Guidebook for Johannesburg

Marthinus
Guidebook for Johannesburg

Food Scene

Good restaurants and cafés come and go, and Melville seems to be going through quite a renaissance of new spots at the moment. We can't possibly include all of them, but here are a few of our favourites, as well as some other gems in surrounding areas.
Best thin-base pizza in Jozi - if not South Africa.
21 lokalinvånare rekommenderar
Ant Cafe
21 lokalinvånare rekommenderar
Best thin-base pizza in Jozi - if not South Africa.
Trendy Mexican restaurant.
7 lokalinvånare rekommenderar
La Santa Muerte
7th Street
7 lokalinvånare rekommenderar
Trendy Mexican restaurant.
Our local Italian spot with all the usual dishes. We usually have fantastic meals there, but a recent guest was disappointed with the seafood, though. Best to stick to the pizza/pasta/antipasta, then.
23 lokalinvånare rekommenderar
Cafe Picobella Trattoria
66 4th Ave
23 lokalinvånare rekommenderar
Our local Italian spot with all the usual dishes. We usually have fantastic meals there, but a recent guest was disappointed with the seafood, though. Best to stick to the pizza/pasta/antipasta, then.
We love 27 Boxes and with The Countess being the only proper, fully licenced restaurant there, it's a nice way to experience the best of both worlds. Great food and service too.
13 lokalinvånare rekommenderar
The Countess
4th Avenue
13 lokalinvånare rekommenderar
We love 27 Boxes and with The Countess being the only proper, fully licenced restaurant there, it's a nice way to experience the best of both worlds. Great food and service too.
Amazing food truck cuisine, beers and wines. Try the paella stand - it's our favourite!
161 lokalinvånare rekommenderar
Neighbourgoods Market
73 Juta St
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Amazing food truck cuisine, beers and wines. Try the paella stand - it's our favourite!
Light and airy coffee shop, with the most delicious lunch buffet with a wide selection of fresh salads and quiches. Breakfasts are good too, and they have a good wine list.
34 lokalinvånare rekommenderar
Service Station
24 9th St
34 lokalinvånare rekommenderar
Light and airy coffee shop, with the most delicious lunch buffet with a wide selection of fresh salads and quiches. Breakfasts are good too, and they have a good wine list.
One of the top restaurants in Johannesburg. It's expensive, but definitely recommended for special occasions.
65 lokalinvånare rekommenderar
Marble Restaurant
Jellicoe Avenue
65 lokalinvånare rekommenderar
One of the top restaurants in Johannesburg. It's expensive, but definitely recommended for special occasions.
Relatively new, upmarket restaurant in Parktown-North with a very nice menu and vibe - a nice variety of nibbles, bruschetta, ceviches, fried street food, skillets, soul bowls, live-fire barbequed dishes, kebabs and paellas – it’s a culinary journey that stretches from Japan to Mexico, from Italy to Argentina (as accurately described by EatOut).
24 lokalinvånare rekommenderar
La Boqueria
17 3rd Ave
24 lokalinvånare rekommenderar
Relatively new, upmarket restaurant in Parktown-North with a very nice menu and vibe - a nice variety of nibbles, bruschetta, ceviches, fried street food, skillets, soul bowls, live-fire barbequed dishes, kebabs and paellas – it’s a culinary journey that stretches from Japan to Mexico, from Italy to Argentina (as accurately described by EatOut).
A legendary, local hangout with a delicious selection of Portuguese meals. Not at all touristy and a good opportunity to hang out with some locals.
13 lokalinvånare rekommenderar
Troyeville Hotel
1403 Albertina Sisulu Rd
13 lokalinvånare rekommenderar
A legendary, local hangout with a delicious selection of Portuguese meals. Not at all touristy and a good opportunity to hang out with some locals.
If you want to stay in and enjoy food from some of the best eateries and restaurants in our vicinity, download the UberEats app. Excellent, user-friendly food delivery service.
UBER EATS DELIVERY
578 Plummer St
If you want to stay in and enjoy food from some of the best eateries and restaurants in our vicinity, download the UberEats app. Excellent, user-friendly food delivery service.
We love this Asian eatery, which is just around the block from our home, right next to Perron and across Picobella - another two of our local favourites. Try the steamed fish or some of the smaller, tapas styled meals. It's yum.
Love Me So
63 4th Ave
We love this Asian eatery, which is just around the block from our home, right next to Perron and across Picobella - another two of our local favourites. Try the steamed fish or some of the smaller, tapas styled meals. It's yum.
The brainchild of the owners of Hells Kitchen and La Santa Muerte, The Lonely Hearts Club is another one of their success stories. Great tapas-styled meals, and very reasonably priced.
8 lokalinvånare rekommenderar
Lonely Hearts Club
9 7th St
8 lokalinvånare rekommenderar
The brainchild of the owners of Hells Kitchen and La Santa Muerte, The Lonely Hearts Club is another one of their success stories. Great tapas-styled meals, and very reasonably priced.
A new addition to our neighbourhood. Great spot for people-watching and a variety of smoothies, teas, drinks and meals for breakfast, lunch or dinner. They share a lovely courtyard with the neighbouring cafes.
15 lokalinvånare rekommenderar
Spilt Milk
1 7th St
15 lokalinvånare rekommenderar
A new addition to our neighbourhood. Great spot for people-watching and a variety of smoothies, teas, drinks and meals for breakfast, lunch or dinner. They share a lovely courtyard with the neighbouring cafes.
A restaurant specialising in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean foods. Absolutely delicious. Brunch, lunch, dinner, sharing the charming courtyard with their neighbouring eateries.
12 lokalinvånare rekommenderar
Ba-Pita
70 Grant Avenue
12 lokalinvånare rekommenderar
A restaurant specialising in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean foods. Absolutely delicious. Brunch, lunch, dinner, sharing the charming courtyard with their neighbouring eateries.
This one is a must for the vegans, vegetarians, and health aficionados. A niche health store and cafe, with a variety of baked goods (low carb/gluten free etc) and a wholesome menu. Their coffee and breakfasts are particularly nice.
36 lokalinvånare rekommenderar
Fresh Earth Food Store
103 Komatie St
36 lokalinvånare rekommenderar
This one is a must for the vegans, vegetarians, and health aficionados. A niche health store and cafe, with a variety of baked goods (low carb/gluten free etc) and a wholesome menu. Their coffee and breakfasts are particularly nice.
Also tried and tested, with a nice variety of traditional, game, vegetarian and vegan meals.
26 lokalinvånare rekommenderar
Lucky Bean Restaurant
16 7th St
26 lokalinvånare rekommenderar
Also tried and tested, with a nice variety of traditional, game, vegetarian and vegan meals.
A nice, laid-back coffee shop with good wifi and light meals. Slightly seperate from the Melville strip so it tends to be quieter if you would like to be away from the buzz.
The Richmond
14 Menton Rd
A nice, laid-back coffee shop with good wifi and light meals. Slightly seperate from the Melville strip so it tends to be quieter if you would like to be away from the buzz.
Good for coffee, breakfasts and light meals and nice to combine with supermarket shopping at Rand Steam Mall.
Bootlegger Rand Steam
Napier Road
Good for coffee, breakfasts and light meals and nice to combine with supermarket shopping at Rand Steam Mall.
A welcome new addition to our restaurant strip - good coffee, breakfasts and light meals. Also licensed so you can choose from a good selection of wines. Their original shop is in Linden, but this one is better.
7 lokalinvånare rekommenderar
The Whippet Melville
3rd Avenue
7 lokalinvånare rekommenderar
A welcome new addition to our restaurant strip - good coffee, breakfasts and light meals. Also licensed so you can choose from a good selection of wines. Their original shop is in Linden, but this one is better.
Designer breakfasts in a very lively, trendy venue.
14 lokalinvånare rekommenderar
Pablo Eggs-Go-Bar
2 7th St
14 lokalinvånare rekommenderar
Designer breakfasts in a very lively, trendy venue.
Good spot for breakfasts and light lunches. Nice, breezy athmosphere on an iconic corner of Melville.
9 lokalinvånare rekommenderar
Bread & Roses
7th Street
9 lokalinvånare rekommenderar
Good spot for breakfasts and light lunches. Nice, breezy athmosphere on an iconic corner of Melville.

Drinks & Nightlife

Somewhat crummy, but a great spot for some beers and Mozambican-styled food to go along with it.
16 lokalinvånare rekommenderar
Xai Xai
7th Street
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Somewhat crummy, but a great spot for some beers and Mozambican-styled food to go along with it.
Gay-friendly, nice music, nice crowd, perfect place to round off a night out in Melville if you're the party-type.
15 lokalinvånare rekommenderar
Ratz Bar Melville
9 7th St
15 lokalinvånare rekommenderar
Gay-friendly, nice music, nice crowd, perfect place to round off a night out in Melville if you're the party-type.
If you're young or young at heart and the kind of person who's into two cocktails for the price of one, this will be your spot. Haven't been there in ages though :)
14 lokalinvånare rekommenderar
Six Cocktail Bar
90 3rd Ave
14 lokalinvånare rekommenderar
If you're young or young at heart and the kind of person who's into two cocktails for the price of one, this will be your spot. Haven't been there in ages though :)
Nice alternative edge, good craft beers, okay food. Cool spot for after work or end-of-the-day drinks.
40 lokalinvånare rekommenderar
Hell's Kitchen
4 7th St
40 lokalinvånare rekommenderar
Nice alternative edge, good craft beers, okay food. Cool spot for after work or end-of-the-day drinks.
Known as one of the oldest - if not THE oldest - pubs in Johannesburg. Situated in a somewhat challenging area but more than worth visiting, with very nice live performances by local musicians. They also have a great Portuguese menu.
22 lokalinvånare rekommenderar
The Radium Beerhall
282 Louis Botha Ave
22 lokalinvånare rekommenderar
Known as one of the oldest - if not THE oldest - pubs in Johannesburg. Situated in a somewhat challenging area but more than worth visiting, with very nice live performances by local musicians. They also have a great Portuguese menu.

Parks & Nature

Nice spot for a stroll.
107 lokalinvånare rekommenderar
Johannesburg Botanical Garden
Olifants Road
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Nice spot for a stroll.
The closest national park to see some of our wildlife in their natural habitat. There are some good day trips available if you're an early bird.
106 lokalinvånare rekommenderar
Pilanesberg National Park
106 lokalinvånare rekommenderar
The closest national park to see some of our wildlife in their natural habitat. There are some good day trips available if you're an early bird.

Essentials

The closest supermarket to our home. All the basics. Wouldn’t recommend it for fresh produce. Rather go to Rand Steam or Impala for this.
32 lokalinvånare rekommenderar
Superspar - Melville
Main Road
32 lokalinvånare rekommenderar
The closest supermarket to our home. All the basics. Wouldn’t recommend it for fresh produce. Rather go to Rand Steam or Impala for this.
Efficient medical practice. Ask for dr. Nazeera Kathrada if it's not an emergency - she's Marthinus' GP.
10 lokalinvånare rekommenderar
Meldene Medical Centre
28 4th Ave
10 lokalinvånare rekommenderar
Efficient medical practice. Ask for dr. Nazeera Kathrada if it's not an emergency - she's Marthinus' GP.
Best dentists in Johannesburg, although quite expensive.
De Necker Dentistry Melville
23 4th Ave
Best dentists in Johannesburg, although quite expensive.
Best place to go to with medical emergencies.
36 lokalinvånare rekommenderar
Netcare Milpark Hospital
9 Guild Rd
36 lokalinvånare rekommenderar
Best place to go to with medical emergencies.
The best place to do grocery shopping close to our home, with a choice of two supermarkets: Pick n Pay (mid-level) and Woolworths (more upmarket) to buy goods from. The centre also have a liquor store, and variety of chain-food restaurants. Please don't got to Campus Square - this is a safer alternative.
16 lokalinvånare rekommenderar
Rand Steam Shopping Centre
Napier Road
16 lokalinvånare rekommenderar
The best place to do grocery shopping close to our home, with a choice of two supermarkets: Pick n Pay (mid-level) and Woolworths (more upmarket) to buy goods from. The centre also have a liquor store, and variety of chain-food restaurants. Please don't got to Campus Square - this is a safer alternative.
Our dentist of choice.
Dr Michael H Gray
91 2nd Ave
Our dentist of choice.
If you’re addicted to cheese (like we are), this cheese deli is a must-visit. They have a wide variety and will find you whatever cheese you are looking for.
23 lokalinvånare rekommenderar
Cheese Gourmet
71A 7th St
23 lokalinvånare rekommenderar
If you’re addicted to cheese (like we are), this cheese deli is a must-visit. They have a wide variety and will find you whatever cheese you are looking for.

Shopping

An interesting, community-focused shopping development built out of shipping containers. A nice spot to buy some souvenirs, clothing and street food. And The Countess restaurant is a great place to eat.
55 lokalinvånare rekommenderar
27Boxes
76a 4th Ave
55 lokalinvånare rekommenderar
An interesting, community-focused shopping development built out of shipping containers. A nice spot to buy some souvenirs, clothing and street food. And The Countess restaurant is a great place to eat.
Pretty much anything you can get, with some nice restaurants, coffee shops, cinemas, book shops - any shopaholic's dream. It also has a nice African Rooftop Market on Sundays.
198 lokalinvånare rekommenderar
Rosebank Mall
15A Cradock Ave
198 lokalinvånare rekommenderar
Pretty much anything you can get, with some nice restaurants, coffee shops, cinemas, book shops - any shopaholic's dream. It also has a nice African Rooftop Market on Sundays.
Upmarket shopping centre with a selection of eateries. And of course the iconic square with the somewhat unrealistic statue of Madiba.
184 lokalinvånare rekommenderar
Nelson Mandela Square
130 Rivonia Road
184 lokalinvånare rekommenderar
Upmarket shopping centre with a selection of eateries. And of course the iconic square with the somewhat unrealistic statue of Madiba.
Best fruit and veg store in Jozi, nice coffee shop, florist and butchery next door as well.
12 lokalinvånare rekommenderar
Impala Fruiterers
177 Beyers Naude Drive
12 lokalinvånare rekommenderar
Best fruit and veg store in Jozi, nice coffee shop, florist and butchery next door as well.

Arts & Culture

The best in local, progressive theatre productions, surrounded by some nice restaurants and shops in Newtown.
59 lokalinvånare rekommenderar
The Market Theatre
56 Margaret Mcingana St
59 lokalinvånare rekommenderar
The best in local, progressive theatre productions, surrounded by some nice restaurants and shops in Newtown.
The backbone of the South African judicial system, with an interesting history.
193 lokalinvånare rekommenderar
Constitution Hill Human Rights Precinct
11 Kotze St
193 lokalinvånare rekommenderar
The backbone of the South African judicial system, with an interesting history.
No need to explain why this is an important place to visit. Allocate at least three hours for this.
391 lokalinvånare rekommenderar
Apartheidmuseet
391 lokalinvånare rekommenderar
No need to explain why this is an important place to visit. Allocate at least three hours for this.
You'll also be able to catch a good show here. The pantomimes are particularly entertaining.
42 lokalinvånare rekommenderar
Joburgteatern
163 Civic Blvd
42 lokalinvånare rekommenderar
You'll also be able to catch a good show here. The pantomimes are particularly entertaining.
This one is for the history buffs! This large museum contains mostly military-related records, journals, weapons and photographs that depict South Africa’s participation in large-scale conflicts.
38 lokalinvånare rekommenderar
Sydafrikanska Nationalmuseet för Militärhistoria
22 Erlswold Way
38 lokalinvånare rekommenderar
This one is for the history buffs! This large museum contains mostly military-related records, journals, weapons and photographs that depict South Africa’s participation in large-scale conflicts.

Sightseeing

One of the best examples of urban rejuvenation in Johannesburg. Some nice hipster spots, as well as shops, galleries and bars. Also check out the independent movie theatre known as The Bioscope if you're a film fundi.
287 lokalinvånare rekommenderar
Maboneng Precinct
Kruger Street
287 lokalinvånare rekommenderar
One of the best examples of urban rejuvenation in Johannesburg. Some nice hipster spots, as well as shops, galleries and bars. Also check out the independent movie theatre known as The Bioscope if you're a film fundi.
One of the most iconic streets in South Africa, having been the street both Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu lived in. Lot's of authentic, South African spots to visit around Vilakazi Street as well. We've got a good contact for private tours through Soweto - please ask us if you're interested.
104 lokalinvånare rekommenderar
Vilakazi Street
Vilakazi Street
104 lokalinvånare rekommenderar
One of the most iconic streets in South Africa, having been the street both Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu lived in. Lot's of authentic, South African spots to visit around Vilakazi Street as well. We've got a good contact for private tours through Soweto - please ask us if you're interested.
Lots of coffee shops, galleries, bars and funky shops in this up-and-coming neighbourhood. You'll also be able to combine this with a walk over the iconic Nelson Mandela bridge.
24 lokalinvånare rekommenderar
Braamfontein
24 lokalinvånare rekommenderar
Lots of coffee shops, galleries, bars and funky shops in this up-and-coming neighbourhood. You'll also be able to combine this with a walk over the iconic Nelson Mandela bridge.