I Go to Johannesburg for the Food. You Should too.

It has been a while since I returned from my trip to Johannesburg, and save for the small baggage problem, I had a fantastic time. By the way, if you are reading this and happen to work at Air Canada, it has been almost two months, and I have yet to receive a resolution to my delayed baggage expense. But let’s not let that ruin this post. This is about the toothsome culinary experience you can enjoy in Johannesburg.

Before I delve into my list of favourite places I visited on my last trip, I feel the need to disabuse those who have not visited the shores of South Africa of the notion that it is all danger and no fun. I remember telling my colleague about my travel plans and he looked really worried.

“Isn’t it very dangerous out there?” he asked.

Not more dangerous than many other places I have visited and lived in. That of course may be because I am familiar with Johannesburg. I lived there for a few years and quickly learnt to avoid the crime hotspots. Again, I would do this in any city. If you are planning a trip to South Africa and need some advice on where to stay, I can share my list of green and yellow zones. The red zones are the no-go areas. Now, to the restaurants:

1. Proud Mary in Rosebank: I visited this restaurant for the first time and fell in love with the ambience. It makes you want to walk in, take a seat and order a three-course dinner. And that’s exactly what I did. My friend and I planned an evening to catch up after not seeing each other for many years and Proud Mary just seemed like the right spot. It was my first evening in Johannesburg and it was refreshing to enjoy the delicious food, joke around with the server (I didn’t realise how much I had missed friendly sarcasm and openness), and not feel rushed in any way. I am a seafood lover so I ordered the Caper butter sole. My friend tried the Thai beef salad and loved it. The menu has a mix of items that cater to different tastes, so you are likely to find something you like. My score? 7.5/10.
2. Akti in Rosebank: I know, Rosebank again! But hear me out. Akti is a transformed restaurant that draws you in with warm inviting decor and a layout that promises a delightful dining experience. When I first saw Akti, I remember wondering what happened to the white and blue Mediterranean-style restaurant that used to be in the same location. I asked one of the wait staff and they told me it rebranded to Akti. Talk about a glow-up! I went here by myself and was quite hungry after a long day so I started off with the Calamari, had the Kingklip main and the orange cake for dessert. My score for Akti is 8.5/10, and the only reason 1.5 was shaved off is because I wish the orange cake was warmer and less sweet. Other than that, this place is worth every cent you spend, so don’t hold back.
3. Olives & Plates in Hyde Park: If there is one restaurant that makes me feel warm and happy, it’s Olives & Plates in Hyde Park. I love this restaurant for three reasons – the layout and decor, the food, and the fact that there is a bookshop inside. Where else would I find a combination of my two favourite things? When I lived in Johannesburg, my friend and I would visit Olives & Plates, and then head to the bookshop after to buy the latest copies by our favourite authors. This time I went by myself because my friend passed away. It was bittersweet to sit there, in the same section we always sat, and enjoy what we always did – a pineapple digestif and a chicken wrap with sweet potato fries. By the way, this is the only restaurant where I enjoy sweet potato fries. I don’t know if it’s something about the place or if my brain is simply wired to love it more there. I just can’t help but order some sweet potato fries when I am there. And of course, the desserts are mouthwatering, so I always save room for a piece of cake. My score for this restaurant is 9/10. I am of course swayed by all the books I get to buy afterwards.

In case it’s not clear yet, Johannesburg is worth visiting for the food. If you are planning a trip and need some ideas on things to do or restaurants to try, I am happy to share some of my favourite places, including the ones I may or may not be gatekeeping 🙂