There’s really no shortage of great restaurants and unique dining ideas to try in and around Johannesburg. But the bar should always be raised even higher for Mother’s Day.  

Benn Ndzoyiya shares some of the best restaurants in Johannesburg to take your mom to this Mother’s Day and to make new memories. A friendly reminder to kids and partners reading this – bookings for Mother’s Day tend to fill up super fast so you’ll get proactive and reserve your space. If you’re looking for high tea events in Johannesburg, click here. 

FAIRLAWNS BOUTIQUE HOTEL & SPA

Where: 1 Alma Road, Morningside, Sandton

This year, Mother’s Day at Fairlawns Boutique Hotel includes a splendid four-course brunch experience with a welcoming drink on arrival. Musician Jeph Nomvete keeps the laidback moods flowing throughout the brunch. an extensive wine list is available with both local and international drink options. 

When: Sunday, 14 May, from 12pm
Cost: R695pp, book here

GODDESS CAFE

Where: Goddess Cafe Linden, 44, 1st Ave, Linden, Johannesburg

Nothing screams indulgent girlish treat like a visit to Goddess Cafe, one of Johannesburg’s most Instagrammable restaurants. They’ve got a venue in Linden and a three in Pretoria. Once you slip through the door, you’re greeted with a pink wonderland with bold interiors, floral decorations aplenty, and a relaxed, easy-going atmosphere that’s ideal for breakfast and lunch. 

Although their signature is the cake and dessert offering (you can’t go wrong with a slice of the pink velvet Turkish delight!), the menu of savoury treats is definitely worth a try if you’re after something more substantial. READ MORE

When: Monday to Saturday 8am to 5pm | Sunday 8am to 3pm

MAROPENG

Where: R400, Cradle of Humankind

Take a Sunday drive out to Maropeng, the official Cradle of Humankind Heritage Site. The venue’s restaurant is putting on an eat-as-much-as-you-can experience with three courses. Start with a mezze platter, shrimp rissole, and soup before trying wholesome lunch faves such as grilled lamb, hearty oxtail, grilled pork ribs and veggie and salad sides. For dessert, there’s an ice cream bar, malva pudding, and petit fours among others.

While you’re at Maropeng, be sure to stroll through amazing archaeology exhibitions of our planet, fossils, and tools that recount the origin of humankind.

When: Sunday, 14 May, from 9am
Cost: R275pp for adults, R137.50pp for kids, kids under 4 eat FREE

CENTRAL ONE RESTAURANT AT RADISSON BLU GAUTRAIN

Where: Radisson Blu Gautrain Hotel, Sandton Johannesburg, Rivonia Road & West Street, Benmore, Sandton

Head Chef Vonique van Zyl and her team are promising an Italian-themed lunch buffet at Central One Restaurant, Radisson Blu Gautrain Hotel in Sandton. Start with an authentic minestrone soup and gourmet bread and antipasti before tucking into freshly prepared pasta with a range of sauces, yummy sides, decadent tiramisu, ricotta and almond cake and a light berry pannacotta.

When: Sunday, 14 May, from 12:30pm to 3:30pm
Cost: R495pp for adults, half price for kids under 12 years, and kids under 6 eat free, book via email

RANDOM HARVEST NURSERY

Where: College Road, Muldersdrift

Looking for a quiet and charming garden setting? Random Harvest Nursery in Muldersdrift is a good choice. They’re serving a generous high tea experience crafted with fresh ingredients in a space surrounded by plants and birdlife (they have 166 species recorded). The venue is wheelchair-friendly, and do keep their range of indigenous plants in mind for a spontaneous gift. Kids can play in the sandpit and some of the many nature spaces to explore.

When: Sunday, 14 May, from 12pm
Cost: R225pp, book via email

THE OLD OAK RESTAURANT

Where: Royal Johannesburg and Kensington Golf Club, 1 Fairway Ave, Linksfield North, Johannesburg

The fine dining restaurant that boasts a state of the art play structures for kids is hosting a special three-course set menu on Sunday. Let Chef Ransley Pietersen and his team wow you with a gourmet twist to wholesome dining faves. On the menu is a starter platter, slow-cooked pork belly with Asian flavours, homemade potato gnocchi with pesto, and decadent chocolate desserts to end.

When: Sunday, 14 May from 12pm
Cost: R445pp, book via email

TOADBURY HALL COUNTRY HOTEL

Where: Plot 64 Beyers Naude Ext, Lanseria, Krugersdorp

Toadbury Hall is hosting a special Mother’s Day picnic event with a live performance from Ross Learmonth from Prime Circle who is currently on a nationwide tour for his new solo album. Guests can enjoy the gardens, lakes, and rivers of their 25-hectare country estate, surrounded by breathtaking views.

Unwind on the manicured grass lawn with comfy blankets and cushions while nibbling on freshly baked bread, grilled skewers, spring rolls, samoosas, and sweet treats for after. Kids get free face painting and balloon sculpting with Omo the Clown.

When: Sunday, 14 May from 11:30am
Cost: R475pp for adults, R350pp for kids. Book via email

THATHU RESTAURANT

Where: Unit 3 Illovo Junction, 178 Oxford Rd, Illovo, Johannesburg

Thathu Restaurant is serving up its signature style of modern African cuisine throughout the continent for Mother’s Day. Expect a three-course feast in a warm and personal dining venue. Live entertainment is also confirmed. 

When: Sunday, 14 May, from 12pm
Cost: R499pp, book via email

BOTHONGO RHINO AND LION RESERVE

Where: 520 Kromdraai Road Kromdraai, Krugersdorp

Boma Restaurant at Rhino and Lion is going for a relaxed and family-friendly Mother’s Day celebration with all the familiar Sunday lunch favourites. Think slow-roasted gammon, chicken drumsticks and braised beef with steamed dumplings, fragrant rice, and vegetable and salad options. The restaurant has a covered area as well as an open deck area overlooking the small Hippo pond.

When: Sunday, 14 May, from 12pm
Cost: R330pp for adults and R165pp for kids, book via call on 011 957 0349, 011 957 0106, or 011 957 1019

54 ON BATH HOTEL

Where: 54 Bath Ave, Rosebank, Johannesburg

Known as one of the best fine dining restaurants in Johannesburg, Level Four Restaurant at 54 on Bath in Rosebank is giving moms a special treat with their five-course lunch experience. Indulge in a complimentary glass of bubbles upon arrival, and relax to the sounds of live entertainment. Moms receive a special gift too.  

When: Sunday, 14 May, from 1:30pm to 4:30pm
Cost: R750pp for adults and R195pp for kids under 12 years, book via email

THE GREENHOUSE CAFE AT ROSEMARY HILL FARM

Where: Rosemary Hill, Plot 257 R964, Mooiplaats, Pretoria

Rosemary Hill’s gorgeous farm setting is a great idea for Mother’s Day. The Greenhouse Cafe is putting on a buffet event that’s freshly prepared with organic produce from the farm. On the menu is lemon and parmesan chicken breast, classic beef brisket, Traditional Potato Bake not to mention a fresh farm salad, roasted seasonal veg, and their famous pumpkin pie. For dessert, try the double chocolate brownies, cute mini pavlovas and more. Alcoholic drinks can be ordered from Bushvine Winery & Bar.

When: Sunday, 14 May, from 112pm
Cost: R395pp for adults and R197pp for kids under 12. Children under 6 eat for free, book via email