Guidebook for Johannesburg

Marthinus
Guidebook for Johannesburg

Food Scene

Good restaurants and cafés come and go, and Melville seems to be going through quite a renaissance of new spots at the moment. We can't possibly include all of them, but here are a few of our favourites, as well as some other gems in surrounding areas.
Best thin-base pizza in Jozi - if not South Africa.
21 lokalaca preporučuje
Ant Cafe
21 lokalaca preporučuje
Best thin-base pizza in Jozi - if not South Africa.
Trendy Mexican restaurant.
7 lokalaca preporučuje
La Santa Muerte
7th Street
7 lokalaca preporučuje
Trendy Mexican restaurant.
Our local Italian spot with all the usual dishes. We usually have fantastic meals there, but a recent guest was disappointed with the seafood, though. Best to stick to the pizza/pasta/antipasta, then.
23 lokalaca preporučuje
Cafe Picobella Trattoria
66 4th Ave
23 lokalaca preporučuje
Our local Italian spot with all the usual dishes. We usually have fantastic meals there, but a recent guest was disappointed with the seafood, though. Best to stick to the pizza/pasta/antipasta, then.
We love 27 Boxes and with The Countess being the only proper, fully licenced restaurant there, it's a nice way to experience the best of both worlds. Great food and service too.
13 lokalaca preporučuje
The Countess
4th Avenue
13 lokalaca preporučuje
We love 27 Boxes and with The Countess being the only proper, fully licenced restaurant there, it's a nice way to experience the best of both worlds. Great food and service too.
Amazing food truck cuisine, beers and wines. Try the paella stand - it's our favourite!
161 lokalaca preporučuje
Neighbourgoods Market
73 Juta St
161 lokalaca preporučuje
Amazing food truck cuisine, beers and wines. Try the paella stand - it's our favourite!
Light and airy coffee shop, with the most delicious lunch buffet with a wide selection of fresh salads and quiches. Breakfasts are good too, and they have a good wine list.
34 lokalaca preporučuje
Service Station
24 9th St
34 lokalaca preporučuje
Light and airy coffee shop, with the most delicious lunch buffet with a wide selection of fresh salads and quiches. Breakfasts are good too, and they have a good wine list.
One of the top restaurants in Johannesburg. It's expensive, but definitely recommended for special occasions.
65 lokalaca preporučuje
Marble Restaurant
Jellicoe Avenue
65 lokalaca preporučuje
One of the top restaurants in Johannesburg. It's expensive, but definitely recommended for special occasions.
Relatively new, upmarket restaurant in Parktown-North with a very nice menu and vibe - a nice variety of nibbles, bruschetta, ceviches, fried street food, skillets, soul bowls, live-fire barbequed dishes, kebabs and paellas – it’s a culinary journey that stretches from Japan to Mexico, from Italy to Argentina (as accurately described by EatOut).
24 lokalaca preporučuje
La Boqueria
17 3rd Ave
24 lokalaca preporučuje
Relatively new, upmarket restaurant in Parktown-North with a very nice menu and vibe - a nice variety of nibbles, bruschetta, ceviches, fried street food, skillets, soul bowls, live-fire barbequed dishes, kebabs and paellas – it’s a culinary journey that stretches from Japan to Mexico, from Italy to Argentina (as accurately described by EatOut).
A legendary, local hangout with a delicious selection of Portuguese meals. Not at all touristy and a good opportunity to hang out with some locals.
13 lokalaca preporučuje
Troyeville Hotel
1403 Albertina Sisulu Rd
13 lokalaca preporučuje
A legendary, local hangout with a delicious selection of Portuguese meals. Not at all touristy and a good opportunity to hang out with some locals.
If you want to stay in and enjoy food from some of the best eateries and restaurants in our vicinity, download the UberEats app. Excellent, user-friendly food delivery service.
UBER EATS DELIVERY
578 Plummer St
If you want to stay in and enjoy food from some of the best eateries and restaurants in our vicinity, download the UberEats app. Excellent, user-friendly food delivery service.
We love this Asian eatery, which is just around the block from our home, right next to Perron and across Picobella - another two of our local favourites. Try the steamed fish or some of the smaller, tapas styled meals. It's yum.
Love Me So
63 4th Ave
We love this Asian eatery, which is just around the block from our home, right next to Perron and across Picobella - another two of our local favourites. Try the steamed fish or some of the smaller, tapas styled meals. It's yum.
The brainchild of the owners of Hells Kitchen and La Santa Muerte, The Lonely Hearts Club is another one of their success stories. Great tapas-styled meals, and very reasonably priced.
8 lokalaca preporučuje
Lonely Hearts Club
9 7th St
8 lokalaca preporučuje
The brainchild of the owners of Hells Kitchen and La Santa Muerte, The Lonely Hearts Club is another one of their success stories. Great tapas-styled meals, and very reasonably priced.
A new addition to our neighbourhood. Great spot for people-watching and a variety of smoothies, teas, drinks and meals for breakfast, lunch or dinner. They share a lovely courtyard with the neighbouring cafes.
15 lokalaca preporučuje
Spilt Milk
1 7th St
15 lokalaca preporučuje
A new addition to our neighbourhood. Great spot for people-watching and a variety of smoothies, teas, drinks and meals for breakfast, lunch or dinner. They share a lovely courtyard with the neighbouring cafes.
A restaurant specialising in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean foods. Absolutely delicious. Brunch, lunch, dinner, sharing the charming courtyard with their neighbouring eateries.
12 lokalaca preporučuje
Ba-Pita
70 Grant Avenue
12 lokalaca preporučuje
A restaurant specialising in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean foods. Absolutely delicious. Brunch, lunch, dinner, sharing the charming courtyard with their neighbouring eateries.
This one is a must for the vegans, vegetarians, and health aficionados. A niche health store and cafe, with a variety of baked goods (low carb/gluten free etc) and a wholesome menu. Their coffee and breakfasts are particularly nice.
36 lokalaca preporučuje
Fresh Earth Food Store
103 Komatie St
36 lokalaca preporučuje
This one is a must for the vegans, vegetarians, and health aficionados. A niche health store and cafe, with a variety of baked goods (low carb/gluten free etc) and a wholesome menu. Their coffee and breakfasts are particularly nice.
Also tried and tested, with a nice variety of traditional, game, vegetarian and vegan meals.
26 lokalaca preporučuje
Lucky Bean Restaurant
16 7th St
26 lokalaca preporučuje
Also tried and tested, with a nice variety of traditional, game, vegetarian and vegan meals.
A nice, laid-back coffee shop with good wifi and light meals. Slightly seperate from the Melville strip so it tends to be quieter if you would like to be away from the buzz.
The Richmond
14 Menton Rd
A nice, laid-back coffee shop with good wifi and light meals. Slightly seperate from the Melville strip so it tends to be quieter if you would like to be away from the buzz.
Good for coffee, breakfasts and light meals and nice to combine with supermarket shopping at Rand Steam Mall.
Bootlegger Rand Steam
Napier Road
Good for coffee, breakfasts and light meals and nice to combine with supermarket shopping at Rand Steam Mall.
A welcome new addition to our restaurant strip - good coffee, breakfasts and light meals. Also licensed so you can choose from a good selection of wines. Their original shop is in Linden, but this one is better.
7 lokalaca preporučuje
The Whippet Melville
3rd Avenue
7 lokalaca preporučuje
A welcome new addition to our restaurant strip - good coffee, breakfasts and light meals. Also licensed so you can choose from a good selection of wines. Their original shop is in Linden, but this one is better.
Designer breakfasts in a very lively, trendy venue.
14 lokalaca preporučuje
Pablo Eggs-Go-Bar
2 7th St
14 lokalaca preporučuje
Designer breakfasts in a very lively, trendy venue.
Good spot for breakfasts and light lunches. Nice, breezy athmosphere on an iconic corner of Melville.
9 lokalaca preporučuje
Bread & Roses
7th Street
9 lokalaca preporučuje
Good spot for breakfasts and light lunches. Nice, breezy athmosphere on an iconic corner of Melville.

Drinks & Nightlife

Somewhat crummy, but a great spot for some beers and Mozambican-styled food to go along with it.
16 lokalaca preporučuje
Xai Xai
7th Street
16 lokalaca preporučuje
Somewhat crummy, but a great spot for some beers and Mozambican-styled food to go along with it.
Gay-friendly, nice music, nice crowd, perfect place to round off a night out in Melville if you're the party-type.
15 lokalaca preporučuje
Ratz Bar Melville
9 7th St
15 lokalaca preporučuje
Gay-friendly, nice music, nice crowd, perfect place to round off a night out in Melville if you're the party-type.
If you're young or young at heart and the kind of person who's into two cocktails for the price of one, this will be your spot. Haven't been there in ages though :)
14 lokalaca preporučuje
Six Cocktail Bar
90 3rd Ave
14 lokalaca preporučuje
If you're young or young at heart and the kind of person who's into two cocktails for the price of one, this will be your spot. Haven't been there in ages though :)
Nice alternative edge, good craft beers, okay food. Cool spot for after work or end-of-the-day drinks.
40 lokalaca preporučuje
Hell's Kitchen
4 7th St
40 lokalaca preporučuje
Nice alternative edge, good craft beers, okay food. Cool spot for after work or end-of-the-day drinks.
Known as one of the oldest - if not THE oldest - pubs in Johannesburg. Situated in a somewhat challenging area but more than worth visiting, with very nice live performances by local musicians. They also have a great Portuguese menu.
22 lokalaca preporučuje
The Radium Beerhall
282 Louis Botha Ave
22 lokalaca preporučuje
Known as one of the oldest - if not THE oldest - pubs in Johannesburg. Situated in a somewhat challenging area but more than worth visiting, with very nice live performances by local musicians. They also have a great Portuguese menu.

Parks & Nature

Nice spot for a stroll.
107 lokalaca preporučuje
Ботаничка башта у Јоханесбургу
Olifants Road
107 lokalaca preporučuje
Nice spot for a stroll.
The closest national park to see some of our wildlife in their natural habitat. There are some good day trips available if you're an early bird.
106 lokalaca preporučuje
Пиланесберг Национални парк
106 lokalaca preporučuje
The closest national park to see some of our wildlife in their natural habitat. There are some good day trips available if you're an early bird.

Essentials

The closest supermarket to our home. All the basics. Wouldn’t recommend it for fresh produce. Rather go to Rand Steam or Impala for this.
32 lokalaca preporučuje
Superspar - Melville
Main Road
32 lokalaca preporučuje
The closest supermarket to our home. All the basics. Wouldn’t recommend it for fresh produce. Rather go to Rand Steam or Impala for this.
Efficient medical practice. Ask for dr. Nazeera Kathrada if it's not an emergency - she's Marthinus' GP.
10 lokalaca preporučuje
Meldene Medical Centre
28 4th Ave
10 lokalaca preporučuje
Efficient medical practice. Ask for dr. Nazeera Kathrada if it's not an emergency - she's Marthinus' GP.
Best dentists in Johannesburg, although quite expensive.
De Necker Dentistry Melville
23 4th Ave
Best dentists in Johannesburg, although quite expensive.
Best place to go to with medical emergencies.
36 lokalaca preporučuje
Netcare Milpark Hospital
9 Guild Rd
36 lokalaca preporučuje
Best place to go to with medical emergencies.
The best place to do grocery shopping close to our home, with a choice of two supermarkets: Pick n Pay (mid-level) and Woolworths (more upmarket) to buy goods from. The centre also have a liquor store, and variety of chain-food restaurants. Please don't got to Campus Square - this is a safer alternative.
16 lokalaca preporučuje
Rand Steam Shopping Centre
Napier Road
16 lokalaca preporučuje
The best place to do grocery shopping close to our home, with a choice of two supermarkets: Pick n Pay (mid-level) and Woolworths (more upmarket) to buy goods from. The centre also have a liquor store, and variety of chain-food restaurants. Please don't got to Campus Square - this is a safer alternative.
Our dentist of choice.
Dr Michael H Gray
91 2nd Ave
Our dentist of choice.
If you’re addicted to cheese (like we are), this cheese deli is a must-visit. They have a wide variety and will find you whatever cheese you are looking for.
23 lokalaca preporučuje
Cheese Gourmet
71A 7th St
23 lokalaca preporučuje
If you’re addicted to cheese (like we are), this cheese deli is a must-visit. They have a wide variety and will find you whatever cheese you are looking for.

Shopping

An interesting, community-focused shopping development built out of shipping containers. A nice spot to buy some souvenirs, clothing and street food. And The Countess restaurant is a great place to eat.
55 lokalaca preporučuje
27Boxes
76a 4th Ave
55 lokalaca preporučuje
An interesting, community-focused shopping development built out of shipping containers. A nice spot to buy some souvenirs, clothing and street food. And The Countess restaurant is a great place to eat.
Pretty much anything you can get, with some nice restaurants, coffee shops, cinemas, book shops - any shopaholic's dream. It also has a nice African Rooftop Market on Sundays.
198 lokalaca preporučuje
Роузбанк Мол
15A Cradock Ave
198 lokalaca preporučuje
Pretty much anything you can get, with some nice restaurants, coffee shops, cinemas, book shops - any shopaholic's dream. It also has a nice African Rooftop Market on Sundays.
Upmarket shopping centre with a selection of eateries. And of course the iconic square with the somewhat unrealistic statue of Madiba.
184 lokalaca preporučuje
Nelson Mandela Square
130 Rivonia Road
184 lokalaca preporučuje
Upmarket shopping centre with a selection of eateries. And of course the iconic square with the somewhat unrealistic statue of Madiba.
Best fruit and veg store in Jozi, nice coffee shop, florist and butchery next door as well.
12 lokalaca preporučuje
Impala Fruiterers
177 Beyers Naude Drive
12 lokalaca preporučuje
Best fruit and veg store in Jozi, nice coffee shop, florist and butchery next door as well.

Arts & Culture

The best in local, progressive theatre productions, surrounded by some nice restaurants and shops in Newtown.
59 lokalaca preporučuje
The Market Theatre
56 Margaret Mcingana St
59 lokalaca preporučuje
The best in local, progressive theatre productions, surrounded by some nice restaurants and shops in Newtown.
The backbone of the South African judicial system, with an interesting history.
193 lokalaca preporučuje
Парк за људска права Конституција Хил
11 Kotze St
193 lokalaca preporučuje
The backbone of the South African judicial system, with an interesting history.
No need to explain why this is an important place to visit. Allocate at least three hours for this.
391 lokalaca preporučuje
Музеј Апартејда
391 lokalaca preporučuje
No need to explain why this is an important place to visit. Allocate at least three hours for this.
You'll also be able to catch a good show here. The pantomimes are particularly entertaining.
42 lokalaca preporučuje
Џоханесбуршки театар
163 Civic Blvd
42 lokalaca preporučuje
You'll also be able to catch a good show here. The pantomimes are particularly entertaining.
This one is for the history buffs! This large museum contains mostly military-related records, journals, weapons and photographs that depict South Africa’s participation in large-scale conflicts.
38 lokalaca preporučuje
Јужноафрички национални музеј војне историје
22 Erlswold Way
38 lokalaca preporučuje
This one is for the history buffs! This large museum contains mostly military-related records, journals, weapons and photographs that depict South Africa’s participation in large-scale conflicts.

Sightseeing

One of the best examples of urban rejuvenation in Johannesburg. Some nice hipster spots, as well as shops, galleries and bars. Also check out the independent movie theatre known as The Bioscope if you're a film fundi.
287 lokalaca preporučuje
Maboneng Precinct
Kruger Street
287 lokalaca preporučuje
One of the best examples of urban rejuvenation in Johannesburg. Some nice hipster spots, as well as shops, galleries and bars. Also check out the independent movie theatre known as The Bioscope if you're a film fundi.
One of the most iconic streets in South Africa, having been the street both Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu lived in. Lot's of authentic, South African spots to visit around Vilakazi Street as well. We've got a good contact for private tours through Soweto - please ask us if you're interested.
104 lokalaca preporučuje
Vilakazi Street
Vilakazi Street
104 lokalaca preporučuje
One of the most iconic streets in South Africa, having been the street both Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu lived in. Lot's of authentic, South African spots to visit around Vilakazi Street as well. We've got a good contact for private tours through Soweto - please ask us if you're interested.
Lots of coffee shops, galleries, bars and funky shops in this up-and-coming neighbourhood. You'll also be able to combine this with a walk over the iconic Nelson Mandela bridge.
24 lokalaca preporučuje
Braamfontein
24 lokalaca preporučuje
Lots of coffee shops, galleries, bars and funky shops in this up-and-coming neighbourhood. You'll also be able to combine this with a walk over the iconic Nelson Mandela bridge.