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Spring is here, and I’m excited to shake off winter and enjoy the warmer weather while indulging in one of my favourite pastimes – eating out! Luckily, there’s been a surge of new restaurant openings, pop-ups, and food events to explore across Cape Town, Joburg and the Winelands. I’ve picked seven must-visit restaurants for this month that should definitely be on your radar.
Cape Town and the Winelands
Coy
(V&A Waterfront, Cape Town)
You’ll find this exciting new opening at the V&A Waterfront “hidden in plain sight” between the TimeOut Market and the Cape Grace Hotel. It’s a beautiful restaurant – both inside and out. Perched right on the harbour’s edge with Table Mountain in the background, the interior strikes a balance between stark and plush, with black-and-white décor, soft lighting, and a mix of wood, metals, and textures. Chef Ryan Cole shares his relaxed take on Southern African fine dining, with a refined, ocean-inspired menu that takes you on a journey along our continent’s plentiful shores. Open for lunch and dinner every day (except Tuesdays), Coy is this summer’s must-visit fine-dining restaurant.
Paul V&A
(V&A Waterfront, Cape Town)
At Dineplan, we’re passionate about bread and pastries, so we’re thrilled to welcome Paul to our app! This family-owned French pâtisserie and restaurant, established in 1889, now boasts six branches across South Africa. Known across France and the world for its freshly baked croissants, artisanal baguettes, and picture-perfect pastries, Paul is the perfect spot to book ahead for breakfast, lunch, or dinner to enjoy classic French bistro dishes after a shopping spree at the Waterfront, or simply relax and soak in the tranquil waterfront views this spring. Browse the menu, and book your visit.
I had a really great time with my partner for date night. We will definitely be returning.
Cabernet & Carne Pop-Up at Vergelegen
(Somerset West, Cape Town)
Plan a visit to Vergelegen before the end of September and check out their cosy pop-up restaurant, Cabernet & Carne. With just 40 seats, it’s nestled among the trees in the arboretum, inside a restored rustic field cottage. The small set menu, paired with Vergelegen wines, is all about traditional South African comfort food. Start with a hearty bowl of “boontjiesop” and farm-style bread, then dive into mains like entrecôte steak or baby spatchcock chicken with Café de Paris butter, greens, and unlimited fries. And for dessert? Dig into a warming bowl of cinnamon dumplings and custard, served alongside a steaming cup of “moerkoffie” with a splash of condensed milk. Delicious!
The menu includes hearty vegetarian options for both starters and mains.
What a lovely experience. To be repeated and enjoyed more than once!
Minari Korean Kitchen
(Stellenbosch Central, Stellenbosch)
If you love Korean food and all its addictive, fiery goodness, then make sure to book a table at Minari in Stellies. They’ve got it all – from classics like ssam, bibimbap, and gimbap, to crispy fried mandu, sweet and spicy Korean fried chicken, and even Korean corn dogs. The best way to enjoy a bit of everything is to round up some friends and order a bunch of dishes to share. They’ve also got some great weekday specials, so be sure to check out their Instagram page for the latest deals!
Food and ambience are amazing. Best ramen I’ve ever eaten – would highly recommend.
Johannesburg
Kings Kraal
(Sandton, Johannesburg)
Tucked in the bustling heart of Bryanston, this new restaurant-come-performance space offers a dining experience unlike any other. With a blend of rich culture, live performances, and a refined menu, Kings Kraal celebrates the vibrant tapestry of African flavours and the continent’s culinary diversity – all reimagined with a modern twist. The menu is packed with traditional favourites, like crispy ulusu (tripe) with fiery baobab mayo, rooibos and marula sticky wings, rich and smoky oxtail with polenta, hearty beef and morogo stew, and plenty more. Open Wednesday to Sunday, be sure to check out their socials for the week’s live music line-up!
It was the first time visiting the restaurant and my girlfriends and I had an amazing experience! From the food to the music and of course the bottomless mimosa! I will definitely be visiting the restaurant again and letting others know about this amazing restaurant.
The Sassy Italian
(Randpark Ridge, Johannesburg)
The newly opened Sassy Italian at Eagles Landing Shopping Centre in Randpark Ridge is the perfect spot to catch a game on the big screens, sip on local wines from their vast cellar, and take advantage of weekly specials on pizzas, wine, and cocktails. Perfect for hanging out with friends and family – and yes, even your four-legged pals are welcome! The menu is packed with crowd-pleasers, from small plates, pasta, and focaccias to platters, pizzas, burgers, and much more.
We had the BEST and most special evening celebrating my father’s 80th birthday. Everything was 100% perfect and we will always have amazing memories of our dinner at Sassy Italian. My father sees himself as a lasagna expert and said the one he had at Sassy Italian was the best he’s ever had.
Stelle Restaurant
(Sandton, Johannesburg)
A firm favourite among Sandton locals, Stelle Restaurant is now bookable on the Dineplan app. The menu offers a tempting selection of starters perfect for mixing and matching while you decide on your mains. The vitello tonnato (a personal favourite) and the thinly sliced octopus carpaccio catch my eye but, honestly, everything is simple and delicious. For mains, you’ll find homemade pasta and gnocchi, prepared fresh in-house every day, along with Italian-style steaks and osso buco. And for dessert, the rich, silky pistachio gelato is an absolute must with a strong shot of espresso. Buon appetito!
We have been going to Stelle for years and find it is one of the few restaurants where the food is always excellent… Thank you Stelle for a most enjoyable evening!
The Sassy Italian was disappointing. Average service, mainly owing to managers not being available unless called, and disappointing main course.