here on a weekday morning you could score breakfast and a coffee for only *R50! Find them at The Grove, just off Melle street.

Floorless Cuisine

Floorless Cuisine is the official caterer for the Constitution Hill heritage site in upper Braamfontein. Their breakfast menu features five home-style morning grub options. We recommend you try out the breakfast wrap, which is served with fluffy scrambled eggs and a cheese griller.

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.

Dukes

Dukes has a very wide selection of burgers which often makes deciding what to eat here a bit tricky. Do you go for their suggestions or do you make your own? Beef, lamb, chicken, ostrich or veg? The options are endless, but you can rest easy knowing whatever you choose will be juicy and delicious.

Where: 14 Gleneagles Road, Greenside, Johannesburg.

Our pick: The Big Cheese, a beef patty with tomato relish, melted cheddar, mozzarella and feta topped with homemade gherkins.

Click here for more information.

Voodoo Lily Café

If you're looking for a family restaurant that serves the freshest, most nourishing dishes, go to Voodoo Lily Café. Their food is locally sourced and organic where possible, so you can be assured of the highest quality. But let's get to why we are here: the burgers. They are made from 100% grass-fed beef and the most amazing toppings like roasted peppers, caramelised onions, fresh chilli and avo. If you're not a fan of red meat, you can choose the chicken breast or vegetarian patty and build your own burger.

Where: St Andrew St & Wrenrose Ave, Birdhaven, Johannesburg

Our pick: Dreamy Cheese, a juicy patty stuffed with mozzarella and topped with shakshuka sauce, cheddar and rocket.

Click here for more information.

Hudsons The Burger Joint

Originally from Cape Town, Hudsons The Burger Joint was a warmly welcomed addition to Parkhurst. It doubles as a great after-work watering hole since they have no shortage of cocktails! There are burgers here for everyone, from the carb-conscious and non-meat eaters to those who just want a huge, meaty meal. Plus, you can swap any patty for one of your choice – chicken, veg, ostrich, you name it.

Where: Corner 4th Avenue and 14th Street, Parkhurst, Johannesburg.

Our pick: The Rockafella, a free-range beef patty topped with Swiss cheese, pulled pork, pineapple and a fried egg. Go for a side of sweet potato wedges.

Click here for more information.

Love Food

Love Food is the cutest spot in Braamfontein. During the week, they serve up all kinds of things from salads and sandwiches to cakes and more. But, on a Friday, they do something different – Fridays are for burgers, and it’s well worth the week-to-week wait! There are three patty options to choose from: pure lean beef, chicken or veggie. Then you add a salad and/or wedges to your plate and you’ve got yourself a hearty meal.

Where: 4 Ameshoff Street, Braamfontein, Johannesburg.

Our pick: The veggie burger is so great! It comes on a sesame seed roll and toppings-wise, cheddar, honey mustard mayo and pickles make for a winning combo.

Click here for more information.

JB's Corner

JB's Corner is one of those great ‘something for everyone’ restaurants. So, while they’re not specifically a burger place, their burgers do shine through! They’ve got healthy options as well, so if you’re looking after your figure, or you're banting, you can have your burger in a bowl of cauli rice instead of on a bun.

Where: 3 High Street, Melrose Arch, Johannesburg (but there are other branches in Sandton and Hyde Park Corner).

Friday

3pm

The best way to start any weekend stay-over in a Joburg suburb – or any new destination for that matter – is with a decent plate of food. Head to the harvest table at Love Food on Ameshoff Street, a stone's throw away from Clive van den Berg's eland statue. Take your time here and enjoy the hearty and healthy scenery. Love Food is the type of place where you feel invited to sit back, relax and enjoy a good meal with a fresh juice or decent double-shot cappuccino.

5pm

We're staying at Once in Joburg while in Braams, so why not check in before you head out for the night? Braamfontein is the sneaker capital of South Africa, so slip into something comfy and let's get the evening started on the right note, shall we? Once you've got your kicks kitted out, head to The Immigrant Bar, which is located in the hotel, for a little bit of alcohol to get the gears greased for a fun evening. This vibey joint is great for a cocktail, some people watching and to get the engines ready for a fun night ahead. They do serve food but let's keep that appetite building for the big, fat dinner we're having later.

8pm

Skip the dirty bar scene and the noisy night club and head to Great Dane on De Beer Street. Here you can relax, have a few drinks, a delicious meal and dance the night way. Their hot dogs come highly recommended and what's better than a yummy dog to start the night? You can wash this down with a refreshing beer and then hit the dance floor. If you're more in the mood for a chilled vibe or if you have had a few too many, you can enjoy the Braam scene outside while still enjoying the luxuries Great Dane has on offer. 

Saturday

11am

Rise and shine. We're just in time for brunch at Post on Juta Street. It's super-hipster but it's cool, we don't mind listening to old-school rock on vinyl records while chowing down a pastrami on rye sandwich. They serve really good coffee and cold drinks too. Their sandwiches are a hit for sure. Be warned though, Post is quite small and you might have someone's elbow in your bifteki breakfast but it's all good – at least the food is worth it.

2pm

You find yourself in the middle of Braamfontein on a Saturday afternoon. Where to go? Well, you're in luck. No matter which direction you move, there will be something to do. Take your time and work your way through the Neighbourgoods Market. Here you can expect to find artisan food, boutique wines and live music. It's the kind of place where you rock up, get tipsy and buy random pieces of jewellery for the fun of it. You can also grab something small to eat at the market, like a bowl of paella or a handmade meatball sub.

3pm

Round about this time head to Kitchener's Carvery Bar across the road and get ready to dance to live music. Local DJ Andrew Clements rented out Kitchener's for his music sets and this eventually spiralled into the neighbourhood we know today. Grab a drink here, soak up the energy and realise that the city is not such a scary place after all. (With that said, don't wander drunk around the back end of Fordsburg.)

7pm

We're staying at Once In Joburg again tonight, and lucky for us they have a pumping night-life at the bar. The bar usually shuts down for the night when the last person standing leaves.. Once In Joburg is an exciting place to meet tourists from all over the world. As a side note, Once In Joburg is one of our favourite places to stay after a night of partying up a storm in town, so book yourself a bed and check out Braamfontein after dark.

Sunday

10am

Rise and shine. Last night was pretty rowdy, wasn't it? Good. Hey, this is Braamfontein after all, where people work hard and play even harder... when in Rome, and so forth. Let's get you some coffee and something light to eat. Grab something to go at Double Shot (by far the best coffee in the city... don't even bother with the other hipster shops in the area) a block up from Neighbourgoods on Juta Street. If you're not into coffee, then try one of their craft teas.

12pm

Let's grab a quick lunch and squeeze in a little more fun before bouncing out of this joint. 86 Public is an artisan pizza place. Here you can have blue cheese and butternut oven-baked pizza on whichever type of dough you prefer (sourdough and banting included). It's a great place to enjoy a Sunday lunch with a bit of craft beer and chilled vibes. After this we recommend a bit of people watching. Take a walk around and soak up the atmosphere.

2pm

At the tip-top of Braamfontein is where you will find the Old Fort now known as Constitution Hill. This site played a huge role in shaping of the city. From being the last stand against the British during the Boer War to being used as a women's prison and eventually a prison to hold political refugees, it is a great spot to bring the entire trip to a close. Take your time here and go through the rich yet mundane pictures of the past. We've come a long way. Onwards and upwards.

Dukes

Dukes has a very wide selection of burgers which often makes deciding what to eat here a bit tricky. Do you go for their suggestions or do you make your own? Beef, lamb, chicken, ostrich or veg? The options are endless, but you can rest easy knowing whatever you choose will be juicy and delicious.

Where: 14 Gleneagles Road, Greenside, Johannesburg.

Our pick: The Big Cheese, a beef patty with tomato relish, melted cheddar, mozzarella and feta topped with homemade gherkins.

Click here for more information.

Voodoo Lily Cafè

If you're looking for a family restaurant that serves the freshest, most nourishing dishes, go to Voodoo Lily Café. Their food is locally sourced and organic where possible, so you can be assured of the highest quality. But let's get to why we are here: the burgers. They are made from 100% grass-fed beef and the most amazing toppings like roasted peppers, caramelised onions, fresh chilli and avo. If you're not a fan of red meat, you can choose the chicken breast or vegetarian patty and build your own burger.

Where: St Andrew St & Wrenrose Ave, Birdhaven, Johannesburg

Our pick: Dreamy Cheese, a juicy patty stuffed with mozzarella and topped with shakshuka sauce, cheddar and rocket.

Click here for more information.

Hudsons The Burger Joint

Originally from Cape Town, Hudsons The Burger Joint was a warmly welcomed addition to Parkhurst. It doubles as a great after-work watering hole since they have no shortage of cocktails! There are burgers here for everyone, from the carb-conscious and non-meat eaters to those who just want a huge, meaty meal. Plus, you can swap any patty for one of your choice – chicken, veg, ostrich, you name it.

Where: Corner 4th Avenue and 14th Street, Parkhurst, Johannesburg.

Our pick: The Rockafella, a free-range beef patty topped with Swiss cheese, pulled pork, pineapple and a fried egg. Go for a side of sweet potato wedges.

Click here for more information.

Love Food

Love Food is the cutest spot in Braamfontein. During the week, they serve up all kinds of things from salads and sandwiches to cakes and more. But, on a Friday, they do something different – Fridays are for burgers, and it’s well worth the week-to-week wait! There are three patty options to choose from: pure lean beef, chicken or veggie. Then you add a salad and/or wedges to your plate and you’ve got yourself a hearty meal.

Where: 4 Ameshoff Street, Braamfontein, Johannesburg.

Our pick: The veggie burger is so great! It comes on a sesame seed roll and toppings-wise, cheddar, honey mustard mayo and pickles make for a winning combo.

Click here for more information.

JB's Corner

JB's Corner is one of those great ‘something for everyone’ restaurants. So, while they’re not specifically a burger place, their burgers do shine through! They’ve got healthy options as well, so if you’re looking after your figure, or you're banting, you can have your burger in a bowl of cauli rice instead of on a bun.

Where: 3 High Street, Melrose Arch, Johannesburg (but there are other branches in Sandton and Hyde Park Corner).

Beefcakes

While they are probably better known for their ripped waiters than their food, don’t be fooled – Beefcakes certainly lives up to its name (in both senses of the word!). They have a great burger menu and you can create your own. Come here for a lively night out, a bachelorette or, simply to tuck into good food and sip cocktails. Entertainment varies, depending on the night.

Where: Illovo Muse Centre, 198 Oxford Road, Illovo, Johannesburg.

Our pick: Babycakes – three small beef burgers on mini buns, served with cheese, guacamole and a mushroom sauce. How about adding a glass of rosé to that order?

Click here for more information.

Free Food

Okay, so this is a vegan restaurant, but hear us out… their chickpea burger has got to be one of our all-time favourites. We know it’s a vegan place and this is an article about burgers but, don't knock it till you've tried it.

Where: Shop 5B, Reithmere, Corner of Delta Road and Corlett Drive, Birnam, Johannesburg.

Our pick: The Chickpea Burger, served on a toasted gluten- and grain-free bread round, with hummus, grilled brinjal, tahini, fresh tomato, red onion relish and sweet potato wedges with salsa dairy-free cheese. Bonus: it’s healthy!

Click here for more information.

Salvation Café

You'll find Salvation Café in the 44 Stanley complex. Go here and don’t even look at the menu, just order any of their burgers – you won't be sorry! They come in three varieties and are sure to satisfy your craving with the first bite.

Where: 44 Stanley Avenue, Milpark, Johannesburg.

Our pick: The Salvation Gourmet Burger – it’s a grass-fed beef burger with bacon, caramelised onion, guacamole and Dutch cheese, served with potato wedges.

Click here for more information.

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.