In This Article:
As we roll into summer, my must-try list just keeps growing with exciting new restaurants opening up across the country and joining Dineplan. This month’s highlights in Cape Town include a quirky Wes Anderson-inspired bar, fine African dining, and a spot for beautifully foraged dishes. Durban’s bringing the vibes with all-day dining at a freshly renovated resort-style restaurant in Ballito and a beachy, boho spot in Umhlanga. Up in Joburg and Pretoria, we’ve got a 7-course culinary adventure, whimsical morning and afternoon teas, and an Asian-style barbecue where you can grill right at your table.
Cape Town and the Winelands
The Wes Bistro and Bar
(Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town)
Step through the iconic yellow door on Shortmarket Street, and you’re in for a burst of colour and quirky fun at Cape Town’s new Wes Anderson-inspired bar and restaurant. With views of the cityscape, it’s a top spot for a laid-back lunch, an extra-special date night, or cocktails and snacks with friends after a busy day at work. The menu has a little something for everyone – small plates to share, like mussels with fries and steak tartare, hearty mains like fish of the day, duck breast, and rack of lamb, plus desserts options like soufflé beignets and a sweet sampler plate. “My intention is always to create spaces that from the moment you walk through the doors, you are transported to a feeling of greatness – where sophistication, style, and fun come together!” says owner Meg Kritzinger, “And this time round with The Wes I have been lucky enough to be inspired by the nostalgic world of Wes Anderson and his quirky movies – as well as my love for classic French bistros – so this really is a dream come true.”
A very special experience, especially if you are a Wes Anderson fan! Well done on decor, simplicity and quality.
ROOI at One&Only Cape Town
(V&A Waterfront, Cape Town)
Introducing ROOI, the newest restaurant at the luxurious One&Only Hotel at Cape Town’s Waterfront. The menu celebrates fire, land, and sea with locally inspired appetisers, a grilled section with South African Wagyu beef, and mains that include Cape Malay flavours and traditional potjies. The dining room is elegant and contemporary, featuring bold patterns, warm tones, and even a tree as its centrepiece. Plus, the cocktail list adds a unique twist, with signature drinks inspired by each of South Africa’s nine provinces.
What a phenomenal restaurant! The service is fantastic, and you really feel like a king/queen eating here. The food is on another level, just wow. The lobster is definitely recommended. The interior just fits so well, and you get a really African vibe here. Can’t wait to come back here!
Terrarium
(V&A Waterfront, Cape Town)
On 1 November, award-winning Chef Chris Erasmus opened Terrarium at the Queen Victoria Hotel in Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront. Known for his dedication to fresh, local ingredients, Chef Chris brings a creative twist to farm-to-table fine dining. “Terrarium focuses on big, bold flavours… we feature hero ingredients at the height of their seasonality,” says Chef Chris, “we forage, we cultivate local gardens, we select ingredients unfamiliar to the modern palate.” His menu includes a selection of small plates for lunch and a unique eight-course “Fauna or Flora” dinner experience, showcasing the best of seasonal, local flavours in a beautifully curated dining journey.
Full score!! Impeccable food and good service at very reasonable prices. What a find! Chef Erasmus came out to explain some of his small plate masterpieces which really didn’t need much explaining because the taste of each and every dish did all the explaining. Honestly one of the best lunches I’ve had in a while. The standout dishes were the beets with fennel, tom yum yellowtail ceviche, tomato tartare and melt in your mouth brisket with creamy mash. Five plates were sufficient to share between two people, but in hindsight most plates were too good to share! I can’t wait to try the evening fixed menu.
Botanicum at Ridgeback
(North Agter Paarl, Paarl)
Set on the beautiful Ridgeback Wine Estate, Botanicum is opening its doors in the first week of November, and it’s set to be a real gem in the Cape Winelands. After a wine tasting at the tasting room, grab a table on the deck, kick back, and soak in the views of the dam and serene willow trees. The menu is all about hearty, Mediterranean-inspired flavours, from wood-fired sourdough pizzas to seasonal classics that celebrate local, ethically-sourced ingredients and pair perfectly with Ridgeback’s range of fine wines. If you’re looking for a spot that brings together great food, wine, and scenery, Botanicum is well worth the trip.
Durban
The Copper Restaurant
(Zimbali Estate, Ballito)
The Copper Restaurant is the new go-to spot at The Capital Hotel in Zimbali, perched on the third floor with incredible views stretching over the lush estate, Ballito and the Indian Ocean. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, it’s a family-friendly haven with the feel of a Mauritian holiday resort, offering a mix of à la carte and buffet options, as well as themed nights and live entertainment to keep things lively over the summer and festive seasons. The chefs keeps the menu fresh and exciting, adding a bit of flair to please both local diners and international visitors.
Marbella Grand Café
(Umhlanga, Durban)
We’re happy to have Marbella Grand Café now bookable on Dineplan! Located at The Pearls Mall in Umhlanga Rocks, this spot combines a modern, beachy boho vibe with fresh, satisfying dishes. Their motto, “simple ingredients, delicious results”, comes through across their menu, which features everything from fresh salads, sushi, and dim sum to hearty pastas, grilled steak cuts, and burgers. With both indoor and outdoor seating and often live music, Marbella is a perfect spot for any occasion.
It’s places like these that will put Durban Umhlanga as a world class destination for good food, ambiance and respected staff. Well done to you and your team, Justin.
Johannesburg and Pretoria
Cyra
(Houghton Estate, Johannesburg)
Right in the heart of Houghton Estate, Cyra is Johannesburg’s latest fine dining spot, led by the amazing Chef Candice Philip. It’s got everything you’d want for a special night out: Beautifully plated dishes, friendly, seamless service, and a stylish atmosphere. They’ve also put together a great wine list featuring top local bottles. If you’re up for a food adventure, the 7-course tasting menu is definitely worth a try!
An unforgettable culinary experience dining at Cyra was nothing short of extraordinary. The seven-course menu was amazing. Each plate arrived with exquisite presentation, showcasing the chef’s attention to detail. The wine pairings were equally impeccable, enhancing the flavours of each course without overpowering them. The sommelier’s selections were thoughtful and engaging, elevating the entire dining experience. Cyra is a true gem in fine dining, and an experience that I’d highly recommend to any food lover seeking a memorable night of impeccable service, exquisite cuisine, and an ambiance that feels both exclusive and inviting. Well done to Candice and her team.
Golden Hour Grill
(Faerie Glen, Pretoria)
Golden Hour Grill brings an upscale Asian dining experience to Pretoria East. It’s the perfect spot for a night out with friends or a special date. You can tuck into authentic Korean and Japanese-style barbecue, where cooking at the table turns your meal into an adventure. The beautifully designed dining room features blossoming pink Sakura trees that you can sit under, and minimalist Japanese décor, while the relaxed seating overlooking the lake adds a scenic touch. It’s a spot that combines atmosphere with interactive dining – definitely worth a visit!
We had a great night. The restaurant itself is a work of art. Beautiful. Loved the ambience. And we all enjoyed the food, even the vegetarian option.
Tea in the Woods at Fairlawns
(Morningside, Johannesburg)
Step into a storybook experience with “Tea in the Woods” at Fairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa in Morningside. This enchanting morning and afternoon tea experience is set in a whimsical space surrounded by forest-inspired wallpaper, plush and colourful seating, and views over lush gardens, fountains, and rolling lawns. Inspired by Alice in Wonderland, the experience includes an artisanal tea selection and a mix of themed sweet and savoury treats. Start your magical journey with a glass of sparkling wine and a “shrinking potion” on arrival. Available daily from 9h30 – 11h30 and 14h00 – 16h00, it’s a tea adventure not to miss!
Fantastic High Tea Experience! The food was absolutely delicious—everything was fresh, beautifully presented, and there was such a great variety of sweet and savory options. The service was also excellent; the staff was attentive and friendly, making sure we had everything we needed throughout our visit. A special mention to Nelson, who truly made our experience memorable with his exceptional service and warm personality. The atmosphere was just perfect—relaxed, elegant, and inviting, setting the ideal tone for a lovely afternoon. Overall, it was an exceptional experience, and we can’t wait to return. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a refined and enjoyable high tea!
0 Comments