In This Article:
Discover some great new spots across the country with my list of six must-have reservations for April.
From Iranian cuisine and sharing plates in Cape Town, and a new steak house in Salt Rock, to a vibey bar and brand-new sushi spot in Joburg, check out the list below and start planning your restaurant hit list for the month ahead.
Cape Town and the Winelands
Ember & Oak
(Constantia, Cape Town)
Owners Tim and Judy are passionate advocates of community, sharing, and celebration. They’ve taken culinary inspiration from across Asia, South America, and the Mediterranean and designed the menu at Ember & Oak around small sharing plates, including ceviche and tuna tataki, tostadas and pork belly lollipops, miso squid, and a very delicious Cape Malay cauliflower dish. Many of the options can be made vegetarian too – simply inform your waiter upon arrival for assistance. For younger guests, there’s also a small kiddies’ menu available. The wine list is curated by Constantia Uitsig and includes fun options like wine and cider slushies. Join them for lunch and dinner from Tuesday to Saturday, and for a leisurely Sunday lunch.
The most outstanding evening. The ambience, the service, the presentation, the flavours, all deserve 100%.
The Persian Peacock
(Vredehoek, Cape Town)
The Persian Peacock, in the space that used to be occupied by Marika’s Greek restaurant, opened its doors just over a year ago and has since racked up a slew of 5-star reviews. Reserve a table and dive into a feast of traditional Iranian dishes, including spiced kebabs, fragrant tah-chin (the much-loved, crispy-bottomed riced), irresistibly delicious hummus, and juicy lamb chops that have earned rave reviews from diners. Open for dinner from Tuesday to Friday, and for both lunch and dinner on Saturdays, this is a fantastic new addition to the Gardens/Vredehoek area.
This small, family-operated place is a culinary treat to experience at least once (and then again). The quality of the ingredients is top-notch and the blending of flavours is beautifully subtle. The hummus and saffron rice pudding are unmatched.
Exciting news: Hudson’s is now on Dineplan
Good news for all Hudson’s fans! You can now reserve your table at any Hudson’s burger joint nationwide, from Kloof Street, Claremont, Green Point, Muizenberg, and Stellenbosch in the Cape, to Hazelwood and Parkhurst in Gauteng. Simply download the Dineplan App to book!
Durban
Butcher and Wine
(Salt Rock, Ballito)
Butcher and Wine have just opened their doors at the new Salt Rock Centre in Ballito and, if you love steak or sushi, it’s a must-visit spot. Start with the marrow and chicken liver pâté with ciabatta, then move on to choosing your steak for mains from the menu. With options both on and off the bone – think perfectly cooked T-bones, flame-grilled lamb, fillet, ribeye, and decadent burgers – it’ll be tough to make your choice. The sushi menu features deliciously fresh classic and signature rolls, along with poke bowls. Before diving into the wine selection, don’t forget to check out their cocktail menu for a pre-dinner drink. Open Tuesday to Sunday for both lunch and dinner, be sure to book a table and experience this new opening for yourself.
Sushi was sublime, chicken livers delicious, Excellent fillet steak, pepper sauce to die for mouthwatering Gorgonzola burger, and superb service from Big V. Will definitely be back.
Donna Modern Italian
(Salt Rock, Ballito)
There’s a new family-owned Italian restaurant in town that you absolutely must try. Stepping inside feels like being transported to the Amalfi Coast, with candy-striped cushions and lemon botanical prints. I’d start with a spritz, but the entire cocktail menu is tempting, with classic options all with an interesting Italian twist. The food menu offers a wide yet carefully curated selection of antipasti and salads, luxurious plates of pasta – including a delicious prawn linguini – and Neapolitan-style pizzas. One guest even claims it’s the “best pizza on the North Coast”. For heartier appetites, there are substantial main meals, along with classic desserts like tiramisu and panna cotta. The kids’ menu features favourites like pizza, mac and cheese and chicken strips. The service is efficient and friendly, and there’s a wonderful children’s area where staff keep watch over the little ones while you enjoy your meal. Buon appetito!
Seafood pasta was amazing, and the kids’ pizza was delicious – loved the base. Amazing evening out with family & friends. Kids loved the play area.
Johannesburg and Pretoria
Blu Bam Boo
(Bassonia, Johannesburg)
Blu Bam Boo is a chic new Asian-fusion restaurant located in Joburg South. The dining room is highly “instagrammable” with its soft lighting, plush velvet booths, and a flowering cherry blossom tree at its centre. Their menu features all your sushi favourites, from roses and rolls to fashion sandwiches and inari pockets. Check out their signature sushi section for more decadent options, like the wagyu uramaki with torched wagyu steak, chilli oil and caviar. There’s also a wide selection of Asian starters – think dim sum, bao, spring rolls and miso soup – and hearty bowls of ramen, udon and fiery Dan Dan noodles. For dessert, do yourself a favour and try the light-as-a-cloud Japanese cheesecake. Blu Bam Boo is open all week from 11h00 to 21h00.
Great food and service with stunning decor and very nice ambience. Highly recommend.
Hush Money
(Blairgowrie, Johannesburg)
Weekends in Blairgowrie just got cooler! Hush Money, the “bro brand” to A Street Bar Named Desire, is the newest kid on the block in Randburg. With trendy decor, great weekend music line-ups, stellar drinks, and slick service, it’s the perfect place for drinks and good vibes. While it’s the kind of place you go for a drink (or two!), don’t miss out on the bar snacks. From fried olives and poppers, to pork ribs, chicken flatbreads, wings and sliders, you can refuel as the night goes. They’re open all week, so book online and go check it out!
Absolutely awesome. We had the sour cherry mojitos… and they were fab. Our waitress was also excellent and super attentive.
Bossa restaurants: Now bookable on Dineplan
Planning your next outing to Bossa with the family? Simply head to the Dineplan App to secure your table online. Now you can check availability for you and your crew, ensuring a guaranteed spot for a delicious meal and an ice-cold beer!
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