The Odd Plate

The Odd Plate combines a classic approach with the delicious anticipation of a culinary adventure. Menus change weekly, reflecting the talent, skill and imagination of senior students at the Prue Leith College of Food and Wine.

Fraai Uitzicht 1798

If you’ve not been to Klaas Voogds, reach for a road map. It lies between Robertson and Ashton. Poor Klaas was trampled by an elephant “in so shocking a manner that scarcely the vestige of a bone was seen in his remains”, but he could wish for no better memorial than the tranquil valley that bears his name.

Giles

Like its namesake, the infamous comic-strip character, Giles is undeniably British. And if there were ever a competition for "best local", it would be the uncontested champion. That said, it is much too posh to be just a pub yet too warm and home-from-home to resemble anything as formal as a restaurant.

Icon

Goddesses of Greenside contemporary dining, Christina Hinnis and Nicole Precoudis of Karma and Cilantro fame, decided to do what they do best and open another oh-so-spot-on restaurant. Having done fusion, done Mediter-ranean and done Indian, the Greek duo decided to do, well, Greek.

Moerdijks Restaurant

Since Moerdijks changed hands 18 months ago, the boere-baroque has gone and the rather gloomy ghosts of Pretoria's past exorcised. The all-women team has stripped away the dark drapes, removed the bric-a-brac and allowed light to spill into the spacious rooms of the historic Gerard Moerdijk house.

De Oude Paarl

For a while Paarl seemed to lack really good restaurants. Yes, there was Bosman's at the Grande Roche, but that always seemed to beg for an occasion grander than a casual meal with friends. Now there are suddenly a number of good establishments to try.

La Pentola

It just takes a quick scan of the menu to recognise the adventurous individuality of executive chef and owner Shane Sauvage. Few menus are as personal as this, reflecting a chef who's inventive, imaginative and ready to push the culinary boundaries.

The Bell Pepper

Only a few years ago, Kensington's charming Queen Street was a place to pick up interesting antiques and not much else. Today, you're just as likely to find a fantastic meal, particularly now that The Bell Pepper has opened in what was once - you guessed it! - an antiques store.

La Parilla

Steak and sushi go together, according to Paul Winterstein of La Parilla, like Ackroyd and Belushi. They are the signature dishes of his new - and very popular - restaurant in the Victoria Junction area of Green Point. Nothing obvious naturally links the two. In fact, the success of the first depends on how well it's aged, while the palatability of the second is determined by its freshness, but steak and seafood have long been staples of South African grillrooms - and this contemporary take on a classic partnership is proving very successful.

Melrose Arch

In just a few short years, Melrose Arch has become one of Jo'burg's pulse points - a hive of corporate activity by day and a bustling urban precinct by night. And with the opening of African Pride Collection's Melrose Arch Hotel, the area's just experienced a fresh injection of sophistication.