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January is shaping up to be a delicious month, with a wave of new restaurants opening their doors in Cape Town and Johannesburg. From intimate chef’s counters and stylish lobby bars to all-day neighbourhood hangouts and after-dark cocktail spots, these are the 8 must-have reservations to kick off 2026 in good taste. Bookmark it, share it, and start booking, as these are the tables everyone will be talking about this month.
Cape Town and surrounds
Arlecchino
(Sea Point, Cape Town)
On busy Regent Road, just a stroll from the promenade, Arlecchino feels like a little Italian escape by the sea. Its name, meaning Harlequin, hints at the restaurant’s playful spirit, and stepping inside, you immediately get it: the space is truly gorgeous and full of sophisticated character. The menu is very Italian: antipasti, pizzette, pastas, panini, and heartier meat and fish dishes that invite easy sharing, while the dessert list is full of happy surprises – Campari jelly, silky zabaglione with strawberries, and, naturally, top-notch gelato served by the scoop. Part of the Tashas family, Arlecchino is a space designed to lift your mood, whether you’re claiming a corner for a morning espresso or lingering as the afternoon light fades into evening.
Arlecchino is by far the number one fine dining restaurant in Cape Town and South Africa. The experience was breathtaking and attention to detail on an entirely new level. Thank you for a night out that was unforgettable.
bare.
(Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town)
At 90 Shortmarket Street, bare. is a brand new spot to add to your foodie hit list. It’s an easy all-day kind of place – perfect for brunch, an afternoon drink, or a relaxed dinner. The space is intimate and warmly lit, with a beautiful bar, cosy seating, and people spilling out onto the pavement with a drink in hand. The menu is small but full of tempting options. Think cheese and charcuterie boards, brunch favourites, a tasty assortment of small and big plates, and playful touches like popcorn tossed in truffle butter and Maldon salt (or cinnamon sugar, if you’re feeling sweet), a Sunday roast that’s served all week, and a matcha “green tiramisu”. Add great cocktails and an easy-going vibe, and you’ve got a place that fits into your day whenever you need it. Open Tuesday to Sunday from 11am.
Omri
(Camps Bay, Cape Town)
On Victoria Road, Camps Bay, the newly-opened Omri is a feast for the eyes as much as the palate. Soft blue frescos curve across the ceiling, carved wood panelling frames the space, drapes soften the light, and plush booths invite you to linger. The menu is built for sharing. Think mix-and-match Lebanese mezze, perfect for groups who want to taste everything and savour the full spectrum of flavours. Friendly, attentive service and well-crafted cocktails round out the experience. Add Omri to your ever-growing list of spots to visit – and return to, again and again.
This Moroccan-style restaurant offers delicious food made with high-quality ingredients. The atmosphere truly makes you feel transported to another place, and the service is both attentive and efficient. Our waiter, Obiri, was outstanding, knowledgeable, friendly, and able to clearly explain the menu while offering great recommendations. Overall, it was a wonderful dining experience, and I would absolutely return.
Script Lobby Bar
(Sea Point, Cape Town)
At no. 1 Church Street, with the Atlantic stretching out beyond the windows, Script Lobby Bar is Sea Point’s newest reason to slow down and stay awhile. Part of the Kove Collection, this experiential lobby bar serves world-class cocktails that feel considered, expressive, and theatrical – drinks that really do tell a story. The food is designed for grazing and sharing: chicharrones to nibble, the famously addictive and splurge-worthy Torres truffle crisps with dip, generous cheese boards, and luxe panini made to enjoy while sipping something special. The space is just as seductive – plush white and cream furnishings, art-deco touches, and whimsical parasols floating overhead. Open daily from midday until late, Script is the kind of place where one round effortlessly becomes another.
The best cocktails I have had! They tell a story! An experience! So unique! I loved it! Can’t wait to be back!
The Wiggle Room Cape Town
(Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town)
Hidden away on Bree Street, The Wiggle Room is a new 12-seater chef’s counter dining experience where fine dining loosens its tie and settles into something far more exciting. Chef Ismail Amos, AKA Fish, cooks to the rhythm of his own music playlist – no set menu, no repetition, just music, good food and serious skill. Expect a 7 – 8 course dinner that changes weekly, bold and inventive, each dish flowing naturally into the next. Alongside him, Lester – virtuoso mixologist and sommelier – crafts bespoke cocktails and wine pairings for each course. It’s not stuffy, not precious, and definitely not predictable. Think a little edgy, a lot of flavour, and an evening that feels playful, immersive, and deliciously alive. Fine dining, but with some wiggle room.
Johannesburg
Karvouno Restaurant
(Bedfordview, Johannesburg)
Karvouno, meaning “charcoal” in Greek, is Bedfordview’s latest reason to gather around good food. With friendly waitstaff and management popping by to ensure you feel right at home, you can settle in the open and inviting inside section or take a seat out on the deck. Open daily from 11h30am until late, Karvouno is all about easy, generous hospitality. And, judging by their first round of reviews, it’s somewhere that will become part of your regular rotation of places to eat.
Was absolutely amazing. The staff went out of their way to make sure we had the best experience ever. Food was delicious. A stunning evening.
Nine Lives
(Rosebank, Johannesburg)
Tucked between the 4th and 5th floors of The Hyde Hotel above Proud Mary, the newly opened Nine Lives is equal parts speakeasy and modern cocktail bar, humming with after-dark energy and playful sophistication. The décor is bold and quirky: hieroglyphic-like wall murals, leather booths, green velvet armchairs, and a softly lit bar that draws you in. The food menu is limited but delicious with oysters, truffle fries, smoked olives, popcorn squid, wagyu tataki, makhani fish tacos, and more, while crafted cocktails, and a long list of rare whiskies and spirits keep the drinks list endlessly interesting. Open Monday to Saturday from 4pm till late.
Fantastic experience. Excellent food, music, vibes, decor. It’s a must to go for any special occasion.
S!GNS
(Sandton, Johannesburg)
Since opening in early December, S!GNS has wasted no time finding its rhythm. It’s already busy, and for good reason: a beautifully designed space, excellent drinks, good food, and service that really pays attention. Open daily from 10am till late, it’s a place that works just as well for a relaxed lunch as it does for an easy evening out. The interiors are thoughtfully layered – hewn rock facades, wood panelling, terrazzo floors, plush seating and quartz tabletops. The covered terrace is the place to be this summer. The menu is generous and varied, made for mixing, matching and sharing: small bites, filling salads, seafood, meat straight off the grill, pizzas, sushi and decadent desserts. Signs makes everyone feel welcome, and there really is something for everyone here.
Had my birthday lunch there and my friends and I had a fabulous time. The food was delicious and the service was impeccable!
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