Col'cacchio
This pizza and pasta joint has several locations all over Joburg. Which is great, because then we can grab some of their yummy food no matter where we are. They have several vegan pizza options, such as the Margherita, Lazio and Cosi Verde. We love the Lazio with avocado, cherry tomatoes and pumpkin seed pesto. But all of these pizzas are delicious in their own right.
Smack Pizza Co, Rivonia
This pizza shop just popped up out of nowhere and suddenly, it's the pizza place on everyone's lips. And we are loving it. They don't have a huge selection, but what they do offer is just right. Try a vegan pizza topped with vegan cheese, beetroot, avo, tomatoes, onions and olives. Not only is this delicious, but all the fresh ingredients also make it healthy... well, sort of.
Doppio Zero
We love the vegan range at Doppio Zero, featuring delectable bowls, wraps, burgers, curries and pasta. But have you tried their vegan pizza? If not, you should. This pizza is loaded with Napoletana sauce, vegan cheese, basil, artichokes, roasted red pepper, olives and rocket. If that isn't enough to satiate your appetite, top off your pizza with your choice of extra toppings. With everything from broccoli to pineapple, there's something for everyone.
Andiccio 24
This fast food shop has popped up just about everywhere in recent years. And we aren't complaining. They offer some of the best fast food pizzas and pastas available from a takeaway joint. These include tasty vegan options. The Vegherita is basically a vegan Margherita. If you'd like more ingredients on your pizza, they have a wide array of extra toppings. We like the sound of roasted garlic, avo and caramelised onions.
Lupa Osteria
While this isn't strictly a fine dining restaurant, it's the closest on this list. This Italian restaurant serves some of the best Italian fare in Joburg. And, they have an entire vegan menu, an oddity for a cheese and meat loving Italian eatery. But we won't complain. Their vegan menu offers up the Yoga Bunny Pizza with Napoletana sauce, vegan mozzarella, roasted butternut, Peppadews, vegan basil pesto, avocado and rocket.
Piza ē Vino
When it comes to Piza ē Vino, Italian food is a way of life! And this is why Piza ē Vino has been celebrated as one of the city’s top pizza spots. Their pizzas are just SO good! Here, you can expect to indulge in flavourful pizzas, created with only the best in high quality ingredients, and the crusts are just so moreish. Here, you can substitute your mozzarella with vegan cheese at R15 for a medium pizza and R20 for a large pizza. You can never go wrong with a pizza treat from Piza ē Vino!
What is your favourite vegan pizza spot? Let us know in the comments section below!
From on-the-go to sit-down and more, Fourways boasts a lovely selection of foodie hot spots for you to savour and enjoy. And no matter what you're craving, this suburb is sure to have just the cuisine to delight your taste buds. Take your pick from the menu below.
What Are You Looking For?
Asian
Italian
American & Fast Food
Mediterranean
Indian
Steak & Grill
Asian
Simply Asia
For authentic Thai cuisine made simple, visit Simply Asia and enjoy their selection of noodles, Thai curries, seafood, duck dishes and vegetarian options. There's something for all tastes and palates. Here, you can watch their chefs wok up a storm of exotic flavours and aromas that'll make your mouth water. Currently, they have a limited lockdown menu, still offering some of their popular and oh-so delicious meals for delivery, right to your door. Take your pick from a variety of spring rolls, traditional Phad Thai, Phuket Noodles, Green Curry, Sweet & Sour Stir-Fry, Fried Rice Tom Yum and more.
Saigon Suzy Cedar Square
Looking for one of the most authentic Asian experiences in the city? Then be sure to make a stop at Saigon Suzy! This popular spot opposite Fourways Mall offers visitors only the best in Asian-inspired cocktails and street food accompanied by classic rock 'n roll hits. Delight your senses with authentic flavours straight from their menu, which offers everything from Bao, Bun Cha and Banh Xeo to Pho and BBQ Street Skewers. Also, sip on your choice of specially imported Asian beers, sake, gins and whiskeys. And if you're feeling a little brave, why not head to their No Tell Motel Karaoke when you can sing along to your favourite tunes!
Visit Saigon Suzy Cedar Square.
Kung-Fu Kitchen
Visit Kung-Fu Kitchen and get your fill on fantastic sushi, moreish chow mein and chow faan, and soul warming soups and curries. A few of our favourites off of their menu includes the Chicken Spring Rolls, Salmon California Rolls, Sticky Chicken rice dish and Miso Soup. And if you're looking for something sweet to round off your meal on a high note, add a few decadent Bowties. You can find the Fourways Kung-Fu Kitchen at the Waterford Shopping Centre, on the corner of Witkoppen Road and Douglas Drive.
Image by Jcomp via Freepik.com.
Italian
Donatella's
Located in the bustling entertainment hub of Montecasino, just off the casino floor, Donatella's Italian, Seafood & Grillhouse is an absolute must-visit if you're in the mood for customary Italian fare. Step out of Fourways and into the streets of Italy without having to purchase a flight or leaving the country! The menu offers everything from Carpaccio, Paella and Lamb Shank to Peri Lemon Prawns, Sole A La Romana and Donna's Linguine, just to name a few. Not only is this restaurant a wonderful place for amazing cuisine, but it's also the perfect venue to host functions, parties and conferences.
Visit Donatella's Italian, Seafood & Grillhouse.
Pellegrino Toscano
Looking to treat the whole family to some Italian? Then look no further than Pellegrino Toscano, located at Cedar Square Shopping Centre. This premium Italian eatery offers their guests stellar service, great food and warm hospitality, complete with a menu full of new and classic dishes you and your family are sure to enjoy. You can expect to see fresh handmade pasta, thin base pizzas, meat dishes, fish and chicken options, homemade cakes and REAL Italian gelato to round off your meal on a sweet note. Their menu is sure to have something for everyone.
Lupa Osteria
Your Rome away from home, visit Lupa Osteria at Design Quarter for exceptional combination of food and wine. This is just the restaurant if you're seeking the authentic and simple flavours of Italy, right here in our beloved city. Their dishes are prepared with only the freshest ingredients, selected with the greatest care to ensure mouth-watering meals every time you visit. On the menu, you can expect wholesome and seasonal pizzas, pastas, seafood and secondi, seasoned with distinctly Italian flavours.
Visit Lupa Osteria at Design Quarter.
Image by Freepik via Freepik.com.
American & Fast Food
RocoMamas
For American style (and sized) burgers that has all the toppings imaginable, drenched in your favourite sauce, visit RocoMamas at Pineslopes Shopping Centre on Witkoppen Road. There's something for all tastes, from chicken and beef burgers to vegetarian and vegan options. There's also a delicious selection of sides if you think you have enough stomach space for it. Don't forget to order one of their decadent and addictive milkshakes in a wide variety of flavours to complement your meal.
Anat
Craving schwarmas or pitas stuffed with fresh ingredients and drizzled with chili and tzatziki? Anat at Fourways Mall, Montecasino and Dainfern Square offers just the thing! Best of all, you can order it and enjoy on-the-go! All meals are packaged to enjoy anywhere, whether you're seated at the restaurant or on the move to your next destination. Click here to take a look at what Anat has on the menu. Be sure to keep a look at for their amazing combos and specials.
Steers
For flame-grilled burgers, handmade chips with that moreish seasoning and sweet milkshakes, be sure to visit your nearest Steers branch to get your fill! You can find Steers at Montecasino, Pineslopes Shopping Centre, Dainfern Square and Fourways Mall, so there's no excuse to not be able to get your hands on something delicious on-the-go! And if you're not in the mood for a beef burger, not to worry, they also offer flame-grilled chicken, ribs jam-packed with flavour, their famous sides and sweet desserts.
Image by Freepik via Freepik.com.
Mediterranean
Pedro Portia Lounge
Located at Cedar Square Shopping Centre, Pedro Portia Lounge is just the place if you're craving Mediterranean-inspired dishes or a trendy after work hangout complete with drinks and cigars. They even host dance parties if you're looking to dance your way into the weekend! The restaurant also offers beautiful sunset views, a great selection of champagne, one of the biggest varieties of cigars in South Africa, colourful and tasty cocktails, and an interesting selection of Havana Club Rum. Due to the lockdown regulations, this restaurant may be closed until further notice. Visit their social media platforms for more information.
Ocean Basket
Ocean Basket is another one of the country's all time favourites, offering not only offering some of the best seafood in the city, but also a great atmosphere for you to unwind, relax and enjoy with your loved ones. Enjoy your choice of seafood delights, maybe even a few rounds of sushi and some baklava to end off your visit on a sweet note. Interested? Click here for more information.
Image by Freepik via Freepik.com.
Indian
Thava Indian Restaurant at Montecasino
For authentic Indian cuisine in the heart of Joburg, be sure to visit the warm and inviting Thava Indian Restaurant, either at Montecasino in Fourways or in Norwood. You're palate will be delighted by the flavourful selection of traditional Indian dishes ranging from Kormas, Tandoori, curries, Masala and more. To find out more about the Montecasino branch, click here to read about their Montecasino restaurant opening. Expect a welcoming atmosphere, friendly service and outstanding food.
Visit Thava Indian Restaurant.
Taste Punjabi Fourways
Delight your senses with authentic North Indian dishes at Taste Punjabi Fourways. Other than the array of curries and traditional dishes served with either chicken, beef, lamb or seafood, they also offer vegetarian variants. All of their meals are made with a blend of aromatic spices, served with Indian breads or rice. During the lockdown, they will be offering their cuisine via delivery or collection. Click here to take a look at what's on the menu and how you can order.
Image by Freepik via Freepik.com.
Steak & Grill
Turn 'n Tender
When you think steak, what's the first place that comes to mind? For us, it's Turn 'n Tender. There are many branches throughout the city, but you can find the Fourways branch at Dainfern Square. This restaurant is ideal for date nights, a business lunch or even a Sunday roast with the family. Here, you can expect friendly service and staff, great meals, and a superb ambiance. They also offer a wide selection of wines from their cellar to complement your meal if you wish.
The Baron Fourways
The Baron has become a firm favourite for those looking to grab a great meal and an ice-cold draught after a long day at the office. Their menu offers a wide selection of steaks and grill options that's sure to delight any meaty craving. During the national lockdown, they are offering a delivery menu that can be delivered right to your door or for pickup. Click here to take a look at their updated menu.
Tiger's Milk Kitchen & Bar
Situated at Cedar Square, Tiger's Milk Kitchen & Bar is a great spot if you're looking to munch on pizzas, Tex Mex, salads, burgers, and of course, steaks! Their menu offers a wide range of dishes that's sure to delight your taste buds, no matter what you're craving. Other than the great food, this spot is popular for nights out on the town, complete with a bustling bar and live entertainment. Click here to find out more about Tigers Milk.
Visit Tiger's Milk Kitchen & Bar.
Image by Freepik via Freepik.com.
Kaylee's Eatery
This vegan restaurant offers all day breakfasts, open sandwiches, Beyond Burgers, Belgian Waffles, Hot & Hearty dishes, Gourmet Shakes, Smoothies and tasty sweet treats. If you only try one thing here, let is be a waffle. Thick and fluffy golden waffles are topped with an assortment of ingredients, from grilled banana and chocolate to berry compote and toffee syrup. These are served with a luscious scoop of vegan ice cream. If that doesn't sound like the ultimate vegan indulgence, we don't know what does!
Contact details: 011 524 7603 | 147 N Reef Rd, Bedfordview | Facebook Page
Lupa Osteria
Italian cuisine is a favourite classic for most of us, but is also rich in meat and cheese. Luckily, vegans can enjoy their favourite Mediterranean food at Lupa Osteria. This eatery has an entire menu dedicated to meat-free options. Start your dinner with Oven Baked Veggie Balls, served with tomato, basil and vegan mozzarella. For mains, indulge in your choice of pasta, pizza or a yummy burger. And for a sweet touch, enjoy a thick and creamy Vegan Oreo Milkshake with Hershley's Chocolate Sauce.
Contact details: 011 622 0131 | Bedford Centre, Van Der Linde Rd, Bedfordview | [email protected] | https://www.lupa.co.za/
Kaylee's Eatery
Lexi's Healthy Eatery
This popular Sandton Eatery has recently opened a new branch at Flamingo Shopping Centre in Modderfontein, bringing the east a wide variety of vegan options. Lexi's Healthy Eatery serves up cuisine for all dietary requirements, including vegans, vegetarians and meat eaters. Most of their menu offers plant-based choices. While their menu has a variety of fine dining options, we're suckers for the Beet Smashed Falafel Wrap. With beetroot falafels, carrot hummus, grated carrots, sliced tomato, red onion, cucumber, mixed greens and tahini dressing, this is a must-try.
Contact details: 083 300 1281 | Flamingo Junction, Cnr Queens St and Valley Rd, Modderfontein | [email protected] | https://lexiseatery.com/
The Vegan Chef
Located at Green Thumb Nursery, The Vegan Chef is the new kid on the vegan food block. Their menu is dotted with delicious vegan options, which include Southern Fried Chickn, Vish and Beyond Burgers. The Sticky Wings served with slaw and chips has become a favourite for patrons looking for a tasty alternative to meaty dishes. We, however, are enamored with the Decadent Vegan Donuts, a fine treat for any occasion.
Contact details: 082 606 6836 | Green Thumb Nursery, 152 President Brand Street, Benoni | [email protected] | https://theveganchef.co.za/
Lexi's Healthy Eatery
Doppio Zero
Doppio Zero is a favourite among vegans and health food fundis alike. Not only do they offer one of the best vegan bowls in the city, but they also offer a wide range of tasty and nutritious plant-based meals. Those new to veganism or missing the taste of meat should give the Beyond Bangers & Mash a try, made with Beyond Meat sausages, smoor, coconut crushed potatoes and pearl onions. Those who don't want imitation meat have a plethora of other meals to choose from. We recomend the Nomad Wrap, The Veg Spread and the Grain Slaw.
Contact details: 011 450 1542 | Cnr Van Buuren and Hawley Road, Bedfordview | [email protected] | https://www.doppio.co.za/
The Secret Garden
The Secret Garden is a hidden gem of the east. Surrounded by lush greenery and quirky decor, this eatery is the ultimate garden setting for an intimate brunch date. The menu caters to both vegans and meat eaters. Infact, almost every menu item is available in both vegan and non-vegan options. The Vegan Falafel Salad is a favourite for locals. Crispy falafel balls are served alongside roast pepper, butternut and brinjals. Finished off with a mini health loaf, this healthy salad will satisfy even the hungriest appetite.
Contact details: 083 299 2160 | 40 High Road, Benoni | [email protected] | Facebook Page
The Secret Garden
Food Lover's Market Eatery
The East Rand is home to two of the Food Lover's Market Eateries. Based in Edenvale and Sunward Park in Boksburg, these two branches are the only two of the Food Lover's Market Eateries to offer the famed Beyond Meat Burger in Joburg. Loaded with lettuce, tomatoes, pickles onion and creamy mayonnaise, this burger tastes and looks exactly like the real thing. It is the perfect meal for those struggling to satisfy any meat cravings.
Contact details: Sunward Park: 011 913 3407 ; 266 Kingfisher Ave, Sunward Park, Boksburg | Edenvale: 011 452 2835 ; Stoneridge Centre, 1 Modderfontein Rd, Edenvale | [email protected]fnv.co.za | https://foodloversmarket.co.za/
Hudsons The Burger Joint
Hudsons is the go-to for anyone looking for good old 'dude food'. From pizzas and burgers to nachos and tacos, they have all the tasty grease you need. Vegan options include several burgers and pizzas, nachos, a taco, ice cream and a milkshake. While they may be a burger joint, their best vegan option, in our option, is the Panko Crumbed Wings appetiser. Wing style seitan is dipped in panko bread crumbs and fried to perfection. These are served with vacon bits, spring onion, sriracha and vegan garlic mayo. If you're still hungry, add in a side of Avo Fries for the ultimate gluttonous meal.
Contact details: 011 455 0616 | Cnr Skeen Boulevard & Hawley Road, Bedfordview | [email protected] | http://theburgerjoint.co.za/
Hudsons The Burger Joint
What is your favourite vegan restaurant in the East Rand? Let us know in the comments section below!
Kaylee's Eatery
This Bedfordview eatery has become an over night sensation. With their yummy bowls, Beyond Meat burgers, all day breakfasts, open sandwiches and delightful desserts, we are not surprised. But, of course, they make it to this list because of their vegan milkshakes. At the time of writing, Kaylee's had five gourmet shakes on their menu; Oreo, Coffee Shake, Chocolate Brownie, Strawberry and Peanut Butter. All are fantastic in their own right, but we have a soft spot for the classic Strawberry, made with a coconut base and fresh strawberries.
Contact details: Kaylee's Eatery | 011 524 7603 | 147 N Reef Rd, Bedfordview | Facebook
Hudsons The Burger Joint
This 'dude-food' joint offers a variety of tasty food in large portions, from the burgers and pizzas to the tacos and salads. But unlike most other restaurants in their category, they also offer a large range of vegan treats. These includes burgers, pizza, fried wings, tacos, appetisers, ice cream and a vegan milkshake. This Vegan Oreo Shake is a creamy treat that will satisfy even the largest of appetites. We recommend pairing this with the Panko Crumbed Wings, a mouthwatering vegan morsel served with vegan mayo, sriracha and vacon bits.
Contact details: Hudsons The Burger Joint | 011 268 0713 or 011 455 0616 | Locations | http://theburgerjoint.co.za
Asher's Farm Sanctuary
Asher's Farm Sanctuary is a sanctuary in Pretoria East that cares for harmed and abandoned farm animals. They have an onsite café which serves up some of the most tantalising vegan food we've ever had. It is worth making the trip all the way north just for their juicy burgers and tasty milkshakes. Their Deluxe Shakes are available in Cookies 'n Cream, Strawberry Marshmallow, Rum 'n Raisin and Peanut Butter Crunch. It's difficult to choose one, but the Peanut Butter Crunch is a firm favourite.
Contact details: Asher's Farm Sanctuary | 065 120 2664 | Plot 37 Tweedraght, Boschkop, Pretoria East | [email protected] | https://www.ashersfarmsanctuary.org
Free Food
Free Food is a plant-based eatery in Birnam that offers food free from dairy, gluten, wheat and refinded sugar. Their menu features a selection of breakfast options, soups, salads, pizza, wraps, bowls, desserts and drinks. On offer are Iced Mylk drinks, made from almond milk and sweetened with dates and agave. Flavours include Strawberry, Chocolate, Coffee, Chocolate Mint, Vanilla and Chocolate, Chai and Mint Green Tea. The Chocolate Mylk drink comes highly recommended.
Contact details: Free Food | 082 406 4699 | Shop 5 Reithmere, Cnr Delta Road & Corlett Drive, Birnam | [email protected] | https://www.freefood.co.za
Lupa Osteria
This Italian restaurant has a menu entirely dedicated to vegans. On it, you can find an antipasti of Oven Baked Veggie Balls; mains of Penne Puttanesca, the Yogi Bunny Pizza and the Green Burger with vacon, vegan mozzarella, avo, lettuce, pickles and a Beyond Meat burger patty. And for a sweet touch, they have a sinfully luxurious Vegan Oreo Milkshake complete with Hershley's Chocolate Syrup (which, according to Hershley's website, is vegan).
Contact details: Lupa Osteria | 011 622 0131 or 011 465 1640 | Locations | https://www.lupa.co.za
Conscious 108
Conscious 108 doesn't have any vegan milkshakes on their menu. However, they do offer five different types of "Un-Milkshakes". Made from their house-made soya milk ice cream, these Un-Milkshakes are available in Conscious Chocolate, Very Vanilla, Choc Peanut Butter, Vanilla Oreo and Just Berry. The Choc Peanut Butter is a fan favourite, but they're all worth a try, at least once. Pair this with a filling burger or a scrumptious pizza.
Contact details: Conscious 108 | 011 646 7250 | 108 Greenway, Greenside | [email protected] | https://www.conscious108.com
Almond Creamery
Almond Creamery is a refreshing pre-made and bottled drink, similar to Super M and Steri Stumpie. They offer a range of flavoured milks, made from a mixture of almond and macadamia milks. Flavours include Pure Almond Milk, Vanilla, Chai Spice, Chocolate and Coffee. They are all packaged in glass bottles with easily removable labels, and are great for reusing. Although based in Cape Town, this product is available at several locations in Joburg.
Contact details: 061 493 2984 | [email protected] | https://almondcreamery.co.za | Find available stockists here.
What are your favourite vegan milkshakes? Let us know in the comments section below!
Chevy Lane
This American-style diner at Bedford Centre offers up delectable burgers, waffles, milkshakes and hot dogs. The garage theme encompasses cars, street signs, a petrol station and even a car crash scene. The venue features entertainment for all ages with a cigar bar for the grown ups and a jungle gym, arcade games and adjoining ice cream parlour for the kids.
Mama Taco
This Mexican fast food chain offers up a delicious variety of Mexican food including tacos, quesadillas, burritos, nachos and churros. Perhaps our favourite menu item, Mama Taco has a Build Your Own option. Patrons can choose their base of a taco, burrito, Muncho Bowl or nachos and stuff it their very own choice of grains, protein, veggies, cheese and salsa.
Kong Sing
This Chinese restaurant specialises in sushi and dim sum. Their menu has a wide variety of deliciously flavourful soups, chop suey, chow mein, curry, sweet and sour dishes, dim sum and sushi. We love their selection of desserts which includes deep fried ice cream, deep fried bananas, bow ties and crispy buns.
Brooklyn Brothers
For gourmet burgers, dessert style milkshakes, crunchy chips, sticky ribs and perfectly cooked chicken wings, head to Brooklyn Brothers. This urban-style diner offers up dude-food that ladies can pig out on, too. Although, there is no actual pig as this establishment is Halaal certified.
Calistos
With Portuguese flavours and flair, Calistos Bedford Centre offers all the scrumptious Portuguese classics. These include items like the Trinchado, Prawns, Rissoles, Piri-piri and Prego. But their menu also has some unique finds such as the Argentinian Steak, Chicken Schnitzel and Avocado Ritz. All this can be enjoyed with their fine selection of imported cognac, premium whiskey and cigars.
Mythos
Deliciously prepared traditional Greek food can be found at this eatery. Mythos serves authentic pitas and dips, meze, souvlaki, yiro and all the other Greek food we've come to know and love. Their range of desserts, or glika, stands out from the crowd with the choices or loukoumades, baklava, rizogalo and kataifi.
Lupa Osteria
This Italian restaurant, named for the Roman Goddess, prepares mouthwatering meals consisting of antipasti, pasta, pizza and main meals. They also have a vegan menu with vegan pasta, pizza and dessert choices on offer. Their wine and liquor menu is extensive with many interesting and tasty cocktails.
Salsa Mexican Grill
Bedford Centre has another Mexican offering, but in the form of a restaurant this time. Not only can you find tasty and spicy nachos, enchiladas, burritos, quesadillas, platitos and fajitas, but you can also get craft gin, tequila and beer. Finish off your meal with a thick and creamy milkshake, available in six flavours.
Banjaara
We complete our round-the-world trip at Bedford Centre with delectable North Indian cuisine. Bunny chow, tandoori breads, roti rolls, tandoori grills, briyani as well as chicken, vegetarian, seafood and lamb dishes grace the menu. Their meals are available in mild, medium or hot options and they are Halaal certified.
PHMIC
We can't resist the sweeter side of life, and what's sweeter than Paul's Homemade Ice Cream? Bedford Centre is one of the few, if not the only, locations in the east where we can get a lick of these indulgent scoops. Favourite flavours include Passion Fruit and White Chocolate; Mint Chocolate Brownie; Vegan Strawberry; Chocolate, Nutella and Oreo and Birthday Cake.
Contact details: Bedford Centre | 011 622 1840 | Cnr Smith & Van der Linde Rd, Bedfordview | [email protected] | http://www.bedfordcentre.com
To find more weird and wonderful things worth exploring at Bedford Centre, check out this nifty article.
Dining Out
Chevy Lane
The scene at this American-style restaurant is set with vintage cars, street signs and diner style seating. This one-of-a-kind eatery is the ultimate spot to grab a gourmet burger, delectable milkshake, yummy desserts and a few retro Instagram shots.
Lupa Osteria
Lupa Osteria is an authentic Italian restaurant offering mouthwatering pizza, pasta, antipasti and truly scrumptious Italian desserts. Their menu also includes vegan antipasti, pizza, pasta and desserts. This is the place to be if you want to experience genuine Italian fare made with traditional methods.
Mythos
Voted Best Greek Restaurant by Best of Joburg, Mythos serves up some of the best meze, souvlaki and yiros in Joburg. With a decadent range of Glika Desserts including Rizagalo, Loukoumades, Baklava, Kataifi and Baklava Cheesecake, this eatery is sure to be a hit with any sweet tooth.
Salsa Mexican Grill
America, Italian, Greek and now Mexican. Bedford Centre truly offers a round the world cuisine experience. Mexican cuisine featured here include sumptuous quesadillas, burritos, tacos, nachos, platitos, ensaladas and churros. They also offer a wide array of craft tequila which includes The Reaper HP22B, a chilli tequila that's so spicy, you'll need to sign a disclaimer before trying it.
Retail Therapy
The Tea and Coffee Emporium
Get all your coffee and tea needs including ground coffee, coffee beans, coffee capsules, coffee machines, coffee grinders, milk frothers, tea infusers, tea pots, black tea, herbal tea, green tea, loose tea, hot chocolate and syrups at this emporium.
1959
This store specialises in all types, shapes, sizes, flavours and colours of sweets. Visit this store to find a wide selection of Lindt, Tolberone and giant M&M chocolates. You can also get new and interesting cool drinks, unique jelly beans, tough wine gums, sticky marshmallow fluff, minty gum and boxed truffles for that special someone.
Plains Trains and Automobiles
This specialised hobby store offers service and repairs to remote controlled airplanes, cars and boats. This is a paradise for die-hard collectors with a passion for diecast, plane, train, car and boat models, whether they are starting out or have been at the game for years.
Heroes of Games and Comics
Besides the huge and well-stocked Exclusive Books, Bedford Centre is also home to a comic book store. Heroes of Games and Comics offers everything from graphic novels and manga to trading cards and super hero collectibles. Whether you're team Marvel, team DC or altogether prefer Dark Horse, this is the place to find the next item of your collection.
Entertain Me
Movies
Bedford Centre offers not one, but two cinemas, Nu Metro and Ster-Kinekor. The Ster-Kinekor theatre offers six screens, all making use of the latest technology to showcase the best entertainment for audiences. The Nu Metro cineplex offers luxurious viewings with the leather recliners, bar, VIP lounge and à la carte menu.
Find out more about Ster-Kinekor here and Nu Metro here.
Artjamming
Have fun painting the town red at Artjamming. Choose from 12 different canvas sizes and spend hours painting, sponging and spraying with any of the 45 available colours. And the best part, you don't have to spend hours cleaning paint off clothes, the floor and brushes.
Blue Ocean
This virtual reality arcade has the latest technology and games, with a 3 x 4 m green gaming area, headset and two motion controllers. Have a blast experiencing something new in an alternate reality and finally learn what all the virtual reality fuss is about.
Gravity
Gravity is a fun and interactive jumping park with wall-to-wall, floor level trampolines. Children, parents, adults, friends and family can all spend an exhilarating day jumping off that extra energy. You'll have so much fun, you won't even notice those calories burning off.
Contact details: 011 622 1840 / Cnr Smith & Van der Linde Rd, Bedfordview / [email protected] / http://bedfordcentre.com
Lupa Osteria
This Italian eatery has their own vegan menu which includes pizza, desserts and pasta. Their house made spaghetti is made without egg, making it perfectly vegan. You can dress this pasta with the Loula; tomato sauce, cherry tomatoes, basil and garlic. Or you can choose to build your own pasta, selecting from a choice of ingredients such as caramelised onions, roasted peppers, olives, artichokes, mushrooms and aubergines, all rounded off with Napoli Sauce. We wouldn't say no to Rosemary Focaccia, with roasted pepper and olive spaghetti in a tangy and sweet tomato sauce, finished off with Mixed Berry Sorbet.
Doppio Zero
Doppio Zero has become the coffee shop of choice for vegans across Joburg. This is simply because of their wide range of vegan choices that are amazingly delicious. One such choice is the Vegano Fettuccine, luscious strands of fettuccine lightly tossed with mushrooms, baby marrows, red onion, coconut milk, garlic, chilli and spicy chimichurri. This is beautifully complemented with a Cappuccino Vero, an Italian styled cappuccino, perfectly rich and bitter after a warm and hearty meal.
Col'cacchio
Col'cacchio is an Italian restaurant that has become a go-to for vegans craving Italian fare in recent years. This is because they offer delicious vegan salads, pizzas and pastas. They have two vegan pasta options on their menu, these are the Pomodoro, a simple basil and tomato pasta. But often, simple is best. The other vegan option is the sought-after Spaghetti and Vegballs, vegan 'meatballs' with the Pomodoro sauce and vegan Parmesan.
The Fussy Vegan
This eatery is a hidden gem tucked away behind a fuel station in Blairgowrie. They have become the popular choice for their amazing freshly prepared food, pre-packed food and vegan snacks. We love going there just for a bottle of Almond Creamery and a loaded smores doughnut. But if you're in the mood for something a little more filling and much more hearty, they make some of the best Mac and Cheese, wheat pasta in cashew cheese sauce with seitan bacon bits. And better yet, they serve this in a burrito. That's right, a macaroni and cheese burrito. Can you think of anything more glutenous yet completely worth it? We can't.
Free Food
Free Food is a vegan restaurant and supplier based in Melrose. They offer two vegan pasta choices. These two options consist of the Free Ball Tomato Pasta, vermicelli and 'meat balls' in a tomato, onion and thyme sauce with kalamata olives and almonds loaded on fresh greens. There is also the Pesto Pasta, vermicelli with mushrooms, tomatoes and kalamata olives brought together with basil pesto, also with fresh greens and chopped almonds. We love the fresh and healthy take on pasta at this eatery.
The Greenside Cafe
Greenside Cafe focuses on healthy, green eating. Green as in environmentally-friendly, not broccoli. This restaurant has the widest range of vegan pasta of all the places on this list. Their pasta choices include spaghetti, chewy tofu ribbons and gluten free. These pastas can be paired with Bolognaise, Vegan Pesto, Italian and Algerian sauces. No matter your choice, we recommend rounding off your meal with a slice of the Raw Maple Cheesecake.
What is your favourite vegan pasta? Let us know in the comments section below!
Lupa Osteria is a Roman-style, Italian restaurant, which was founded in 2013 by Guy Cluver (owner/entrepreneur) and Chris Black (owner/ chef) and was franchised in 2013. These owners have over 40 years experience in the hospitality industry collectively. This restaurant has nine locations around the country, with two located in Johannesburg (in Fourways and Bedfordview). The restaurant is named after the Roman wolf goddess, Lupa. They proudly boast the legend of Lupa on their website, which tells the story of how she saved and nurtured Romulus and Remus (you know — the twins reputed to have founded Rome). The legend adds to the charm of this restaurant and is a huge hit with the kids.
Having been introduced to this Osteria by a friend towards the end of 2018, we dined at the Florida Road location in Durban. I honestly asked myself why I didn't know about this place, especially since the food is amazing! We had the Sophie Bear Pizza (with Bacon, Gorgonzola, caramelised onions & rocket), and the Hot Chick (Peri-peri chicken, mushrooms, caramelised onions, garlic & feta). It's safe to say we ate until we were stuffed and we still hadn't finished the pizzas! This restaurant is a quintessential example of great food at reasonable prices.
The pizza is wood-fired with a thin but fluffy crust in truly authentic Italian-style. The pasta is homemade, which should be a prerequisite for any authentic Italian restaurant, right!? Besides the pizza and pasta, the menu is diverse with Antipasti, salads, Secondi courses and seafood. You can even buy sauces from them. There's also a cocktail menu with some delicious drinks (if you're a gin-lover, I recommend the Designer Gin and Elderflower Gin & Tonic). And let me not forget that there's a vegan menu, so all are catered for (although, to be honest, the menu could be a little more extensive). The wine list is also quite extensive and caters to different tastes with all the various options. They're divided into different categories for both red and white wine varieties: easy and delicious; crisp, dry and refreshing; rich and buttery; and nerdy, geeky and different.
The ambience at Lupa is casual and relaxed and feels like a family restaurant. It's great for quick bites or long lunches and dinners. Although it is casual dining, the interiors are modern, sleek and clean and elevate the casual dining experience. The kids will love it as well (and, yes, there's a kids menu). The service we received was excellent, with our server being very attentive. So, if you're looking for casual dining, with authentic Roman-style food, give Lupa Osteria a try.
