The Block ZA: Craighall’s Cozy Corner for Gourmet Pizza and Fine Wine

Nestled in Craighall Park, this hidden gem blends wood-fired pizza, curated wine, and a local buzz that Joburgers are loving.

In the leafy heart of Craighall Park, just a short stroll from the Jan Smuts Gautrain corridor, The Block ZA has quietly become one of Joburg’s best new casual wine-and-pizza spots.

It doesn’t shout for attention. Instead, it wins over locals with a relaxed, candlelit vibe, artisanal pizza, and a wine list that pairs perfectly with easy conversation. A recent Instagram reel said it best:

“Bring the squad. It’s a vibe.”

And judging by the full tables on winter evenings, Joburg agrees.

Also read: Inside MAXIM Lounge: Sandton’s Sanctuary for Whisky, Wine, and Sophistication

A Menu That Speaks to Community

The Block ZA isn’t about overcomplicating. It’s about fresh ingredients, creative toppings, and good people. The menu, shared via their official Instagram and Facebook pages, focuses on gourmet wood-fired pizzas and fresh seasonal salads.

One of their signature favourites is the Nutty Professor, a crowd-pleaser loaded with roasted butternut, Danish feta, sunflower seeds, and a sweet chilli glaze. If you’re a meat-lover, there are plenty of rich, Parma ham-topped pizzas to explore. And for something lighter, the Chicken Caesar salad delivers comfort without heaviness.

The aesthetic is just as considered: pizzas are served on rustic wooden boards, and portions are designed to be shared.

A Wine Bar That Keeps It Real

Yes, it’s a wine bar, but there’s no pretense. The Block ZA offers a curated list of South African wines that rotate seasonally, with playful names like “Wine Not?” popping up on their event boards.

Expect “bottomless bubbles” on Saturdays, regular tasting evenings, and winter pairings that have already become Insta favourites. It’s the kind of place where you can dress up or keep it casual; the only thing you need is time to sip and unwind.

Image: Facebook/The Block ZA

What the Locals Are Saying

The buzz is real. In May, Joburg.co.za featured The Block in a “New Spot Alert,” praising its laid-back energy and wine-forward focus. And if their social feed is anything to go by, locals are loving the vibe.

From reels showcasing sizzling pizza ovens and curated wine flights to romantic night shots with flickering candles and close-up pours, the venue is building a following that’s more word-of-mouth than influencer fluff.

Comments range from

• “Things are heating up this winter at The Block”

• “Perfect for group catch-ups or wine dates”

• “Great energy, awesome food, and good people.”

Why The Block ZA Matters in Joburg’s Dining Scene

For years, Joburgers had to travel to Maboneng or Parkhurst to get a decent glass of wine with proper food and atmosphere. The Block ZA is changing that, bringing the wine bar culture to Craighall Park in a way that feels accessible, local, and refreshingly unpolished.

It’s not trying to be trendy. It just is.
Whether you’re looking for a midweek escape or a Saturday pizza-and-bubbles catch-up, The Block ZA is giving Randburg something to toast.

Also read: Inside the DAVINCI Lounge: Sandton’s Quiet Corner of Style, Comfort and Gourmet Bites

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Source: Instagram/@theblockrestaurantza, Facebook/The Block ZA

Featured Image: Facebook/The Block ZA