From quiet cafés to the galleries shaping the city’s creative pulse, local tastemakers share their favourite spots – and what keeps them inspired here
Donald Nxumalo
Interior Designer, Killarney
What’s the most underrated restaurant in Joburg – the one you almost don’t want to share?
Che Argentine. Think: succulent steak cooked over an open fire. In winter, the coziest spot is right by the fireplace, with candlelight and beautiful music. It’s genuinely the perfect place for date night.
Where do you go for your daily coffee fix, and what’s your order?
Manaka Coffee at Rand Steam. It’s around the corner from my studio and the perfect little escape from an otherwise busy day.
Name your favourite art, design or décor store/gallery that always sparks inspiration.
Gallery MOMO in Parktown North.
When you need a quick escape, what’s your go-to weekend getaway close to the city?
Sima Kade. I love the secluded setting and being immersed in nature - the stillness, the quiet, the feeling of sleeping under the stars.
Where’s your favourite spot for a summer sundowner – and what are you drinking?
Honestly, nothing beats a G&T on my balcony. I’ve been told it’s one of Joburg’s more exclusive spots.
Which local chef, artist, or creative do you think deserves more attention?
Sam Legodi.
What’s your favourite neighbourhood to wander, eat, shop, or people-watch in?
Parktown. I love wandering and reading the blue plaques outside the homes. It fascinates me how communities are made - and how history can still feel so alive, relevant, and cool today, including Rosebank, for all the galleries and creative visitors they attract.
What’s your most-loved market, pop-up, or event that captures the spirit of the city?
I recently went to a Kalashnikovv Gallery event showcasing emerging sculptors. It was hosted at Villa House in Kew - the former home of renowned artist Eduardo Villa. Such a treat.
Describe Joburg in three words that capture what it means to you.
Survival. Culture. Warmth.
PETER RICH
Architect and founder of Peter Rich Architects, Westcliff
What’s the most underrated restaurant in Joburg – the one you almost don’t want to share?
The Syrian Rose in Fordsburg, Kular Kebab House, and Al Hamra in Mayfair. Proper flavour, no fuss – just incredible, authentic food that lingers in your memory.
Where do you go for your daily coffee fix, and what’s your order?
Bean There at 44 Stanley, Milpark. A classic! It’s relaxed, warm, and consistent.
Name your favourite art, design or décor store/ gallery that always sparks inspiration.
Johannesburg Contemporary Art Foundation in Forest Town. Also the Kula Malene Foundation Gallery for art and live performance. Ikazi Gym in Alexandra for the energy, the movement, and the community, too.
When you need a quick escape, what’s your go-to weekend getaway close to the city?
Magaliesberg – always.
Where’s your favourite spot for a summer sundowner – and what are you drinking?
The Westridge hilltop, where Parktown and Westcliff meet – with the horizon opening all the way to the Magaliesberg (which, wonderfully, is said to be a thousand years older than the Himalayas). Also, the southern gas works building, framed by Hillbrow and Brixton towers. Drink of choice depends on the day – sometimes a quiet beer, sometimes something celebratory.
Which local chef, artist, or creative do you think deserves more attention?
Artists on my radar: Richard John Forbes and Terence Maluleke.
What’s your favourite neighbourhood to wander, eat, shop, or people-watch in?
Linden, for sure! Effortless and grounded, with its own gentle rhythm.
Where do you take out-of-towners to impress them with Joburg’s cool factor?
Untitled Basement in Braamfontein, or Niki’s Jazz Oasis in Newtown – places where the city truly breathes.
What’s your most-loved market, pop-up, or event that captures the spirit of the city?
Linden Market in Emmarentia: it’s local, it’s layered, it’s welcoming.
Describe Joburg in three words.
Exuberant. Entrepreneurial. Diverse (especially in its alternative, authentic African cultural expressions that live within the urban undercurrent).
THEO ZOUVES
Artist and yoga teacher, Craighall Park
What’s the most underrated restaurant in Joburg – the one you almost don’t want to share?
My husband Barry (Goldman) and I believe that most are overrated. We like Wimpy in Woodmead, we’re chilled like that.
Where do you go for your daily coffee fix?
Charles’ tiny Greek Café at Planet Fitness, Wanderers... trust me.
Name your favourite art, design or décor store/gallery that always sparks inspiration.
There’s no specific place I’d like to name... I enjoy originality, good architecture, freshdesign, and almost all art galleries. I dislike ‘me too’ decor shops... you know the ones I mean.
Where’s your favourite spot for a summer sundowner – and what are you drinking?
Barry and I love a gin and tonic with the cat under the trees in our garden. Doesn’t get much better or more serene than that.
Which local chef, artist, or creative do you think deserves more attention?
As artists ourselves, we enjoy all art and creativity and have many influences that inspire us. There’s no particular name to name, but I do love a good curry, although we rarely eat out.
What’s your favourite neighbourhood to wander, eat, shop, or people-watch in?
Birdhaven. I like watching the dogs on leashes having breakfast and conversations with their owners, it’s captivating.
Where do you take out-of-towners to impress them with Joburg’s cool factor?
As a photographer, I take overseas friends for a ride through central Jozi, Hillbrow, Alex, Yeoville, and Soweto. Most are shocked at the chaos of our so-called world-class city... But, then, we head off to Sandton or Hyde Park shopping centres for a totally different perspective and they get the true glory of Joburg. I like them to see our city in all its layers and nuances.
Describe Joburg in three words that capture what it means to you.
Unique. Cowboy. Contrast.
NICK SCHER
Founder and Managing Director of 1701 Luxury, Fourways
What’s the most underrated restaurant in Joburg — the one you almost don’t want to share?
Bottega Café in Parkhurst. It’s one of those places that feels effortlessly authentic — no fuss, just great food, good wine, and a relaxed atmosphere. It’s the kind of spot you go backnto again and again, quietly hoping it never becomes too well known.
Where do you go for your daily coffee fix, and what’s your order?
Yaawk Coffee in Woodmead. Their cortado is exceptional - smooth, rich, and always made just right.
Name your favourite art, design or décor store/gallery that always sparks inspiration.
Weylandts in Kramerville. It’s a calming space that I find myself returning to often. I love the minimalist decor and having a coffee outside there is one of my favourite simple pleasures.
When you need a quick escape, what’s your go-to weekend getaway close to the city?
Babylonstoren. It’s a place where creativity and calm coexist - from the gardens to the food to the quiet pace. I always come back refreshed and full of new ideas.
Where’s your favourite spot for a summer sundowner - and what are you drinking?
The terrace at Marble. The light over Joburg at sunset is unbeatable. My go to is a negroni.
Which local chef, artist, or creative do you think deserves more attention?
Daniel Ting Chong - genius, talented, and responsible for bringing some of the most amazing touch points and experiences to 1701. His eye for design is unparalleled.
What’s your favourite neighbourhood to wander, eat, shop, or people-watch in?
Parkhurst. Amazing design stores, small cafés, and that sense of community that’s rare in a city as big as Joburg.
Where do you take out-of-towners to impress them with Joburg’s cool factor?
The House of Amber pop-up at Oxford Park. It captures the essence of Joburg and the Inverroche brand - creative, vibrant, and beautifully executed. It’s also where 1701 has collaborated as a gifting partner, celebrating Inverroche Amber Gin (the most gifted gin in the world.)
What’s your most-loved market, pop-up, or event that captures the spirit of the city?
The South African Future Trust Conference. It’s an inspiring showcase of some of the country’s most exciting start-ups and emerging entrepreneurs.
Describe Joburg in three words that capture what it means to you.
Grit. Family. Energy.
ZANELE KUMALO
Journalist, editor and curator of Design Week South Africa, Parktown North
What’s the most underrated restaurant in Joburg – the one you almost don’t want to share?
Not underrated, but Pron, Glory and Akido all have my vote as I love Asian food; from street to fine dining! All three do flavours and great produce best.
Where do you go for your daily coffee fix, and what’s your order?
I have a wonderful machine at home, so you won’t find me queuing for coffee anywhere really, but I do love Rue du Café in Hyde Park for the privacy and how much care they put into each order.
Name your favourite art, design or décor store/gallery that always sparks inspiration.
We’re opening kumalo | turpin soon, so that contemporary art space is currently sparking a lot of inspiration for me.
When you need a quick escape, what’s your go to weekend getaway close to the city?
I hate to admit that I haven’t been able to take much time off of late, but Magaliesburg is definitely where I’ll look first. Perfect Hideaways has some great options.
Which local chef, artist, or creative do you think deserves more attention?
I’ll get into trouble if I name just one artist or creative, so let me talk about my friend Mpho Phalane of Food I Love You, whose food feels like a long hug from your favourite person you haven’t seen in too long.
What’s your favourite neighbourhood to wander, eat, shop, or people-watch in?
There are a few… 44 Stanley in Milpark, The Bamboo Centre in Melville, and the Parks, including Rosebank, for all the galleries and creative visitors they attract.
Where do you take out-of-towners to impress them with Joburg’s cool factor?
The soon-too pen Nine Yards precinct in Parktown North is where I’ll be taking visitors – it officially opens in February with a few shops soft-launching this side of the year.
What’s your most-loved market, pop-up, or event that captures the spirit of the city?
We’ve just finished Design Week South Africa in Joburg, and it soon moves to Cape Town. It’s a celebration of everything that holds so much promise for our country’s future! It’s not just about product, but about reframing and rethinking how we live. It’s only in its second iteration and already so energising to be part of.
Describe Joburg in three words that capture what it means to you.
My creative home. It breaks my heart all the time, but this city has given so much to me.
SARAH BUITENDACH
Journalist, editor and co-founder of Currency, Parkview.
What’s the most underrated restaurant in Joburg – the one you almost don’t want to share?
Ti Amo! It’s technically only takeaway as it’s at the garage on Rivonia Road, but you could sit at a picnic table in the forecourt, I guess. Best proper sourdough around, and the pies and bagels are grand too. That said, our go-to is a breakfast sarmie with cheddar, bacon and tomatoes, or the chicken mayo panini. Absolute magic.
Where do you go for your daily coffee fix, and what’s your order?
Double espresso – always, everywhere. My favourite dose is from Smart Perfect Coffee, the barista stand at the top dog carpark of Emmarentia. Grab a great coffee from Thando and Isabel before heading into our beautiful park.
Name your favourite art, design or décor store/gallery that always sparks inspiration.
Everard Read. It’s a Joburg institution and started life on the CBD streets over a hundred years ago. I love the building, the Rosebank position, the art (obviously) and the team.
Where’s your favourite spot for a summer sundowner – and what are you drinking?
Always Marble. The sunsets, the view, and a great cocktail! Maybe a classic negroni, though they do a lot of very fancy, unusual options too.
Which local chef, artist, or creative do you think deserves more attention?
She already gets lots of love, but I think everyone should know Mpho Phalane from Food I Love You. She’s a stone-cold genius – a master of combining South African ingredients, heritage and flavours into the most delicious meals.
What’s your favourite neighbourhood to wander, eat, shop, or people-watch in?
I grew up in Northcliff and am a devout fan of the strip on Beyers Naudé Drive that’s home to Impala Fruit and Veg, Olivia’s Coffee and Bake, and all the other great goodies there. My optometrist, vet, tailor, dry cleaner and butcher are there too. You can walk all the wayalong and get everything you need – fresh flowers and second-hand books included.
Where do you take out-of-towners to impress them with Joburg’s cool factor?
For food – Pron in Linden. Best restaurant in the city and best Chinese in the country. All my foreign friends and family love it and always ask to go back.
What’s your most-loved market, pop-up, or event that captures the spirit of the city?
The opening night of FNB Art Joburg. If you only go out once a year and it’s to this, you’ll see everyone you know.
Describe Joburg in three words that capture what it means to you.
Full of heart.
JAMES DELANEY
Artist and conservationist, The Wilds
What’s the most underrated restaurant in Joburg – the one you almost don’t want to share?
Glory, a kind of under-the-radar Asian-fusion restaurant that pops up in different venues around the city; right now it’s in Parktown North. Don’t expect a menu - you just sit down, chat to Nick, and he brings you several incredible courses of his creations.
Where do you go for your daily coffee fix, and what’s your order?
Home of the Bean in Maboneng, where you can order ‘a James’.
When you need a quick escape, what’s your go to weekend getaway close to the city?
Jamala in Madikwe Game Reserve, where I have an installation of 80 swallows on the walls. It has a great location overlooking a busy waterhole where all the wildlife come right to you.
Name your favourite art, design or décor store/ gallery that always sparks inspiration.
Kim Sacks Gallery is superbly curated, with both traditional African design and amazing ways that African materials have been reimagined.
Where’s your favourite spot for a summer sundowner – and what are you drinking?
The new Applewood gin from Primal, the distillers at Victoria Yards. It has the colour of whiskey but the fragrance of a botanical gin.
Which local chef, artist, or creative do you think deserves more attention?
The artists based in the downtown studios like August House, Bag Factory, Asisebenze and Arts on Main who are doing amazing work.
What’s your favourite neighbourhood to wander, eat, shop, or people-watch in?
Tyrone Avenue in Parkview for neighbourhood vibes and stocking up on fresh produce, cheeses and breads.
Where do you take out-of-towners to impress them with Joburg’s cool factor?
The Wilds, because it has such a special combination of views, landscape, indigenous plants, history and art – and interesting, engaging people too.
What’s your most-loved market, pop-up, or event that captures the spirit of the city?
The First Sundays market at Victoria Yards.
Describe Joburg in three words that capture what it means to you.
Maverick. Creative. Spontaneous.
