As the first whispers of winter begin to creep up on us and the days grow deliciously shorter, there’s a fleeting window to indulge in South Africa’s most vibrant culinary experiences before we retreat into our cozy homes to hibernate. Whether it’s wood-fired artistry that’s found a home at a boutique hotel, a whimsical olive green and pink tea room, an eatery that elevates even the most basic of staples, or coastal dining with heart, these four restaurants promise warmth, flavour and unforgettable memories. So, grab your coat – but leave room for dessert – because these best foodie spots for May 2025 are calling your name.
EL&N London, Menlyn Maine
Step into a whimsical wonderland that might just as well have come out of the movie, Wicked, at the newly opened EL&N London Menlyn Maine. With its pink and green hues, this international franchise invites almost more selfies in its curated corners than cakes on its cake stands. If influencers posing in front of the bar or underneath the beautiful purple blossoms in the middle of the eatery are not your vibe, pick a table outside. While still just as magical, you won’t have to dodge the lens or unknowingly photobomb someone’s carefully positioned picture.
In all honesty, this restaurant is probably the biggest trend in Pretoria at the moment, mainly because of its aesthetics. So, if you’ve got some budget, by all means, go. We had a family brunch there recently, and while the menu items aren’t cheap, it’s something different to the norm and definitely worth a try if you’re a foodie after something other than the usual English Breakfast. My toasted croissant with egg, avo and truffle oil looked beautiful on the plate, as did the Eggs Benedict, which Wikus paired with some salmon. The kids opted for avo on sourdough, which was nothing special, but still good. All in all, if you’re a diner who digs all things pretty, this should undoubtedly be your next stop. If you’re a foodie who appreciates well-executed flavour combinations, perhaps give them another week or two to settle into the new space and then give them a go.
Dessert-wise, I have yet to try their cakes or pastries, but considering the overall look and feel of the restaurant, I’m pretty sure you’re in for a treat. The coffee – which comes in cute pink cups with inspirational writings on the rim – was great.
The Pot Luck Club at The Peech Hotel
Now located at The Peech Hotel, a boutique hotel in Melrose, Johannesburg, chef Luke Dale Roberts’ famous Pot Luck Club Johannesburg could not have asked for a better location to treat its guests to its globally-inspired small plates. The restaurant reopened its doors at this stunning venue earlier this year and with its new location comes a whole new experience. While they have stunning outdoor seating, the chill of the season might lure you indoors, where you can grab a table underneath the most impressive origami ceiling instillation.
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Following a soft refurb of the former Basalt space, the new Pot Luck Club at The Peech Hotel blends cozy elegance with edgy industrial and modern design.
Expect a culinary adventure of note with dishes that have all been meticulously planned and prepared. While the menu is seasonal, keep an eye out for the Pot Luck Club Fish Sliders; Peri Peri Chicken; Chickpea, Goats Cheese and Parmesan Fries served with Truffle Ailoi and Smoked Ketchup; as well as their famous Hertzoggie.
Seebamboes
If you haven’t been yet, Seebamboes is currently my number one recommendation for anyone who’s looking for one of the best restaurants in Cape Town. Located on the mezzanine level of another favourite restaurant of mine, Galjoen, this 16-seater restaurant speaks volumes when it comes to the passion its founders have for both ocean and land. Lucky for you, I’ve got a lovely little podcast to listen to, with all the deets about it. Well, most of it. What I wasn’t able to tell you then, was what the menu entailed as I did the interview before I got to experience the actual food and what I can tell you now, is that it’s so worth it!
Adding to the uniqueness of the Mother City’s Harrington Street, Seebamboes, Cape Town brings an elevated experience of Surf and Turf to its guests, taking them on a nostalgic journey that have even brought some diners to tears! With their take on korrelkonfyt on brown bread crackers and the most unique expression of fish and chips I’ve ever tasted, this is where you want to be if you’d like to let your tastebuds soar.
Lucky Bread Company
While not new to the City of Jacarandas, the latest location of Lucky Bread Company at Castle Gate Lifestyle – a newly developed lifestyle centre that seems to be giving The Village in Hazelwood a go – is probably one of the best restaurants in Pretoria.
Lucky Bread Company is one of the trendiest restaurants to eat this autumn and it adds to the shopping destination’s charm, with freshly baked breads and delicious pastries available all day long. In fact, it’s perhaps one of the best eateries in town that will ease you into winter, bringing comfort with perfectly crusted sourdoughs and beautiful, buttery croissants. Here, you’ll taste autumn in every bite and appreciate the coziness of winter every time you get to take a loaf – baked with love – home with you. During our visit, the space was packed for brunch, with decadent croissants, the most impressive sourdough pizzas and elegant frozen lichi and Rooibos drinks being served left, right and centre. It’s a brunch spot to add to your bucket list, for sure!
Of course, pairing their menu offerings with a black Americano has become one of my guilty pleasures. I also blame them for my new-found family tradition of buying a croissant for the kids to share whenever we get a whiff of a bakery nearby. So, even though they’re not new on the culinary scene, Lucky Bread Company Castle Gate (or any of their other locations, for that matter) is definitely one of the must-visit restaurants in South Africa.
Before winter truly takes hold and we all start cocooning with stews and slippers, make time to dine out, soak up the last of the golden light and savour something new at one of these restaurants.
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