Jo’burg is an awesome city for foodies, and nothing beats enjoying your favorite meal in one of the best restaurants with a view of Johannesburg. Let’s be honest. Who wants to pay for good food holed up inside a four-sided box? If it’s indoors, it better have an awesome view outside. If it’s outdoors, then it better have a beautiful garden.
I love destinations, and some of my favorite places to meet people are fancy restaurants—think awesome displays and decor, plants, great views outside (city skylines), or a natural or colorful garden outside.
Johannesburg has many amazing restaurants with a view. Over the last three months, I’ve been meeting a few friends and acquaintances in some of the best restaurants in the city—and as you’d expect, I decided to share my experience with my loyal readership.
The following are the best restaurants in Johannesburg with a view.
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Marble Restaurant
For some reason, the stars aligned perfectly, and I got to visit Marble Restaurant in the evening and experience the sunset from this amazing restaurant. It is a magical experience that I would recommend, and there is a reason why this restaurant is considered one of the best restaurants with a view in Johannesburg.
Marble Restaurant is a premier rooftop restaurant that features some of the best upmarket menus in South Africa and a generous array of desserts, drinks, and intercontinental food.
During sundowner, the view at Marble Restaurant is breathtakingly magical. It reminded me of my visit to the Great Rift Valley in Kenya. Watching the golden brown sun duck at dusk is something everyone needs to experience. Having that moment with some sound, amazing ambiance, and perfect company makes it one of those memories that you will never forget.
I was here for a friend’s birthday. The Marble Restaurant is classy, where you want to go to impress. The food is out of this world. We had great starters. I ordered Prawn, Avo Rits sides, and Octopus, and I admit, the chef was top of his game. I watered that down with Churros (ice cream sandwiches) for dessert.
Operating Hours: 12:00 pm to 10:00 pm Every day.
Location: Trumpet on Keyes Corner, 19 Keyes and Jellicoe Ave, Rosebank, Johannesburg, 2196, South Africa.
Contact: (+27) 10 594 5550; Email: info@marble.restaurant.
Blind Tiger Café
I’m a curious individual, and when an acquaintance recommended Blind Tiger Café, I was immediately hooked. I initially thought it was a Pan Asian restaurant, but later realized it was a neighborhood cafe and bar that serves some of the best California-inspired cuisine—and some good cocktails and wine.
Here’s the thing—if you are looking for an awesome spot to get away from the chaos of Johannesburg city, the Blind Tiger Café is the go-to place.
I immediately fell in love with the maroon hue decor, the warm lighting, and just how sophisticated the restaurant felt. There’s an outside seating area for claustrophobic people like myself and many wines to choose from. On specific days, you’ll find wine and chocolate-tasting events, something you’d enjoy partaking in.
Perhaps the backyard garden is the most interesting space in this restaurant that earns it a spot on this list. It’s a tiny little nature haven with flowers and small herb trees. At night, it glows magically with fairy lights and makes the perfect location for a dreamy date.
PS: Blind Tiger Café can be slightly rowdy, especially on game nights (Rugby Nights). It’s not the type of restaurant to look glam with a dinner dress. You’d enjoy it more with jeans and boots. Ensure you order their favorite double beef burger and a full jug of their best beer. If you ride a motorcycle – you just found a club.
Operating Hours: Tuesdays – Fridays from noon, Weekends from 11:00 am (Closed on Mondays).
Location: 62 Tyrone Ave, Parkview, Randburg, 2122, South Africa.
Contact: (+27) 76 030 4200; Email: info@blindtiger.co.za.
The Rooftop Restaurant
Nothing beats a soulful meal on a rooftop. There’s something magical about enjoying amazing food while looking over the skyline of an amazing city such as Johannesburg. I was in awe when I first reserved at The Rooftop Restaurant in Johannesburg, and if I get another chance, I’ll definitely come back to enjoy this awesome experience.
Here’s the thing. You mix a rooftop with a garden, and you get yourself some of the most bespoke restaurants anywhere on the globe – that’s what The Rooftop Restaurant is.
Birthday parties, corporate events, romantic dates, or just a casual meet—you’ll love your time out here. I didn’t come here for a full meal; it was just a casual meet, so I had some of their amazing desserts and some crispy breads.
The Rooftop Restaurant has some of the best services to accompany the view. I recommend coming here for their buffet specials. On the day I visited, most visitors came for the buffet, and they seemed to love it. It’s mostly popular with the corporate crowd in Johannesburg.
Operating Hours: Every day, 8:00 am – 10:00 pm.
Location: 2nd Floor, 99 Oxford Rd, Johannesburg, 2132, South Africa.
Contact: (+27) 73 002 8908; Email: bornwell@rooftopcafe.co.za.
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The Higher Ground Restaurant
The Higher Ground Restaurant is undoubtedly one of the best restaurants with a view in Johannesburg. This eatery is set in expansive landscaped grounds reminiscent of a Victorian college, with huge panoramic views of Johannesburg.
You’ll love their stunning outdoor deck, which has captivating views of Sandton. Once you check out their menu, you’ll be spoilt for choice. I was especially impressed with the service at this Mediterranean restaurant—the staff is very smartly dressed, prompt, and charming.
The Higher Ground Restaurant offers all meals, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It is a very fancy location, and you’ll immediately notice how everything is displayed. It has a selection of à la carte menus and daily specials, so it would be advisable to make a reservation first.
The Higher Ground Restaurant is perfect for corporate events and private parties. I was there for a friend’s child’s party who was traveling overseas for further education. Thanks to the staff, the entire event was a success. I’ll definitely come here again to enjoy the food and good views.
Operating Hours: Every day, 6:30 am to 9:30 pm.
Location: 40 Peter Place, Lyme Park, Sandton, 2060, South Africa.
Contact: (+27) 11 024 3433; Email: events.higherground@gmail.com.
Flames
Flames is definitely one of the best restaurants with a view in Johannesburg. Get this from me—you should visit this place for the sundowners first, then the food. They go hand in hand. You’ll witness one of the best modern views over a skyline anywhere—the African sun setting in the backdrop of a city is very magical.
The food at Flames is to die for—there are a ton of drinks to sip, and you enjoy the sundowner, regional favorites, diverse fish (sea bass), and perhaps some of the best-grilled burgers in Jozi (I can vouch for this).
The only thing you need to do before visiting is make a reservation. Flames restaurant is a reservation-only restaurant, and it’s understandable. You can’t get that kind of view elsewhere in the world. There’s a magical fireplace outside when it gets chilly in the evening.
I recommend Flames for a romantic dinner. Get there in time for sunset and order some good food. I had soup for the starter, steak for the main, and chocolate cake for dessert. My experience at Flames was one in a million, and I’ll forever praise the servers and kitchen staff—they love what they do.
Operating Hours: Monday – Saturday, 6:30 am – 10:30 am, and 12:00 pm – 9:00 pm; Sunday, 6:30 am – 10:30 am, 11:30 am – 9:00 pm.
Location: 67 Jan Smuts Ave, Westcliff, Randburg, 2132, South Africa.
Contact: (+27) 11 481 6000.