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As the year races to a close, it’s tough to keep up with all the buzz-worthy new restaurant openings. But don’t worry – I’ve tried to do some of the legwork for you! This month’s list of must-have reservations features ten spots across Cape Town, the Winelands, Johannesburg, Centurion, and Durban. Read on to make your reservations.
Looking for festive Christmas menus or New Year’s Eve plans? Don’t forget to check out those posts too!
Cape Town and the Winelands
Marble Cape Town
(V&A Waterfront, Cape Town)
After much buzz, Marble Cape Town has finally opened its doors at the V&A Waterfront, bringing a slice of Joburg’s glitz and glam to the Mother City. Step into the glass elevator, and as the views of the harbour, Lion’s Head, and Table Mountain unfold, you’ll know you’re in for something special. No expense has been spared here – from the jaw-dropping décor and statement art to the marble-clad bar and showpiece kitchen featuring multiple Grill Works open-fire grills. The impressive glass wine cellar is a treasure trove for wine lovers, packed with rare South African icons, luxe French Champagnes, and international gems. Chef David Higgs delivers a decadent menu designed around the magic of open-flame cooking. Whether you’re planning festive season celebrations, a romantic date, or a business lunch to impress, Marble Cape Town is one to add to your radar.
Melfort 
(Marianne Wine Estate, Stellenbosch)
Melfort, named after Chef Tasmin Reed’s family farm in Mazowe, Zimbabwe, is all about celebrating the simple joys of seasonal, real food that’s good for your mind and body. Inspired by her upbringing, Tasmin champions farm-to-fork dining, with organic, local ingredients sourced as close to home as possible. The less each ingredient travels, the better! On Friday, 13 December, they’re hosting their first Long Table Dinner – a 5-course feast paired with Marianne wines. For R675 per person, enjoy dishes that celebrate produce from Ryan Boon, Dairy Co, and Vredenhof Organic Estate. Spaces are limited, so book your spot now for the Long Table Dinner, or stop by for a wholesome lunch by the dam whenever you get the chance.
The staff offered the best table service I have experienced in years in the Boland region. Attentive, responsive, friendly, jovial, informed and swift. The food can be described with one word: heavenly! The setting next to an intimate dam nestled against the mountains create a quiet peaceful ambiance that is simply the best. Highly recommended
KIKI
(Sea Point, Cape Town)
Sea Point’s Regent Road has a new gem, a Greek restaurant under the helm of Chef Scott Walker, who’s all about celebrating life’s simple pleasures – especially good food. The menu is a one-page wonder, packed with classics. Start with rustic bread and pita, perfect for scooping up taramá, fáva, tzatziki, and the fiery tirokafteri (spicy feta dip), with plump dolmades, flaky spanakopita, and salty saganaki with capers for your meze fix. From the grill, expect souvla and coal-fired meats, seasoned to perfection and served with crispy potatoes and garlicky whipped toum. For dessert, you must try the citrus cake paired with dreamy olive oil ice cream – it’s hard to beat! This spot is a must-visit for your next night out.
Great new offering! The décor, experience, menu and care was next level. The Citrus cake and pita are a must!
Minimalist Wines
(Gardens, Cape Town)
Wine lovers will be thrilled to hear that Minimalist Wines, led by 27-year-old young-gun winemaker Sam Lambson, finally has a space to call home. With stellar reviews for his expressive Syrahs from critics around the world, including Neal Martin, Greg Sherwood and Christian Eedes, Sam’s wines are absolutely worth seeking out. The new urban winery and tasting room is officially open and taking bookings. So, if you’re out exploring Cape Town or enjoying a staycation, do yourself a favour and stop by 105 Hope Street in Gardens to meet Sam and his team – you’re guaranteed to discover a new favourite.
Durban & surrounds
Tyler’s
(Umdloti, KZN)
One of Durban’s newest restaurant openings, Tyler’s is already making waves and racking up 5-star reviews. If you’re heading to the Dolphin Coast this December, make sure it’s on your list. With excellent service, perfectly mixed cocktails, generous portions, and 10/10 steaks cooked over a roaring open fire or asada-style over the fire pit, Tyler’s steakhouse is the place to be. The restaurant is open everyday for lunch and dinner from 11h00 to 21h00.
If I could give it 6 stars, I would! Our meal was absolutely fantastic, and the service from our waitress, Owami, was truly exceptional. It’s rare to find a restaurant in Durban that gets everything right – service, atmosphere, and food – but Tyler’s exceeded all expectations. An all-around incredible experience.
45 on Eat Street
(Ballito, KZN)
Great news, Durbs – 45 on Eat Street at the Ballito Lifestyle Centre is now bookable on the Dineplan app! With a menu that ticks all the boxes, you’ll find everything from mini bunny chows (Durban’s iconic dish) to Mediterranean-inspired starters and mains, focaccia and pizza, fresh salads, sushi rolls and platters, a kiddies’ menu and decadent desserts. It’s a wonderful spot for families and friends to reconnect and refuel after a morning at the beach. This place will be packed over December as everyone flocks to Ballito, so be sure to get your reservations in the calendar.
Beautiful décor, great service and excellent food! A wonderful and refreshing experience.
Johannesburg
SINN
(Sandton, Johannesburg)
SINN, the new luxury modern-Italian restaurant in Sandton, is the epitome of chic. From its beautifully crafted cocktails to an extensive menu of Italian-inspired dishes, it’s a dining experience that begs for a repeat visit. Think antipasti, handmade pastas, wood-fired grilled meats, and piping hot pizza. The kitchen boasts not one but two striking gold-tiled pizza ovens, while the space itself is dark, dramatic, and undeniably stylish, with a projector-lit ceiling and a glowing red bar setting the mood.
An exceptional dining experience! The food was delicious, bursting with fresh ingredients and incredible flavors. The service was flawless.
Democracy Bar
(Sandton, Johannesburg)
Democracy Bar is set to open its doors in Illovo on Friday, 13 December – turning a typically spooky date into a lucky one. True to its name, this isn’t just a place for great drinks and food – it’s a democracy where everyone can have their say. Here’s how it works: book your table, scan a code on arrival, and cast your votes online for everything from drinks and specials to food, music and late-night games. The results are then displayed live on-screen as the night unfolds. It’s a fun, interactive way to make every visit unique. Open Wednesday to Sunday, Democracy Bar is already stirring excitement so get your booking in now and experience a night where every vote counts! (No under 18s allowed.)
Die Kweekhuis
(Centurion, Gauteng)
This brand-new restaurant in Centurion is open all week for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, making it a great new spot to try out. The space is rustic yet refined, with natural tones, terracotta pots filled with olive trees, and plenty of natural light filtering through the hessian shades. There’s even a bakery stand where you can grab fresh, farm-style bread to take home. For families, the outdoor kiddies’ play area is a win, while foodies will love the Neapolitan-style pizzas fresh from the large earthen pizza oven. With delicious food, friendly service, and a beautifully designed space, it’s one you’ll want to check out ASAP.
The food was amazing; delicious, well presented, and really big portion sizes. The staff were very welcoming and friendly. Looking forward to coming back.
The Library Food Club
(Birdhaven, Johannesburg)
Having opened earlier this year, The Library Food Club is an intimate restaurant in Birdhaven with a unique twist – its culinary focus changes annually to keep things fresh. This year, it’s all about the vibrant, history-rich flavours of Mexican and Peruvian cuisine. The cosy space is reminiscent of a library or speakeasy, with heavy wooden chairs, rich wall panelling, warm colours, and thick kilim carpets adding to the charm. Start your meal with chips and guac while you browse the menu, then dive into a selection of dishes. The tamales, which we rarely see on local menus, would definitely be part of my order, but honestly, everything here looks tempting. It’s the perfect spot for a relaxed evening filled with bold flavours and a touch of old-world charm.
Wow!!! What an amazing experience! From the décor, friendly staff to mouth watering dishes. It was a perfect evening!
Scape at Vrymansfontein
Food was inedible, both mains way to much salt and tuna tartare not fresh
Beautiful setting
Staff really tried hard but kitchen a disaster
Hi Ida, sorry to hear your experience at Scape wasn’t up to standard. It sounds like you might have caught them on an off day, as their food ratings on Dineplan are usually excellent! We’d recommend reaching out to the restaurant directly to share your experience – they’ll appreciate the feedback and the opportunity to address any issues.