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Suggest a Spot

Your Guide to
Epicurean Delights and Spirited Adventures!

By Brett Perlstein

Restaurants

Whiskey

Travel

Latest:

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

The Strangers Club

The Strangers Club is a delightful spot that perfectly encapsulates the city’s vibrant and eclectic food scene. This charming eatery offers a blend of comfort and style, serving dishes that are as pleasing to the eye as they are to the palate. The menu, inspired by global flavors, is crafted from locally sourced ingredients, ensuring each bite is a testament to the region’s bountiful produce. Whether it’s their hearty breakfast options or innovative lunch specials, The Strangers Club promises a gastronomic experience like no other.

Summary: Eclectic, Vibrant, Delightful

Occasion: Remote working spot, get your dose of coffee and catch up with friends

Cuisine: Global Fusion

Type: Casually Quirky

Instagram

Obento

bento, founded by Ling and Dan in 2020 amidst the pandemic, is a culinary oasis in Parkmore. This Ramen Bar brings the vibrant and authentic flavors of Southeast Asia to the heart of Joburg. Obento provides a quick, comfortable dining experience reminiscent of a bustling Asian city’s side street. The menu, though limited, is bursting with traditional methods and modern fusion elements. In addition to dine-in and takeaway options, the restaurant also offers frozen meals for those who want to enjoy authentic flavors at home.

Summary: Authentic, Vibrant, Convenient
Cuisine: Southeast Asian
Type: Casual Noodle Bar
Website
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Location: Shop 18 Parkmore Square, 11th Street, Parkmore, Sandton, 2196, South Africa

Fugazzi

Finding a restaurant with a cheekier charm? Forgetta bout it! Fugazzi is a lively shrine to New York Italian Culture featuring the iconic retro red booth seating and vintage posters of neighbourhood diners. All about the simplicity of nostalgic Italian food with a red sauce recipe that truly slaps!

Summary: Lively, Great Cocktails, Vegetarian Options
Cuisine: New York Italian
Type: Casual Dining
Website
Instagram
Location: Cradock Ave, Rosebank, Johannesburg, 2196

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

Website

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

Ukkō

Drawing inspiration from the rich tapestry of Mediterranean cuisine and sushi, Ukko offers a journey of flavors that delight the senses and warm the soul. Each dish is a masterpiece in its own right, meticulously crafted to showcase perfectly balanced, fresh local ingredients. With an extensive wine list and mixology bar, Ukkō promises to deliver a unique dining experience, set to transport you on a Mediterranean holiday.

Summary: Sophisticated, Balanced, Celebration 
Cuisine: Mediterranean Tapas and Sushi
Type: Casual Fine Dining
Website
Instagram
Location: William Nicol Dr &, Wedgewood Link Rd, Bryanston, Sandton, 2191

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You can't go wrong with a Brie recommendation. He approaches food with an enthusiastic sense of adventure and spontaneity that simply cannot be topped. Dishes that had me apprehensive at first have become dishes I'll go back for again and again, that can only be described as a spiritual experience, and must be shared with friends because it will "absolutely change your life"!
Amber Sharp
Amber Sharp

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!