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 Africa, or plant-based food, Johannesburg has it all.
In the midst of all the choices of restaurants, there are quite a bit of black-owned restaurants worth trying.
Here are 10 black-owned restaurants in Johannesburg:
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 in the restaurant industry and grew up in Roma, Italy.
Gemelli serves up hearty portions of wholesome pasta dishes.
Pantry
This all-day breakfast spot is also owned by Khojane (Gemelli). IT is located next door to Gemelli but offers a totally different vibe. The decor is minimal and the dishes are the ultimate brunch indulgence.
Pantry has a great selection of high-end teas and coffee as well as freshly squeezed juices. If you’re looking for a healthy option, try the quinoa breakfast bowl: quinoa, seeds, kale, avocado, a poached egg, and tahini.
Epicure
Owned by chef Coco Reharhz, this Morningside restaurant serves African cuisine with French flair. The decor is exquisite and classic.
Start off with the Accra Love Bites: plantain gnocchi with peanut sauce and bissap (hibiscus) caviar. For the main dish, try the Perfect Pepe: West African-style goat meat in pepe-spiced broth on a bed of plantain fufu.
Vuyos
Miles Kubheka opened Vuyos in Soweto, Johannesburg with the love for 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 2 Nobel Prize winners.
Try the grilled half-chicken with potatoes and chakalaka.
Blaque Wine And Grillhouse
Sizo Henna is the head chef and founder of Blaque Wine and Grillhouse located in Rosebank, Johannesburg. The mission of the restaurant is to “serve delicious food that guests will want to return to week after week.”
The menu features sarmies, loaded salads, lots of meats and hearty stews. The Potjie Oxtail is delicious and served with veggies in a pot.
Asanka
Find a taste of West Africa while in Johannesburg by dining at Asanka in Rivonia Junction. The food at this restaurant has influences from Ghana, Nigeria, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Togo, Cameroon, Benin and more.
The restaurant’s mission is to “fuse the aromatic flavors the African continent has to offer, with familiar western and cosmopolitan delicacies, resulting in inspired, exceptional gourmet foods.”
Artivist
Artivist is known amongst 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 here is both pan-African and Mediterranean and is ethically sourced with conscious food/ingredients. The decor is absolutely amazing and aspot for those who love aesthetic.s
Queen Sheba
This Ethiopian restaurant caters to vegetarians, vegans, and meat lovers. The food is all made with spices imported from Ethiopia and prides itself on only using locally sourced, naturally grown ingredients. They offer special combination platters for vegetarians and vegans, all with great prices.
Zio La Famiglia
Zio is another Italian restaurant owned by Khojo (Gemelli and Pantry) located in Hyde Park. This restaurant differs from Gemelli because it is more quiet and quaint.
Although the restaurant serves hearty Italian dishes, there is a twist to cater to the tastebuds of South Africans.
Zio also has amazing coffee and dessert options — especially their Nutella Cheesecake!
Sakhumzi Restaurant
Sakhumzi is located in Soweto and serves up authentic Soweto food. What began with a group of friends has now transformed into a booming restaurant with a welcoming atmosphere and lively local music.
Try their traditional buffet where you can choose from an array of South African dishes.