Top Restaurants Winter 2018
- niknakfoodie
- Mar 23, 2019
- 4 min read
Updated: Apr 2, 2019
For most people, winter nights are for sitting in front of the TV watching Netflix, carbo-loading on Pizza and shutting yourself off from the world. As tempting as that sounds, I think winter in Johannesburg is the most exciting time to go explore and discover new restaurants.
Here are a few recommendations to anyone who wants to try out a few new restaurants in Johannesburg. Out of this wide variety of places, I am sure you could find at least one restaurant that will tickle your fancy.
Summer Teazer
Saigon Suzy: If you prefer Hot Summer days over the Cold Winter nights, then Saigon Suzy is the right place for you! This restaurant will let you forget about the fact that it is Winter! The amazing hospitality shown by their Staff will make you feel welcome and appreciated. The energy in the restaurant is incredible and you will leave still craving the food you just ate! Enjoy some deliciously warm Bao buns, Peanut and Cheese Spring Rolls (an example of culinary genius) and a Fresh Shrimp Salad. They also have a wide selection of tummy warming Ramen Bowls and many more Vietnamese inspired meals to choose from! The best time to go is for a late lunch (between 15:00-17:00) At this time you can relax, with the late afternoon sun streaming in and baking your back nice and toasty.
Something to Impress
Gemelli's:
This Italian Inspired Restaurant's Food Philosophy is the following:
“It’s not just a place to eat, it’s the experience of dining together, eating from each other’s plates, sharing stringy bites, stealing toppings, sneaking desserts into the kids just before bedtime. Laughing, dining, wining, celebrating, enjoying. It’s about family, first.”
There is nothing better than sitting in a cozy restaurant with a glass of red wine and exciting yourself for a warm, hearty meal. I always go for a Pasta dish at this restaurant and I have never been disappointed! There is nothing more disappointing than ordering a pasta dish, and all you get is a massive bowl of dry pasta with a minimum amount of toppings. This does not happen at Gemelli's! Not only are they generous with their portions, but they are just as generous with the amount of veg, meat and sauce in their pasta dishes. They also have a Signature Winter Menu that consists of 3 Appetisers, 3 Pasta Dishes, 3 Main Courses and 3 Desserts. The Trifecta of Italian Cuisine! Gemelli's is the perfect example of a warming restaurant for those Cold Jozi Winter Nights. (Booking is Essential!)
Something Worth the Drive
The Culinary Table: I can happily say that I eat here often! Not only is this a restaurant, they also import and stock International and Local Culinary Appliances for restaurants and home kitchens, they have a wine cellar and stock local and international wines and they even have a vegetable garden. Most of the items on their menu are made from ingredients from their own vegetable and herb garden. They also sell their own vegetables and support local farms and sell their fresh, organic produce that is free from chemicals. Their store contains international and local beverages at incredibly reasonable prices.
The Culinary Table Restaurant is open for Breakfast and Lunch every day. (Closes at 15:00)
Something a Little Bit Different
The Fourways Farmers Market: If you are as indecisive as to what you want to eat or which restaurant you're in the mood for as me, have no fear! Why not try out a Market instead? This lets you browse around, sipping on wine (or any other drink your heart desires) looking at stores and it gives you plenty of different flavors and cuisines to choose from. Some of my favorite markets include the Neighbourgoods Market in Braamfontein and the Fourways Farmers Market. Recently I visited the Fourways Friday Night Market and was pleasantly surprised by one stall in particular, Che Argentine Grill. Having gone to Argentina myself in 2015, I was so excited to once again experience the flavors of chimichurri, chili and of course their delicious asado (braai) meat. So try something a bit more rustic. Walk around, listen to live music, try all the different food stalls and enjoy!
Something more Mainstream
Pizza e Vino: This is probably one of the best franchises that has ever been started! With amazing specials and high quality pizzas, Pizza e Vino should definitely be on the list! If you are looking for a place to grab a quick bite to eat on a weeknight, this restaurant has warm, hearty pastas and pizzas to offer! Very family orientated and their quality of service is great!
Their Specials include 2 Medium sized pizzas and 2 Glasses of Wine for R120.00 each, every Tuesday. Perfect for Date Night Bargains!
Something Meaty
Thunder Gun Steakhouse: Prepare your taste buds for the juiciest Ribs, Steaks and Burgers you have ever eaten! Thunder Gun has been around since 1968, and their quality of meat has never disappointed!
If you are vegetarian, I wouldn't recommend it, you might just be tempted into having a tiny bite of a Juicy Steak. ;) (I am only joking) They do have vegetarian options as well! I always get their 300 gram Pork Ribs (Mary Lou) with Chips and Onion rings and I am yet to be disappointed! Even though I consider my diet as healthy and balanced, this is definitely one of my guilty pleasures!
But remember, my food philosophy is : Everything in moderation!
I hope that this variety of restaurants helps you discover some new and interesting places in and around Joburg! Obviously this is only the tip of the ice berg when it comes to delicious Restaurants in Joburg. If you have any other places you would like to suggest I try, please leave a comment on the Post or DM me on Instagram!
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