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From Cape Town to Johannesburg, March brings a selection of restaurants that should be on your must-have reservations list. Whether you’re after fresh seafood, artisanal thin-crust pizzas, comforting Italian food, or refined Mediterranean flavours, here are seven new openings (and old favourites) that deserve your calendar’s full attention this month.
Cape Town
Jarryds
(Sea Point, Cape Town)
Not new, but oh so busy! Jarryd’s has joined Dineplan, so you can finally book ahead for dinner instead of hoping for a walk-in. The menu sticks to simple, well-executed gastropub classics: lightly breaded schnitzels, steak with fries and dressed greens, lamb chops, rigatoni alla vodka, and a fresh and filling chopped salad. Some nights, there’s live music, adding to the easy-going energy. Desserts are worth saving room for. The pancake stack feels like breakfast for dinner, and the New York cheesecake is reliably excellent. Open daily for dinner from 6pm, Jarryd’s is where uncomplicated, familiar dishes are done very well.
JARRYDS just knows how. 10/10 all round.
Ladurée
(V&A Waterfront, Cape Town)
If you’ve been to Paris, this will feel familiar: pastel-green boxes and macarons lined up like little jewels. Ladurée has brought its charm to the V&A Waterfront, opening last year and quickly becoming a favourite for anyone with even a passing sweet tooth – or a penchant for beautiful things. The macarons are the star, of course, but this salon de thé offers plenty more: French pastries, artisanal chocolates, and signature teas, plus breakfast, lunch, and dinner, all served with that effortless Parisian style. Now bookable on Dineplan, it’s a simple way to treat yourself – whether that’s an indulgent tea or just a box of something pretty to take home. Open daily from 9am to 10pm.
Luuma by Pavel
(Sea Point, Cape Town)
The newly opened Luuma by Pavel, at the Protea Hotel in Sea Point, serves contemporary seafood with a Mediterranean-Asian twist under Chef Pavel Dimitrov. The focus is on premium ingredients treated with respect and restraint: oysters, octopus, scallops, Cape rock lobster, East Coast sole, and other fine catches of the day. You can even add a touch of indulgence with a side of luxurious caviar. Desserts are inventive without being flashy – sweet potato crème brûlée with tonka bean ice cream, or a classic but flawless chocolate torte. The space is calm and comfortable, with chic coastal décor that feels effortless rather than staged. Open seven days a week for lunch and dinner, Luuma should be on every seafood lover’s wish list.
Very good, beautiful restaurant, fabulous service, delicious food. What more do we need?
Massimo’s
(Hout Bay, Cape Town)
Hout Bay mainstay Massimo’s, at Oakhurst Farm Park, is under new ownership, but the food that made it a local favourite hasn’t changed. Thin-based pizzas, blistered in the roaring wood-fire oven, come out piping hot, alongside calzone, pastas, and a choice selection of Italian favourites for desserts. What has changed is convenience: you can now book your table online instead of calling ahead – a small but welcome upgrade for regulars. For years, Massimo’s has been a go-to for anyone serious about pizza, packed with familiar faces who keep coming back for the same reliable, delicious slice. Book your table and go say hi to the new owners, David and Damian.
Johannesburg
Akti Mediterranean
(Bassonia, Johannesburg)
Akti has opened its third branch at Omni Square in the south of Johannesburg, bringing its polished take on Mediterranean cooking to Bassonia. The menu balances tradition with a lighter, modern touch – classic moussaka, tender souvlaki, crisp spinach spanakopita, and succulent grilled octopus. The space is as good-looking as its sister branches: clean lines, neutral tones and soft, but textured finishes. Service is sharp without being overbearing, dishes arrive promptly and piping hot, and portions are generous and filling. Open all week for lunch and dinner, add Akti Bassonia to your list of places to try out next.
We were surprised by how quickly our food was served, seeing that it was so full. We absolutely loved the food, the views, and the vibes. I would highly recommend Akti. Kudos to the staff. They were amazing.
Calore Cucina Italiana
(Bedfordview, Johannesburg)
Newly opened at Bedford Crossing, Calore Cucina Italiana is a warm, unfussy neighbourhood spot serving artisanal pizzas and house-made pastas. The welcome is friendly, the room comfortable, and the menu reads like a tour through Italy’s regional kitchens. To start: vitello tonnato (a personal favourite), wafer-thin carpaccio, prosciutto with melon. From there, it’s pizzas, panini, and an almost overwhelming lineup of delicious pastas, followed by decadent desserts. The Sicilian cannoli are worth ordering even if you think you’re full, and there are three tiramisu to choose from – no wrong answers. Open daily for lunch and dinner, Calore makes a strong case for becoming a regular booking rather than a once-off visit.
I had such a wonderful experience! The service was absolutely amazing. The staff were incredibly friendly, welcoming, and so helpful throughout the evening. The food was truly delicious. The fillet was cooked to absolute perfection, tender and full of flavour, and the pasta was perfectly al dente – exactly the way I like it. I’m already looking forward to coming back again soon!
The Table at The Max
(Sandton, Johannesburg)
The Table at The Max Hotel in Illovo is the latest opening in Sandton, offering a dining room that’s plush without feeling too formal – soft neutral tones and comfortable seating make it easy to linger. Service is attentive, making the whole experience smooth from start to finish. Starters include the likes of smoked snoek fishcakes, salad and a fresh and light poke bowl. Mains cover a wide range of favourites: chops and steak, burgers, grilled fish, fragrant chicken curry, pasta, and a comforting vegetable moussaka. For dessert, try the classic Malva pud or the ultra-rich Death by Chocolate brownie, mousse, and ice cream combo for those with an extra indulgent sweet tooth. Open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
The Table just opened, and it exceeded my expectations from the Snoek fuscajes, chicken curry, to the Death by Chocolate. The 9 people with me shared the same views.
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