Small Street Johannesburg: Shops, Food & Location Guide

Posted on Author Bells Hardingstone

Small Street is one of Johannesburg’s most historically significant thoroughfares, running through the heart of the city’s central business district. While the original “Small Street” of Johannesburg’s early days was known for its vibrant market culture, today the area is better understood as part of the broader Marshalltown and CBD precinct. This guide provides practical information for navigating the Small Street area in 2026, covering nearby shopping, dining, and location details.

Small Street Johannesburg: Shops, Food & Location Guide

1. Location and Context

Small Street is a north-south thoroughfare in the Johannesburg CBD, situated within the Marshalltown precinct. It lies between Harrison Street and Fox Street, running parallel to Main Street.

Location Details:

  • Area: Marshalltown / Johannesburg CBD, Region F
  • Coordinates: ~26°12′S 28°02′E
  • Nearby Streets: Harrison Street, Main Street, Fox Street, Commissioner Street
  • Postal Code: 2001 (street)
  • Access: Via M1 highway; Rea Vaya bus stations nearby

Key Landmarks in the Area:

  • Chancellor House – Mandela & Tambo’s former law office
  • Marshall Square – Historic square dating back to Johannesburg’s founding
  • Adath Ysroel Synagogue – Heritage site reflecting Jewish immigrant history

Small Street’s central location places it within walking distance of Braamfontein to the north and the bustling retail areas of the inner city.

2. Shopping Near Small Street

While specific shops on Small Street are not documented in recent listings, the surrounding Marshalltown and CBD area offer a range of retail options:

  • Retail shops – Small-scale retailers and wholesalers
  • Street vendors – Clothing, electronics, household goods
  • Specialty stores – Fabric shops, stationers, electronics suppliers

Nearby Precincts for Structured Shopping:

  • Maboneng Precinct – Boutique shops, art galleries, weekend markets
  • Braamfontein – Student-focused retail and trendy stores
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Weekly Markets in the CBD Area:

  • Neighbourgoods Market (Braamfontein, Saturday) – Artisanal food, cocktails, city views
  • Market on Main (Maboneng, Sunday) – Fine food, design, craft stalls
  • The Sheds Market (Maboneng, First Saturday) – Local creators, artists, musicians

These markets provide curated shopping experiences beyond traditional CBD retail streets.

3. Food and Dining in the Area

Dining in Marshalltown and the CBD:

  • Fast food outlets – Chains located on nearby Main Street and Commissioner Street
  • Takeaway spots – Local shops selling sandwiches, pies, and traditional South African fare
  • Street food – Vendors along pedestrian routes offering snacks and quick meals

Notable Restaurants and Cafés Nearby:

  • Proud Mary (Rosebank) – Contemporary café, coffee, brunch bowls, artisan toast
  • Salvation Cafe (44 Stanley, Milpark) – Eggs Benedict, shakshuka, leafy courtyard
  • Nice on 4th (Parkhurst) – Famous breakfast baskets in hollowed-out bread
  • Arbour Café (Birdhaven) – French galettes, bottomless mimosa brunch
  • Pablo House (Melville) – Shakshuka, panoramic Koppies views

Braamfontein Food Scene:

  • Neighbourgoods Market – Saturday food and social hub
  • The Living Room – Rooftop bar and café with city views
  • Breezeblock Café – Retro-inspired brunch spot with huevos rancheros
  • Coffee shops along Juta Street and De Korte Street

Markets with Food Options:

  • Neighbourgoods Market – Gourmet street food, craft cocktails
  • Fourways Farmers Market – Local produce, gourmet stalls, full-day destination
  • Rosebank Sunday Market – Wide spread of food, live music
  • Vegan Hippie Connection Market – Plant-based food, community vibe (last Sunday monthly)

4. Getting to Small Street and the CBD

Public Transport:

  • Rea Vaya Bus – Multiple CBD stations, including Harrison Street and Main Street
  • Gautrain – Braamfontein Station (10–15 min walk north), connects to Sandton, OR Tambo, Pretoria
  • Minibus Taxis – Major ranks on Main Street and Commissioner Street
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Ride-Hailing and Driving:

  • Uber/Bolt – Widely available, recommended for evening travel
  • Self-driving – Access via M1 highway; secure parking available at various buildings (e.g., 164 Commissioner Street basement parking)

Safety Considerations:

  • Daytime – Busy with workers and shoppers; normal urban precautions apply
  • Evening – Exercise caution; use ride-hailing rather than walking after dark
  • Parking – Use secure, monitored facilities where possible

5. Nearby Attractions and Things to Do

Cultural and Historical Sites:

  • Chancellor House (Marshalltown) – Mandela and Tambo’s former law office
  • Constitution Hill (Braamfontein) – Constitutional Court and historic prison site
  • Origins Centre (Wits University) – Museum of African human origins
  • Maboneng Precinct (East of CBD) – Street art, galleries, markets

Street Art:

  • Shepard Fairey’s Mandela mural in Braamfontein
  • Falko’s Elephant murals
  • Juta Street and De Korte Street – vibrant graffiti and murals

6. Frequently Asked Questions

  • Is Small Street safe to walk during the day?
    Yes, it’s busy with office workers and shoppers, providing natural surveillance. Stay aware and keep valuables secure.
  • Are there any markets on Small Street?
    The original Small Street Market is part of history. Today, main markets are nearby: Neighbourgoods Market (Braamfontein) and Market on Main (Maboneng).
  • What restaurants are on Small Street?
    No recent listings directly on Small Street. Dining options are available in Braamfontein, Maboneng, and Marshalltown’s small eateries.
  • How do I get to Small Street?
    Accessible via M1 highway. Rea Vaya bus stations nearby. Braamfontein Gautrain Station is a 10–15 minute walk north. Uber/Bolt widely available.
  • What is the postal code for Small Street?
    Street postal code: 2001. PO Box code: 2107.
  • What can I do near Small Street?
    Visit Chancellor House, Constitution Hill, Maboneng Precinct, and Neighbourgoods Market in Braamfontein.
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7. Summary

  • Location: Marshalltown, Johannesburg CBD, between Harrison and Fox Streets
  • Postal Code: 2001 (street), 2107 (PO Box)
  • Shopping: Retail shops, street vendors; curated markets in Braamfontein and Maboneng
  • Food: Local eateries and takeaways; wider dining options in Braamfontein and nearby precincts
  • Markets: Neighbourgoods Market (Saturday), Market on Main (Sunday)
  • Transport: Rea Vaya bus, Gautrain (Braamfontein), ride-hailing, self-drive with secure parking
  • Safety: Busy daytime; caution after dark; ride-hailing recommended for evenings

Conclusion

Small Street sits at the heart of Johannesburg’s historic Marshalltown precinct—a location rich in heritage and central to the city’s daily commercial life. While the street itself no longer hosts the bustling market for which it was once famous, its surroundings offer vibrant retail, food, and cultural experiences.

For shopping, Braamfontein and Maboneng provide curated markets and boutique stores. For dining, Marshalltown’s local eateries serve the community, while nearby cafés and brunch spots in Milpark, Parkhurst, and Melville offer more variety. For culture, the street art, museums, and historical landmarks of the inner city are all within walking distance.

Whether visiting for work, exploring Johannesburg’s history, or simply passing through, Small Street offers a genuine glimpse into the rhythm of city life—busy by day, rich in stories, and always central to the story of Johannesburg.