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This month’s list of must-visit restaurants features a mix of exciting new openings and beloved old institutions. Enjoy Japanese onigiri, plant-based sushi, and wine and tapas collabs in the Cape. In Johannesburg, discover an old-school Italian gem, a chocolate wonderland, and your new favourite brunch spot. Let’s dive into this month’s six must-have reservations.
Cape Town and the Winelands
Hows Your Oni
(Green Point, Cape Town)
Cape Town’s first (and favourite) onigiri shop has moved from Gardens to its new home on Main Road in Green Point at the Cape Royale. You should definitely try one (or a few) of the onigiri on the menu, including the classic tuna mayo, a convenience store staple in Japan, or the sweet and smoky unagi eel option. There’s also light and crispy tempura, agedashi tofu, and a selection of udon noodles to explore, but my personal favourites include the okonomiyaki, served piping hot with plenty of sauce and dancing bonito flakes on top, and the takoyaki octopus balls. With just one bite, I’m transported right back to the crowded and colourful streets of Osaka! Hows Your Oni is also a pet-friendly spot, so after your next walk along the promenade, be sure to pop in with your pup for a bite to eat and a drink of water.
BYOB: The restaurant isn’t licensed yet, so please take along your own beer, wine, or sake.
What an amazing gem in Green Point! Delicious Japanese food I haven’t seen at other places in Cape Town.
Plushi
(Woodstock, Cape Town)
What started as an online, zero-waste, vegan sushi experiment is now a fully-fledged pop-up restaurant in Woodstock. Whether you’re vegetarian or not, it’s a great date night spot (grab one of the tables by the fireplace) or a homely place to meet friends for some incredibly tasty vegan food. The menu boasts a selection of plant-based poke bowls, plushi (plant sushi) platters, noodles, dumplings, jackfruit or oyster mushroom spring rolls, and some truly decadent desserts. Plushi Bar is only open until the end of June, so book quickly before it’s too late. They’re open from 18h30 to 21h00 from Thursday to Saturday.
Had the loveliest experience at Plushi’s opening night for their new bar. The vibe was amazing for a date night or dinner with friends. The food was delicious and really enjoyed their wine selection. Highly recommend!
Karibib Wine Craft
(Polkadraai Road, Stellenbosch)
Nestled in the heart of the Polkadraai Hills, one of the renowned wine appellations within the Stellenbosch region, you’ll find Karibib Wine Craft – a new wine and tapas bar. Collaborating with eight small-batch winemakers who push the boundaries of conventional winemaking, you can look forward to exploring a wide array of wines from Karibib’s own collection, as well as a selection of fine wines from Angus Paul, B Vintners, Ilimis, Naudé, Smokkelman, and more. The menu is short but in the best kind of way, featuring five classic pizzas made with products and ingredients from the Cape Winelands, and a cheese and charcuterie platter accompanied by fresh, salty, and pickled things, along with crusty, freshly baked bread. In the corner, a cosy wood-burning stove keeps the space deliciously warm, even when the weather outside is miserable!
EAT SLEEP DRINK FRANSCHHOEK
From 14 – 28 June, the Franschhoek Wine Valley is hosting an exciting new event, offering you the chance to experience everything the valley is famous for – from world-class dining and fine wine to luxurious accommodation – at discounted winter rates!
Johannesburg
Math Restaurant
(Waterfall, Midrand)
Math in Midrand is the newest restaurant to open its doors in northern Johannesburg. The owner, Puleng Mathabatha, wants to share his love of forming and celebrating a community around the table. Inspired by his journey from Limpopo to Waterfall, and named after the first four letters of his surname, Math, this new venture is a heartfelt tribute to his entrepreneurial parents. On the menu, you’ll find comforting classics from around the world. From lobster and steak frites to fish and chips and juicy cheeseburgers, each dish holds cherished memories for Puleng and his family. But the real star of the show is the daily brunch. Imagine starting your day with chicken and crispy waffles, eggs royale or benedict, an acai smoothie bowl, or a breakfast sando? It’s the perfect way to kick off your morning in Jozi!
The food was amazing and the service was impeccable.
Trattoria Renato Pizzeria
(Emmarentia, Johannesburg)
Described by many as a neighbourhood gem, Trattoria Renato has been a “home away from home” for many local families for over 30 years; with Chef Mario at the helm since it opened! As soon as you walk inside, you’ll see the dining room, with its classic trattoria decor, filled with regulars enjoying pizza and pasta at tables with checkered tablecloths. Like in any trattoria across Italy, the tables are close together, creating a bustling atmosphere. This family-owned, no-frills Italian restaurant has all the authentic classics on the menu, from antipasti, hearty pasta like spaghetti vongole, penne alla vodka and lasagna, a selection of pizzas, pesce, carne and, of course, dolci. (Don’t skip the tiramisu!) In winter, the wood-fired oven at the heart of the restaurant keeps the space nice and toasty.
The Chocolate Factory by Beyer’s
(Bedfordview, Johannesburg)
Calling all my fellow chocoholics. The newly opened Beyer’s Chocolate Factory in Bedfordview is calling your name! From the moment you step through the door, you’ll be enveloped in the rich and spicy aroma of warm cocoa and melted chocolate. This chocolate-lovers haven is home to a chocolate studio, café, and shop. Visitors can pop into the Chocolate Studio and watch skilled artisans create delicious pastries and confections right before their eyes. (You can even learn to make chocolate yourself!) Then, find a table at the Chocolate Café to enjoy a cup of coffee or tea with a tempting treat from the café menu. Finally, wander through The Chocolate Box shop and browse the selection of chocolates and treats to take home.
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