Best restaurants in Johannesburg right now cafés, fine dining and local favourites

Quick picks from Minkys

According to Minkys, these five restaurants are their current go-to spots in Johannesburg: Mr George, Chaplin’s Grill, Espresso, The Big Mouth and Red Chamber. The list includes details on what to order and where each venue is located.

Mr George Melrose Arch (casual, wide menu)

Minkys says Mr George is their “favourite restaurant for a casual week night dinner”. The recommendation highlights a large, varied menu and names several standouts: burgers (described as possibly the best in Joburg), thin-based crispy pizzas, Italian-quality pastas, superb sushi, curries and steaks. Minkys also notes the restaurant’s milkshakes and salads.

Address: 3 The, High St, Melrose Arch
Phone: 011 684 2999

Chaplin’s Grill Sandton (steakhouse)

Minkys reports Chaplin’s Grill has a strong reputation for steak and service. They state: “If you are looking for the best steak in all of Johannesburg, possibly South Africa even, you will find it at Chaplin’s Grill.” Minkys also mentions a good wine list and a view of the Sandton skyline.

Address: 61 Woodlands Avenue Hurlingham, Sandton
Phone: 011 886 8866
Website: www.chaplinsgrill.co.za

Espresso Parkhurst (weekend café vibe)

Minkys recommends Espresso for a lively Saturday afternoon in Parkhurst, singling out their fillet prego roll as a must-try: “They make the best fillet prego rolls, ever!”

Address: 23 4th Avenue, Parkhurst
Phone: 011 447 8700

The Big Mouth Nelson Mandela Square, Sandton (sushi and more)

Minkys states The Big Mouth serves what they call the best sushi in Johannesburg. They recommend the S.U.V. dish a combination of rainbow reloaded and salmon California rolls with creamy shrimp tempura as a good choice for sharing or for indecisive diners.

Address: Nelson Mandela Square, Sandton City
Phone: 063 293 8869
Website: www.thebigmouth.co.za

Red Chamber Hyde Park (Chinese favourites)

Minkys says they have been visiting Red Chamber for many years and that “the standard of absolutely delicious food has only gotten better and better.” Favourite dishes listed by Minkys include dim sum, crispy sesame prawn toast, Peking duck, crispy beef and three flavour chicken. Minkys suggests ordering a variety of plates to share.

Address: Hyde Park Corner Shopping Centre, Corner of Jan Smuts Avenue & 6th Road
Phone: 011 325 6048

How to use this list

This collection from Minkys highlights a mix of cafés, sushi, steak and Chinese restaurants across Melrose Arch, Sandton, Parkhurst and Hyde Park. Each entry includes the venue’s address and phone number as provided by Minkys to help you plan a visit.

Signature dishes and neighbourhoods

• Mr George (Melrose Arch): burgers, pizzas, pastas, sushi.
• Chaplin’s Grill (Sandton): steak and wine, Sandton skyline views.
• Espresso (Parkhurst): fillet prego roll.
• The Big Mouth (Nelson Mandela Square, Sandton City): sushi, including the S.U.V. roll combination.
• Red Chamber (Hyde Park): dim sum, Peking duck and other Chinese sharing dishes.

Notes on the recommendations

All claims in this article are attributed to Minkys. Contact details and dish recommendations are taken directly from their round-up of favourite Johannesburg restaurants.