Your Guide To Affordable Eating In Johannesburg

Are you new in Johannesburg and want to take a bite out of the delicious and wholesome food this city has to offer but need help figuring out where to start? In this article, we will take a look at some of the Johannesburg restaurants you can check out and which ones are great for when you’re cutting costs and when you want to splurge. Grab a pen, probably a snack too, cause you might get hungry reading all about this deliciousness. 

 

But First, Coffee 

 

Joburg residents are known for their drive, hustle, and constant ‘on-the-move’ attitude. They lead busy, demanding lives that need them to always be fuelled up and ready to go. If you are a Jo’hustler (Joburg Hustler, it’s a thing), then you can fuel up with a coffee, breakfast, or brunch at some of Jozi’s most popular cafes and coffee shops. Let’s take a look at a few: 

 

• Krispy Kreme Rosebank 
• Motherland Coffee Company Rosebank 
• Galata Bakery 
• Salvation Cafe 
• Cnr Cafe Bistro & Deli 
• Father Coffee 
• Bootlegger Coffee Company 

 

These places offer hot and cold beverages and breakfast menus that will have you wanting more, and you can treat yourself or that special someone to a cake, cupcake, muffins, or even doughnuts from these spots, and they will love them more and you more. 

 

Brunching With The Gang 

 

Whether you are familiar with the concept of brunching with friends or not, Johannesburg residents love a good brunch. It gives them a chance to enjoy some great company and conversations without worrying about safety, like in the night-time; plus, some of these Jozi spots offer specials, promotions, and events that make being trendy seem affordable. Ready to brunch? Try these spots: 

 

• Mugg & Bean 
• Fournos Bakery 
• Breezeblock 
• Fresh Earth Cafe & Restaurant (also has options for vegan and vegetarian eaters) 
• The Leopard: Kitchen, Larder, and Can Do 
• Arbour Cafe & Courtyard 
• Tashas 

 

From mimosas to brunch meals and vegetarian and vegan options that will have you and yours full, happy, and loving the city some more, don’t salivate yet; save some space for dessert. 

 

Tapping Into Tapas 

 

Before we begin, a question…have you ever visited a tapas restaurant, wanted to try all the dishes, but knew your tummy (and maybe bank account) won’t take too much? Well, here’s a hack; take some loved ones, book a table at a tapas restaurant, order as much variety as possible, and taste each person’s dish. This saves money and will have your tastebuds exploring. Here are some places for you and yours to try and nibble on some tapa dishes: 

 

• La Boqueria 
• La Parada
• Mezepoli Meze & Wine Bar 
• Momo (This franchise has six branches all around Johannesburg, each offering amazing and delicate selections) 
• Life Grand Cafe 
• Rabbit Tequileria 
• Olives & Bistro 
• Mike’s Kitchen 

 

Lunch and Dine With Jozi’s Finest 

 

Johannesburg is filled with many people who occupy the social media space as influencers and enthusiasts that take pride in their different interests, art forms, and pop culture references that help them shape their art and lives. When looking at lunch and dinner options, you can easily search up your favourite Jozi influencer, and you will get a few options. But since you trust us, here are a few of our favourites: 

 

• Robby’s Place 
• Pata Pata 
• Dosa Hut 
• Piza e Vino 
• Hunga Busta’s 
• La Parada

 

Again, ensure that you book in advance so that you can enjoy great seating, amazing food, and an unmatched ambience. 

 

Fine Dining? Oh, We’ve Got You! 

A true Joburg resident understands that fine dining is essential and also does not need to break the bank. Take an e-hailing trip up north or into the east, west or central part of the city, and you will see many options to wine and dine yourself or loved ones at affordable rates. Take the following buzzing places that many residents in this city know and love: 

 

• JB’s Corner 
• Saint Restaurant 
• Mamasamba Restaurant 
• The Hussar Grill 
• Ethos 
• AtholPlace Restaurant
• GREI 
• The Big Mouth Sushi & Grill 
• NCW Restaurant 

 

Commuting To These Eateries 

 

Your newfound restaurant or regular revisit spot is just a convenient form of transport away from you. Depending on what you prefer, you can drive to each of the abovementioned restaurants, and others, with ease. But if you do not have a car, then you can rely on taxis, buses, a Gautrain or e-hailing services to help you navigate your way in the city easily with no anxiety. 

 

Come For The Food, Stay For The Vibe 

 

If you’ve tried or are willing to try the eateries we mentioned earlier, you may be considering moving to Johannesburg. Or you are  reading this article because you are considering moving and living in this city. If that’s the case, Johannesburg Housing Company has a range of flats in Johannesburg CBD that will make it easy for you to access transport and accommodation in order to enjoy the wholesome food experiences offered by the eateries mentioned here and more. Don’t forget to follow us on our social media platforms for a deep dive into some of the best Jozi spots for anything and everything. We know you’ll love living here.