The Best Steak Restaurants in Johannesburg Right Now

South Africa’s intense taste for the finest meat cuts goes back decades ago and is still very much evident when it comes to the ecosystem of steak restaurants in Johannesburg. More than anything, these dining spots continue to lift the craft of a quick sizzle with specialist meat cuts. Blue, rare, medium-rare, medium, medium well, or well done, with a just touch of seasoning to perfection—the best way to enjoy a good steak is up to you or let the chef tempt you with a signature dish.

From high-end eateries to something with a bit of a gourmet edge and effortless dining, keep scrolling for our guide to the best steakhouses in Joburg.

The Blockman

The secret weapon at The Blockman in Parkhurst is their fierce dedication to the art of premium meat. Head Chef and owner Vassilios Holiasmenos run his own dry-ageing programme on-site, which sees select cuts stored in cabinets to further develop their flavour and texture.

The menu includes everything from humble rumps to colossal bone-in cuts, from a dry-aged T-bone to a chunky Picanha, all served with a gastro edge. Beef it up with truffle fries, biltong and blue cheese salad, or the house-baked braai broodtjie with gourmet butter on the side. Don’t sleep on the starters and signature main, here you’ll find bangers and mash with homemade pork sausage, beef tartare, slow-cooked lamb shoulder off the bone, and much more.

When: Daily, from 11am to 11pm
Where: 33 on, 4th Ave, Parkhurst, Randburg, Johannesburg

Website: blockman.co.za | Email: bookings@blockman.co.za | Tel: 010 900 3130

Trumps Grillhouse & Butchery

Trumps Grillhouse & Butchery has been regarded as one of the top steakhouses in Johannesburg since their launch in 1994. Owners and brothers Dennis and Allen command a loyal group of regulars. Expect a casual dining area with a timeless sophisticated feel that overlooks the iconic Nelson Mandela Square fountain, two separate dining rooms, a wine cellar, and a concept butchery.

When: Daily, from 11am to 10pm
Where: Nelson Mandela Square, 5th St &, Rivonia Rd, Sandton

Website: trumpsgrill.co.za | Email: bookings@trumps-grill.com | Tel: 011 784 2366

CHE Argentine Grill

CHE Argentine Grill’s menu is firmly anchored in a cooking style of meat in many South American countries. Argentinians have a particular affinity for chargrilled beef, which is often the centrepiece at birthday parties and other celebrations. The same is true at CHE, which favours good quality beef from some of the country’s best producers of the stuff. There are a number of signature steaks on the menu, alongside chicken, lamb and fish.

But even with the unashamedly meaty menu, the smaller dishes are where creativity is driven. Look out for Peruvian-style ceviche, and a range of creative sides incorporating Spanish influences, just like you’d find in Buenos Aires. Provolone comes smoked with roasted pepper, tomatoes and black olives.

When: Monday & Tuesday, 4:30pm to 10pm. Wednesday, 4pm to 10pm. Thursday, 12pm to 10pm. Friday, 12pm to 11pm. Saturday, 12pm to 3:30pm. Sunday, 12pm to 5pm
Where: 128 Jan Smuts, Parkwood, Johannesburg

Email: reservations@cheargentinegrill.co.za | Tel: 011 268 2509

The Grillhouse

The Grillhouse’s three venues in Sandton, Rosebank and Melrose Arch all follow a fresh take on the classic steakhouse that doesn’t take itself too seriously. Expect a friendly price point and a dynamic experience starting with a steak in the restaurant and ending with some of Joburg’s best cocktails in the bar.

This is one of the oldest steak restaurants in Johannesburg, and their focus is firmly on a range of cuts from Wagyu, USDA-approved Angus Beed, and meat sourced from Argentina. Most cuts have a decent amount of marble content for a juicy grilled steak. Pair yours with a selection of creative but familiar sides, making the ordering process simple and intuitive.

When: Daily, from 7am to 9.30pm
Where: Sandton – Alice Lane Precinct, Piazza Level,,156, 5th Street, Sandhurst. Rosebank – Shop 70 The Firs Hyatt Shopping Centre, Rosebank, Johannesburg. Melrose Arch – The Piazza, Melrose Arch, 38 Whiteley Road, Melrose North, Johannesburg

Website: thegrillhouse.co.za | Email: rosebank@thegrillhouse.co.za | Tel: 011 880 3945

Gaucho

Gaucho restaurant’s mouth-watering BBQ-style cooking techniques of South America rank them as one of the must-visit steakhouses in Johannesburg. Experience the art and unique flavours of food cooked over an open fire as freshly barbecued steak and skewers are served with gourmet-style sides. A pasta and burger selection can also be found on the menu, as well as some mouthwatering starter options.

When: Monday to Saturday, 9am to 10pm; Sunday, 9am to 4pm
Where: 67 7th St, Linden, Randburg

Website: gauchorestaurant.co.za | Email: info@gauchorestaurant.co.za | Tel: 087 655 4480

George’s Grill House

George’s Grill House at Hyde Park Corner, in Linksfield, Bedfordview and Pretoria is a carnivore’s dream. Head here for your sliver of matured pure beef wet-aged hand cut by their master butcher and let the experts cook it to perfection. Diners can choose from impressive cuts like a 600g Angus Chicago Ribeye on the bone or immaculately cooked fillet, all the way down to skinny lamb chops, either served in a pepper crusting, BBQ basting, or George’s own herbed seasoning.

And if you’re up for a more communal dining experience, go for the meat platters and add on a few indulgent small plates for a more jovial feast.

When: Daily, from 9am to 8:30pm
Where: Linksfield – No. 9 Huddle Crescent, Club Street, Linksfield, Johannesburg. Hyde Park Corner – Jan Smuts Avenue &, Winnie Mandela Dr, Hyde Park, Sandton. Bedfordview – Bedford Center, Bedfordview, Johannesburg. Pretoria – Cnr. of Corobay &, Menlyn Maine Central Square, Aramist Ave, Waterkloof Glen, Pretoria

Website: georgesgrillhouse.co.za | Email: info@georgesgrillhouse.co.za | Tel: 010 900 3130

Tribes African Grill & Steakhouse

The spotlight is firmly on South African meat specialities at Tribes African Grill and Steakhouse at Emperor’s Palace. Their extensive menu is stacked with Karoo lamb, South African bred and grain-fed Wagyu, game cuts, lamb and much more. Leaf through the traditional local favourites such as skewers, Mogodu (tripe), oxtail and more.

The restaurant interiors boast a refined fusion of African decor with elements of Karoo and kraa, with private dining available as well.

When: Daily, from 11am to 11pm
Where: Emperors Palace Casino, 64 Jones Rd Jet Park, Kempton Park

Website: tribesafrica.co.za | Email: info@tribesafrica.co.za | Tel: 011 928 1227

The Bull Run

Proudly blending elevated dining and gluttony, The Bull Run is one of the most well-respected steakhouses in Johannesburg. Expect a sharp and considered menu paired with a moody, elegant atmosphere with polished accents at this steakhouse that opened in 2000.

Although the steaks hero the menu, do consider the hearty soup selection and starter small plates to kick off. The mixed grill is a good place to start if you’re unsure of what to choose, and further options include venison, ostrich fillet, and steak on the bone cooked to your liking. Sides come heavily South African-inspired with steamed bread, the tried and trusted pap, and spicy Chakalaka among others.

When: Daily, from 12pm to 10:30pm
Where: At the base of the Protea Hotel by Marriott® Johannesburg Balalaika Sandton, 20 Maude St, Sandown, Sandton

Website: thebullrun.co.za | Email: info@thebullrun.co.za | Tel: 011 884 1400

Don Armando Illovo

Daniel Toledo and the Mastrantonio group’s restaurant Don Armando Illovo is all about authentic Argentinian cooking using traditional parilla (barbecue) with a South African feel. And as expected, they do know their way around serving up some of Joburg’s best steaks.

Order flame-grilled cuts of meat like the classic Argentinian short rib, flavoursome sirloins, and hefty T-bones. Sides here take a U-tun from the usual with cauliflower mash, white bean salad with rocket and pickled red onion, grilled beetroot, and pan-fried spinach making the shortlist.

When: Monday to Saturday, 12pm to 3:30pm & 6pm to 10pm. Sunday, 12pm to 3:30pm
Where: Shop 2 Piazza Level, Illovo Square 3 Rivonia Road, Illovo, Johannesburg

Website: mastrantonio.com | Email: illovo@donarmando.co.za | Tel: 011 268 0007

The Grill Jichana

The Grill Jichana at Southern Sun Rosebank brings it closer to home with the robust flavours of the African East Coast spice route complementing their succulent cuts of meat, chicken and fish.

Jichana in Swahili is slang for ‘eating good’, which is what is mostly on the cards at this Rosebank restaurant with gorgeous views from the terrace.

The premium steaks are grilled with flair, flavoured with fragrant cassia, cardamom, turmeric and other heady spices and prepared using the freshest ingredients.

When: Daily, from 12pm to 10:30pm
Where: Southern Sun Rosebank, Crn Tyrwhitt & Sturdee Ave, Rosebank, Johannesburg

Website: southernsun.com | Email: ssrosebank.reservations@southernsun.com | Tel: 011 448 3600

The Butcher Shop & Grill

One of Joburg’s most respected steakhouses The Butcher Shop & Grill has seen a bit of a glow-up of late with their 2023 renovation. Although the restaurant tempts with modern accompaniments like creamy mussels, blackened salmon and espetada, their dry-aged and boutique butcher-quality steaks have become a staple on the permanent menu. Each option can be paired with homemade sauces, and vegetable and starch sides. Match your meal with one of the finest local wines from their wine list.

When: Daily, from 112pm to 10:30pm
Where: Shop 30, Nelson Mandela Square, 5th St, Sandton, Johannesburg

Website: thebutchershop.co.za | Email: reservations@thebutchershop.co.za | Tel: 011 784 8676

The Hussar Grill

The Hussar Grill is widely known for its top-quality steaks, making it a favourite among meat lovers. Their steaks are sourced from prime cuts of beef, meticulously aged to enhance flavour and tenderness.

When you dine there, you can expect a variety of options, from succulent sirloin to juicy rib-eye and tender fillet. Each steak is expertly grilled to your preference with seasoning that is simple yet effective, allowing the natural flavours of the meat to shine through. Accompaniments like their famous creamy peppercorn sauce or garlic butter elevate the experience.

When: Various times, from 11am daily
Where: Venues in Fourways, Midrand, Morningside, Roodepoort, Silverstar Casino, and Pretoria. See full details here

Website: hussargrill.co.za

Butcher Boys Grill Meyersdal

Butcher Boys at Meyersdal is all about good quality wet or dry-aged, grain-fed steaks sourced from the best local farmers. Their menu is tailored to tempt all tastes with hearty portions and fine wine pairings with a carefully curated selection of South Africa’s finest wines.

The concept was originally started in Durban by Alan Lazarus and Derryck Myers, while Jorge Ferreira and Gigi Nobrega run the Meyersdal venue.

When: Daily, various times from 12pm
Where: Meyersdal Mall, C/o Nelson Mandela Drive &, Hennie Alberts St, Meyersdal, Alberton

Website: butcherboysgrill.co.za | Email: meyersdal.butcherboys@gmail.com | Tel: 011 867 5290

The Braai Room

The Braai Room is the flagship home of Country Meat, a family-owned and managed ethical butchery. This steakhouse restaurant in Johannesburg serves a selection of farm-to-fork grilled meats cooked perfectly on their wood-fired rig.

The farm where Country Meat sources its produce is located just outside of Kroonstad, a region renowned for exceptional beef farming. They follow sustainable farming practices as a priority and ensure the highest standards and quality products.

The Braai Room specialises in a uniquely South African braai experience through their lunch and dinner menu for dine-in or takeaway. There is something for everyone including freshly braaied steaks, salads; Boerewors rolls, burgers, Shisa Nyama, and other grill favourites. A pizza, breakfast and a kids menu are also available.

When: Lonehill: Tuesday to Saturday, 8:30am to 9pm & Sunday to Monday, 8:30am to 8pm | Little Falls: Monday to Friday, 11:30am to 9:30pm, Saturday, 9am to 9:30pm & Sunday, 9am to 9pm
Where: Lonehill: Lonehill Shopping Centre, Lone Hill, Sandton | Little Falls: Retail Crossing, Cnr of Nic Diederichs and, Hendrik Potgieter Rd, Wilgeheuwel, Roodepoort

Website: braairoom.co.za | Email: braairoom@cmeat.co.za | Tel: 010 800 2919

RARE Steakhouse

RARE is a family-friendly steakhouse at Clearwater Mall that is owner-run by husband and wife team, Yvonne and Giacomo Anticoli. Collectively, the duo holds over 60 years of experience in managing restaurants and opened the venue in 2016. This restaurant is passionate about meat and only serves cuts that are matured for 28 days, cut trimmed by hand, and char-grilled for a great sizzle.

When: Monday to Friday, 10:30am to 9pm. Saturday, 9am to 9pm. Sunday, 9am to 8pm
Where: 159 Queen St, South Kensington, Johannesburg

Website: raresteakhouse.co.za | Email: info@raresteakhouse.co.za | Tel: 011 475 0360

Cut & Craft Bistro

Cut & Craft Bistro creates comfort food with a twist, made with love and taking tastebuds on a journey through South Africa.

Cut & Craft Bistro is so much more than just a bistro; it’s a lifestyle. The only goal they have is to do better than the previous day as they search for perfection and strive to exceed every expectation. The staff truly hope that visitors will come and share in what they love most.

The homemade foods are crafted to old-style rustic recipes, some passed down for generations and chefs use only the freshest top-quality ingredients for the food and strive to source mostly organically grown produce.

When: Daily, from 7am to 9.30pm
Where: 159 Queen St, South Kensington, Johannesburg

Website: cutcraftbistro.co.za | Email: cutcraftbistro@gmail.com | Tel: 011 615 0230