Top 10 Restaurants in Gauteng for 2025: Must‑Visit Dining Spots

Discover the culinary gems of Gauteng—from rooftop grills and Mediterranean escapes to hidden supper clubs.
Top 10 Restaurants in Gauteng
1. Marble – Rosebank, Johannesburg
Overview & Atmosphere: A hotspot by David Higgs, Marble flaunts a dramatic rooftop and open‑fire theatre cooking.
Menu Highlights: Fire‑kissed lamb rack, seafood, veggie dishes grilled to smoky perfection, plus craft cocktails and a 100‑bottle local wine list.
Setting & Aesthetics: Sleek yet warm rooftop décor, panoramic city views—a visual and gustatory feast.
Budget: Couples ~R1 500‑2 000; group of 4 ~R3 500‑4 500.
Attire: Smart‑casual—think linen shirts, dresses, no sneakers.
Address & Hours: Corner Keyes & Jellicoe Ave, Rosebank. Open daily; bookings recommended.
Why Go: Fire‑cooking spectacle meets Jozi’s skyline—perfect for celebrations.
2. The Grillhouse Rosebank – Johannesburg
Overview & Atmosphere: Johannesburg’s revered steak‑house destination.
Menu Highlights: T‑bone, ribeye, lamb cutlets, venison—served with decadent sides plus salads and seafood.
Setting & Aesthetics: Rustic‑elegant brick and parquet floors, with a cozy wine‑cellar vibe.
Budget: Couples ~R900‑1 200; group of 4 ~R2 000‑2 500.
Attire: Smart casual; collared shirts and heels suggested.
Location & Hours: 1 The Firs, Hyatt Centre, Oxford Road, Rosebank. Evening service daily.
Why Go: Steak perfection with polished service and glass‑clink ambiance.
3. Level Four Restaurant – Rosebank, Johannesburg
Overview: Fine‑dining inside the 54 on Bath hotel, ideal for intimate gourmet experiences.
Menu & Drinks: A‑la‑carte all day, plus luxurious chef’s-table tasting menus; Champagne Bar onside.
Vibe & Interiors: Understated elegance—cosy fireplace, sleek terrace, kitchen‑side chef’s table.
Budget: Couples ~R1 200‑1 500; group of 4 ~R3 000‑4 000.
Dress Code: Elegant—suits, dresses.
Where & When: 54 Bath Ave, Rosebank. Open daily for dinner & Sunday lunch.
Why Visit: A nine‑course artistry experience with behind‑the‑scenes charm.
4. Ethos Restaurant – Rosebank, Johannesburg
Overview: A stylish ode to the Mediterranean, with contemporary global influences.
Menu Highlights: Tomahawk steak, fried calamari, seasonal mezze; wines and cocktails aplenty.
Décor & Ambiance: Earthy tones, olive‑tree motifs—intimate yet modern.
Budget: Couples ~R800‑1 200; group of 4 ~R2 000‑2 500.
Style Tips: Smart casual; relaxed but polished.
Address & Hours: Corner Eastwood & Parks Blvd, Rosebank. Open for dinner almost all week.
Why Go: Romantic Mediterranean escape with warm service and lively vibe.
5. Zioux – Sandton, Johannesburg
Overview: David Higgs’s Sandton debut—a chic spin on global sharing plates.
Signature Dishes: Oxtail vetkoek, wagyu bavette, moonfish ceviche, innovative desserts.
Atmosphere: Upscale deli‑meets‑restaurant in art‑filled surrounds; 24‑hour deli planned.
Budget: Couples ~R1 200‑1 600; group ~R3 000‑4 000.
Dress Code: Smart‑casual leaning classy.
Location & Hours: Sandown, Sandton. Open for dinner; deli hours expanding.
Why Visit: For those who love culinary surprises and sharing stories over food.
6. Fermier – Pretoria
Overview: A rustic-chic farm‑to‑table gem in Pretoria focused on sustainability.
Experience: Seasonal nine‑course tasting menu with optional wine pairings.
Vibe & Aesthetic: Natural wood, earthy décor, with refined country elegance.
Budget: Couples ~R1 800; group of 4 ~R4 500.
Dress Code: Smart‑casual with warmth—neutral tones, comfy layers.
Address & Hours: Pretoria (check online for reservation slots).
Why Go: For an immersive, mindful, and delicious journey rooted in locality.
7. The Shortmarket Club – Sandown/Sandton
Overview: Art‑deco glamour meets South African‑European fusion.
Menu & Drinks: Classy classics—duck‑fat potatoes, ribeye steak, inventive cocktails.
Décor & Atmosphere: Luxe, moody interiors; perfect for high‑end gatherings.
Budget: Couples ~R1 200‑1 800; group ~R3 500‑4 500.
Dress Code: Formal‑elegant.
Where & When: Sandown, Sandton. Reservations recommended for dinner.
Why Visit: A stylish spot for power meals or milestone moments.
8. Forti Too – Pretoria
Overview: A top‑rated Pretoria charmer with stellar service.
Cuisine: Modern grill menu, wines and cocktails—tech‑touch service.
Ambiance: Contemporary chic, easy-going yet refined.
Budget: Couples ~R700‑1 000; group ~R1 800‑2 400.
Dress Code: Smart casual.
Location & Hours: Pretoria. Confirm latest times online.
Why Visit: Excellent value, strong acclaim—perfect for date nights or dinners out.
9. Settebello – Midrand/Gauteng
Overview: A lively Italian‑style eatery ideal for pizza lovers.
Food & Drink: Neapolitan pizzas, pastas, Italian wines in a buzzing setting.
Décor & Vibe: Friendly, casual, you‑can‑hear‑your‑friends atmosphere.
Budget: Couples ~R400‑600; group ~R1 200‑1 600.
Dress Code: Casual.
Address & Hours: Midrand. Open evenings and weekends.
Why Visit: For delicious, relaxed Italian flair with family‑friendly energy.
10. Café Riche – Church Square, Pretoria
Overview: A historical Pretoria landmark dating back to 1905.
Menu Highlights: Classic South African fare in a heritage building with Art Nouveau charm.
Setting & Ambiance: Vintage décor, provincial charm; part of Pretoria’s civic soul.
Budget: Couples ~R350‑500; group ~R1 000‑1 400.
Dress Code: Smart casual.
Location & Hours: Church Square, Pretoria. Open daily.
Why Visit: For a taste of Pretoria’s history with your meal—nostalgia on a plate.
From fire‑driven feasts and Mediterranean escapes to heritage‑steeped venues and plant-based pop‑ups, Gauteng’s 2025 restaurant scene is a vibrant mosaic. Each dining destination celebrates a different story—whether it’s flame, farm, flair or history. Go on, make those bookings and treats your tastebuds to an unforgettable journey.
Check out: Propaganda Pretoria Restaurant Review: A Must‑Visit Dining Spot in the Capital