I didn’t know I enjoyed brunch until I sampled some of the best breakfast spots in Johannesburg. Ever since, I’ve been hooked, and I believe you, too, need to join the action.
Here’s the truth: I hate getting up early unless I have to work. Therefore, I’m not a breakfast person. I’ll skip that and enjoy my lunch. But two weeks ago, an experience shifted my perception of morning food.
We’d spent an awesome Friday night at a popular Jo’burg night spot and left in the morning as you’d expect. I was a little bit under the weather, and one of my friends suggested checking out one of the best breakfast spots in Johannesburg. The company was great, and I couldn’t help but tag along.
Now, here’s where my entire life took a turn: I immediately morphed into a brunch person. Since I’ve been checking out some recommended spots, I decided to share my experiences with my readers. These are the best breakfast spots in Johannesburg.
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Salvation Cafe
Nothing prepares you for a turnaround in your life – for me, the restaurant that turned me into a breakfast person was Salvation Cafe in Johannesburg. I’m a sucker for great vibes and a good atmosphere. For some reason, it helps food taste better (maybe it’s just me).
Salvation Cafe has everything you’d like for breakfast—from gourmet sandwiches and juices to simple global and intercontinental mains. I’m from Nairobi, and the popular, value–for–money dish is the English Breakfast. Well, Salvation Cafe showed me there’s much more to an awesome breakfast than a full stomach and a little change left in your pocket.
For starters, the Salvation Cafe is in an amazing location. Having breakfast in the sun with the backdrop of a beautiful environment just hits right on a Saturday morning. The service is top-notch—you don’t want to wait too long for breakfast, and it would be terrible to have burnt toast. For that, I give the staff at this breakfast restaurant 10/10 for service. They are prompt, smart, and friendly.
What to eat for breakfast at Salvation Cafe: You can order Pancakes, scrambled eggs, sandwiches, coffee and chocolate, juices, fruit slices, brownies, cheesecake, pork belly, gluten-free options, and even lactose-intolerant options.
Operating Hours: Every day, 8:00 am – 4:00 pm. (Kitchen closes at 3;30 pm).
Location: 44 Stanley Ave, Milpark, Johannesburg, 2092, South Africa.
Contact: (+27) 11 482 7795; Email: eat@salvationcafe.co.za.
Glenda’s
Everyone needs a neighborhood restaurant—for those days, you are too lazy to whip something up in your kitchen. Glenda’s is one of those neighborhood restaurants you want to check out. It’s an all-day menu spot that also prepares lunch and dinner, but its highlight is what it prepares in the morning.
Here’s the thing. You’ll love Glenda’s for its vibe, decor, and atmosphere. You want to turn this neighborhood cafe into a hangout place with your friends. Trust me, you’ll make a ton of great memories here! It’s one of those fancy places that are way too comfortable; you’ll find yourself spending the entire day there – and come to think of it, it’s probably what the management hopes happen.
You’ll enjoy breakfast, lunch, and even dinner. Glenda’s offers many classic cocktails and a list of local wines if you love a little drink to wash down your food.
What you can eat for breakfast at Glenda’s: Coffee, Chocolate, Queen Scones, Cakes, Juices, Fruit Slices, Toast Bread, Eggs, Cheese, Ham, Sausages, and, best of all, the best Croque Monsieur I’ve enjoyed in a while.
Operating Hours: Tuesday – Saturday, 7:00 am – 10:00 pm: Sunday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm; Monday, 7:00 am – 5:00 pm.
Location: Hyde Square Shopping Centre. 285 Jan Smuts Ave Corner Jan Smuts Avenue, North Rd, Hyde Park, Sandton, 2196, South Africa.
Contact: (+27) 11 268 6369; Email:info@dottyglenda.co.za.
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Arbour Cafe & Courtyard
If you want to see the urban scene in Johannesburg, you should try out Arbour Cafe & Courtyard. This is where the trendy Jozi crowd hangs out, and its vibe makes it one of the best breakfast spots in Johannesburg.
A small disclaimer, though – this isn’t the kind of cafe you drop by if you are introverted. You’ll enjoy it more if you visit at least three or four friends in a group.
The atmosphere here is very welcoming. It’s certainly a hidden gem, offering a perfect backdrop for a breakfast spot. I hope it remains that way.
Arbour Cafe & Courtyard admits they use all fresh ingredients—and it’s easy to believe them. The food is a delight, and the flavors blend well with the environment. Once you visit this restaurant, you will be guaranteed a new breakfast standard.
What you can eat at Arbour Cafe & Courtyard: I recommend you try the Eggs benedict, but you can also sample their bottomless mimosa, vegan options, butternut and feta pie, Chocolate brownies, Mini Prego Rolls, bruschetta, gluten-free options, creamy wild mushrooms, cherry sauce, local craft beers and ciders, and more.
Operating Hours: Tuesday – Saturday, 7:00 am – 4:00 pm, Saunday, 7:30 am – 3:00 pm; Monday, 7:00 am – 4:00 pm.
Location: Shop 6 Wrenrose Court, 64 St Andrew St, Birdhaven, Johannesburg, 2196, South Africa.
Contact: (+27) 10 735 2007; Email: info@arbourcafe.co.za.
Mikes Heritage House
Here’s a secret most foodies don’t know. If you want to enjoy your time at a restaurant or entertainment spot, visit an establishment that has been there for years. That’s exactly what Mikes Heritage House is – it’s been around since 1892, serving delightful breakfast to Parktown locals.
If you love to work, eat, and get sunkissed by Jozi’s morning sunlight, Mikes Heritage House is just the perfect breakfast joint. You’ll love the Victorian architecture and the ambiance of the property. The food here is A1, and if you are a burger buff like I am, you’ll enjoy every inch of their humongous, cheesy delights.
Sincerely speaking, it’s a chance to find a restaurant with more than perfect service. I say this with a lot of conviction because I enjoyed my time and the food here so much that I did not notice the time pass. It was simply spectacular how fast the wait time was and how naturally charming our server (Aphelele) was—not to mention the host cat, Tabby.
What you can eat at Mikes Heritage House: Here’s my recommendation—try out their burgers. You can also sample their milkshakes, cheesecake (complimentary), steak, vegan options, Sandwiches, Toast, Eggs, Fruits, and Salads. My friend had the mushroom, veggies, and spicey tofu toastie, and we couldn’t hear enough about how good the food was.
Operating Hours: Monday through Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.; Sunday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Location: 15 St Andrews Rd, Parktown, Johannesburg, 2193, South Africa.
Contact: (+27) 11 484 2688; Email: info@mikesheritagehouse.co.za.
Nice on 4th
Nice on 4th is definitely one of those places you need to visit while in Jo’burg. It is also considered one of the best breakfast spots in Johannesburg, earning a spot in this list. And I’d like to warn you—if you plan on visiting this breakfast eatery, keep in mind that it won’t be your last time. The food and experience will have you coming back for more.
I got the chance to check out Nice on the 4th for a friend of a friend’s birthday. I’ll be honest: I gate-crushed the event after getting word from a colleague (I’m glad I did). For that reason, this will be a place I’ll bring people I value.
Here’s Nice on 4th’s winning combo: a cozy atmosphere, top-of-the-class service, and great food. I cannot emphasize enough that the food and decor make this eatery such an awesome place. Best of all, the pricing is quite reasonable for a fancy Jo’burg restaurant.
What you can eat at Nice on 4th: Coffee, Chocolate, Pancakes, Benedict, Cookies (Ginger cookie was wholesome), Vegan Salad, Egg Basket and Crumplets, Bacon Penne, Chocolate Brownies, Strawberry Roulade, and much more.
Operating Hours: Every Day, 7:30 am – 4:00 pm.
Location: 37 4th Ave, Parkhurst, Sandton, 2193, South Africa.
Contact: (+27) 11 788 6286; Email: nice@niceon4th.co.za.