Looking for a restaurant and bar all rolled into one? Try these Joburg hot spots.
Sometimes you don’t just want to sit down at your restaurant. Sometimes you want to ease into the evening with a refreshing cocktail – or enjoy a nightcap after you’ve feasted. Here are our picks of Joburg restaurants with adjoining bars that are worth mentioning in their own right.
The Landmark
Adjoining Cafe Del Sol Botanico in Bryanston, The Landmark is a slice of Manhattan in the middle of suburban Joburg, with decor inspired by city landmarks. Low lighting and dark furniture create a sophisticated ambience in which to enjoy the extensive wine list, focused beer selection, and fresh, original cocktails that are undoubtedly the star of the show. For the best overall experience, start off with drinks at The Landmark before moving on to modern Italian food with a twist next door.
Katzy’s
Truth be told, Katzy’s is probably better known as a bar than a restaurant, with over 100 whiskeys on offer along with a substantial wine and cocktail list – not to mention live music acts five nights a week. But what makes it a serious restaurant contender is that it serves food from neighbouring The Grillhouse, one of Joburg’s most loved high-end steakhouses. Think melt-in-your mouth fillet, rump and T-bone steaks served with rich sauces including pepper, cheese and mushroom, along with comfort sides like onion rings, creamed spinach and crispy, oversized baked potatoes.
Hudsons
Everyone knows craft beer and burgers are a match made in heaven, which thankfully Hudsons realises too. The large bar area of this burger joint takes centre stage inside, serving a range of artisan favourites like Jack Black, Eleven Shillings, CBC, Devil’s Peak, Darling and even their own Hudsons Pale Ale draught. Cocktails are just as good here, with everything from Bloody Marys and frozen margaritas to “showgirl” martinis and Pimm’s Cups.
Foundry
As a true gastropub, it’s hard to say whether The Foundry is a bar first and a restaurant second, or the other way around. You’re best off sampling both – in the large inside/outside restaurant and then in the interleading craftbar with its industrial wood and facebrick decor. The bar showcases a huge selection of craft beers, including some on tap that you’d struggle to find elsewhere in Jozi, like Franky Four Fingers Pale Lager from Boston Breweries. If you’re not a beer fan, you’ll also find a great selection of ciders, whiskey and wine to keep you just as happy.
See for yourself:
The Landmark 011 463 5081 thelandmark.co.za
Katzy’s 011 880 3945 katzys.co.za
Hudson’s 011 268 0713 theburgerjoint.co.za
Foundry 011 447 5828 foundrycafe.co.za
This article originally appeared in Neighbourhood, Sunday Times.