Everybody loves fine dining, but in a city with so many options, it can be tough to pick where to dine at first. We went in search of the city’s best – here are our top picks.
Ethos
Since moving to Oxford Parks, Ethos has only received rave feedback from customers and foodies! Their new space now boasts outside seating and an opulent open plan bar, making this the perfect place for mingling and feasting. Expect simple family-style Italian cooking with impressive French cuisine. Read more about their eclectic summer menu here.
Details: www.ethos.restaurant | 010 446 9906 | info@ethosrestaurant.co.za | Corner of Eastwood and Parks Boulevard, Oxford Parks, Rosebank
Aurum Restaurant
With European cuisine and a posh environment, complemented by excellent food and service, why not make a reservation at Aurum Restaurant? From starters to the dessert course, indulge in different flavours and textures, and broaden your view on food. Here you’ll find a fine twist on comfort food that is full of flavour – right in the middle of Sandton. Top Tip: This is the perfect place for dining with friends, we recommend booking a table at the Octo Bar.
Details: aurumrestaurant.co.za | 076 471 1489 | bookings@aurumrestaurant.co.za | Level 7, The Leonardo, 75 Maude St, Sandown, Sandton.
Solo Restaurant
What do you get when two friends, Tumelo Maepa and Hlompho Chauke, start a restaurant in Sandton? A contemporary dining space that doubles up as a culinary experience. Solo Restaurant is all about celebrating all things South African, but always with an intriguing twist added, just for good measure. This ranges from décor details that include aged brass wares, vintage mirrors, dried botanicals and timber wall cladding that reminds you that you are in Africa’s richest square mile. The twist comes in the form of unexpected and elegant graffiti.
Details: solosandton.co.za | 010 100 8043 | info@solosandton.co.za | Shop 2A, Central Centre, corner Gwen Lane and Fredman Drive, Sandton.
Level Seven
You would think that Level Seven Restaurant and Sky Bar would be perched on the seventh floor of the OR Tambo Radisson Hotel. It is on the sixth floor, which happens to be the top floor, so the views are majestic. Johannesburg restaurateur Desmond Mabuza – owner of the fine dining eatery Signature eatery in Morningside, Sandton – has transplanted the same class and opulence to the Bredell area, in Kempton Park. Enjoy a delicious cocktail or fine spirit in the bar lounge or at the Sky Bar, while waiting for your flight.
Details: levelsevenrestaurant.co.za | 010 541 1300 | reception@levelsevenrestaurant.co.za | 3rd and Sixth Road, Bredell AH, Kempton Park.
1947 on Vilikazi
Vilakazi Street is known for being the only street in the world where two Nobel Peace prize winners (Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu) have lived. At the top of the street is one of the newest additions to the selection of eateries: a two-storey, multi-section venue, 1947 on Vilakazi Street. It’s a little fancier than its counterparts, yet still very much part of the DNA of the vibrant area. Named as an ode to the Sowetan-born and raised owner, Naomi Ratsheko’s parents’ (their birth years) who were respected members of Sowetan society, the entrance to the restaurant sets a nostalgic scene with walls adorned with framed black and white images of the couple who it honours.
Details: 1947-on-vilakazi-street.business.site | 011 258 4463 | Skhu.vundla@1947onvilakazi.co.za | 7156 Vilakazi Street, Orlando East, Soweto.
Signature Restaurant
With food that you will be sure to remember, superb international and local wines, and good service, we suggest you make a reservation at one of Morningside’s most fashionable restaurants now. Enjoy Signature cocktails while taking in the view of the African sunset through their floor-to-ceiling windows. Indulge in their imaginative cuisine ideas and flavours from their selection of dishes – from sushi and seafood to their signature dishes, as well as vegetarian, meat and poultry options.
Details: signaturerestaurant.co.za | 011 884 8888 | sandton@signaturerestaurant.co.za | Shop U13, Morningside Shopping Centre Cnr Rivonia & Outspan Roads, Morningside.
Marble Restaurant
For meat and flame enthusiasts in love with fine dining, Marble restaurant in Rosebank is the best place to go. You can look forward to quality food full of culture unlike any other restaurant. It’s authentically different and scrumptious all at the same time. Their menu selections are to die for, and don’t even get us started on the dessert and cheese options. But it wouldn’t be fine dining without the right wine or champagne to taste, would it? Our pick with a good steak is the Cederberg Five Generations Carbernet Sauvignon. Simply divine.
Details: marble.restaurant | 010 594 5550 | info@marble.restaurant | Corner Jan Smuts and Jellicoe street Rosebank , Johannesburg.
Maximillien
Situated in the heart of the hustle and bustle of Sandton, join Maximillien for a combination of classic Mediterranean dining with a South African flair. Enjoy a high-quality dining experience of delicious cuisine made from the finest ingredients within a stylish yet relaxing ambience. It’s also a perfect spot to take in the scenic views of the city through their floor-to-ceiling windows, or while having sundowners out on their deck. Read more here.
Details: www.maximillien.co.za | 011 292 7111 | maxinfo@maximillien.co.za | 2 Maude Street, Sandown, Sandton, Johannesburg.
Saint
The food is Italian, but twisted. Saint leans heavily on haute Tuscan cooking instead of the usual pizzeria-around-the-corner type of stuff. The two massive pizza ovens – hand made, designed and imported from Italy – offer a unique smoky flavour to the pizza bases that can’t be found anywhere else in the country. The twist, as the marketing gimmick goes, Higgs and Kyriacou infused inspiration from Marble and included a wok station and a Grillworks, adding crispy elements to the menu.
Details: saint.restaurant | 010 594 5888 | info@saint.restaurant | The Marc, Corner Rivonia and Maude Street, Sandton, Johannesburg.
TANG Asian Luxury Restaurant and Bar
After its opening in May 2021, TANG has become one of the hottest place to be and be seen at when visiting Sandton. Patrons can expect a luxurious and sensory dining experience inspired by Japanese izakayas (a casual Japanese bar). The restaurant’s impressive award-winning team of culinary talents, led by seasoned chefs, Vixa Kalenga and Wesley Chen, who are responsible for the incredible and sensational TANG signature dishes, including Peking Duck, Black Cod Miso, Yellowtail sashimi, Wagyu Tomahawk steaks done on robata grills, and a vast sushi and wok selection. Read more here.
Details: tanghospitality.com | 071 379 2161 | reservations@tanghospitality.com | Shop No 120, Nelson Mandela Square, Sandton, Johannesburg.
Know of other great fine dining restaurants not mentioned above? 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.
