Top 10 Fine Dining Restaurants in Johannesburg (2025)

Posted on Author Dlamini Blessing

Johannesburg, South Africa’s vibrant economic hub, is a melting pot of cultures and cuisines, offering a thriving fine dining scene that rivals global culinary capitals. Known as the “City of Gold,” Johannesburg boasts restaurants that blend sophisticated ambiance, impeccable service, and innovative menus, often showcasing local ingredients with international flair. Whether you’re a local foodie or a visitor seeking an unforgettable gastronomic experience, the city’s top fine dining establishments deliver exceptional quality and creativity. This article explores the top 10 fine dining restaurants in Johannesburg, curated for their culinary excellence, atmosphere, and reputation, ensuring an evergreen guide for discerning diners. From award-winning tasting menus to breathtaking views, these venues embody the pinnacle of dining in 2025.

Top 10 Fine Dining Restaurants in Johannesburg

1. Qunu at The Saxon Hotel

Location: Saxon Hotel, Villas & Spa, Sandhurst
Why It Stands Out: Qunu, named after Nelson Mandela’s birthplace, is a cornerstone of Johannesburg’s fine dining scene, earning two plates in the 2025 Jenny Handley Gourmet Guide. Chef Ebie du Toit crafts modern South African dishes with a focus on local ingredients, such as Karoo lamb and fynbos. The signature tableside-flambéed Steak Diane is a highlight, while the six-course tasting menu (available Thursday to Saturday) pairs beautifully with an award-winning wine list, considered among the best in South Africa. The revamped, light-filled interior offers privacy and elegance, ideal for celebrations.
Must-Try: The tasting menu with wine pairing.
Price Range: $$$$
Source: Time Out, 2025

2. Marble Restaurant

Location: Rosebank
Why It Stands Out: Founded by chef David Higgs, Marble emphasizes South African cuisine cooked over open flames. Its wood-fired grill, a centerpiece of the contemporary dining room, produces standout dishes like Northern Cape lamb cutlets with aubergine pickle and flamed mussels with coconut. The rooftop setting, with expansive windows offering Rosebank views, enhances the upscale experience. Marble’s South African wine selection complements its menu, making it a favorite for locals and tourists.
Must-Try: Grilled tuna with smoked chipotle sauce and corn salsa.
Price Range: $$$$
Source: Elite Traveler, 2023

3. DW Eleven-13

Location: Dunkeld Shopping Centre
Why It Stands Out: Chef Marthinus Ferreira’s DW Eleven-13 is renowned for its creative, globally inspired cuisine. The intimate setting fosters a personalized experience, with dishes like smoked duck with bacon powder or seared salmon with oyster coulis showcasing bold flavor combinations. The degustation and vegetarian tasting menus cater to diverse palates, while the ever-evolving menu keeps the experience fresh. Diners praise the exceptional service and artistic plating.
Must-Try: Pecan tart with chocolate ganache and smoked meringue.
Price Range: $$$$
Source: Wanderlog, 2025

4. Embarc

Location: Parkhurst
Why It Stands Out: Embarc offers a minimalist yet sophisticated dining experience, led by chef Darren O’Donovan. The seasonal menu features dishes like kataifi prawns and lavender ice cream, available in full or starter-sized portions for flexibility. The tasting menu, which changes regularly, is a hit among foodies, with meticulous presentation and balanced flavors. The curated wine list, featuring local and international labels, adds to the appeal.
Must-Try: Tasting menu with wine pairing.
Price Range: $$$$
Source: Time Out, 2025

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5. Clico Restaurant

Location: Clico Boutique Hotel, Rosebank
Why It Stands Out: Nestled within the chic Clico Boutique Hotel, Clico Restaurant blends European-style cooking with local, seasonal ingredients. Chef Marnus Scholly’s monthly tasting menus highlight innovation, with dishes crafted from organic produce. The modern dining space, with unique ceilings and sliding glass doors, creates an inviting atmosphere. Clico’s boutique wine selection enhances its reputation as a fine dining gem.
Must-Try: Monthly tasting menu.
Price Range: $$$$
Source: Elite Traveler, 2023

6. The Winehouse

Location: Ten Bompas Hotel
Why It Stands Out: The Winehouse combines contemporary art, a relaxed vibe, and a double-storey wine cellar that impresses oenophiles. Its sun-drenched patio is perfect for lunch, especially during Johannesburg’s dry winter. The menu, infused with French and contemporary elements, features dishes like celeriac tortellini with truffle and quail with sherry caramel. A nine-course tasting menu is available for special occasions.
Must-Try: Barramundi with squash and aubergine caviar.
Price Range: $$$$
Source: Go2Africa, 2018

7. Cyra at The Houghton Hotel

Location: The Houghton Hotel
Why It Stands Out: Chef Candice Philip’s Cyra is a fine dining standout, named after a star and embodying culinary brilliance. The menu emphasizes South African ingredients, with dishes like foraged mushrooms and Karoo lamb. The festive, tasting, and degustation menus (including pescatarian and vegetarian options) cater to varied preferences. The restaurant’s setting within The Houghton Hotel adds a layer of luxury.
Must-Try: Degustation menu with local wine pairing.
Price Range: $$$$
Source: In Your Pocket, 2025

8. Basalt at The Peech Hotel

Location: Melrose North
Why It Stands Out: Basalt, located at The Peech Hotel, is a local favorite for its multi-course dining and exceptional wine pairings. The intimate setting and focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients create a memorable experience. Diners on platforms like Reddit praise Basalt for its consistency and ability to elevate South African flavors in a refined manner.
Must-Try: Multi-course menu with wine pairing.
Price Range: $$$$
Source: Reddit, 2024

9. TANG

Location: Nelson Mandela Square, Sandton
Why It Stands Out: TANG offers a luxurious, Japanese-inspired dining experience, drawing on izakaya traditions. Chefs Vixa Kalenga and Wesley Chen deliver signature dishes like Peking Duck, Black Cod Miso, and Wagyu Tomahawk steaks cooked on robata grills. The sensory ambiance, complete with floor-to-ceiling windows and a vibrant atmosphere, makes TANG a hotspot for upscale dining in Sandton.
Must-Try: Yellowtail sashimi and Wagyu Tomahawk.
Price Range: $$$$
Source: Joburg.co.za, 2024

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10. Level Seven Restaurant and Sky Bar

Location: OR Tambo Radisson Hotel, Kempton Park
Why It Stands Out: Located on the sixth floor of the OR Tambo Radisson Hotel, Level Seven offers majestic views and a sophisticated dining experience. Restaurateur Desmond Mabuza brings the same elegance as his Signature eatery in Sandton, with a menu that blends international and South African flavors. The Sky Bar is perfect for pre-dinner cocktails, making it a great choice for travelers and locals alike.
Must-Try: Signature cocktails with a main course from the seasonal menu.
Price Range: $$$$
Source: Joburg.co.za, 2024

Why Johannesburg’s Fine Dining Scene Shines

Johannesburg’s fine dining landscape is a testament to its cultural diversity and economic vibrancy. The city’s restaurants draw on South Africa’s rich culinary heritage, incorporating ingredients like Karoo lamb, fynbos, and foraged mushrooms, while embracing global techniques. Many establishments, such as Qunu and Marble, emphasize open-flame cooking, a nod to South African braai traditions, elevated to haute cuisine. The focus on local, seasonal, and ethically sourced ingredients aligns with global trends, appealing to conscious diners. Additionally, the city’s favorable exchange rate makes fine dining accessible for international visitors, allowing them to indulge without breaking the bank.

What to Expect from Fine Dining in Johannesburg

Fine dining in Johannesburg goes beyond exceptional food. Expect:

  • Impeccable Service: Staff are trained to anticipate needs, ensuring a seamless experience.

  • Curated Wine Lists: South Africa’s world-class wines, particularly from the Cape Winelands, feature prominently, with expert sommeliers guiding pairings.

  • Tasting Menus: Many restaurants offer multi-course tasting menus, often with vegetarian or pescatarian options, showcasing culinary creativity.

  • Ambiance: From rooftop views at Marble to the intimate elegance of DW Eleven-13, the settings are as memorable as the food.

  • Price: Fine dining is a splurge, with tasting menus typically ranging from ZAR 800 to ZAR 2,000 per person, excluding wine pairings.

Tips for Choosing the Right Fine Dining Restaurant

  1. Match the Occasion: For anniversaries or proposals, opt for Qunu or The Winehouse, which offer tasting menus and romantic settings. For business dinners, Marble or TANG’s vibrant ambiance works well.

  2. Check Seasonal Menus: Restaurants like Embarc and Clico update menus regularly, so review offerings in advance.

  3. Book Early: Popular spots like DW Eleven-13 and Basalt fill up quickly, especially for tasting menus.

  4. Consider Location: Sandton (TANG, Marble) is ideal for central, upscale dining, while Parkhurst (Embarc) offers a quieter vibe.

  5. Explore Wine Pairings: Johannesburg’s fine dining restaurants excel in wine pairings, enhancing the meal’s flavors.

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How to Prepare for a Fine Dining Experience

  • Dress Code: Most fine dining venues enforce a smart-casual or elegant dress code. Check with the restaurant beforehand.

  • Reservations: Book at least a week in advance, especially for tasting menus or peak times.

  • Dietary Needs: Inform the restaurant of allergies or dietary restrictions when reserving.

  • Transportation: Arrange an Uber or driver, especially if indulging in wine pairings, as many restaurants are in busy areas like Sandton or Rosebank.

  • Budget: Factor in the cost of wine pairings, service charges (typically 10-15%), and potential extras like cocktails.

Fine Dining Trends in Johannesburg for 2025

Johannesburg’s fine dining scene continues to evolve, with several trends shaping the culinary landscape:

  • Sustainability: Restaurants like Cyra and The Winehouse prioritize locally sourced, seasonal ingredients, reducing environmental impact.

  • Fire-Based Cooking: Marble and Qunu lead the trend of open-flame cooking, adding depth to dishes.

  • Cultural Fusion: TANG’s Japanese-South African fusion and DW Eleven-13’s global influences reflect Johannesburg’s diversity.

  • Experiential Dining: Tableside preparations (e.g., Qunu’s Steak Diane) and chef’s tables (e.g., Yamitsuki) enhance engagement.

  • Wellness Focus: Venues like Brambles at Vivari Hotel emphasize nourishing, health-conscious dishes alongside indulgence.

FAQs About Fine Dining in Johannesburg

What is the average cost of fine dining in Johannesburg?
Expect to pay ZAR 800–2,000 per person for a 3–6 course tasting menus, excluding drinks or service fees. Wine pairings can add ZAR 300–600 per person.

Are reservations required?
Yes, reservations are essential, especially for tasting menus or popular restaurants like Qunu, DW Eleven-13, and Marble.

Do fine dining restaurants in Johannesburg cater to dietary restrictions?
Most offer vegetarian, pescatarian, or gluten-free options. Inform the restaurant when booking.

What’s the best time to visit these restaurants?
Weekdays are less crowded, but tasting menus are often available only on weekends. Check with the restaurant for specifics.

Are children allowed in fine dining restaurants?
Some venues, like Marble and TANG, are family-friendly, but intimate settings like DW Eleven-13 may be better suited for adults.

Conclusion

Johannesburg’s fine dining scene offers a world-class culinary experience, blending South African heritage with global sophistication. From the innovative tasting menus at Qunu and DW Eleven-13 to the fire-grilled specialties at Marble, these top 10 restaurants deliver unforgettable meals in stunning settings. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply seeking gastronomic excellence, these establishments showcase the best of Johannesburg’s vibrant food culture. Book your table, savor the flavors, and immerse yourself in the City of Gold’s finest dining experiences.