While Johannesburg’s nightlife is known for its vibrancy and diversity, finding a space where you can be care-free with your gal pals can be difficult within the wide variety of options available.
So, we’ve rounded up some safe spaces and after dark hotspots for the ultimate girls’ night out.
Noche de Chicas at Besos Restaurant
Every last Thursday of the month, Besos Restaurant hosts their own signature twist to a Ladies’ Night with a curated food and drink selection.
The special occasion offers bottomless cocktails along with a three-course meal, creating a memorable evening of relaxation and enjoyment, perfect for a girls’ night out.
The experience includes your choice of starter, mains and dessert from the set menu, and bottomless drinks from 6pm to 9pm only.
See the Noche de Chicas menu here.
Cost: R600pp (includes bottomless cocktails and a three-course menu). Book via dineplan
When: Every last Thursday of the month
Where: Besos Restaurant, The Woods Shopping Centre, 345 Jan Smuts Ave, Craighall Park, Randburg
Dance Club SA’s Women-only Nightclub
Dance Club SA is a monthly pop-up in Johannesburg designed for women who want to move, unwind and enjoy a night out on their own terms.
Held on the last Tuesday of each month at The Naked Woolf in Rosebank, the concept is simple: just women, just dancing and wrapped up by 9pm.
Two female DJs spin crowd-favourite tracks from the 70s through to the early 2000s, keeping the energy high but familiar. Guests are encouraged to wear whatever feels right, from sequins to loungewear, leaning into comfort and self-expression.
Hosted at Naked Woolf in Rosebank, the venue offers a central, accessible setting with food and drinks available to order throughout the evening.
Cost: R300pp, R250pp for groups of 5, and R200pp for groups of 10. Book via Quicket
When: Every Last Tuesday of the Month, from 5.30pm to 9pm
Where: The Naked Woolf, Rosebank Quarter, 9 Walters St, Rosebank, Johannesburg
That Girl Social Club: Girl Dinner
A new addition to the Joburg social scene is That Girl Social Club, a community for women aged 30+ to gather, bond and experience new things together.
Created by South African actress Sihle Ndaba, the club is meant to tap into a greater variety of women’s interests, and one of its focal points is the Girl Dinner series, the first of which takes place in mid-August 2026.
Your ticket for Girl Dinner includes a three-course Italian dinner, a live performance, a goodie bag, drinks and a chance to win luxury prizes.
Cost: R1500pp. Book via That Girl Social online
When: The inaugural event takes place on Thursday, 13 August 2026. Thereafter, keep an eye on That Girl Social’s social media for more gatherings
Where: La Pergola, 44 Stanley Ave, Braamfontein Werf, Johannesburg
NO INVITE – The All Girls Party
NO INVITE – The All Girls Party is an event made for women as a safe space to celebrate themselves without boundaries and without judgement.
It’s a party for the girls, by the girls, where you can wear what you want, dance how you want and exist without the male gaze. The DJ lineup is all-femme, and non-alcoholic drink options are available.
Cost: From R145pp, book via Quicket
When: Every few months. Keep up with NO INVITE on social media for dates
When: Normally at Artistry JHB, 22 Fredman Dr, Sandown, Sandton
Girls In Film Club
This one is for those looking for a more creative night out. Girls In Film is a platform building community, audiences and support structures for a new generation of women, female-identifying and non-binary filmmakers who are often underrepresented in the industry.
Every now and again, Girls In Film hosts screenings and discussions on films that represent the ethos of the project, inviting participants to critically engage with the films, participate in Q&As and discuss them in an open and collaborative environment.
Cost: Prices vary depending on the type of event
When: Keep up with the Girls In Film Club social media for dates
Where: Various venues in Joburg (normally at The Bioscope)
The Local Jol: A dance party for the girls
The Local Jol is a safe and exclusive ladies-only dance experience in Joburg filled with nostalgic music, laughter and dancing like no one’s watching, all in a safe space designed just for women.
Jols are typically hosted up to three times a month, alternating between evening parties and brunch singalongs. The experience includes a live DJ playing throwback hits (and taking requests), food and drink specials on the night (at your own expense) and a full cash bar.
Cost: From R300pp, book via Quicket
When: Typically takes place three times a month from 6pm to 9pm or 12pm to 3pm (Brunch Jol)
Where: Various venues in Joburg
Lush & Luxe Ladies Night at Hardrock Cafe
Grab your girls for Lush & Luxe Ladies Night at Hardrock Cafe, offering a weekly dose of music, fun and drinks.
Happening every Thursday, ladies can enjoy 50% off on select cocktails on the menu as DJs set the vibe for a chilled after-work unwind with your girls.
Cost: Free entry. Ladies get 50% off select cocktails
When: Every Thursday from 6pm
Where: Hard Rock Cafe Johannesburg at Nelson Mandela Square, 10 & 10A, Mandela Square, 8 Maude St, Sandown, Sandton
Goddess Cafe
The Goddess Cafe in Johannesburg and Pretoria is undoubtedly Insta-famous thanks to its pretty interiors and even prettier dishes.
This buzzy spot is filled with a pink colourways in a range of hues, pretty florals and hanging plant baskets making for a calming and cute oasis to drink and dine with the girls.
The menu features a range of meals and snacks with menu items such as biltong, brie and fig sandwiches, carrot and macadamia nut cake, a range of signature Spanish lattes and even bunny chow. Both the Southdowns and Linden branches also serve pizzas.
When: Monday to Saturday 8am to 5pm | Sunday 8am to 3pm
Where: Linden – 44, 1st Ave, Linden, Johannesburg | Waterkloof – Shop 6, Waterkloof Corner Shopping Centre, Corner Main and Crown Avenue, Waterkloof, Pretoria | Southdowns – Shop 15, Southdowns Shopping Centre, Cnr John Vorster and Karee, Irene, Centurion | Rietondale – 217, Soutpansberg Road, CNR Belrene street, Rietondale, Pretoria
Check out more of the prettiest pink cafes in and around Joburg
Club Como Restaurant
Although not specifically marketed as a restaurant for the ladies, Club Como has been hailed for its elegance and delightful focus on Mediterranean flavours, gradually growing its status as a girls’ night out hotspot.
Club Como has also been awarded the 2026 Luxe People’s Choice Award and earned itself a nomination for Best Neighbourhood Restaurant by JoziStyle Restaurant Awards in July of 2026, further solidifying its superiority in the food and drink industry.
Gather the ladies and dress up for an evening of elegant dining and expertly crafted drinks at this eatery gem that has continued to climb the ranks among Joburg’s dining hotspots.
When: Open daily from 11am to 11pm
Where: Club Como Morningside, Shop U47, Corner Rivonia &, Morningside Shopping Centre, Outspan Rd, Morningside, Sandton | Club Como Neighbourhood Square, Shop S15, Corner Club Street & The Neighbourhood Square, Linksfield Rd, Linksfieid, Johannesburg
EL&N London
The first South African EL&N London made its debut at the Mall of Africa in 2023 as one of the most sought-after pink cafes in Johannesburg.
Capturing London’s famous café culture, the café features a striking pink-and-green colour scheme, a showpiece chandelier made of over 500 LED bulbs and floral installations that make the perfect backdrop for an outing with the girls. EL&N (short for “Eat, Live & Nourish”) is celebrated globally for its chic atmosphere and curated menu.
The Mall of Africa location introduces more tailored offerings such as steaks, grills, and a dedicated pizza bar serving over 11 wood-fired pizzas. Signature items like the Spanish Latte and Dulce de Leche cake remain on the menu, alongside all-day brunch dishes and gourmet brews.
When: Sunday to Thursday, 7am to 9:30pm. Friday & Saturday, 7am to 10:30pm
Where: Joburg – Shop 2061 – Town Square Mall of Africa Magwa, Lone Creek Cres, Waterfall City, Midrand | Menlyn Maine, Shop 61c, Ext 2, Corner Corobay, Aramist Ave, Waterkloof Glen, Pretoria
