Johannesburg, also known as the City of Gold, has one of the most diverse culinary scenes in South Africa. Whether you’re in the mood for Italian, traditional South African, or plant-based food, Johannesburg has it all. Among the many restaurant choices, there are quite a few Black-owned restaurants worth trying. Here are nine Black-owned restaurants in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Gemelli Cucina Bar
Gemelli is a contemporary Italian food restaurant located in the Bryanston neighborhood of Johannesburg. The founder, Alessandro Mosupi Khojane, has over 10 years of experience in the restaurant industry and grew up in Roma, Italy. He was raised around a large family and wanted to share that same enthusiasm for community and food with Johannesburg. Gemelli serves up hearty portions of wholesome pasta dishes, Cicchetti Snacks, and desserts inspired by the culinary soul of Italy.
- Location: Bryanston
- Type of Cuisine: Italian
- Menu Spotlight: Sticky Lamb Riblets
- Before You Go: Gemelli Cucina Bar was the 2022 winner of the Luxe Global Award.
Vuyos
Miles Kubheka opened Vuyos in Soweto, Johannesburg, with the love of empowering young entrepreneurs in mind. Vuyos serves modern African cuisine and is located on Vilakazi Street, one of the most historic streets in the world and the only street in the world home to two Nobel Prize winners. The cuisine at Vuyos has been carefully crafted with guests in mind. The owner saw an open market for this type of restaurant and has served the Soweto community ever since.
- Location: Rosebank
- Type of Cuisine: Modern African
- Menu Spotlight: Vuyos Beef Potjie
- Before You Go: Vuyos began as a mobile vending unit business serving the Johannesburg community.
Artivist
Artivist is known among locals as a pan-African space for art, music, food, and people. Bradley Williams and Kenny Nzama opened the space in Braamfontein, Johannesburg, as a means for Black creatives to fellowship with each other. The food served is both pan-African and Mediterranean and is ethically sourced with conscious ingredients. The decor is fantastic, and it is a spot for those who love aesthetics and picture-perfect moments. They serve breakfast, lunch, dinner, coffee beverages, and more.
- Location: Braamfontein
- Type of Cuisine: African & Mediterranean
- Menu Spotlight:
- Before You Go: Looking for music and good drinks? Artivist also has a fully stocked bar that is great for meeting friends for cocktails.
Queen Sheba Ethiopian Restaurant
This Ethiopian restaurant caters to vegetarians, vegans, and meat lovers. The food is made with spices imported from Ethiopia, and the restaurant prides itself on only using locally sourced, naturally grown ingredients. They offer special combination platters for vegetarians and vegans, all at great prices. Online reviews suggest bringing friends or family along with you to Queen Sheba’s for community dining. There’s a little bit of everything at this unique cultural hub for Ethiopian delicacies.
- Location: Dawn Heights
- Type of Cuisine: Ethiopian
- Menu Spotlight: Shiro Wat
- Before You Go: Travelers online rave about the specialty coffees at Queen Sheba’s. So grab a cup after you finish your meal.
Sakhumzi Restaurant
Sakhumzi is located in Soweto and has an abundance of authentic Soweto food. What began with a group of friends has now transformed into a booming restaurant business with a welcoming atmosphere and lively local music. Travelers should try their traditional buffet, where you can choose from an array of South African dishes. The restaurant opened in 2001 and has continued its legacy of food, fun, and community over the last two decades.
- Location: Soweto
- Type of Cuisine: African
- Menu Spotlight: Soweto Steak
- Before You Go: The buffet at Sakhumzi is all you can eat all day long for two hours after arriving at the restaurant.
Pata Pata
A celebration of African cuisine, Pata Pata is a must-visit in Johannesburg. Conveniently located downtown, the restaurant celebrates African food, culture, and hospitality. Online reviews describe it as “sensational and delightful,” making the restaurant a real treat when in town. The chefs put their modern twist on African cuisine with a menu full of seafood, grilled meats, and more. No one does African food better downtown than Pata Pata.
- Location: Downtown Johannesburg
- Type of Cuisine: African
- Menu Spotlight: Salmon Teriyaki
- Before You Go: Travelers can also catch live music performances on select days at Pata Pata.
The Prawnery
For exquisite seafood in Johannesburg, head over to Rosebank to The Prawnery. Seafood is the main course at this restaurant that prides itself on food quality and bold ingredients. The restaurant has limited red meat and chicken options, so this is definitely the place to go if you’re looking for a seafood-forward experience. A South African restaurant with a sophisticated edge and original flair, The Prawnery is the king of seafood in Johannesburg.
- Location: Keyes Art Mile
- Type of Cuisine: Seafood
- Menu Spotlight: XO Giant Tiger Prawns
- Before You Go: Guest can make reservations for the Prawnery by visiting their website.
Wine Night Stand Bar
Drinks are for everyone when you venture into Wine Night Stand Bar. Located in Jeppestown, the Black-owned bar is exactly where you need to go to indulge in one of South Africa’s best wine collections. The establishment hosts a variety of events for tourists and locals while being a beacon of community in Johannesburg. They even have special speed dating soirees for singles in the city.
- Location: Jeppestown
- Type of Cuisine: Wine Bar
- Menu Spotlight: Extensive Wine Collection
- Before You Go: Stay tuned to the Wine Night Stand Bar’s social media pages for updates on events happening at the bar.
Disoufeng Pub And Restaurant
Disoufeng Pub and Restaurant has breakfast, lunch, and dinner ready to go for travelers visiting Johannesburg. They honestly have it all, with group dancing, family-size meals, and incredible cocktails. For even more entertainment, travelers can check out their live DJ battles, showcasing some of the hottest turntable warriors in South Africa. Disoufeng Pub and Restaurant is a real treat and definitely worth the visit while in town.
- Location: Soweto
- Type of Cuisine: African
- Menu Spotlight: Farmhouse Breakfast Platter
- Before You Go: Disoufeng Pub and Restaurant is another excellent spot to check out live music from local artists when visiting Johannesburg.
Next time you’re in Johannesburg, check out these Black-owned restaurants for a taste of culinary goodness. No matter what neighborhood you’re visiting, there’s a Black-owned restaurant in Johannesburg ready to feed your bellies and stir your soul.
