When it comes to dining in Sandton, you know you're in for a treat. Whether it's a quick lunchtime bite or a fully-fledged dinner with friends and family, Sandton is your go-to suburb for good food. But enough talk! We're starving, so let's get cracking and dive into the top restaurants in the area, shall we?
Gemelli
Just one look at the magnificent reviews online should convince you that this restaurant should be on top of your must-visit list. Located in Bryanston, Sandton, Gemelli is a fine family dining eatery serving modern Italian cuisine. The menu depends heavily on what’s in season, sustainability and provenance, and dishes are innovative, contemporary twists of traditional favourites. We can’t wait to indulge in a meal of a Caprese tartlet for starters, pumpkin and chicken risotto for mains and their delicious chocolate nemesis featuring gianduja ganache, lime, hazelnut ice cream, shortbread and salted butterscotch for dessert.
Pigalle
Pigalle, situated in the Michelangelo Towers in Sandton, have become the benchmark in urban-chic dining, and they’re loved for their impeccably prepared meat, fish and poultry dishes. Nothing beats savouring a fantastic meal while appreciating the panoramic vistas of the Sandton CBD skyline from their balcony. They offer an extensive menu of Portuguese specialities, including sardines, caldo verde (green soup) and bacalhau (codfish) served three ways, as well as other favourites such as grilled sole, slow-roasted duck and beef fillet.
Signature
This Morningside restaurant’s menu is filled with delectable meals, all complemented by an extensive drinks menu of local and international wines, single malt whiskies, cognacs, cocktails and bubbly. Try one of their Signature dishes – including prime rib, beef tournedo, pork belly, quail crown and confit duck leg to name a few – while enjoying the panoramic view. If meat isn’t your thing, they also serve fish, seafood, sushi and vegetarian dishes.
Piccolo Mondo
Piccolo Mondo at The Michelangelo Hotel in the heart of Sandton is the place for a gastronomic meal that will delight all palates. The menu has an Italian theme that combines traditional and modern dishes, all curated under the brilliant eye of their executive chef. And if you don’t already know, their gourmet eveningsare back – every month they’ll be hosting a delicious five-course food and wine pairing.
AURUM Restaurant
By far one of our favourite hotel restaurants in Johannesburg, AURUM Restaurant boasts all the glitz and glamour that comes with dining inside the tallest building in South Africa. With its new summer menu, AURUM Restaurant is set to climb the ranks in popularity, especially among hotel restaurants in the area. With a pool to swim in and dine around, a supervised kids’ play area, a sundowner spot at Octo Bar, a fully stocked wine library, and the adjacent Legacy Balance spa, it is a unique spot for guests to experience AURUM Restaurant in multiple ways.
The Big Mouth
One of the most recent restaurants to open its kitchen doors in Nelson Mandela Square, The Big Mouth is a contemporary take on the classic diner infused with culinary influences and ingredients from around the globe. The menu features fresh grilled seafood, gourmet burgers, tacos and world-class sushi.
Sale e Pepe Da Giovanni
Located in Morningside, Sandton this genuine Italian eatery serves flavour-filled dishes that are hearty and comforting. Besides their incredible meat and seafood dishes, you must try one of their risottos – white wine and mixed seafood, vegetarian, mushroom or salmon and tomato – or dig into a bowl of classic linguine bolognese or gnocchi in a Napoletana sauce.
The Hussar Grill
Since opening its doors in 1964, The Hussar Grill is still regarded as one of South Africa’s premier grill rooms. Serving the best perfectly aged steaks, a full menu of delectable house specialities and an award-winning wine selection, it’s no wonder they’re still a favourite after 53 years.
Ghazal
Situated in Sunninghill, Ghazal offers authentic North Indian cuisine that features sensational spice balance and a wide variety of curries. A highlight is the prawn masala, which has a delicate, mild blend of spices that complements the sweet prawns perfectly. And don’t miss out on their comprehensive wine list and the best puffed garlic naan in Jozi.
Pomodoro
Being an Italian family-run restaurant means Pomodoro stays true to its roots and serves only the most authentic dishes from the Mediterranean country. With starters, salads, pasta, pizza, fish, meat and desserts, their menu is wide-ranging and offers something for everyone, so best you come hungry.
Wangthai
Freshly prepared by trained Thai chefs, the cuisine – made from only the freshest locally sourced ingredients – is taste-nuanced with lemongrass, sweet chilli and tamarind. There are many curries to choose from and the noodles, spring rolls, chicken and duck are all highly recommended.
The French Lemon Helps South Africa Stay Safe And Sanitised
About The French Lemon
Some of the most beautiful things in life are born out of chaos, and an involuntary retrenchment for Kara-Leigh Baker in 2017 was the catalyst that propelled the dynamic mother and daughter duo, Vanessa Ralston and Kara-Leigh, to pursue their passion for natural and organic products by creating The French Lemon. The brand was fuelled by the adoption of their beloved Russian-born bulldog, Ian, who has not only become the inspiration behind The French Lemon, but also the face on their environmentally-friendly packaging.
What started out as a pursuit to become purveyors of preserved lemons and other lemon edibles for mom Vanessa and daughter Kara-Leigh soon evolved into the passionate production of 100% natural, vegan and animal-friendly bath and body products. Three years later, their fledgling business has become a profitable venture that has created employment and skills development for their team of ten, as well as established a respected and reputable proudly South African cruelty-free brand.
Their Bath & Body Products
As more people call for better ethical practices, Vanessa and Kara-Leigh, together with The French Lemon team, are continually developing, trying and testing products that cleanse, nourish, moisturise and soothe skin from head to toe.
The French Lemon embodies an ethos of kindness and compassion. Their entire collection is SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulphate) free. The French Lemon uses coconut as a natural alternative foaming agent and their products contain kaolin clay, coconut oil and shea butter. The collection is also free of palm oil, and they do not support deforestation. Even their packaging is bio-degradable!
The French Lemon has branched out into DIY scrub and lotion stations for events and parties; where the handmade process is shared with guests, who can build their own bath bombs and create signature soaps and scrubs.
The ultimate gifting solution, and a different and "green" take on soaps, scrubs, salts and scents, there is something for everyone at The French Lemon. The French Lemon Collection is available exclusively online at www.frenchlemon.co.za.
In an attempt to flatten the curve during the COVID-19 outbreak, The French Lemon joins the nationwide crusade to safeguard the health and well-being of all South Africans with an anti-bacterial collection of lotions, soaps, gels and hand sanitisers. Continually developing, trying and testing products that cleanse, nourish, moisturise and soothe skin, The French Lemon have now branched into sanitising skin too.
The Anti-Bacterial Collection includes lemon oil with its antiseptic and refreshing properties, peppermint oil for its microbial properties, bergamot oil for its prevention of infection with antibiotic properties and tea tree oil for its anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and antiviral properties.
With an anti-bacterial lotion that not only cleanses but also hydrates, this luxurious lotion is comprised of hemp oil, shea and cocoa butter, as well as cleansing essential oils to keep germs at bay.
Their anti-bacterial liquid Castile soap is gentle on your skin, and whilst it cleanses, it also restores moisture, and won’t leave your skin dry, thanks to the anti-bacterial essential oils.
The hand sanitiser gel is certain to say goodbye to germs and bacteria, with an anti-bacterial combination of aloe vera gel, alcohol, anti-fungal and antiviral essential oils.
During this very uncertain time, washing hands regularly prevents germs from spreading, and is the most effective and inexpensive way to prevent bacteria from spreading.
The French Lemon Anti-Bacterial Collection is available exclusively online at www.frenchlemon.co.za.
For More Information
For more information about The French Lemon and their collection of sanitising solutions and bath and body products. visit their website at frenchlemon.co.za.
Don't forget to follow The French Lemon on Facebook and Instagram to keep up to date with their latest news, products and information.
Lycée Jules Verne Christmas Market
What Is It?
Visit the Lycée Jules Verne Christmas Market this coming weekend for delicious food, shopping and family fun. Hosted at the Lycée Francais Jules Verne school in Morningside, this annual event is a must-visit. So, come and experience French flair in the heart of Johannesburg. We'll see you there!
Exclusive Books' Events Of The Month - September 2019
Book Launch - Voorspraak by Hendrik J. Botha
Fan of Afrikaans literature? Then don't miss the launch of Voorspraak, written by Hendrik J. Botha. This first section of poems as a unifying element covers man's fundamental loneliness throughout his life journey.
Date: Thursday, 05 September 2019
Time: 18:00 for 18:30
Venue: Exclusive Books Brooklyn Mall, corner Veale Street and Fehrsen Street, Nieuw Muckleneuk, Pretoria
Book Signing - Bare 2: The Cradle of the Hockey Club by Jackie Phamotse
After finishing Grade 12 at a boarding school in the Free State, Treasure Mohapi moved back home in Westonaria, a town in the west of the Gauteng province. Home, however, wasn't where she wanted to be. Get your copy and get it signed by the author, Jackie Phamotse.
Date: Friday, 06 September 2019 and Saturday, 14 September 2019
Time: 18:00 - 19:30
Venue:06 September 2019 event- Exclusive Books Centurion Mall, Mike Crawford Avenue and Embankment Road, Centurion, Pretoria | 14 September 2019 event - Exclusive Books Morningside, corner Outspan and Wagon Roads, Morningside, Johannesburg
Book Launch - Leaving Word by Steven Boykey Sidley
Looking for a book that has a little bit of everything? Leaving Word is a literary mystery; a story of homicide; a comic and probing look at our need for stories; a satire about fame, fortune, art and books; a love story and one woman's quest to find meaning in a chaotic world.
Date: Wednesday, 11 September 2019
Time: 18:00 for 18:30
Venue: Exclusive Books Hyde Park Corner, Jan Smuts Avenue and William Nicol Drive, Hyde Park, Johannesburg
For something inspirational, pick up your copy of Betting on a Darkie written by Mteto Nyati. Mteto Nyati knew years ago in Mthatha, working at his mother's trading store, that he wanted to fix and build things. Today, he is one of South Africa's top CEOs.
Date: Thursday, 12 September 2019
Time: 18:00 fro 18:30
Venue: Exclusive Books Hyde Park Corner, Jan Smuts Avenue and William Nicol Drive, Hyde Park, Johannesburg
Children's Party at Exclusive Books - Roald Dahl Party
Let your little ones enjoy the creative and imaginary world reading offers at this children's party at Exclusive Books. Take your kids to Exclusive Books Rosebank Mall for their Roald Dahl party jam-packed with fun activities and reading to entertain the kids.
Date: Saturday, 14 September 2019 and Saturday, 21 September 2019
Time: 11:00 - 12:00
Venue:14 September 2019 event - Exclusive Books Rosebank Mall, 50 Bath Avenue, Rosebank, Johannesburg | 21 September 2019 event - Exclusive Books Brooklyn Mall, corner Veale Street and Fehrsen Street, Nieuw Muckleneuk, Pretoria
Book Launch - The Bosasa Billions by James-Brent Styan and Paul Vecchiatto
Just as South Africans were starting to come to grips with the shocking cost of state capture, the Bosasa bombshell hit. This corruption scandal cost South Africa billions, while the politicians involved were bought for as little as braai packs and booze.
Book Launch - My Modern African Kitchen by Chef Nti
Are you a little bit of a foodie and enjoy stories and inspiration from well-known chefs? Then don't miss the launch of Chef Nti's My Modern African Kitchen. Drawing inspiration from many different sources, including Soweto, Mama D and her gran's culinary skills, Chef Nti realised that in order to reach the new generation of foodies, she needed to reinvent flavours in a fresh and creative way.
Date: Thursday, 19 September 2019
Time: 18:00 for 18:30
Venue: Exclusive Books Hyde Park Corner, Jan Smuts Avenue and William Nicol Drive, Hyde Park, Johannesburg
Book Launch - Coconut Kelz's Guide To Surviving This Sh*thole by Lesego Tlhabi
With handy tips on how to achieve the white right standard of beauty, how to catch yourself a white guy, the best suburbs to live in and how to host the perfect Caucasian shindig, Kelz offers a complete guide for full Caucasian conversion. This is meant to be read with a little bit of lightheartedness.
Children's Party at Exclusive Books - Andy Griffiths Tour
Exclusive Books Sandton City will be hosting an Andy Griffiths Tour for the little ones. Take your kids to this children's party for a morning of fun activities and readings from Griffiths' stories. Also, they can meet the author and get their books signed.
Relax & Unwind At The Chic Fairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa
Your Home Away From Home
Fairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa is situated just 6km from central Sandton and 20km from the Johannesburg CBD, offering the upmarket traveller a balanced combination of luxury and convenience, whether it's for leisure or business.
With close attention to detail and exceptional service, Fairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa creates an intimate atmosphere to escape the stresses of everyday life and just unwind.
The hotel is perfectly suited for a unique hideaway, romantic getaway or celebration. Enjoy a tranquil respite from bustling Johannesburg for your special occasion, be it a romantic dinner in the gazebo, high tea or a bespoke cocktail function.
Their 41 chic, upscale suites are all individually decorated in varying themes - ranging from Eastern influence to French provincial - each featuring every desired modern amenity to make your stay as comfortable and luxurious as possible.
The hotel also caters to a variety of culinary tastes with an array of elegant dining experiences to choose from.
Rejuvenate, relax and restore in the exquisite bamboo forest gardens of the Balinese-style Spa at Fairlawns. With a range of therapies and signature Asian-inspired treatments, a team of skilled therapists are able to bring you back to a state of calm and natural well being.
With five indoor treatment rooms and four outdoor treatment salas to accommodate groups of two and more, the Spa at Fairlawns caters for every relaxation and beauty need. There is an extensive selection of facials, massage therapies, grooming and body treatments on offer, as well as packages and gift cards designed to truly spoil yourself or someone special.
Consider Fairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa your home away from home, where exceptional service and heartfelt hospitality can be soaked up like the African sun.
For More Information
For more information about the Fairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa, visit fairlawns.co.za.
You can also contact them on 011 804 2540/1/2/3 or [email protected].
The fourth annual RedFest is almost upon us! This family-fun day is a must-attend for theatre and art lovers of all ages. Redhill School in Morningside invite you to a two-day festival, celebrating all things art. You and the kids can enjoy a number of highly acclaimed theatre productions, live music, a children's inflatable entertainment area, fringe performances, lectures, workshops, food trucks, a gin bar and beer tent! All of these fun activities then culminate in a not-to-be missed live music festival on the Saturday night.
Redfest is the perfect day out for families and those wanting to see a number of sellout shows under one roof. So, don't miss it or you'll be missing out!
When Is It?
Friday, 04 October 2019 - Saturday, 05 October 2019.
Joburg's Latest Dining Experience, DinnerTimeStoriesSA, Is A Must!
Le Petit Chef is Here!
We have something exciting to share with with you! In case you haven't heard or missed it, Le Petit Chef has chosen Johannesburg as his 29th city abroad to join him in 4D world travel, accompanied by a six-course date night on steroids. Le Petit Chef creators, Filip Sterckx and Antoon Verbeeck from Skullmapping and show producer, Nadine Beshir, bring this gastronomical delight to life with amazing graphics, an exciting tale, and of course, exquisite cuisine.
The six-course dining and entertainment experience has set up residence at the Faircity Quatermain Hotel in Morningside, Sandton. But make sure you book your experience ASAP, as this is a pop-up restaurant and will disappear at some point.
What To Expect At DinnerTimeStories
Where to begin! This spice-infused six-course dining experience begins with a complimentary glass of champagne (there's also a wine pairing option). This is an experience to be shared at communal tables of eight and twelve, with only 52 guests per show.
As for the menu, it is never revealed beforehand. There are vegetarian, vegan, Halaal and Kosher friendly options, too. Everything the diner will be experiencing is authentically sourced from the country of origin, making this the most affordable way to travel and taste your way across the world, visiting Arabia, India, the peaks of the Himalayas and finally, China, before returning to the point of origin, Marseilles, France.
This unique dining experience combines cutting-edge 3D technology, visual artistry, theatrical storytelling, fresh ingredients, unique flavours, sounds and tastes, all into one delicious culinary journey unlike any other.
Early Bird Special
Le Petit Chef is celebrating his arrival in South Africa with an early bird launch special of R995 per adult and R845 for children, thereafter increasing to R 1225 and R 995, respectively. Visit Computicket to get your tickets now.
There will also be child-friendly Sunday lunches with an adapted menu, but all other shows are strictly for children over the age of 12.
The Faircity Quatermain Hotel is also running dinner, bed and breakfast specials with singles at R1 995 and R 2 990 for couples sharing.
Need An Interesting Corporate Function Idea?
Le Petit Chef is excited to accommodate corporate bookings with specific times reserved for such purposes. Additional entertainment can easily be incorporated, as well as personalised branding.
He is even willing to go home with his patrons by bringing his Le Petit Chef Du Maison experience into the home or any event space of the client’s choosing for any occasion that needs that extra special something added to it.
Choose one meal or all four of his event-specific recipes and he will prepare it as if you are at one of his shows.
You Could Win A Trip To Marseilles!
One of Le Petit Chef’s sponsors is the luxurious Air France, who have added some additional incentives. All guests are automatically entered into a draw to win two flights with Air France to Marseilles, the home of Le Petit Chef.
The draw will happen when Le Petit Chef packs his bags. Book early on Computicket, the show truly needs to be seen to be believed.
For More Information
For more information about Le Petit Chef and this unique and mind-blowing dining experience, visit www.dinnertimestories.co.za.
Don't forget to check them out on Facebook and Instagram. Don't forget to use the hashtag #dinnertimestoriessa.
Sip On Your Favourite At One Of These Whisky Bars in Joburg
WhiskyBrother Bar
For the ultimate whisky experience, make sure you visit WhiskyBrother Bar in Morningside. This is the only dedicated whisky bar in the city. They ONLY do whisky and currently have over 1 200 whiskies from 20 different countries, all available for tasting in either 15ml or 25ml pours. They host whisky tastings on a regular basis for public and private groups. To find out when the next tasting will be, check out their Facebook page for the upcoming dates.
Address: Morningside Shopping Centre (inside mall on the lower level), corner Rivonia Road and Outspan Road, Morningside, Sandton, Johannesburg
Maxim Lounge
If you're looking for a whisky bar which trumps all whisky bars, it would be theMaxim Lounge at the Da Vinci Hotel & Suites. It's considered to be Sandton’s most elite and exclusive whisky, wine and cigar lounge, offering guests an experience of sophistication and elegance in a stylish venue. Did you know that The Maxim Lounge serves some of the most exclusive and rarest whiskies in the world? No, well, now you know!
Tapas and bourbon. If we could, we would enjoy that combination every day. Whisky bars are on the rise lately and has become a little luxury we all need more of. Although Workshop 55 in Parktown North is not strictly a malt lover's haven by trade, it boasts all the bells and whistles necessary to host a whiskey tasting. The tapas bar has a wide variety of whiskies on stand by, just waiting for you to pay them a visit.
Winston Churchill once said that he's taken more out of alcohol than alcohol has taken out of him. With that being said, it should be noted that Churchills Bar in Melrose Arch is the kind of place where people go to get their single malt whiskies on. From 12-year-old to 25-year-old Glenlivet, it's all at Churchills Bar. They also host an array of interesting events throughout the year, so be sure to visit their Facebook page to see what's coming up.
There is a very good reason why whisky is the most strictly regulated spirit in the world. Head to the Southern Sun Hotel in Hyde Park and enjoy their Whisky and Cigar Bar to its fullest extent. Single and blended malts are popular here and go well with the view from the deck. This is also a great spot to unwind after a long day at the office, complete with stunning skyline views of the city.
Address: 1st Road, Hyde Park, Sandton, Johannesburg
The Terrace Wine & Cigar Bar
Whisky bars are some of the most intimate and relaxed places you'll ever visit and the Terrace Wine & Cigar Barat the Hyatt Regency Johannesburgis classified as a hidden gem to those who view themselves as connoisseurs. Be sure to take advantage of their wide selection of barley malts.
Disclaimer: Drink responsibly. Alcohol is not for sale to persons under the age of 18. Do not drink and drive.
Top Restaurants To Tuck Into This Winter
Pomodoro Ristorante
What better way to delight your senses during the winter than with a bottle of fine wine paired with a plate of authentic Italian goodness? Pomodoro Ristorante serves up top-notch pizzas and pastas that are sure to satisfy those winter cravings. Check out their Specials menu for some further indulgence.
For some of the very best steaks in our city, you can’t go wrong withThe Hussar Grill. Pay this elegant, but comfortable spot a visit for a night filled with red wine and world-class meats. The service is remarkable.
Perfect for a cold winter’s night, Bellagiois an excellent higher-end restaurant. It serves up some of the best seafood, meat and pasta around! Pair your dish with a quality wine from their cellar and you’re all set for an intimate evening of indulgence.
Where: Unit 1 Oxford Manor, 196 Oxford Road, Illovo, Johannesburg.
Wombles
Wombles is a well-loved establishment. Now located in the Hobart Grove Centre, they’ll soon be serving your favourite fragrant meats and superb seafood dishes! They have a stylish bar area if you’d just like to pop in for a drink. How divine.
Where: Hobart Grove Shopping Centre, 88 Hobart Road, Bryanston, Johannesburg.
By Candice May
Do you have any other great restaurants you’d recommend to keep warm this winter?
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.
Great Spots To Grab After-Work Drinks In Jozi
Island Bar At Southern Sun Hyde Park
For delicious cocktails, a fun vibe, and great music with a classic and elegant feel, pay a visit to Island Bar at Southern Sun Hyde Park ... it's the perfect spot for after work socialising with colleagues and friends. Grab a cocktail and dig into a light meal while watching the Highveld sunset from their rooftop pool deck. Sundowners with a stunning view of the city? It can't get any better than that!
Details: Island Bar | 011 341 8080 | Southern Sun Hyde Park Sandton, 1st Road, Hyde Park, Sandton, Johannesburg.
Jolly Cool Bar & Restaurant
This one has been around for many years and to this day, it's still one of the coolest hangouts in Parkhurst. Head through to Jolly Cool to play a few rounds of pool, grab a bite to eat, hang out with your mates, have a few drinks to unwind, and have a jolly good time. This popular hangout is the place to be after 17:00, so make sure you arrive early (finding parking can be a nightmare). With reasonably priced food and drinks, this is the best way to chill out. Don't leave without grabbing one of their pizzas!
Directly across from Jolly Cool is the Jolly Roger Restaurant & Pub. From the moment you walk into this one, you instantly get the feeling of a traditional British pub. It's crowded, rather loud and can be smokey but the vibe is homey and friendly. Along with the warm atmosphere, there's also beer on tap, delicious pub food and friendly service. Don't forget to check out their all-year-round specials.
This stylish and upbeat little spot is a gem in the Melville precinct. It gives you great music, a social environment, drinks, a choice of 60 different cocktails and meals (in case you get a little hungry with all that drinking) all rolled up into one trendy, exciting and interesting venue. Happy Hour lasts for seven hours, from 12:00 until 19:00 daily (yes, EVERY DAY!), and during this extended hour you can enjoy their special of two-for-the-price-of-one cocktails. Go easy on the Long Island Ice Tea though, two of those and you'll be under the table if you're a lightweight.
This one is an oldie but a goodie! Billy’s is a bar/cocktail lounge that caters for a more mature scene. With a variety of over 60 different cocktails and mixed drinks, American-style beef burgers (with over 15 different toppings to choose from), and good tunes, this is the ideal spot to wind down the week. Sit and chill in the seated areas and socialise with friends or, if you feel like busting a move, there is a DJ playing the latest music - feel free to make requests if you want to dance to your favourite tunes (there's always a great 80s track in the line-up).
Details:Billy The Bums | 011 465 2621 | Shop 15 and 16, Pineslopes Centre, corner Witkoppen Road, Fourways, Johannesburg | [email protected]
The Artisan - Cocktail & Tapas Bar
Enjoy some moreish tapas, fantastic cocktails and great music at The Artisan in Greenside after a long day at the office. This is just the spot if you're looking to meet up with a few of your mates, chill out, unwind with a few drinks (responsibly) and just enjoy the great vibe. The menu also offers a variety of craft beers, beer on tap and wine if you're looking to wet your beak. Also be sure to try their delicious nachos and burgers while you are there.
Everybody knows The Baron! And luckily, this one can be found all over the city. There's one in Bedfordview, Kyalami, Fourways, Bryanston, Sandown and Woodmead, so take your pick, call up your mates and head down to the bar for a cold one (you can find us at the Sandown and Fourways venues more often than not). You can expect a good atmosphere, outstanding service, vintage wines, interesting cocktails and good food. What's nice about this place is the fact that you can visit as a family for a good meal or for a night out on the town. It's versatile, relaxed and easy-going. Also, it's a FREE WiFi spot!
Brought to you by The Baron, 011 Dainfern and 011 Morningside are upmarket hotspots offering a lovely setting to relax after your hectic day of meetings, deadlines, presentations, fussy clients and millions of emails. Order a martini just the way you like it, tuck into something delicious from their menu (we love the sound of the lamb curry, especially if it's a little chilly outside) and be a little daring by trying out one or two of their refreshing and interesting cocktails.
Hogshead is a great hangout if you're in the mood for grabbing a few drinks and meeting up with your mates. It's one of the more popular restaurant/pubs in the city and offers everything from beer and burgers to a bar and even a kid-friendly section if you're visiting with the family. To help you relax, you can catch various sporting events on theirTVsor make use use of theirWi-Fi to update your Facebook check-in or Instagram or even finish some last minute work (if you have to).
Details:Hogshead | Douglasdale, Rock Cottage, Illovo, Hazelview, Centurion
The Radium Beerhall
Enjoy a night on the town in one of Joburg’s oldest bars. Expect live performances by local musicians and song writers, check out the new talent on the music scene, have a drink at famous Barman Larry’s Savannah Dry bar; and enjoy a great meal. With walls covered in old memorabilia, posters from ‘back in the day’ and newspaper clippings that have recorded the Radium Beerhall’s history, this bar definitely does give off the vintage vibe.
Details:Radium Beerhall | 011 728 3866 | Corner Louis Botha Avenue and 9th Street, Orange Grove, Johannesburg | [email protected]
Hell's Kitchen
Hell's Kitchen is a rockabilly-themed bar in the heart of Melville. It's got amazing décor that's sure to catch your eye from the minute you set foot inside! Their food is very tasty and is best washed down with their signature Hellfire Whisky! Perch yourself on one of the comfy leather couches and wind down while you listen to their awesome lineup of rock music. Let the mayhem begin!
This is just the place if you're more into the rock side of life. From Rock n' Roll and the Blues to metal and contemporary music, Rumours Rock City is a unique place when compared with your usual after-work hangouts. Not only do they offer great food and drinks at the best prices, a cosy log fire to keep you warm during the colder months and sports on the big screen, but they also promote great South African music and musicians. Keep an eye on their Facebook events calendar, there's always something happening.
Details:Rumours Rock City | 079 825 7995 | [email protected] | Corner Weltevreden Road and Valley Avenue, Cresta, Randburg, Johannesburg
Lonely Hearts Club
Another addition to the Melville strip is the Lonely Hearts Club. This is a tapas bar and restaurant, yes, but it makes for an awesome hangout spot after work. Not only does it have a great selection of cocktails and wines and tasty tapas (there are great vegetarian options on the menu too), but also good food, good vibes, good company and great cocktails.
If it's cocktails you want, it's cocktails you'll at Social On Main. Their cocktail menu is amazing and comprehensive, it has something for all tastes and palates, and the food.... so delicious! This one is a must if you find yourself in Bryanston.
Details:Social On Main | 011 706 7115 | [email protected] | Shop 1, Posthouse Centre,
corner Posthouse Street & Main Road, Bryanston, Johannesburg.
Roxanne's Rum Eatery
Neon lights, amazing cocktails, cool decor and awesome food, Roxanne's Rum Eatery is an up-and-coming hotspot in Fourways and for good reason! The drinks menu is massive! There's everything from 'spikedshakes' (AKA adult milkshakes) and spiked iced tea to wine, G&Ts and tantalising cocktails. If you enjoy sweet cocktails, then make sure you try the Dita Von Teese - Mhoba White Rum, lychee syrup, Socks Guava, lime and cranberry juice - it's delicious! And for the hungry, there is a food menu filled with loads of finger foods, glam burgers, busting bagels, fresh salads and dangerously delicious cheesecakes.
Details:Roxanne's Rum Eatery | 011 465 9917 | [email protected] | Shop G/H, Pineslopes Boulevard, Corner Witkoppen Road and The Straight, Fourways, Johannesburg
Colony Arms
From karaoke and Ribs & Chips specials to live music and beer on tap, Colony Arms has it all to turn your frown upside down when you have the weekday blues. And why not make your visit even better by inviting a few of you colleagues or friends along for a fun evening out? Colony Arms is all about having a good time surrounded by awesome company. There's something fun happening every day of the week - Monday Madness food specials, Tuesday Quiz Night, Wednesday Student Night, Thursday Ladies Night, Sporty Fridays and Saturdays, as well as Karaoke Saturday Night!
Details:Colony Arms| 011 447 6646 | [email protected] | 345 Jan Smuts Avenue, Colony Centre, Craighall Park, Randburg, Johannesburg.
Grand Slam Sports Diner
And if you're out in Edenvale, we haven't forgotten about you! The Grand Slam Sports Diner has everything you need to chill out after work... sports (think everything including Formula 1, soccer, boxing and rugby), beer on tap, good food and of course, an awesome vibe. They also host a few cocktail, trivia and live music events every now and then, so make sure you keep an eye on their Facebook page to keep up to date with the latest happenings.
