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August brings a fresh lineup of exciting new and noteworthy restaurants across South Africa. From new openings and foodie events in Cape Town to Durban’s latest Japanese gem and Gauteng’s newest dining hotspots, there are plenty of restaurants to explore. I’ve shared nine reservations worth making this month, each offering something unique for your next meal out.
Cape Town and the Winelands
Mill Street Bistro
(Stellenbosch Central, Stellenbosch)
Welsh Michelin-starred chef Phil Carmichael opened the Mill Street Bistro in Stellies this June and has been receiving 5-star reviews ever since. Chef Phil, whose impressive background includes working with culinary legends like Gordon Ramsay, Jason Atherton, and Michel Roux Jr., showcases South Africa’s finest produce in his French-inspired menu. He works with local farmers, producers, and fishermen to ensure the freshest, seasonal, and sustainable ingredients, reflecting his deep passion for the origins and journey of food. The service is polished, and Sommelier Tinashe Chirikure is on hand to help you select the perfect pairing from a well-curated and eclectic wine list.
We enjoyed a delightful and delicious meal at Mill Street Bistro, the food exceeded our expectations and we’re still talking about it three days later. The service was friendly and quick, the atmosphere inviting. We will definitely be back.
The Kraal at Joostenberg
(Joostenberg Wine Estate, Klapmuts)
Joostenberg is well known for hosting fantastic events on the farm and at their restaurant, The Kraal, and their upcoming line-up is not to be missed. On Thursday, 12 September, at 18h30, they’re hosting one of their famous “Cab and Steak” suppers. You’ll enjoy a farm-style steak and chips dinner and taste through several vintages of the estate’s Philip Albert Cabernet Sauvignon for R575 per person. On Saturday, 14 September, 5 October, and 2 November, from 10h30 to 12h00, they’re hosting a “Farm, Vineyard, and Winery Walk”. Regenerative and organic farming and winemaking are central to Joostenberg’s focus. Arrive at 10h30 and enjoy tea, coffee, and pastries before being taken on a guided farm walk, cellar tour, and wine tasting with owner and winemaker, Tyrrel Myburgh. The cost is R150 per person.
One of the most unique dining experiences in the Cape. A fantastic blend of classic French culinary techniques all with a South African twist. Excellent wine too. A very special setting!
Ellerman House Restaurant
(Bantry Bay, Cape Town)
Ellerman House is hosting a 4-part series of exclusive wine dinners, featuring four of South Africa’s leading winemakers in a one-of-a-kind wine and food experience. Set in the stunning Ellerman House Wine Gallery, home to a 9000-bottle collection of fine and rare wines from South Africa and abroad, each dinner will pair a hand-picked selection of the featured winemaker’s wines with food by Head Chef Kieran Whyte.
“One of the many things I love about wine is its ability to capture both a moment in time, and a sense of place,” says Manuel Cabello, Sommelier at Ellerman House, “and with the harvest now safely in the cellars, we want to share some of that excitement with both in-house guests and local wine lovers, which is why we are launching the Terroir Series this winter.”
While the first event with Bruwer Raats of Raats Family Wines has passed, upcoming events feature BlankBottle Winery on 22 August, Newton Johnson Vineyards on 29 August, and Savage Wines on 26 September. Each dinner is limited to 30 guests and costs R1400 per person.
An exceptionally enjoyable evening all round! Thank you Ellerman, Manuel Cabello and Bruwer Raats.
Durban
Yori Ōkī Sushi & Grill
(Ballito, Durban)
The Ballito Lifestyle Centre is home to many lovely restaurants, but next time you visit, be sure to book ahead at the newly opened Japanese restaurant, Yori Ōkī. The menu features a delicious mix of small plates, robatayaki, ramen, gyoza, bao, and luxurious main dishes like wagyu striploin, lobster sandoitchi, and tuna steak. And if that hasn’t got you making a reservation yet, check out their Happy Hour special! Running daily between 4 – 6 pm, you can enjoy half-price Suntory Roku G&Ts and half-price classic sushi.
It’s always a pleasurable dining experience. Food is always exceptional including fun drinks to choose from. Thank you to the chef really never disappoints!
Jukes Pizza Westville
(Dawncrest, Westville)
We’re excited to welcome Jukes to Dineplan! Known and loved by many in and around Westville for their thin and crispy woodfired pizzas, Jukes is a fantastic local spot to grab a cheesy slice when you’re craving pizza. With classic toppings like pepperoni, artichokes, and mushrooms, as well as more adventurous options like butter chicken curry and pulled pork, there’s something for everyone on their menu. They’ve also recently kicked off a regular quiz night, so check out their social media for the next one.
Johannesburg and Pretoria
Jinsei
(Waterfall City, Johannesburg)
Jinsei is a new gem in Waterfall, celebrating Asian flavours from across Korean, Vietnamese, and Japanese cuisines. From Korean charcoal robata and Vietnamese sizzling woks to delicate Japanese sushi, the team of chefs uses traditional methods to whip up authentic and delicious dishes. The extensive menu offers plenty of choices, including bao buns, ramen bowls, dumplings, wok dishes, poke bowls, robata-grilled dishes, sushi, premium steaks, and more! The space itself is tranquil, with beautiful Japanese-inspired decor featuring muted tones and rich fabrics.
Stunning new restaurant with delicious food and very good service. Been twice already and loved it both times.
Akti Mediterranean Rosebank
(Rosebank, Johannesburg)
Fans of Akti Mediterranean will be very happy to hear they’ve just opened a second branch at The Zone Rosebank! The menu features a delicious selection of bread and dips, and classic meze like dolmades, halloumi, spanakopita, calamari, trinchado, and peri peri chicken livers. There are also hearty meat, seafood, and chicken mains, pasta and souvla to explore. And don’t miss out on the dessert menu – it’s packed with tempting treats from across the Mediterranean, including tiramisu, baklava, halva ice cream, and loukoumades (honeyed Greek doughnuts).
We had a lovely time at AKTI in Rosebank. Our waitress Busi was lovely and always on the ball. The food was stunning, and the portions were huge! Great value for money! We look forward to dining at AKTI again soon.
The Fat Zebra Parkhurst
(Randburg, Johannesburg)
We’re excited to welcome another Dineplan newbie: The Fat Zebra! Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, their menu offers everything from hearty breakfasts and grazing platters to pizza, pasta, juicy burgers, and prego rolls. Don’t forget to check the chalkboard for cocktails, special deals, and sweet treats. On a sunny day or warm evening, you can enjoy your meal by the large windows or outside on the pavement.
I really enjoyed the experience – great food but best of all was excellent service.
Modern Tailors Ambassador
(Groenkloof, Pretoria)
Good news, Pretoria! Modern Tailors, a wildly popular Indian restaurant from Rosebank, has just opened a second location at the Groenkloof Plaza. “Our menu tips the hat to the many street food vendors that make up the colour, sounds and smells of India, nourishing the appetites of busy workers, rickshaw drivers and school children.” You’ll find a range of delicious small plates to start with, like samosas, pani puri, and crispy spiced okra fries. For mains, you can tuck into blistered and charred items fresh from the tandoor oven, curries and fragrant rice dishes, dahl, roti, naan, and paratha, along with plenty of chutneys, pickles, and yoghurt raita. I recommend going with a big group so you can share and sample as much as possible!
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