Your Guide to
Epicurean Delights and Spirited Adventures!

By Brett Perlstein

Latest:

Wood and Fire

This eclectic, contemporary cafe and steakhouse in Pretoria boasts Executive Chef Angelo Scirocco at the forefront, adding his creative gift for the culinary arts to each plate.

Summary: Great Cocktails, Vegan Options, Vibrant Ambiance
Cuisine: Contemporary Steakhouse & Bar
Type: Casual Fine Dining
Website
Instagram
Location: Veale St, Nieuw Muckleneuk, Pretoria, 0181, South Africa

Modena Italian Eatery

Modena Italian Eatery, a hidden gem in Parkhurst, Johannesburg, is a culinary delight that features. The restaurant, led by talented Chef and Owner Vassilios Holiasmenos, serves authentic Italian cuisine with a modern twist. Modena offers a warm and inviting space that’s perfect for any occasion, from romantic dinners to family gatherings and nights out with friends. Here, you’ll experience the best of Italy right in the heart of Johannesburg.

Summary: Authentic, Inviting, Memorable
Cuisine: Modern Italian
Type: Cosy Casual Dining
Website
Instagram
Location: Shop 10 Cobbels Shopping Centre, 4th Ave, Parkhurst, Johannesburg, 2120 South Africa

The Ouzeri

The Ouzeri, a culinary jewel in Cape Town’s city centre. This restaurant is a contemporary celebration of Cyprus and Greece’s regional dishes and culinary traditions, bringing a piece of the Mediterranean to South Africa. Here, old family recipes are executed with modern style and flair, creating a dining experience that is both nostalgic and innovative. With a menu sourced from top local producers and a wine list that complements the flavours of each dish perfectly, The Ouzeri promises a meal that is as memorable as it is delicious.

Summary: Mediterranean, Contemporary, Flavorful

Occassion: Date night, special celebration

Cuisine: Cypriot-Greek

Type: Casual Regional Dining

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Instagram

Location: 58 Wale St, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town, 8000

Café 28

This gem is tucked away in the Inanda Greens Office Park overlooking a magnificent 9-hole golf course, surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens. Unique, high quality ingredients – most of which are imported from Italy – and fresh organic produce grown in their very own garden offer up an impressive range of sharing boards (taglieri), pizza’s, pasta and heavenly desserts. The menu caters for a variety of palates including many vegetarian options, and they have a frozen range to bring the magic of Italy to the comfort of home.

Summary: Outdoor Terrace, Imported Beers, Great Service
Cuisine: Italian
Type: Casual Dining
Website
Instagram
Location: 54 Wierda Rd E, Wierda Valley, Sandton, 2196

Tortellino d’Oro

This is THE place to experience proper authentic homemade italian pasta! It manages to be a restaurant, deli, and homeware store without coming across as overwhelming and the service is excellent. While coming in on the pricier end, the quality of the food is well worth it and they have some great vegetarian options.

Summary: Vegetarian Options, Great Service, Limited parking
Cuisine: Authentic Italian
Type: Casual Dining
Website
Instagram
Location: Oaklands Shopping Centre, Pretoria Road & Victoria street, Oaklands, Johannesburg, 2192

Belly of the Beast

Arrive with an open mind and an empty stomach. There are no menu options or set amount of courses, all you do is show up and prepare to be surprised and delighted. Everything is sourced from local sustainable producers and every part of the animal is used, so you can expect some dishes that might test your boundaries, but Chef’s Anouchka Horn and Neil Swart always balance the menu so that everyone can enjoy the experience. With only 30 seats available, Belly of the Beast offers a truly unique and intimate dining experience.

Summary: Unique experience, Intimate, Reservation required
Cuisine: Show up and find out
Type: Fine Dining Experience
Website
Instagram
Location: 110 Harrington St, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town, 8000

Meet Brie

Humans are like onions, we have layers, one of mine – I’m an avid foodie. Any chance I get, I’m exploring a delicious menu somewhere in good company with a great whisky.

On my favourites list you’ll find unassuming spots that will surprise and delight – don’t judge a “book” till you’ve tried the food, swanky bars for those celebratory nights, and refined dining establishments with food so good it could be a last meal – all have something exceptional to offer. I can say that having been to every single one.

I believe life should be savoured – one bite, one sip, one laugh at a time. So pull up a chair, pour yourself a drink, and let’s embark on this delicious journey together.

Welcome to the table and buon appetit!