Hombaze African Cuisine.
Hombaze African Cuisine.
Image: Supplied

SA is the cosmopolitan country; histories of migrant labour and macro- and institutional policies have made our cities into meccas of diversity and melting pots of culture. Rural-urban and north-south migration has gifted the restaurants of our rainbow nation with beautifully diverse, nuanced and blended cuisine from all over the world, all through a uniquely local lens. From Johannesburg to Gqeberha, Pretoria and Cape Town, these restaurants, with their pan-African fair,  cater for diasporas, locals and tourists a like.

Little Addis — Ethiopian

Recently moved to 44 Stanley, Little Addis is a staple of authentic Ethiopian dishes that are made for sharing. The richness, colour and flavours of Addis Ababa come alive in the quaint restaurant. Try mahberawi  and injera, two popular dishes in Central Africa. There is a wide range of vegetarian and meat options, all made to feed a whole family from the owner’s own recipes.

41 Stanley Avenue, The Arthium Building, Johannesburg, 2092.

Little Addis.
Little Addis.
Image: Supplied

Gold Restaurant — Pan-African

A night at Gold is an adventure through a 14-dish set menu paired with traditional Malian entertainment. Geared towards tourists, the menu and entertainment is drawn from across the continent, and is an interactive fine-dining experience.

15 Bennett Street, Green Point, 8005. Call: 021 421 4653.

Gold restaurant.
Gold restaurant.
Image: Supplied

Yeoville Dinner Club — Pan-African

Pan-African fares come alive at the Yeoville Dinner Club, a true cosmopolitan experience of incredible food. Owner Sanza Sandile hosts guests in a casual, yet always-bustling environment at his 18-seater table. Available for lunches and dinners all week.

24 Rockey St, Yeoville Upper floor studio 14, Johannesburg, 2198. Call: 083 447 4235.

Yeoville Dinner Club.
Yeoville Dinner Club.
Image: Supplied

Hombaze African Cuisine — West African

Established in 2003, Hombaze’s website states that it is the foremost African restaurant in the country; notable guests such as royalty, heads of state and the rich and famous attest to this. Popular meals from across the continent are served in a fine-dining experience at their three branches in Parkmore, Sandton City and Pretoria.

Sandton: Shop L310, Legacy Corner Level 3, Da Vinci Mall by Nelson Mandela Square.

Pretoria: 779 Francis Baard St, Arcadia, Pretoria, 0007.

Parkmore: 126 11th Street, Parkmore, Sandton, 2196.

Hombaze African Cuisine.
Hombaze African Cuisine.
Image: Supplied

Pata Pata — Pan-African

Named after the Miriam Makeba song, Pata Pata has been an icon in the Maboneng precinct for years. The 1960s theme is expressed through rustic details and décor and the restaurant comes alive with jazz nights on Thursdays. Local cuisine and fares from across the continent are available alongside hearty servings of seafood and western dishes.  

286 Fox Street Maboneng Precinct, Johannesburg, 2001. Call: 073 036 9031.

Pata Pata.
Pata Pata.
Image: Supplied

Roving Bantu Kitchen — Pan-African

More than a restaurant, Roving Bantu is an eatery that has become famous for hosting events, talks, book launches and a museum of the bygone age of Johannesburg. Ethos of collective memory and community spirit are expressed through the afro-soul-food focused menu.

125 Caroline Street, Johannesburg, 2092. Call: 072 223 2648.

Roving Bantu Kitchen.
Roving Bantu Kitchen.
Image: Supplied

Solly’s Corner — South African fast food

Established in 1956, the family-run corner store is going stronger than ever. Number one on our list, and the Financial Times’, Solly’s is known as the university of Akhalwayas, serving as a mentorship programme for the best and brightest of Fordsburg’s aspiring restaurant managers.

The best masala chips, fish and chips and polony sandwiches (order the French polony special, you won’t regret it) are available among many weird and wonderful staples of South African fast food. The deli is a cornerstone of the vibrant Fordsburg suburb, every special’s name is rich with history, shared knowledge and community values.

30 Lilian Ngoyi St, Johannesburg, 2000. Call: 011 834 6359

Solly's Corner.
Solly's Corner.
Image: Alaister Russell, The Sunday Times

eDikeni — Pan-African

The ubuntu-centric kitchen-bar-lounge has become an icon within the hustle and bustle of Sandton. The ethos of being an home to all is imbued within eDikeni, which serves a variety of local and international fares and platters, for all budgets and occasions.

Sandton: The Piazza, 11 Alice Lane, Sandton, 2196. Call: 010 226 9656

Gqeberha: 184 Main Road, Walmer, Gqeberha, 6070. Call: 041 581 1579

eDikeni.
eDikeni.
Image: Supplied

Addis in Cape — Ethiopian

Housed in a beautiful and historical red building in upper loop street is an Ethiopian restaurant showcasing a deep reverence of the history and traditions of the country. From the décor and traditional furnishings and coffee ceremony, Addis in Cape delivers an authentic experience with a contemporary flair. The menu caters to vegans and vegetarians.

168 Loop Street, Cape Town CBD. Call: 076 846 0929.

Addis in Cape.
Addis in Cape.
Image: Supplied

Bo Kaap Kombus — Cape Malay

Serving authentic Cape Malay delicacies, Bo Kaap Kombuis embodies the culture and uniqueness of the area, with gorgeous views. The food is prepared daily, making this restaurant an essential place to experience the best of Cape cuisine.

7 August St, Schotsche Kloof, Cape Town, 8001. Call: 021 442 5446.

Bo Kaap Kombus.
Bo Kaap Kombus.
Image: Supplied
© Wanted 2024 - If you would like to reproduce this article please email us.
X