The 6 South African Restaurants You Have to Try

Over the past few years, the South African dining scene has been heating up, and there are authentic eateries dotted around the city and beyond. The cuisine is a vibrant one, with Dutch, French, Indian and Malaysian influences. So, next time you’re craving a sizzling South African braai (barbeque), or want to try chakalaka and bunny chow, make your way to these spots. Meat lovers, you’ll be in heaven!

Lucky Tsotsi Shebeen & Bar

In South Africa, a shebeen is a shantytown speakeasy, and Lucky Tsotsi’s has the playful, upbeat vibe down pat. The colourful canteen is decorated with African accents and murals, and the kitchen dishes up food made for sharing: think sliders, samoosas, ribs and a platter piled high with biltong, drywors, dried fruit and doodlenuts – crunchy, seasoned corn kernels. To keep the theme going, there are African beers and ciders on offer, as well as cocktails.

245 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst

Durban Dish

Durban Dish is a family-run restaurant that serves up South African-Indian fusion food. It’s a go-to for expats looking for a taste of home, as well as those looking to try the cuisine. Order the chakalaka, a spicy vegetable relish that pairs perfectly with bread and stews, or bobotie, an omelette served on a bed of chicken or lamb mince, nuts and dried fruit. Then, transport yourself to the streets of Cape Town with bunny chow – a hollowed-out bread loaf stuffed with curry that’s usually eaten on the move.

8 Old Northern Road, Baulkham Hills

Lat Dior African Eatery

At this buzzy, down-to-earth eatery in Enmore, every plate is bursting with flavour. Though it’s not an exclusively South African menu, Lat Dior has plenty of barbequed meat and chicken, as well as rice and vegetarian dishes to cater to every palate. If you want to branch out, the chefs also cook up a range of traditional West and North African meals. It’s BYO, but there’s also a selection of African beverages on offer.

150 Enmore Road, Enmore

Hurricane’s Grill & Bar

To dig into delicious ribs with zero judgement, head to Hurricane’s. The founder is part-South African, and it shows – the menu is full of flame-grilled ribs, steaks and seafood, all basted in traditional sauces. When you’re there, embrace the experience: order a feast fit for a king, put on the bib with pride, and don’t worry about making a mess. While Hurricane’s might not be the best choice for a first date, it’s the perfect place to catch up with a big group of friends.

130 Roscoe Street, Bondi Beach

Top Ryde Shopping Centre, Cnr Blaxland Road & Devlin Street, Ryde

326 Camden Valley Way, Narellan

Savannah Café & Bar

When you’re in the mood for South African food, why not make a day of it? A two-hour drive from Sydney, Savannah Café & Bar in Berry is as authentic as they come. Along with the best smoked lamb and pork ribs on the South Coast, the café serves up boerie rolls (grilled sausage and chutney), bobotie (lamb mince and turmeric rice), and sosaties (beef skewers infused with spices). There’s also a bunch of South African food available in the shop up front.

Shop 5, Stan Burt Arcade, 94-96 Queen Street, Berry

Bianca’s Deli

For gourmet favourites with a side of South African hospitality, go to Bianca’s Deli in Rose Bay. Run by an ex-cooking teacher from Johannesburg, the deli is stocked with classics like kichel, fried fish balls, chopped herring, cheese blintzes and traditional cheesecakes. While you’re waiting for your food, wander around the shop section and pick up delicacies like platzlach (walnuts with honey) and teiglach (sweet, baked dough) for dessert.

532 Old South Head Road, Rose Bay