Bells HardingstoneJohannesburg is home to a thriving kosher dining scene, particularly concentrated in areas with significant Jewish communities like Glenhazel, Savoy Estate, and Sandringham. Whether you are craving a gourmet burger, authentic shawarma, fresh sushi, or a unique kosher Nando’s experience, the city offers an impressive variety of certified options for every palate.
Top 20 Kosher Restaurants in Johannesburg
1. Next Door
A well-established kosher restaurant in Glenhazel, Next Door is known for its eclectic antique atmosphere and unique world-class cuisine. The menu boasts a variety of delicious thin-crust pizzas, gnocchi, pasta dishes, sandwiches, and sushi.
While some reviewers rave about the out-of-this-world desserts and best kosher pizzas in town, others note that portion sizes can be small and prices for toppings relatively high. The friendly managers and attentive staff aim to ensure patrons have a memorable dining experience.
2. Burger and Brew
Located on Ridge Road in Glenhazel, Burger and Brew is a beloved kosher spot offering a small but superb menu. The restaurant is particularly famous for its chips, widely considered among the finest in town, and its signature burger with macon and egg.
The establishment offers sit-down dining, takeaway, and delivery options, along with a decent craft beer selection. Burger and Brew also hosts regular quiz nights and themed events, creating a vibrant community atmosphere.
3. Nando’s Kosher
This Savoy Estate branch is a unique gem one of the only fully kosher Nando’s in South Africa. Serving the flame-grilled peri-peri chicken that the chain is famous for, this location adheres to strict kosher standards.
Reviewers consistently praise the perfect meat quality and friendly service, though many note that prices are significantly higher than regular Nando’s branches and portions can sometimes be inconsistent. The lemon herb sauce on a full chicken comes highly recommended. Note that the restaurant closes early on Fridays at 3:00 PM and is closed on Saturdays.
4. The PieWorks
Since 1994, The PieWorks in Sandringham has been delighting the kosher community with its irresistible selection of sweet and savoury pies. Their famous shawarma pie is described as a true culinary gem, and the chicken pie is labelled drool-worthy by regulars. The atmosphere is warm and inviting despite its casual, dive-like vibe, and service is generally quick. The restaurant is closed on Saturdays and has limited Friday hours.
5. SOSUSHI
Located in the Kosher World Centre in Glenhazel, SOSUSHI is the go-to destination for kosher sushi in Johannesburg. It features a conveyor belt system offering a variety of options, with artisanal rolls and classic favourites like avo maki drawing consistent praise. The restaurant is known for reliable service, generous portions, and prompt delivery.
6. The Friends Bakery
A standout for those seeking baked goods and Middle Eastern cuisine, The Friends Bakery in Johannesburg offers exceptional kosher pastries, fresh salads like hummus, tahini, and eggplant, and what many describe as the best falafel in town. The establishment features designated areas for dairy and meat, along with a full bar.
7. Bagel Zone, Genesis
With a stellar 4.8 rating from over 3,000 reviews, Bagel Zone is one of Johannesburg’s highest-rated kosher spots on Uber Eats. As the name suggests, the menu centres on sandwiches and breakfast options, and the establishment is both halaal and kosher certified.
8. Michelo’s Pizzeria
An institution in kosher South Africa, Michelo’s offers an eclectic mix of easy-going family pizza house and new-age eatery. The menu boasts perfect pizzas, steaming pastas, world-class sushi, renowned fish dishes, and a healthy selection of freshly picked salads and vegetable options. The restaurant is under the supervision of the Johannesburg Beth Din.
9. The Shwarma Co, Norwood
A popular delivery option for shawarma and other kosher fare, The Shwarma Co is available on Uber Eats with a solid rating. It offers a convenient option for those seeking kosher Middle Eastern cuisine.
10. Teta Mari
A kosher delivery option with a 4.8 rating on Uber Eats, Teta Mari is a well-regarded choice for those seeking kosher meals delivered to their door.
11. Tiberius Fish Emporium
Located in Sandringham, Tiberius Fish Emporium is one of the rare spots in Johannesburg’s largest Jewish neighbourhood offering kosher fish and chips.
The establishment presents its fish and chips on actual plates rather than traditional paper wrappings, adding a touch of elegance to the dining experience. Visitors have praised the deliciously prepared chips and friendly service.
12. Meat at Bagel Zone
Available on Uber Eats with a 4.8 rating, Meat at Bagel Zone offers kosher meat options from the popular Bagel Zone establishment.
13. Corner Cafe
A coffee shop with a 4.4 rating from 225 reviews, Corner Cafe offers quick service, comfortable seating, and reliable WiFi.
14. RTG Kosher Restaurant
A kosher restaurant that, while noted for slow service, remains an option for kosher dining in Johannesburg.
15. Savoy Liquors, Blue Bottle Platinum
Available on Uber Eats with a 4.9 rating, this establishment is listed among kosher delivery options in Johannesburg.
16. Shawarma Hut
Known for good shawarma, beef, and salads, though there are indications it may be permanently closed.
17. Glenhazel B&B
While primarily a bed and breakfast, this establishment is noted as a dedicated kosher B&B in Glenhazel, the heart of Johannesburg’s Jewish community.
18. The Fish Shop
A kosher fish and chips option available in the Sandringham area, offering a variety of seafood choices.
19. Kosher World Deli
Located within the Kosher World Centre, this deli offers a range of kosher groceries and prepared foods for takeaway.
20. Savoy Kosher Bakery
A bakery in the Savoy Estate area offering fresh kosher breads, pastries, and baked goods for the community.
Comparison Table
| Restaurant | Cuisine Type | Location | Key Feature | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Next Door | Pizza, Pasta, Sushi | Glenhazel | Eclectic antique atmosphere, thin-crust pizzas | 4.3 |
| Burger and Brew | Burgers, Grill | Glenhazel | Quiz nights, craft beer, famous chips | – |
| Nando’s Kosher | Portuguese Chicken | Savoy Estate | Only kosher Nando’s in SA | 4.2 |
| The PieWorks | Pies, Pastries | Sandringham | Since 1994, famous shawarma pie | – |
| SOSUSHI | Sushi | Glenhazel | Conveyor belt, car delivery service | – |
| The Friends Bakery | Bakery, Falafel | Glenhazel | Best falafel, dairy and meat sections | 5.0 |
| Bagel Zone | Sandwiches, Breakfast | Fairmount | 3,000+ reviews, halaal and kosher | 4.8 |
| Michelo’s Pizzeria | Pizza, Pasta, Sushi | Glenhazel | Johannesburg Beth Din supervision | – |
| The Shwarma Co | Shawarma, Middle Eastern | Norwood | Delivery option | 4.5 |
| Teta Mari | Various | – | Delivery option | 4.8 |
| Tiberius Fish Emporium | Fish and Chips | Sandringham | Rare kosher fish and chips | – |
| Meat at Bagel Zone | Meat Dishes | – | Delivery option | 4.8 |
| Corner Cafe | Coffee Shop | – | Quick service, WiFi | 4.4 |
| RTG Kosher Restaurant | Various | – | Kosher dining option | – |
| Savoy Liquors | Various | – | Delivery option | 4.9 |
| Shawarma Hut | Shawarma, Salads | – | Kosher Middle Eastern | – |
| Glenhazel B&B | B&B Meals | Glenhazel | Dedicated kosher B&B | – |
Tips and Other Useful Information
Friday and Saturday Hours: Many kosher restaurants close early on Fridays and are fully closed on Saturdays in observance of Shabbat. Nando’s Kosher closes at 3:00 PM on Fridays and is closed on Saturdays. The PieWorks and Tiberius Fish Emporium also close on Saturdays.
Pricing: Kosher restaurants in Johannesburg are generally more expensive than their non-kosher counterparts due to higher production costs. This is particularly notable at Nando’s Kosher, where prices are significantly higher than regular branches. The PieWorks has also been noted for higher pricing.
Concentration of Options: The largest concentration of kosher restaurants is in the Glenhazel, Savoy Estate, and Sandringham areas, reflecting Johannesburg’s Jewish community hubs.
Delivery Services: Many of these establishments are available on delivery platforms like Uber Eats, making kosher dining accessible from the comfort of home.
Supervision: Several restaurants are under the supervision of the Johannesburg Beth Din, including Michelo’s Pizzeria. It is always advisable to confirm certification status directly with the restaurant if you have strict dietary requirements.
Dining Experience: While some kosher restaurants offer fine dining experiences, others like The PieWorks are described as casual dive-like spots where the focus is on the quality of the food rather than the ambiance. Tiberius Fish Emporium is more of a glorified kosher deli with outdoor seating.
Conclusion
Johannesburg’s kosher dining scene offers impressive variety, from the unique experience of a kosher Nando’s and gourmet burgers at Burger and Brew to fresh sushi at SOSUSHI, the legendary pies at The PieWorks, and family favourites like Michelo’s Pizzeria.
While kosher dining generally comes at a premium price, the quality and authenticity on offer make these establishments well worth a visit. Whether you are a member of the Jewish community or simply curious about kosher cuisine, these top spots promise a satisfying culinary experience.