Weekend in Jozi on R100 or Less: Where to eat well without breaking the bank

Looking to spend a weekend in Johannesburg without blowing your budget? You can eat well in the city for about R100 if you pick wisely. Below are affordable restaurant picks and price examples compiled from Time Out (Time Out Johannesburg) to help you plan cheap, tasty meals across the city.

Where to eat: reliable, affordable choices

Picobella Trattoria pizzas under R100

Time Out (Time Out Johannesburg) lists Picobella Trattoria among affordable options and notes pizzas priced under R100.

Standouts from Time Out (price examples)

• Copper Chimney: Time Out cites menu items such as lamb korma (R90), chicken bunny chow (R84) and chicken tikka (R70).
• The Local Culture: Time Out lists a smashed avo with feta and poached egg on sourdough (R95) and a chicken mayo toastie (R75).
• The Schwarma Co.: Time Out says the chicken shawarma in pita or laffa comes in at under R150, and falafel is under R60 for seven pieces.
• Orexi Greek Taverna: Time Out lists spanakopita (R90), chicken souvlaki wraps (R95), moussaka (R135) and a halloumi-and-olives option (R80).
• The Dosa Hut: Time Out reports a masala dosa (R45), vegetable biryani (R75), chicken fried rice (R65) and paneer dosa (R79), noting most mains are under R100 and that the Fordsburg branch is the original.
• Super Sconto: Time Out notes most dishes sit between R65 and R95.
• Espresso Caffe and Bar: Time Out gives price examples including a Margherita pizza (R100), chicken livers with toast (R75) and an Espresso Club Sandwich (R125).
• Galata Bakery & Coffee: Time Out lists examples such as a beef lavash (R110), a kofte starter (R75) and a pepperdew pasta with chicken (R130).
• Daisy Dumpling House: Time Out lists an 18-piece dumpling portion (R100), Chow Mein/Chow Fun from R80–R110, a soup noodle with beef flank (R105) and Meat Wonton in Spicy Sauce (R95).
• Cescos Portuguese: Time Out lists Meat Trinchado (R84), espetada (R185) and chicken prego with chips and salad (R108).

How to plan a cheap-eats weekend

Use the price examples above to mix and match a budget day: a light breakfast or bakery pick, followed by a main at one of the affordable spots listed by Time Out, and a casual snack or shared plate to finish. Several of the venues highlighted by Time Out offer mains and snacks that fit comfortably around R100 or less.

Practical tip

Check each venue’s current menu and opening times before you go; the prices quoted above are those cited by Time Out (Time Out Johannesburg).

Attribution: Price examples and restaurant recommendations in this guide are drawn from Time Out (Time Out Johannesburg) and its article “The 10 best affordable restaurants in Johannesburg.”