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April’s list of must-have reservations across Cape Town, the Winelands, and Johannesburg offers a tempting mix of the familiar and the newly irresistible. From fresh Greek and Turkish openings to all-day cafés, Italian pizza and pasta, and family-friendly dining, there’s no shortage of restaurants to explore – and with long weekends and public holidays on the horizon, there’s no better time to do it. Whether you’re after breakfast, lunch, dinner, or a late-night bite, these are the tables you’ll want to book in advance this month.
Cape Town and the Winelands
SOLO at Ikhaya
(Gardens, Cape Town)
Tucked into Dunkley Square, the newly renovated Ikhaya Lodge has introduced its in-house restaurant, SOLO. The setting is a draw in itself, with views of Table Mountain and Lion’s Head from both the dining room and a shaded inner-city terrace. The menu moves comfortably across global borders, pairing international and fusion dishes with a confident, unfussy approach. Expect everything from golden Hungarian lángos (a crispy fried flatbread) and steamed mussels with spicy risoni to fillet tagliata, slow-cooked lamb shank, and tahini-glazed chicken with Middle Eastern influence. For a more considered experience, the 4-course dinner set menu offers a well-paced, indulgent way to explore the kitchen.
We had an excellent evening, with great food, great wine and excellent service.
Nostos
(Hout Bay, Cape Town)
Nostos, meaning “homecoming”, is a new Greek restaurant in Hout Bay that leans into tradition in all the right ways. Run by Spiro and Julie, long-time locals known for feeding and entertaining the local diner community, the restaurant is a return to their roots: family recipes, generous portions, and food designed to be shared – and enjoyed slowly. The menu is rich in flavour but grounded in simplicity, built around the idea that a good meal brings people together. For now, it’s BYOB (no corkage fees), which only adds to the relaxed, convivial feel. Expect a table filled with dishes, a long, leisurely meal, and a sense that you’ve been there before. Pro tip: Don’t leave without the baklava cheesecake. Open for dinner daily except Tuesdays, and for lunch Thursday to Sunday.
Great food and atmosphere, a really great selection of dishes to choose from. We need to work our way through the whole menu.
Saigon Vietnamese Restaurant 
(Gardens, Cape Town)
Saignon is not new, but it’s a long-time favourite – and now bookable on Dineplan. If you’re craving authentic Vietnamese food, Saigon still delivers exactly what it’s known for: consistently excellent dishes, generous portions, and fast, efficient service in an ever-packed dining room. The menu is vast, but there are a few standouts worth returning for. The Peking duck pancakes are a personal favourite, and the pho arrives steaming, fragrant, and deeply satisfying. That said, it’s hard to go wrong here – regulars will tell you it never disappoints. Open for dinner on Mondays, and for lunch and dinner Tuesday to Sunday.
Since 22 years the same perfect quality of food and service. Thanks to the team, it is always something special.
Lievita Stellenbosch
(Stellenbosch, Western Cape)
Lievita has expanded to Stellenbosch, bringing its much-loved Green Point offering to the Winelands. If you’re already a fan, this is an easy addition to your regular rotation – and if not, it’s a very good place to start. The Neapolitan-style pizzas are the main event: cooked hot and fast for that perfectly blistered, airy crust, topped with well-balanced, considered combinations. There’s plenty to work through on the menu, giving you every reason to come back and try more than one. The pastas are just as strong. Cooked al dente, with sauces that are simple, balanced, and true to their Italian roots, they more than hold their own. Open daily for lunch and dinner.
Johannesburg
Parque
(Honeydew, Johannesburg)
Just opened at the end of March, Parque arrives right on cue for the Easter school holidays. It’s a family-focused restaurant in Honeydew designed with both kids and parents in mind – or, as they neatly put it, “kids play and parents stay.” Created by moms for families, the space is built for easy, relaxed outings. There’s plenty to keep little ones entertained – from sandpits and splash zones to bike tracks and Xboxes – while parents can settle in with good coffee and a solid menu that covers breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Service is friendly and efficient, the atmosphere is easy-going, and the setup makes it just as suited to a casual meal as it is to a longer stay. Keep an eye on their social channels for upcoming events and birthday party options.
Beautiful atmosphere. Lovely food and energy. Enjoyed the flavours in the food too! The kids were also very happy!
Milas Café
(Sandton, Johannesburg)
Located at the Marc Centre in Sandton, Milas has grown from a well-loved gelateria into a relaxed, all-day dining spot that caters to just about any craving. The menu leans into wholesome, nourishing breakfasts, followed by a fresh selection of dishes from midday onwards. Expect small plates with influences from the Middle East, Europe, and Japan, alongside more substantial options like burgers, nachos, steaks, pasta, and seafood. And then there’s dessert – an extensive lineup of gelato, cakes, and other sweet treats that are hard to resist, no matter how full you are. Open daily from 9am.
I enjoyed the food, the waitress was really friendly. The music was great, overall a great experience. I will definitely be returning.
Luna Lusa
(Kyalami, Midrand)
This upmarket Italian–Mzansi eatery in Kyalami opened towards the end of last year. The menu is broad and crowd-pleasing, moving from small plates and pastas to wood-fired pizzas and more substantial mains, with inspiration drawn from across the Mediterranean and beyond. Service is polished, the food is consistently good, and the space is as considered as the menu. For something extra, join them for their Social Spritz special every Thursday from 4 – 8pm and enjoy a complimentary Aperol Spritz on arrival (valid until the end of May). Open daily from 11am until late.
We had a great time. We are definitely marking it our new favourite spot. The food was excellent, it was warm as well. We tried their steak fettuccine pasta, the steak was so juicy, & queen prawns. We loved everything about that place.
PERA Rosebank
(Rosebank, Johannesburg)
PERA is a new Turkish grill house and hookah lounge in Rosebank, perfect for anyone craving bold, vibrant flavours. The menu spans mezze, chargrilled meats, kebabs, koftes, seafood, mixed platters, pide, burgers, and classic desserts like baklava, sutlac rice pudding, and kunafa. Designed for lingering and sharing, it’s a place to gather with friends or family over generous portions and carefully prepared dishes. The restaurant is fully halaal and offers a selection of mocktails to complement your meal. Open daily from 11am until late for lunch and dinner.
It was our first time visiting. What a tremendous culinary experience. Everything was delicious and tasty. Flavours out of this world. Will be back.
The Naked Woolf
(Rosebank, Johannesburg)
Opened towards the end of last year by veteran hospitality duo Yanky Woolf and Chef Sean Haarhoff of The Wild Side, The Naked Woolf calls itself a “nightlife sanctuary” – and it delivers. It’s a go-to spot for drinks and vibes, but the late-night food menu deserves equal attention. Expect a wide selection of sharing plates, from riblets and nachos to potstickers, tacos, and wings, alongside solo options like espetada, burgers, steaks, and seafood. If you have a sweet tooth, you’re well catered for with ice cream, churros, and chocolate brownies. Open Tuesday to Sunday from lunch through to late night.
They overdelivered in every way. We loved the night!
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