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This July, there are plenty of great places to eat out in Cape Town and Joburg. From exciting new openings to food markets and time-tested favourites, I’ve highlighted eight top spots worth booking this month. Expect everything from a breezy new seafood restaurant by the beach to a cosy Winelands escape, a vibey new Mexican cocktail club, Korean street food, and two popular steakhouses – one brand new, the other a local legend. These are my must-have reservations and the restaurants to have on your radar this July.
Cape Town and the Winelands
Time Out Market Cape Town
(V&A Waterfront, Cape Town)
Cape Town’s Time Out Market at the V&A Waterfront is a buzzing hub of flavour – and now, you can pre-book your table on the Dineplan app and skip the scramble for seats. Choose a comfy shared booth upstairs or grab a communal table downstairs near all the food and drink vendors. Set inside the historic Old Power Station Building, this food hall is home to 14 kitchens, three bars, a dedicated wine bar, and a live events stage – all under one roof. It’s where some of SA’s best chefs and restaurants come together, serving up everything from local classics to global street food. Plenty of Dineplan favourites have set up shop here too – we recommend Carne for a perfectly cooked steak by Giorgio Nava, Una Más for punchy Mexican street food and tacos, and Ramenhead for rich, slurp-worthy bowls of handmade ramen. Whether you’re a tourist or a local, this spot deserves a regular visit.
Harbour House Camps Bay
(Camps Bay, Cape Town)
Fans of Harbour House will be thrilled to hear that the iconic seafood spot has opened a new outpost right on the Camps Bay promenade – and it’s as elegant as the view. The interiors channel the ocean just beyond the window – think soft coastal tones, polished brass finishes, crisp white tablecloths, and even a digital screen of moving water to echo the sea outside. The menu is packed with Harbour House classics – from super fresh local oysters and line-caught fish to prawns, mussels, crayfish, and salmon done just right. There’s also caviar and prime cuts of beef if you’re in the mood for something indulgent. The wine list is great (ask for the Somm’s selection), and the cocktails are spot-on for beachside dining. Open daily from 11 am to 11 pm – book ahead and let us know what you think.
Delicious meal. Fantastic views. Good service. Will be back. Keep the Winter Specials coming for us locals!
Four & Twenty Café
(Wynberg and Constantia Uitsig, Cape Town)
If you’ve ever circled the block looking for parking at Four & Twenty, you’ll be glad to know that both their Wynberg and Constantia Uitsig cafés are now bookable on Dineplan. A firm favourite with chefs and locals, this beloved spot is known for its elevated bistro-style menu, fresh pastries, and perfectly pulled flat whites. Chef-owner Tracy Genricks knows her way around a breakfast menu – and while everything here is worth ordering, the Eggs-Be-Licious (their take on eggs benedict) and the low-carb Eggs-Be-Lean are permanent crowd-pleasers. Honestly, if they ever came off the menu, there’d be a riot! The pastry counter deserves a moment of its own – make sure to grab something to take home on your way out. The scones are a good place to start – trust me!
La Cotte Farm Restaurant
(Franschhoek, Western Cape)
Just a short stroll from the heart of Franschhoek, La Cotte Farm Restaurant is housed in a beautifully restored homestead that oozes old-world charm. It’s all about slow, honest food – the kind you’d expect around a family table. You can choose to sit outside on the lawn or in the courtyard, relax in the conservatory, or cosy up next to the fireplace inside one of the charming dining rooms. Breakfast is simple – every dish is R160, with classics like eggs benedict, croque monsieur or madame, a signature farm breakfast with all the extras, plus lighter bites like avo toast and homemade muesli. Add a little sparkle with a glass of Moët & Chandon, served by the glass. Lunch leans into South African favourites with dishes like kudu bobotie, Franschhoek trout, Karoo lamb, and a delicious Nguni beef burger. If you’re not in a rush, book a night at the Manor House or one of La Cotte’s self-catering chalets and make a mini getaway of it.
Excellent meal in a cozy atmosphere.
Johannesburg
Ocaso
(Rosebank, Johannesburg)
Opening Thursday, 3 July, Ocaso is set to bring a fresh dose of golden-hour energy to Joburg. Part cocktail club, part Mexican kitchen, it’s all about slow afternoons, great food, and even better company. The space is light, breezy, and full of natural textures – think laid-back Ibiza vibes with comfortable booths, soft lighting, and that “just one more round” kind of atmosphere. On the menu, expect Mexican favourites like birria-style tacos, cheesy quesadillas, and chips, salsa, and chunky guac made just right. Pair that with a cocktail (or two), and you’ve got yourself a pretty perfect afternoon-into-evening plan. Open seven days a week from noon to midnight, Ocaso is set to become a new go-to in Dunkeld. Book now for opening weekend and be one of the first to catch the sunset from Jozi’s newest hotspot.
Pocha Korean Restaurant
(Parkhurst, Johannesburg)
Pocha, short for pojangmacha, brings the spirit of Korean street food culture to life right in the heart of Parkhurst. It’s named after the casual roadside tents in South Korea where you grab a bite and a drink late into the night. Opened in July, the space is big (spread across two storeys) with a patio outside, and the menu is packed with bold, comforting Korean favourites. Their signature Korean fried chicken is the star of the show – crispy, saucy, and uttery more-ish. And, because you don’t often see Korean desserts on local menus, don’t skip a sweet treat at the end – I’d go for the bungeoppang, a fish-shaped waffle filled with sweet red bean paste. Just watch out… it’s like lava inside!
Thunder Gun Steakhouse
(Blackheath, Johannesburg)
If you grew up in Joburg, there’s a good chance you’ve either been to Thunder Gun or know someone who swears by it. Open since 1968, this Western-style saloon in Randburg has been serving up legendary ribs, juicy steaks, and old-school charm for almost six decades. It’s the kind of place where the food is consistent, the service is slick, and the regulars are as loyal as they come! You can choose to sit in the cosy pub, the dining room, or out on the enclosed terrace – but wherever you land, you’re in for a proper steakhouse experience that’s been fine-tuned over the years. We’re thrilled to have Thunder Gun now bookable on Dineplan, so you can grab your table online and settle in for a nostalgic meal that hits the spot.
Thundergun steak and ribs are to die for. The service is great and waiters are not only attentive but very knowledgeable. Always a pleasurable dining experience.
The Blockman Bryanston
(Bryanston, Johannesburg)
Good news for meat lovers up in Johannesburg – The Blockman has just opened a new branch in Bryanston, and it’s every bit as slick as the original in Parkhurst. The space is warm and refined, with plush wooden chairs, soft lighting, thick drapes to muffle the buzz, and a beautiful glass wine cellar that beckons you to order a smooth red to go with your steak. The menu covers everything from light snacks – think house-made biltong and droëwors, fresh oysters, and a beautifully done selection of tartares – to more indulgent picks like their caviar service. For mains, it’s all about the meat: premium cuts on and off the bone served with your choice of sauce and side. There are also options like the rich oxtail, tandoori chicken, duck risotto, and fresh grilled seafood if you’re after something other than a steak. Finish strong with the Basque cheesecake – it’s a real treat and one you’ll regret not leaving room for.
One of the best steak experiences I’ve ever had. The picana and fillet were cooked perfectly – juicy, tender, and full of aged flavor. Every side was equally impressive, especially the dauphinoise potatoes and bone marrow. The service was professional and warm, and the wine pairing elevated the meal beautifully. Whether it’s a special occasion or just a craving for quality beef, this spot is a must-visit.
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