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Have a complete feast for the senses at the best outdoor restaurants in Johannesburg
I love al fresco dining with my family and friends, as there is something about the open air and wonderful views that just makes the meal extra special.
Eating at outdoor restaurants also reminds me of the good old days when my family would have picnics under the blue sky, and thankfully, here in Johannesburg, there are many of them. I listed them below for you to try out!
1. Blind Tiger
Address: 62 Tyrone Ave, Parkview, Randburg
Website: http://blindtiger.co.za/
Contact number: +27760304200
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday, 12:00 NN to 11:00 PM
- Wednesday to Saturday, 12:00 NN to 12:00 MN
- Sunday, 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM
The first time I checked out Blind Tiger, I found the establishment quite old-timey but in a good way. The interiors have dark wood walls with red bricks and high bar chairs offering adequate legroom that made my meal comfortable and relaxing.
The best location at Blind Tiger, though, was their patio with the wooden flooring, dim lighting, and tall roofing (lending the place an airy feel). I had a great time seated here as I sampled their salty and crispy fish fillet with chips.
My favourite menu item at this eatery though, is their soft shell chicken tacos. The tacos were just the right thickness and grilled to perfection while the chicken was hickory, spicy, and slightly sweet (which was definitely to my liking!).
| Pro Tip: Check out their website to learn more about their promos or upcoming events. The restaurant sometimes features live performers. |
2. Cafe 28 Inanda
Address: 54 Wierda Rd E, Wierda Valley, Sandton
Website: http://www.cafe28.co.za/
Contact number: +27110837873
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Wednesday, 9:00 AM to 7:30 PM
- Thursday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM
- Saturday, 11:30 AM to 9:00 PM
- Sunday, 11:30 AM to 5:30 PM
Cafe 28 Inanda looks like a cafe at a resort. I think the white walls of the interiors, its simple but sturdy wooden furniture, and the sliding door make the place cosy and inviting.
The outdoor seating area also has a beach resort vibe. It’s fenced in by white steel bars and has cream-coloured tables and chairs and white sail awnings.
I stayed at this outdoor dining area and tried their classic cheese pizza. I liked how gooey and creamy the melted cheese was, especially when paired with cold (and strong) Birra Ichnusa (beer).
| Pro Tip: Do you have an upcoming event? You can reserve a private venue at Cafe 28 Inanda. |
3. Bergbron Plaaskombuis en Padstal
Address: 268 Weltevreden Rd, Blackheath, Randburg
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Bergbron.Plaaskombuis/
Contact number: +27769324333
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday to Saturday, 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM
- Sunday, 7:30 AM to 2:00 PM
My friends from Pretoria called me up and told me they were visiting me, so I looked for a restaurant with a great outdoor dining area. Good thing I discovered Bergbron Plaaskombuis en Padstal.
We went one weekend, and I was blown away by the attention to detail of the restaurant. The interiors look like a rustic home filled with antique (but well-maintained) shelves, stoves, and furniture.
I checked out the menu, and there were a couple of enticing options like the fish fillet sandwich and the bacon and egg toast. However, I decided to go for toast with scrambled eggs and mushrooms which were salty and smokey!
| Pro Tip: You can also make a reservation at the restaurant (especially during special occasions like Father’s Day) through their Facebook |
4. Delta Cafe
Address: 76 Marlborough Ave, Craighall Park, Randburg
Website: http://deltacafe.co.za/
Contact number: +27109003850
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday to Wednesday, 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM
- Thursday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 9:00 PM
- Saturday, 7:30 AM to 10:00 PM
- Sunday, 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM
I found Delta Cafe to be a quaint and charming restaurant. The main dining area looks like a rural bungalow with its white wooden walls while the grounds have a farm feel to them.
The outdoor seating, though, has more of a cantina vibe to it with high patio roofing, a wide open space, and minimal side fences that gave me an unobstructed view of the area. I also saw a lovely playground with slides, a seesaw, and swings.
Most of the food on the menu are my favourites such as pizza, pancakes, and quesadillas but I finally decided to order their chicken sandwich plus huge servings of fries which really hit the spot. The chicken patty was tender and had crispy breading!
| Pro Tip: To learn more about upcoming events and performances, check out their Facebook. |
5. The Forum Kitchen at L’antico Giardino
Address: The Forum, Wilgespruit 190-Iq, Lanseria
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theforumlanticogiardino/
Contact number: +27 63 691 8912
Operating Hours:
- Saturdays and Sundays, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
I heard a lot of good things about The Forum Kitchen at L’antico Giardino, so I got excited when a colleague of mine invited me to have lunch there. Its outdoor dining area was amazing!
I can only compare it to classical Western gardens like those found in France or Italy. The grounds have intricate fountains, trellises, and statues of Adonis, cupids, and nymphs!
There are long wooden tables set up in the garden grounds where my friend and I stayed while waiting for our food to be served. We ordered their pork spare ribs and loved the seared meat and slightly sweet carrot sauce puree!
| Pro Tip: The place can get jam-packed pretty quickly, especially since the Kitchen at L’antico is such a popular events venue. So do as my friend did and reserve your slot via their website! |
6. Herb Cafe and PlaYard at Herb Land
Address: 264 Summit Rd, Midrand
Website: https://www.herbland.co.za/
Contact number: +27761657124
Operating Hours:
- Wednesday to Sunday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Herb Cafe and PlaYard at Herb Land is one restaurant I highly recommend you visit if you want an outdoor dining area and you’re travelling with young kids! It’s simply magical, especially for us parents.
It looks like a fenced nature park with structures and facilities for the young ones to explore. The kids tried out the mini slides and the obstacle course and played tag on the wide-open field.
We adults, on the other hand, got the chance to relax as we watched the children play from the cafe’s garden. Our family then had grilled chicken burgers which had some sweetness thanks to the added pineapple!
| Pro Tip: If you’re not a meat eater, you can also ask the cafe staff for their vegan and vegetarian menu options. |
7. Kranz Restaurant at The Northcliff
Address: 10 Solution Cl, Northcliff, Randburg
Website: http://www.thenorthcliff.com/
Contact number: +27745452473
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday, 5:30 PM to 10:00 PM
If you want to make your loved one fall in love with you more, this is the restaurant to do it! The Kranz Restaurant at The Northcliff is literally located on the side of a cliff which gives us a spectacular view of the South African countryside.
While the interiors were elegant and comfortable enough to dine for hours with your family and friends, I still preferred the outdoor dining area. I waited outside and took in the green rolling hills and lush greenery of the surroundings.
They brought out my order (some savoury and slightly spicy beef curry with roti), and I chowed down on it with much gusto. After finishing my meal, I then laid back on the outdoor lounge chair and propped my feet up on one of the beanie bags. Life is good!
| Pro Tip: The Northcliff also hosts a number of events that you might be interested in such as bridal expos and set meals for special occasions (like Mother’s Day). Check out their Facebook for more details. |
8. Lebo’s Open Air Restaurant
Address: 10823 Pope St, Orlando West
Website: http://www.sowetobackpackers.com/
Contact number: +27119363444
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday, 7:30 AM to 10:30 AM, 12:00 NN to 2:00 PM and 6:30 PM and 8:00 PM
Lebo’s Soweto Backpackers is well-known as a hotel with affordable accommodations, great tour packages (like tuk-tuk tours), and an amazing open-air restaurant. I got to visit their outdoor restaurant and enjoyed it a lot!
They serve traditional African cuisine, and the space feels like a traditional village with sheds made of indigenous materials.
The braai here (grilled and barbecued meats) tasted phenomenal with chargrilled exterior and piping-hot, tender meat seasoned just right!
| Pro Tip: Check out their website’s offers tab to learn more about their best-selling packages. They have Couples Getaway and Family Getaway packages that just might suit your needs. |
9. Truffles on the Park
Address: Mushroom Farm Park, 125 Daisy St, Sandown
Website: https://www.trufflesbistro.co.za/
Contact number: +27100250436
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday, 12:00 NN to 10:00 PM
- Saturday, 10:00 PM to 10:00 PM
- Sunday, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
During our family’s visit to the Mushroom Farm Park, we decided to try out what the in-park restaurant has to offer. It’s called the Truffles on the Park, and aside from the delicious food and amazing service, our family also enjoyed their outdoor dining area.
They offer fusion cuisine such as burgers, sushi, and grilled chicken, but since we were starving, we ordered rib-eye steak with chips on the side. The meat was succulent and buttered quite well while the chips were hot and crispy!
We enjoyed all of these while seated outside their open-air dining area, and it just made our experience here much better. It’s on a large wooden viewing deck where we and the other guests got great views of the area!
| Pro Tip: You can reserve Truffles on the Park for any special events or celebrations. |
