July 2025
A warm plate of hearty comfort food in a cosy restaurant is one of the best ways to beat the winter blues, and Johannesburg has plenty of great places to explore. Here’s a look at a few spots in South Africa’s top city where you’ll find just that.
For a love of pizza, pasta, and all things Italian, visit Piza e Vino at The Zone @ Rosebank (stop 1).
The variety certainly won't disappoint. Pizzas you can choose from include the Beef Boy, topped with steak, caramelised onion, rocket, black pepper & balsamic reduction; the Stella, with spinach, mushrooms, sundried tomato, cambozola cheese and pine nuts; and the James Brown, with a combination of grilled chicken and BBQ sauce, bacon, guacamole, cheddar, and red onion.
Tasty pasta options include the Ravioli Porcini, with button mushrooms, mascarpone, leeks, a white wine sauce and grated parmesan; and two kinds of PeV (Piza e Vino) Bolognaise – one with braised beef mince ragu, mushroom, mascarpone and grated parmesan, and the other option with Italian-style pork and fennel salsiccia (sausage), with chilli, roast red pepper and cream.
If you're not in the mood for pasta or pizza, try the Pesce al Cartoccio – hake fillet with zucchini, roast cherry tomatoes, fennel, garlic, lemon, fresh herbs, and white wine, wrapped in a parcel and baked in a wood-fired oven. Sounds delicious, doesn't it?
This bistro in Braamfontein has become well known as one of the romantic restaurants in Johannesburg, especially for those looking for an intimate dinner paired with live music. The Orbit is renowned for its vibrant jazz evenings, which create a warm and cosy atmosphere that’s perfect during the colder months. Inside, you’ll often find a crackling fireplace that helps keep the chill at bay while you enjoy your meal.
The restaurant offers a menu full of delicious cuisine, featuring dishes like Thai veg curry, grilled ox liver, oxtail casserole, Asian pork belly, and fresh seafood pasta. If you’re a fan of Thai cuisine, the curry is a must-try, offering rich, aromatic flavours. For those craving something heartier, the oxtail casserole and pork belly are both scrumptious choices that truly satisfy.
To complement your meal, The Orbit has a selection of wines and a decent gin list for cocktails. It’s the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and indulge in good music and great food.
A busy evening at the Potato Shed.
If you’re in the mood for a fine dining winter escape, The Winehouse at Ten Bompas (not far from Rosebank and Sandton) is worth a visit. Tucked inside a boutique hotel, the restaurant feels exclusive yet inviting, with stylish décor and an inviting fireplace that keeps the dining room warm on chilly evenings.
The seasonal menus lean toward French-inspired cuisine, featuring dishes like slow-cooked duck with winter vegetables, delicate seafood starters, and rich desserts like dark chocolate fondant. The wine list is a highlight, offering excellent local and international choices to pair with your meal. Whether you’re planning a romantic dinner or a sophisticated lunch, The Winehouse promises comfort, warmth, and top-class dining.
For a cosy countryside feel without leaving Johannesburg entirely, head to Casalinga Ristorante Italiano in Muldersdrift. This long-standing favourite sits on a beautiful property surrounded by gardens and rolling lawns. Inside, the atmosphere is rustic and welcoming, complete with exposed wooden beams and roaring fireplaces that make it perfect for a winter meal.
The menu focuses on traditional Italian fare. Popular choices include handmade pastas, slow-braised lamb shank, and tender veal dishes. The wine list features both Italian and South African labels, offering plenty of options to accompany your meal.
Casalinga is ideal for a leisurely lunch or dinner where you can unwind and enjoy hearty, delicious food in a serene setting.
Enjoy breakfast or lunch at the Stages Restaurant, situated in the Johannesburg Zoo. Present your City Sightseeing Joburg yellow passenger ticket and receive a complimentary delicious Margherita pizza to share for 2 persons (subject to change).
Looking for the perfect winter outing? Hop on the City Sightseeing red bus and discover Johannesburg’s cosiest restaurants and hidden gems. Plan your route and book your tickets today!
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