Dainty pastries and delectable breads that could be a meal all by themselves. From fancy Parisian-style offerings to wholesome countryside flavours, we round up the best French restaurants in Johannesburg.
Liberté
This is just the place if you’re looking to celebrate life and indulge on fantastic French cuisine and wines. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner (on select days), Liberté offers their guests elegant and modern French cuisine, served and enjoyed in a tastefully curated setting, along with a wide selection of unique local and French wines.
Details: liberterestaurant.com | bookings@liberte.com | 010 824 5791 | The Woods Shopping Centre, 345 Jan Smuts Avenue.
Arbour Café
Hidden Paris courtyards inspired Arbour Café and Courtyard, a wonderfully delicate eatery that offers innovative French food. The whimsical menu includes buckwheat galettes (savoury pancakes), smoked salmon baguettes and decadent crepes.
Located in Birdhaven, this is the perfect spot for some day champagne drinking, seasonal ingredients and gourmet breakfast, lunch and supper offerings. If you want an intimate and relaxed dining experience to create memories, it does not get more French than this.
Details: arbourcafe.co.za | info@arbourcafe.co.za | 010 753 2007 | 64 Wrenrose Avenue, Birdhaven.
Believe Eatery
Formerly Bistro Vine and located in Parkhurst, Believe Eatery boasts an expansive space with outside and inside seating. Its reminiscent of Paris side-walk cafes and restaurants. Staples such as duck liver pate served with cranberry jelly and Bouillabaisse (seafood soup) are just of the many finger-licking highlights.
Do not be fooled by the casual atmosphere and laid-back staff. They mean business when it comes to using taste to transport you to rustic and rural France.
Details: believeeatery.co.za | hidvine@gmail.com | 082 465 3625 |
7 Mackay Avenue, Randburg.
Bespokery
Fussy foodies after French delicacies congregate at Bespokery, a restaurant conceptualised to offer flavoursome food and wine experiences. A wide array of dietary preferences are catered for, ranging from Keto, low-carb, vegetarian, plant-based and carnivores. A French touch is added to every dish, resulting in elevated dishes such as the Porcini Arancini, a favourite among vegetarians. For really particular diners, the Riceless Falklands Calamari Risotto and Bunless Burger will tick all the right boxes, French style. Luckily, none of it is flavourless.
Details: bespokery.co.za | bespokery.bistro@gmail.com | 072 752 4184 | 66 Tyrone Avenue, Parkview.
Old Ducky French Café
If you ever wondered what would happen if Parys ever met Paris, then wonder no more. Old Ducky is a playful mash-up of France and South Africa, thanks to diverse dishes such as milktart, crepe Suzette and French onion soup. Joburg culinary legend and chef Freda Appelbaum owns Old Ducky. Appelbaum has been in the business of running eateries for close to 40 years. Its a haven for those looking for traditional uppity French food (such as boozy duck breast and steak tartare) as well as relatively modern takes on crème brulee and a comprehensive French and South African wine list.
Details: oldducky.com | info@oldducky.com | 011 568 5378 | Pineslopes Shopping Centre, Fourways.
PAUL
The aroma of PAUL’s wide range of artisan and elaborate breads is enough to evoke sheer happiness from anyone. The PAUL brand is built on a legacy of passion for excellence, exemplified by traditional artisan production methods passed down over five generations. Established in 1889 in Croix, Northern France, their commitment to excellence ensures you’re served food made with carefully selected fresh ingredients, polished presentation and unsurpassed quality.
Details: paulsa.co.za | 087 351 6091 | Locations.
Saint Germain
Saint Germain at 44 Stanley, a charming French-inspired café, which exudes a unique, welcoming ambiance. Co-owned by music aficionado Sibusiso Mahlangu and French-Congolese designer Marien Mel, the bistro reflects Parisian street café aesthetics with black iron chairs and red-white stripes. The name is inspired by Marien’s beloved Paris district and Sibusiso’s favorite band, evokes a cozy street café vibe with delectable cuisine.
Details: 076 453 1229 | 44 Stanley Avenue, Milpark.
Patisserie de Paris
Simple food, simply cooked. This French bakery serves wholesome breads, pastries and macaroons to widen your figure and baguettes good enough for Emmanuel Macron himself.
In addition, it has a fromagerie (cheese and dairy shop) with an extensive cheese selection for sale. Think Roquefort (made from ewe’s milk), Brie, Buche de chevre (goat’s cheese) and Bleu d’Auverge (blue cheese).
Details: patisseriedeparis.co.za | info@patisseriedeparis.co.za | 011 326 0913 | 9 Mackay Avenue, Randburg.
The Elm Tree
The French are known for their romance, and there’s no better place to feel it than The Elm Tree. Here you can eat from a selection of menus including a la carte, set, cocktail, pancakes, tea and for the uncouth, buffet.
Love is not only in the air, but in the airy pancakes and perfectly matured rump steak. This is an authentic French way of life, from the setting to the Champagne and even some of the staff. Put this one on your list when it comes to French restaurants in Johannesburg.
Details: thesyrene.co.za.the-elm-tree-restaurant | info@thesyrene.co.za | 011 326 0913 | The Syrene Hotel, 28 Wessel Road, Rivonia.
Lanser’s on Main
Lanser’s on Main serves exquisite home-styled French and Italian food. The main menu sings of honey garlic chicken, venison steak, tilapia fillets and other quality dining items. Whenever possible, keep an eye on the specials menu. If there’s any mention of risotto then be sure to order that. We have, on two occasions, ordered risotto from Lanser’s On Main and both have been astounding. The springbok risotto served at Lanser’s at the time of writing was birthed out of a blend of coincidence and necessity.
Details: lansersonmain.com | eat@lansersonmain.com | 063 398 8314 | 453 Main Road, Bryanston, Sandton.
Know of any French restaurants in Johannesburg that aren’t on our list? Let us know below.
