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This month, my list of must-have reservations is packed with exciting new spots and events across Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Pretoria. Think fresh seafood served a stone’s throw from the ocean, bold Thai street food in the heart of Obs, hands-on cookery classes, parrilla-style BBQ, and a top-tier steakhouse. There’s lots to explore this month, so read on for some dining inspiration.
Cape Town
Ganesh
(Observatory, Cape Town)
Now in the hands of the team behind the ever-popular Bodega Ramen, the newly renovated Ganesh brings bucket loads of colour, flavour, and fun to the little but bustling streets of Observatory. Inspired by their travels in Thailand, Ryan, Bryn, and Jade have created a spot that’s all about bold Thai flavours and good vibes. Expect the legendary crayfish samosas, heaving bowls of spicy noodles, larb, coal-fired skewers, fragrant tom yum soup, and lots more. If you’re a fan of Asian desserts, the mango sticky rice and pandan panna cotta will have you coming back for more. It’s pretty casual, a little kitsch, and effortlessly cool – just the kind of place where you grab a quart, dig into spicy, sweet, and salty Thai street food, enjoy live music and share a good time with mates.
Love this new spot, absolutely reviving and rejuvenating Obs! Can’t wait to be back. Food is superb, little side sauces are heavenly. My taste buds were grateful for the trip back to Thailand.
Leeto
(Paternoster, West Coast)
We’re very happy to welcome Leeto to Dineplan this month! If you love fresh seafood and stunning ocean views, Leeto in Paternoster is calling your name. This local gem has been serving up generous portions of the West Coast’s finest catch for years, earning it a loyal following and glowing reviews. Start with a tray of freshly shucked West Coast oysters before making the tough choice between their famous seafood linguine – loaded with the best and freshest West Coast seafood, including fish, prawns, and mussels – the silky prawn and calamari risotto, or the fragrant seafood curry with an assortment of delicious sides. If you still have room, their desserts (both sweet and savoury) are worth saving space for. Attentive service, serene and minimalist décor, and views of the still bay, boulders and hardy dune vegetation make for a truly special experience. Grab a prime spot on the shaded deck in summer or stay cosy inside during the grey winters.
Absolutely stunning food and setting. Very generous portions and so delicious, with an amazing and extensive wine menu. A wonderful evening and we will definitely come back!
Bo-Vine In The City 
(Hout Street, Cape Town City Centre)
Good news for Bo-Vine fans! The team behind the much-loved Camps Bay steakhouse and its speakeasy-style bar, The Attic, has just opened a brand-new spot on Hout Street in the CBD. Inside, it’s a stylish mix of old exposed masonry, wood-panelled walls, plush leather booths, dark wood detailing, screeded floors, and graffitied ceilings – giving it an industrial yet warm and inviting feel. The menu focuses on expertly grilled cuts of local beef (both dry and wet aged), alongside burgers, fresh seafood, and a solid selection of wines. This urban grill house is a haven for meat lovers and wine enthusiasts alike. With bookings now open, be one of the first to check out their new city location.
Very nice restaurant and the steaks were great!
Duchess of Wisbeach
(Sea Point, Cape Town)
Date: Every Tuesday until the end of November
Time: From 18h30
Price: R500 per person
The Duchess is widely popular and always packed, so it’s no hidden gem! Synonymous with party vibes, great food, and a crowd to match. But did you know they also host a weekly Italian cooking class? Every Tuesday at 6:30 pm, you can roll up your sleeves for a fun, interactive class for just R500 per person. Kick things off with a welcome drink (your choice of a cocktail or red or white wine) before making your own fresh pasta from scratch. You’ll also enjoy a starter, a delicious main, and a drink with your meal. All ingredients are included, so all you need to do is cook, sip, and savour the authentic Italian flavours. It’s the perfect midweek outing, so book your spot on Dineplan now.
The Duchess is home away from home thanks to Theresa and her lovely staff. The food is always fresh and scrumptious. The vibe is also second to none, my best friend really enjoyed his birthday and so did we the guests. I will return to the Duchess again and again.
Johannesburg and Pretoria
BAH
(Hazelwood, Pretoria)
Hazelwood’s getting a fiery new addition! BAH is a restaurant-come-bar that champions wood-fired meat – with a focus on lamb – using parrilla-style cooking, a Latin American BBQ tradition that ties right into South Africa’s love for cooking over the coals. At the helm is Head Chef Tyron Gentry, who brings serious expertise from working alongside Luke Dale Roberts at The Test Kitchen, The Pot Luck Club, and The Shortmarket Club. His creativity shines through in BAH’s unique menu, making this a spot worth watching. Doors open on 16 May, and they’re looking to pack the place out from day one – so get your bookings in ASAP. They’re taking reservations already. BAH will be open all week from 10 am till late.
Ground The Venue
(Muldersdrift, Gauteng)
Date: Thursday, 1 May (Public holiday)
Time: 12h30 – 18h00
Price: R925 per person
Make the most of Workers’ Day on 1 May with Ground to Sea, a spectacular 3-course seafood feast at Ground The Venue in Muldersdrift. Settle in under the pecan trees, soak up the stunning surroundings, enjoy live music, and indulge in a coastal-inspired menu that brings land and sea together in the most delicious way. Kick things off with bread and butter before tucking into fire-roasted peppers, crispy capers, chives, and spicy lime butter – with either succulent grilled prawns or mushrooms. For mains, a family-style spread of salmon, steamed yuzu mussels, crab arancini, calamari saganaki, saffron orzo pasta, and fresh salads await. Finish off with a refreshing lemon panna cotta for dessert. Tickets include a welcome cocktail, with drinks specials from Casamigos and Fryer’s Cove Wines. Space is limited, so book now.
Note: The Noisy Oyster Bar will be serving up freshly shucked oysters and cold bubbly (charged separately).
Cuisine Afrique Fire Grill
(Ravenswood, Boksburg)
This top-rated Ravenswood gem takes steak seriously. Cuisine Afrique Fire Grill focuses on fresh, high-quality ingredients, dry-aging their steaks in-house for maximum tenderness and flavour. Slick, attentive service keeps diners coming back, and the menu is packed with premium cuts – from Certified South African Wagyu from Silent Valley to veld-reared Langside beef and other top beef producers across Africa. Beyond steak, you’ll find burgers, seafood, pasta, and even a dedicated vegan and vegetarian menu that’s anything but an afterthought. The space is cosy, with a fireplace for chilly evenings, plus a colourful jungle gym and a kiddies’ menu for little ones. Whether you’re after a romantic date night or a relaxed meal with the family, this spot ticks all the boxes.
Being steak lovers, we couldn’t resist ordering from their incredible selection of expertly aged steaks. My husband went for the Wagyu steak, while I opted for the dry-aged ribeye – both were absolute perfection. The service was another highlight. Our server was knowledgeable and attentive, ensuring we had everything we needed without ever feeling rushed. We will definitely be back – this place has set a new standard for what a great steak dinner should be!
Olives and Plates Wits Club and Conference
(Parktown, Johannesburg)
Great news for Olives & Plates fans – the Wits Club branch is now taking instant bookings on Dineplan! Nestled at the back of the Wits campus, this beloved spot is a go-to for students, families, and locals. Set in a beautiful Cape Dutch-style building, it’s all about charm – fountains with lazy koi fish, lush green lawns, towering English Plain trees, and shaded outdoor tables. Inside, it’s cosy with stunning views from the large sash windows. On the menu you’ll find generous portions of crowd-favourites like their famous eggs benny for breakfast, fresh salads, toasties, wraps, hearty roast chicken pie, flame-grilled steaks, and comforting pasta bowls. Or, pop in for thick milkshakes or a slice of cake from their much-loved cake table for an afternoon treat. Open daily for breakfast, lunch, and afternoon tea, it’s the perfect spot for a birthday get-together, kitchen tea or baby shower.
My family and I booked here after my graduation at Wits University and the atmosphere, service and special attention from our waiter and manager was outstanding! Highly recommended and the food was incredible. Such good value for money.
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