In This Article:
From fine dining experiences and Siberian cuisine in Cape Town, to Korean BBQ, trendy new bars and sushi hotspots in Johannesburg, here are six must-have reservations this month.
Cape Town and the Winelands
Heirloom
(Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town)
The iconic Cape Grace Hotel has just reopened, along with its new restaurant, Heirloom. Led by Chef Gregory Czarnecki (of Waterkloof fame) and Chef Asher Abramowitz, this fine dining restaurant takes guests on a culinary journey through South Africa. “I have brought my DNA and personal touch to Heirloom,” says Chef Gregory, “my aim is to craft a dining experience that celebrates the region we’re so lucky to be in, making the most of the ingredients and flavours from the local land and sea while pushing the boundaries of creativity and taste.” Choose between the degustation or à la carte menu and enjoy a multi-course meal featuring fresh, sustainably-sourced ingredients from nearby farmers and suppliers. With beautiful views of Table Mountain and the harbour, Heirloom is a must-visit spot at the Waterfront this season.
Absolutely exquisite!
Saint Juz Restaurant
(Foreshore, Cape Town)
This new opening in the Foreshore, on the border of Woodstock, serves what they call “Siberian Asian” food. Their intriguing menu includes a wide variety of dishes from across the East. You can try everything from Siberian gravlax on toast and Japanese-style tempura dishes, to pelmeni dumplings (a traditional Russian dish) and solyanka soup (a hearty, meaty soup served with a shot of vodka). People already rave about the dumplings and their wide selection of wines, so if you enjoy exploring new cuisines and, like me, consider it almost as a form of travel, then head to Saint Juz and try Siberian classics that aren’t often found in Cape Town.
Great experience, we will definitely come back.
Vendetta’s Pizzeria
(Stellenbosch Central, Stellenbosch)
Famous for their Napoli-style sourdough pizzas, Vendetta’s in Stellies is a firm favourite with local pizza lovers, and now you can easily book a table using Dineplan! The dough is slow-proved for 24 – 48 hours, then hand-stretched, generously topped with tangy red sauce and fresh toppings, and baked in a blazing hot, wood-fired pizza oven. They come out perfectly charred and crispy on the outside, yet light and fluffy inside. The pizzas, numbered one to eight on the menu, offer mostly classic options with some twists thrown in – like five spice pork belly. Not a big fan of the crusts? You can order a side of sauce, dubbed a “crust dipper”, to liven them up. With friendly waitstaff, refreshing cocktails and milkshakes, and a charming outdoor courtyard strung with fairy lights, Vendetta’s is a great place for a social get-together or romantic date night. Remember to book in advance, as it gets busy with a constant stream of hungry guests.
Thoroughly enjoyed our meal at Vendetta!
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
Surasang Korean BBQ & Hot Pot
(Sandton, Johannesburg)
Since its opening earlier this year, Surasang has quickly become one of Jozi’s top spots for authentic Korean cuisine! Each dish is prepared using fresh and authentic ingredients, and their extensive menu is a dream for all those who love classic Korean fare. For starters, you can order the likes of deep-fried mandu (dumplings), kimchi pancakes, and japchae (glass noodle stir-fry). Then, dive into Korean-style street food, including kimbap and fiery Korean fried chicken, as well as bulgogi and bibimbap rice bowls, cook-at-the-table Korean BBQ sets, shabu shabu, and an assortment of jjigae (stews). If you still have space for dessert, please give the bingsu a try. This shaved ice and red bean paste delicacy is always refreshing after a large (and spicy) feast. The restaurant is small and tends to fill up quickly, so it’s best to make your booking well in advance.
Amazing. Will definitely go again and the owner is such a wonderful person who makes sure that his customers get the full Korean dining experience.
Obscura
(Rosebank, Johannesburg)
This new bar in Rosebank is a welcome addition to Joburg’s bar scene. And while the cocktails are the star of the show, Obscura is one of those places where you go for the drinks but stay for the food. From the moment you arrive, they’ll treat you like a VIP while you sip on interesting cocktails or explore their extensive selection of spirits. On the menu, you’ll find some very tasty plates designed to share – from sliders and grilled fish, to panko-crusted chicken wings and duck with dashi. It’s a fantastic spot to start your evening before heading out to dinner, but it’s also perfect for those who want to linger well into the night.
Loved the experience, the food was amazing, clean delicious flavours where each level of the dish shines. Would recommend the pork belly, burgers and tacos all were amazing and unique flavours. The cocktails were inventive and delicious. Attentive and very knowledgeable staff. Very good service.
Kanpai
(Rosebank, Johannesburg)
Kanpai is a new upmarket sushi spot and Champagne bar in Rosebank – just a stone’s throw away from Marble and the Pantry. On the menu, you’ll find oysters and deliciously fresh sushi, including signature rolls like the crispy duck roll and soft shell crab roll. But that’s just the beginning! You can also enjoy gyoza, small sharing plates, and larger dishes such as Korean short rib, chilli crispy beef, prawns, and lots more. For vegans and vegetarians, there are options like shiitake mushroom gyoza, watermelon and teriyaki tataki, tempura tofu rolls and bang bang cauliflower. To finish off your meal, try the mochi brownie with wasabi ice cream – it’s memorable and delicious!
Delightful evening, attentive and friendly staff, exceptional food!
Excellent and very informative and useful!
Thanks, Elize! We hope you enjoy exploring all these restaurants. Bon appétit!