These 15+ spots around Johannesburg have topped the review charts on Dineplan. From Mediterranean cuisine and Jozi’s best pizza joints to juicy steaks and fine dining in Madiba’s former home, these restaurants are highly rated by their diners.
With ratings of over 4.8 stars, these venues have truly left their mark on the food scene. Are you ready to explore the City of Gold’s top-rated eateries and find a new favourite? Let’s go!
Adega Norwood
(Norwood, Johannesburg)
Rated: 4.8
Bringing the bold flavours of Portugal and Mozambique to Joburg since the late 90s, Adega Norwood has long been a firm favourite among locals in the know. It’s the kind of place that regulars return to again and again – usually with a group in tow. Seafood is the real drawcard, think prawns drenched in lemon butter and garlic, towering platters built for sharing, and that unmistakable peri-peri chicken done properly, but there’s also options of spicy chouriço, flame-grilled steaks, and all the comforting classics you’d expect from a spot that’s been doing this for decades. The atmosphere is consistently warm and lively – perfect for popping in for a signature cocktail at the bar or settling in with the family for a long, generous feast.
If I were from around JHB, I would definitely be there more often! Only my second time here but I’ll definitely be back. Such a calming and chill atmosphere. The service is always top-notch!! And as for the food, DELICIOUS!
Butcher Boys Meyersdal
(Meyersdal, Alberton)
Rated: 4.8
When it comes to premium steakhouses, The Butcher Boys in Meyersdal is hard to beat. Their motto is “great steaks and great service,” and they consistently deliver on both fronts. Snack on biltong and boerie bites before tucking into a prime cut of premium South African beef sourced from local farmers. You can choose between a wet or dry-aged cut, cooked to perfection with their famous basting sauce. They also offer lamb chops, gourmet burgers, and generous combo platters, while their cellar offers a nice selection of wines and vintages to enjoy with your meal, and when it comes to service, they’re always happy to go the extra mile.
This was the second time we went to BB in Meyersdal. This place is next level. The food is truly amazing. Well done BB.
Calisto’s Portuguese Restaurant
(Gillview, Johannesburg)
Rated: 4.8
Rooted in vibrant traditions and bursting with rich flavours, Calisto’s Portuguese Restaurant in Gillview does not disappoint. Known for serving the best flame-grilled chicken, flavour-packed trinchado and espetada, and the freshest seafood around (including the beloved prawns), this family-run restaurant has a slew of 5-star reviews, making it one of Jozi’s favourite spots to grab a hearty meal and share a jug of sangria. When you step inside, you’re met with a warm dining room, complete with gingham tablecloths and lanterns dangling from the rafters. For families, there’s a great outdoor kids’ play area with slides, climbing structures, and ample space to run around while parents unwind inside.
The food is always amazing. Portion sizes are great! Total value for money.
Club Como Neighbourhood & Morningside
(Multiple locations, Johannesburg)
Rated: 4.9 | 4.8
Bringing a slice of the Mediterranean to Joburg, Club Como in both Morningside and Linksfield has quickly built a loyal following for its 10/10 atmosphere and sharp attention to detail. Both spaces are airy and aesthetic, with statement statue murals, cosy seating and soft lighting that naturally calls for a round of photos before you even dig into your meal. On the plate, the menu pulls from Greece, Italy and Spain, with fresh signature sushi rolls and seafood options taking centre stage, but there’s plenty beyond the ocean too – think short rib arancini and harissa lamb ribs that bring just the right amount of tang. Add standout cocktails and a team that treats every table like VIPs, and it’s easy to see why both locations have earned their 5-star reputations.
Dolci Café
(Craighall Park, Randburg)
Rated: 4.8
What began as a small pasticceria in 2015 serving pastries, breakfast and lunch has grown into a neighbourhood favourite, and a piece of Northern Italy in the heart of Craighall Park. This family-run restaurant, led by Jackie Righi-Boyd and her mother, Chef Luciana Righi, specialises in true Italian flavours reminiscent of the Emilia-Romagna region. The menu checks all the craving boxes, from bowls of delicious pastas to the thin-crust pizzas, antipasti, and more – every dish leans on concentrated simplicity. Whether you’re there for a casual get-together with the whole family or a romantic dinner, Dolci Café won’t disappoint in transporting you to Northern Italy.
So authentic. If you close your eyes, listen to Nona chattering in Italian, smell the aromas wafting from the kitchen, taste the real Italian flavours… You can fully transport yourself to Italy! Wonderful food, great service, incredible value for money.
George’s Grill House
(Bedford Gardens, Germiston)
Rated: 4.8
When it comes to the perfect cut of meat, owner George Kutra knows a thing or two. George’s Grill House is a traditional steakhouse offering a one-of-a-kind dining experience. The modern menu, inspired by the Mediterranean, showcases superior dry and wet-aged mature cuts of meat, hand-selected by George himself. Reviewers praise everything, from the laid-back atmosphere to the excellent service, delicious food, and personal touch.
My partner and I had a great lunch together there. The food is a 10/10, and the drinks were absolutely delicious. The atmosphere is serene. I absolutely loved the whole experience. The staff is amazing and pays attention to detail.
Gerakaris Family Wines 
(Craighall Park, Randburg)
Rated: 4.8
You don’t have to plan a trip to the Cape to visit a working winery and enjoy a lazy afternoon of wine tasting and cheese boards. Escape the fast-paced city life and discover one of Johannesburg’s best-kept secrets – Gerakaris Family Wines. Settle into a table in the quaint garden for an intimate wine tasting experience. You’ll be introduced to five incredible wines, made on the property using grapes sourced from the Swartland, alongside decadent cheese boards and delicious Cape olives. With hundreds of 5-star reviews on Dineplan, this little slice of heaven is the perfect spot for any wine lover.
Please note: This inner-city winery gets busy on weekends, so booking ahead is essential.
An absolute hidden gem. A Cape wine tasting experience in Craighall Park. Really delightful experience!
Insights at Sanctuary Mandela
(Houghton Estate, Johannesburg)
Rated: 4.8
Set within Madiba’s former home, Insights at Sanctuary Mandela invites guests to gather where it all once happened. Located at Sanctuary Mandela, the space pays tribute to Nelson Mandela in a way that feels personal rather than performative. The menu was created by his long-time personal chef, Xoliswa Ndoyiya, and draws on many of his favourite dishes – comforting, nostalgic and proudly South African. It’s food with a story behind it, served in a setting that carries real weight. Add regular jazz bands and the occasional opera performance, and it quickly becomes more than just dinner. With a stream of 5-star reviews and a spot in the Top 100 of the Dineplan Reviewers’ Choice Awards every year since 2022, it’s clear this is one of Joburg’s top dining experiences.
Sanctuary Mandela is always a great experience. One is treated like the only guest. The food is cooked with passion. My expectation was superseded.
Nossa Casa
(Kwena Square, Roodepoort)
Rated: 4.8
If you’re looking for a “home away from home” that swaps the city rush for something more relaxed, Nossa Casa in Kwena Square is it. Founded by Nelson Gouveia, this spot is more than just a neighbourhood restaurant – it’s a tribute to Portuguese cuisine. The open-plan design draws you in with the smoky aroma of the wood-fired grill, while the artisan décor sets the scene. The menu dives into Madeiran culture, from seafood and pasta to hearty espetadas – all topped off with their famous chilli that regulars swear by. Whether you’re tucking into a spicy prego roll or sipping a hand-picked vintage from their cellar, Nossa Casa makes it easy to see why diners feel like part of the family.
Nossa Casa is my absolute favourite restaurant, the vibes are always immaculate, and the service is always top-notch, but all the people there are just phenomenal. The food is always so good so trying something new on the menu is always exciting. I just want to thank Michael and everyone at Nossa Casa for always being superb and having a good sense of humour when chatting with us.
O Peri Peri Edenvale
(Eden Glen, Edenvale)
Rated: 4.9
An Edenvale institution, O’ Peri Peri is the ultimate destination for traditional Portuguese hospitality, where things are done old school, and the food is top-notch! While their 24-hour marinated chicken is legendary, the menu is packed with crowd favourites like tender trinchado, crispy squid heads, and trinchado. The atmosphere is always bustling and busy, defined by a family-run warmth that makes even first-time visitors feel like regulars, but be sure to make your bookings well in advance as this space fills up quickly. Whether you’re tackling one of their combo meals or dipping fresh rolls into their secret three-generation peri-peri sauce, the generous portions and bang for your buck make it clear why this spot is consistently packed.
Have been there so many times and had different dishes and have never ever been disappointed with the food or the service. It is definitely one of my favorite restaurants to go to.
Sebule at African Pride Hotel
(Birnam, Johannesburg)
Rated: 4.9
Located within the African Pride Melrose Arch Hotel, Sebule Restaurant – Swahili for “living room” – balances fine dining with genuine comfort. A 2025 Reviewers’ Choice Top 100 winner, this grill and cellar is known for chargrilled steaks and fresh seafood, backed by an impressive wine list. It’s the kind of place where the food does the talking, and the details don’t slip through the cracks. From the complimentary flatbread that arrives warm at the table to the top-tier Peppermint Crisp tart that regulars rave about, every element feels considered. Add calm, polished interiors and a professional team who know exactly what they’re doing, and you’ve got a spot that deserves a place on your dining list.
Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful from start to finish. It was an incredible meal topped with outstanding service and a beautiful ambience! Could not have been better in any way. Oh yes , and the wine was sensational. A great selection accompanied by excellent service. We will certainly be back.
The Baron Sandton
(Glenadrienne, Sandton)
Rated: 4.9
Combining urban energy with laid-back dining, The Baron Sandton is a neighbourhood favourite, and for good reason. Known for its upbeat atmosphere and trendy interior, it’s a great spot to catch the live game, enjoy sundowners complete with DJs setting the mood, or unwind with a really great meal. The menu stays true to the brand’s South African roots, serving up world-class burgers, signature grills, and cuts on the bone, as well as their famous Baron platters. With attentive service led by an A-class management team that treats every diner like an honoured guest, it’s a festive, all-around winner for everything from business lunches to birthday celebrations.
Our favourite place. Burgers are always top quality and value for money. Service was attentive made enjoying rugby easier!
The Grillhouse Rosebank
(Rosebank, Johannesburg)
Rated: 4.8
Renowned for its tender steaks and perfectly sticky ribs, served in an art deco interior, The Grillhouse Rosebank has topped the charts for visitors since 1994. Their menu not only features legendary steaks, but also set menus for special occasions, and options to satisfy everyone’s taste buds. Make sure to order the beloved chocolate brownies and ice cream for dessert.
Good to be back at the Rosebank Grillhouse after many years. Steak is still excellent!
The Italian Job Food Emporium
(Bryanston, Johannesburg)
Rated: 4.8
Tucked away on Posthouse Street, The Italian Job Food Emporium is a heartfelt collaboration between cousins Claudia Stella and Chef Lorenzo Mottalini, making it more than just a restaurant – it’s a home-away-from-home for those who visit. While the shelves are tempting – packed with imported cheeses and cured meats – the real magic happens at the table, where the pasta is top-notch, Sunday lunches are taken very seriously, and the sardines are widely considered the best in the city. With its personal touches, like family heirlooms on the walls and the familiar hum of chatter in the background, it captures a piece of Italy, making it deeply welcoming for anyone who takes their seat.
Love, love eating here – we wish we could go every day! The best sardines ever with the most yummy sauce and there are just no words for the sensational seafood pasta!
The Sushi Club
(Sandhurst, Sandton)
Rated: 4.8
Located at the corner of Club Street and Linksfield Road, The Sushi Club is a go-to choice for serious sushi enthusiasts. Under the guidance of Head Chef Ben – who brings years of training from Japan – the menu delivers a balance of traditional and creative plates. While the sushi is the star, the other offerings are surprisingly diverse, featuring highly recommended prawn dumplings and expertly prepared steaks. Whether you’re enjoying a relaxed cocktail and quick bite or soaking up a summer day on the outdoor seating area, you can be sure that the attentive service and fresh ingredients make every visit a standout experience.
We were a table of 8 with a variety of special requests – everything was attended to perfectly! Food is consistently brilliant – highly recommended!
Vitality HealthyFood Studio
(Sandhurst, Sandton)
Rated: 4.8
Perched on a rooftop in the heart of Sandton, the Vitality HealthyFood Studio proves that nutritious and delicious are not mutually exclusive. This state-of-the-art kitchen, featuring panoramic sunset views over the city skyline, offers a rotating calendar of themed classes – from vibrant Greek and Thai feasts to expert baking sessions. Using fresh, seasonal ingredients, a professional team of chefs guides you through fancy-but-easy recipes designed to be recreated at home. Whether you’re planning a unique date night, a team-building event, or looking to enroll the little ones in a dedicated kids’ class, it’s a hands-on dining experience for any occasion.
10/10, I am definitely coming back again. The chef was so friendly, and the food was amazing.
Qunu Restaurant at Saxon Hotel, Villas and Spa
(Sandhurst, Sandton)
Rated: 4.8
Stepping into Qunu at the Saxon Hotel feels less like entering a restaurant and more like being ushered into a high-end sanctuary. Named after the childhood village of Nelson Mandela, the space is a masterclass in atmosphere, featuring sophisticated black-and-white décor, regular live piano, and a seamless indoor-outdoor flow framed by towering trees. Whether you’re visiting for a Sunday lunch or an intimate dinner, the service is famously royal – expect the staff to embody the spirit of ubuntu from the moment you take your seat. On the plate, the menu brings together African influences and international technique, with a clear focus on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. If you’re leaning into the full experience, the 2-, 3- or 4-course options can be paired with wines from the cellar that have been thoughtfully matched to complement each bite.
Loved the intimate setup. Beautiful ambience. Impeccable food and service. Best Wagyu I have had.
To Make The Cut
- Restaurants need to be listed on Dineplan and actively accepting guest reviews
- The restaurants must be located in Johannesburg.
- Have received 60 or more public reviews in the past 12 months (February 2025 – February 2026)
- Have a rating of 4.8 or higher at the time the article is published.
How can this be a true reflection when some of your restaurants chosen have barely 100 reviews ? set the criteria correctly, surly over a 1000 reviews and above 4,6 score says this is a consistent restaurant.
Hi Pino, we agree that consistency is key. For this blog post, we included places with over 60 reviews from the past 12 months (as of March 2024). We didn’t want to exclude smaller eateries or restaurants that recently joined Dineplan but had been gathering great reviews in a short time. This way, we can spotlight both the newcomers and the established favourites in Johannesburg.
Where is big mouth?
Big Mouth is also very highly rated – see here: https://www.dineplan.com/restaurants/the-big-mouth. We capped our blog list at 25, but you can see all the top-rated Jozi restaurants on the Dineplan app and website. Simple search the Johannesburg area and filter by rating.