There’s something special about dining or drinking at outdoor restaurants in Johannesburg and catching up with friends while soaking up the fresh air and sunshine. Thankfully, Joburg is home to plenty of winning outdoor dining spaces; from leafy cafe courtyards you can settle into for a freshly brewed morning latte to spacious eateries perfect for unwinding over cocktails and small plates. We spotlight some of the best to try right now.
And then there was Fire
NIROX celebrates the culinary arts at their on-premises restaurant named And Then Where Was Fire.. which is nestled in the heart of the park, overlooking the lawns.
Executive Chef Leo Lanussol showcases various techniques of modern rustic cooking using organic, seasonal produce from local farms, prepared over a hearth with a simple intention.
When: Thursday to Sunday, 11am to 4pm. Closed on Monday to Wednesday.
Where: NIROX Sculpture Park, Kromdraai Rd, Kromdraai, Krugersdorp, Johannesburg
Website: andthentherewasfire.com | Email: [email protected]
Culinary Table
This fusion restaurant pays homage to contemporary techniques and flavours while using local South African produce. Diners here are reminded of a hearty home-cooked meal with a modern touch, complete with generous servings and a cosy, relaxed atmosphere. Bookings are highly recommended for this popular spot.
When: Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm. Saturday to Sunday, 8am to 4pm.
Where: Lanseria Centre, Unit 1, R512 Malibongwe Rd, Lanseria, Johannesburg
Website: culinarytable.co.za | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 011 017 0999
The Terrace at Ground the Venue
The focus is firmly driven by delicious sharing plates that each pack flavourful Mediterranean food for the menu. An assortment of dips and their bread for the day will be a good way to start – try tirosalata, roasted aubergine, and whipped feta.
The beauty of the food at The Terrace lies in its simplicity. Heading onto mains, match juicy lamb shank with mint sauce and fresh herbs with wholesome patatas bravas. There’s also a sharp lineup of seafood and chicken dishes to consider. Any hunger-based aggression over food supplies will quickly diminish – as the dishes will just keep coming.
Ground the Venue is already a popular haunt for their venue hire, hiking trails and picnics. The new space is set on the terrace with washed white walls, natural and decorative greenery, and woven furniture for a modern boho touch.
When: Wednesday to Thursday, 11am to 5pm. Friday, 11am to 6pm. Saturday, 9.30am to 7pm. Sunday, 10am to 7pm.
Where: Ground the Venue, Plot 19, Driefontein Rd, Muldersdrift, Johannesburg
Website: groundthevenue.com | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 063 296 2274
Truffles on the Park
Truffles On The Park is a lucid, light and dynamic kitchen located in Sandton. Their promise to visitors is to create meals that involve all senses – an experience that restores, delights, challenges and enriches. Where cocktails and service are given the same attention, a place where botanical mixologists are trained as culinary chefs, where the produce and herbs are carefully sourced and always fresh.
Truffles On The Park is also where drinks are made proudly and consistently in a state-of-the-art botanical beverage kitchen.
When: Monday, and Wednesday to Friday, 8am to 10pm. Tuesday and Saturday, 9am to 10pm. Sunday, 9am to 8pm.
Where: Mushroom Farm Park, Cnr Rivonia Rd and Daisy St, Sandown, Sandton, Johannesburg
Website: trufflesbistro.co.za | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 010 025 0436
Olives & Plates Wits Club
Olives and Plates Wits Club is one of the few outdoor restaurants in Johannesburg that boasts an authentic Cape Winelands charm thanks to the beautifully maintained architecture. The Club seems far removed from the hustle and bustle of the city, yet it is easily accessible via the M1 and Empire Road, and there is ample secure parking.
But it’s not all aesthetics here. As with the various Olives & Plates restaurants in Joburg, it’s the great food and service that shines here. Dine on brunch faves such as inventive salad, well-cooked steak and sophisticated platters underneath the oak trees.
When: Daily, 7.30am to 4pm
Where: Olives & Plates Wits Club, 7 Yale Road, Parktown, Johannesburg. Please use Wits Yale Road Entrance off Empire Road (North Gate)
Website: olivesandplates.co.za | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 011 717 9365
Delta Cafe at Delta Park
Delta Café started as a small café in 2014, run out of a renovated cottage on the grounds of Reenanear Delta Park. Over the years, this dog-friendly cafe in Randburg has evolved into the ultimate spot to enjoy a bit of nature in our urban jungle and get away from the madness of the modern world.
The menu is a family-friendly lineup of dishes for breakfast and lunch and a quick after-work wind-down. Weekends extend to al fresco dinners with live music on selected evenings. Delta Cafe donates a portion of its turnover in support of Reea, and the team also supports regular successful feeding schemes.
When: Tuesday to Thursday, 9am to 6pm. Friday, 9am to 9pm. Saturday, 8am to 9pm. Sunday, 8am to 6pm. Closed on Monday.
Where: Delta Cafe, Delta Park, 76 Marlborough Ave, Craighall Park, Johannesburg
Website: deltacafe.co.za | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 010 900 3850
Glenda’s
After creating and nurturing the beloved Patisserie in Illovo for 10 years, Glenda Lederle sold in 2002 and moved to start a popular eatery in the Cape, and decided to travel the world. She trained in some of Europe & America’s top kitchens, from ‘The Red Rooster’ in New York City to the acclaimed ‘Petersham Nursery’ & world-famous ‘River Café’ in London to the Four Seasons Michelin-starred restaurant in Berlin.
Upon her return in May 2015, she opened Glenda’s in Hyde Square for breakfast, lunch, tea, after-work drinks and dinner seatings. There is also a ‘choux choux’ lounge for quaffing champagne and ‘Dotty Choux ’, the takeaway patisserie counter specialising in Choux Pastry.
When: Monday, 7am to 5pm. Tuesday to Saturday, 7am to 6pm. Sunday, 8am to 5pm
Where: Glenda’s Restaurant, Hyde Square, cnr Jan Smuts Avenue and North Road, Hyde Park, Johannesburg
Website: glendas.co | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 011 268 6369
Gia’s on Montrose
Since their 2006 opening, Gia’s on Montrose has fine-tuned an easygoing oasis to escape the humdrum of the city. You’ll find them nestled in the picturesque gardens of Montrose Nursery in Morningside, surrounded by nature, where the sounds of birds chirping and the breeze in the trees replace the drone of car engines and the hustle and bustle of urban living.
A diverse family-friendly menu is on the cards with delicious meals to choose from, ranging from their famous burgers to a pie in a mug, eggs Benedict, pasta, salads and bagels, to name a few. Round your meal with premium Italian coffee, cocktails, handpicked wines and other beverages.
When: Monday, 7.30am to 5pm. Tuesday to Sunday, 7.30am to 6pm.
Where: Gias on Montrose Cafe & Pizzeria, 66B South Road, Morningside, Sandton
Website: montrosenursery.co.za/gias-on-montrose/ | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 011 326 5074
The Tea Garden at Random Harvest Nursery
The green and calm setting at Random Harvest Nursery’s Tea Garden is famously charming. Surrounded by plants and birdsong, al-fresco dining in the shade of spreading Monkey-Thorn Acacias in summer or in front of a cosy fireplace in winter serves up dishes made with the freshest ingredients.
The menu is a simple but delicious selection of homemade sweet and savoury foods, keeping our old firm favourites, but constantly adding new and interesting items. Founder Linda’s Italian heritage is evident – everything is homemade and fresh. The milk is from the small dairy herd, as is the homemade butter. The jam is made by Linda’s mother (people travel miles for it!) and the bread is homemade. The green salads are supplemented with produce from the veggie garden.
Kids are welcome to join; there’s a sandpit and plenty of space for children to explore safely.
When: Daily, from 7.30am to 4:30pm
Where: 57 College Road, Muldersdrift, Krugersdorp
Website: randomharvest.co.za | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 011 957 5354
The Secret Tea Garden
Set in the tranquil gardens of Norscot Manor in the heart of Fourways, The Secret Tea Garden offers a quiet escape from the malls and roadside coffee shops. Relax on the terrace overlooking the manicured lawns and distant views, whilst the children amuse themselves in the impressive play park, guaranteed to give parents a much-needed break for an hour or so. The Secret Tea Garden is an ideal venue to host birthday parties, stork parties, kitchen teas and corporate functions.
The main menu focuses on breakfasts and light meals with a good selection of salads, burgers and sandwiches.
When: Tuesday to Wednesday, 9:30am to 4pm. Thursday, 10:30am to 4pm. Friday,9.30am to 5pm. Saturday to Sunday, 8.30am to 5pm.
Where: The Secret Garden, Norscot Manor, 16b Penguin Drive, Fourways, Johannesburg
Website: thesecretteagarden.co.za | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 010 880 8604
The Wild Side Restaurant
The Wild Side Restaurant is nestled in the middle of a beautiful landscape, making it a breath of fresh air for Joburgers looking for good food outdoors.
As visitors dive into the burgers, pizzas and grills, they can do so whilst enjoying a scenic, green view featuring a canopy of trees, blooming flower beds and winding stone paths, proving that the venue’s nature ecosystem is a huge part of what makes it so special.
When: Tuesday to Thursday, 12pm to 10pm. Friday to Saturday, 9am to 10.30pm. Sunday, 9am to 4pm.
Where: The Wild Side, 6 Burnside Ave, Craighall Park, Randburg
Website: the-wild-side.co.za | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 082 506 0616
Salvation Cafe
Salvation Cafe offers a light, contemporary, restful brunch spot for a quick solo break from work or a lingering social chat over great coffee at 44 on Stanley.
With a courtyard setting and beautiful trees, their made-to-order breakfast and lunch is an award-winning meal with global, fresh flavours with inventive, ever-evolving specials. Their in-house-baked bread and cakes are handmade traditionally. The menu includes sandwiches, croissants, burgers, salads and more.
The Salvation Deli also offers take-home treats and includes toasted sandwiches and pizzas as well as frozen goodies to bake at home.
When: Daily, 8am to 5pm
Where: Salvation Cafe, 44 Stanely, Milpark | 167 Jan Smuts Ave, Parktown North, Randburg
Website: salvationcafe.co.za | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 011 482 7795
Besos
A chic dining spot, Besos has made a name for itself by curating an extensive menu that features unpretentious, consistently delicious starters, small plates, grills, and pasta dishes. Seasonality is a key driver when selecting most of their produce and ingredients.
Take in the hard-shell tacos with fragrant and zesty fillings, and enjoy the collection of expertly grilled steak cuts as well as a Wagyu offering. And for those late-chilled cocktail afternoons, a few of the starter plates, like the prawn and halloumi tart, Mexican corn, or slivers of hummus fillet, should go over well.
When: Daily, 9am to 10pm
Where: The Woods Shopping Centre, 345 Jan Smuts Ave, Craighall Park, Randburg
Website: besosxo.com | Tel: 067 103 0787
The Forum Kitchen at L’antico Giardino – Temporarily closed
Following on from the Forum’s extremely popular Farm to Table events, the focus for breakfast and lunch at The Forum Kitchen at L’antico Giardino follows the same philosophy: dine under the trees and enjoy delicious, fresh food, using produce that has been sourced from the area.
As it is on the cycle route towards the Cradle, it is a lovely outdoor option for those who want to pop in for a coffee or breakfast after a morning ride. There is also ample space for kids to ride their bikes. The menu is updated regularly offers an array of scrumptious dishes, and can be viewed on request.
When: Saturday to Sunday, from 8am to 4pm
Where: Portion 17, Farm 543, Nooitgedacht, Pine Valley Rd, Lanseria, Johannesburg
Website: theforumkitchen.co.za | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 082 834 4899
