Hip City Guide

DURBAN: Bellevue Café and Café Jiran

Tue, 13 Mar 2012 12:18:16 +0100

If it’s a buzzing atmosphere and good food you’re looking for, Bellevue Café is the place you’ll find it. The environment is industrial, arty and spacious with double-volume ceilings that flood the cafe in warm light. A quirky highlight is the open-plan kitchen that adds energy with its hive of activity. Metal beams, face brick walls and heavy-topped wooden tables keep it simple yet stylish on the inside, while the outside patio is filled with sunshine and hearty conversation....

JOHANNESBURG: Lucky Bean Restaurant and Piza e Vino

Tue, 13 Mar 2012 11:46:00 +0100

This restaurant is a one-of-a-kind slice of authentic Jozi. Their fabulous menu and first class service draws a diverse variety of local diners. Relaxed and inviting, Lucky Bean’s wholesome ingredients are presented in a simple, unpretentious manner. Think ostrich bobotie spring rolls, Vietnamese style chicken, classic springbok pies, sensational homemade burgers (including an ostrich burger stuffed with bobotie rice), great SA steaks and a good selection for vegetarians. And to top it all, a s...

CAPE TOWN: Alexander Bar and The Bungalow

Tue, 13 Mar 2012 11:14:41 +0100

Playwright Nicholas Spagnoletti and software engineer Edward van Kuik were on a joint search for the perfect social spot. Their creative culmination resulted in Alexander Bar — a unique ‘conversation space’. Filled with old-world charm, each table sports a fully functional antique rotary dial telephone which guests are encouraged to use to ‘ring’ other patrons. For the more traditional guests, telegrams can be sent inviting other tables over for a round of drinks. ...

DURBAN: Mooki Noodle Bar

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 10:03:12 +0100

Fun décor and fresh choices make Mooki Noodle Bar simple and different. Delicious Asian-inspired food floats from the kitchen to your table, leaving all sorts of mouth-watering aromas in its trail. The bowls pack a flavourful punch. The portions are generous and reasonably priced, and if there’s a group of you, it’s a great idea to order one of everything from the menu, which is small enough to try them all. Starters include spring rolls, gourmet fishcakes and dim sum, and the scrumptious s...

DURBAN: The Waterberry

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 09:55:11 +0100

Tucked away in an enchanted forest setting is a little piece of heaven on earth. The Waterberry Coffee Shop and Tea Garden is a fantasy of fine country fare. “Chocolate is nature’s way of making up for Monday” is one of the quotes you’ll read while sipping on an aromatic cappuccino and paging through a delicious menu that boasts extremely generous slices of nougat, almond and white chocolate baked cheesecake. There are also warm brownies oozing a river of chocolate, beautifully decorated...

CAPE TOWN: Harbour House

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 09:51:45 +0100

Home to beaches, boats, seagulls and quirky shops, the small fishing town of Kalk Bay has a unique charm that makes it like no other place in South Africa. And no trip to Kalk Bay could ever be complete without an experience at Harbour House – arguably one of the best seafood restaurants in the country. If you’re looking for an especially indulgent affair that will leave a lasting impression, you’ve just found it. Built on the breakwater, the restaurant stands perched above the rocks, pret...

CAPE TOWN: The Pasta Factory

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 09:49:50 +0100

It’s no surprise that the Pasta Factory has become a regular for those devoted to good food. Hungry urban dwellers pack into the industrial-style restaurant to get their fill of the tastiest pizzas, salads, and antipasti. But the real star of this culinary show is the amazing variety of pasta. It’s a wonderfully interactive experience too where guests are invited to saunter up to the pasta station to make their choices, and chefs prepare your meal while you watch. There are more than 20 home...

CAPE TOWN: Café Nood

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 09:48:05 +0100

This little gem in the ’burbs of Cape Town is now something of a valued asset to the Claremont area. The venue is a modern interpretation of the classic European café, where the aroma of freshly baked bread and fine coffee are enough to lure you in. Once inside, Café Nood will seduce you with its fully stocked deli and tantalising menu. Have an amazing health breakfast, a stylish lunch or a quick lip-smacking snack. They also offer a very sexy dessert bar in the evenings. Ingredients are...

Joburg: The Cascades Hotel

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 09:41:22 +0100

Not strictly in Joburg, but close enough, the newly refurbished Cascades Hotel at Sun City offers its original five-star extravagance but now with a new layout and fresh furniture, fittings and finishes. The Cascades Hotel is proud to introduce guests to its visual feast of new interiors – a mix of period and contemporary furnishings, re-upholstered chairs and cushions, sanded wooden shutters and gorgeous wooden flooring. Particularly impressive are the big bathrooms that boast a warm stone fi...

Joburg: Contessa

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 09:39:38 +0100

Did you know tea is the international beverage of choice, rated second only to water? Because of this, you should really add Contessa to your hang-out list. This place is Joburg’s mighty mecca of teas, and it’s set in tranquil and pretty surroundings too. With 160 different kinds of teas to choose from, enjoy a cuppa coconut snow, tropical breeze, apricot brandy, masala chai, caramel rum, Russian caravan or flower green… the list goes on! Luckily, there is also a tea-tasting service to hel...

Joburg: Argentinean

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 09:26:44 +0100

Nestled in the heart of Linden, the Argentinean bakery and coffee shop is the place to go when you need a little quiet time or a productive place to work. It’s the home of frothy, decadent cappuccinos, and it’s famous for its large variety of light and fluffy, butter-laden croissants. People wander in at all hours of the day to indulge in the decadent pastries including pear, chocolate, pecan-nut, and custard tarts, Danish pastries, cinnamon buns and twists, golden-brown crunchies and delight...

CAPE TOWN: Restorante Posticino

Thu, 29 Sep 2011 06:43:01 +0100

When you walk into Restorante Posticino, it feels like you’re walking into “mama’s house”. The hearty meals served here are infused with Italian passion and flavoured with love.

Owners Jack and Eric always greet guests at the door and ensure that each customer is happy from starters through to dessert.

CAPE TOWN: Chukkachurri

Thu, 29 Sep 2011 06:39:56 +0100

The party capital of Cape Town has seen many bars and party hot spots open to large crowds and rave reviews, only to close a few months later. But when Mastrantonio’s Chukkachurri, an Argentinean tapas bar, opened in the heart of Green Point, everyone knew it would be a keeper! It is the only Argentinean bar in the Mother City and offers great service and unique tastes. It also adds live music to its stylish environment....

CAPE TOWN: The Bombay Bicycle Club

Thu, 29 Sep 2011 06:37:04 +0100

Welcome to madness, fun and full abandon! Guests here are encouraged to not only let their hair down but are also expected to stay up way past their bed time!
This wacky bohemian venue is a proud member of the Madame Zingara family of fun and reflects the colourful history of the old restaurant in Loop Street. The Bombay Bicycle Club is a dining experience as opposed to simply a meal out.

JOBURG: Hotel Lamunu

Thu, 29 Sep 2011 06:33:51 +0100

Like a big freshly squeezed glass of sweet orange juice, your stay at Hotel Lamunu can only be good for you. Lamunu means “orange” in SeSotho, and this colour theme is carried throughout the 60 en-suite, WiFi-enabled studio rooms and through the lounge and lobby areas too. The hotel’s pay-off line is “eat, stay, play”, which is easy to achieve given its location, at the heart beat of Braamfontein. Not only is Nelson Mandela Bridge within a short walking distance, but the local art and b...

JOBURG: Nicci Beach

Thu, 29 Sep 2011 06:27:20 +0100

Nicci Beach throws the best summer parties in the city! Located at the legendary Wild Waters, famed for the annual hit H2O parties, this chic summer club is a playground for jetsetters, celebrities, VIP guests and party-goers alike.Having recently experienced a refurbish, the club’s decor and interiors are now super-slick and sexy and immediately inspire a shake-what-your-mama-gave-ya ambience....

JOBURG: Little Tuscany Boutique Hotel

Thu, 29 Sep 2011 06:21:35 +0100

What started out as a small family home has now grown into an elegantly styled 43-room boutique hotel in Bryanston. Not only does Little Tuscany have attractive architecture and breathtaking gardens, it also has subtle luxuries and an abundance of home comforts that really make this a great place to stay. And after tasting just one dish prepared by the resident chefs, you know why this is an amazing place to eat. Think hearty home-made vegetable soups, steaks on the braai, crispy potato bakes and...

DURBAN: Spiga d’Oro

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 14:08:57 +0100

Spiga’s motto is “vivere con passione” or “live with passion”! And seeing as the legendary vibe of Durban’s Florida Road has been directly attributed to this restaurant, it’s clear that it’s a motto they live by.Established in 1979, Spiga is owned by the Santoniccolo family and run by brothers Marco and Luca. Spiga feels just like a typical Italian trattoria, and they dish up delicious food in an unpretentious and often animated atmosphere. Here thin-crusted pizzas are topped with...

DURBAN: Macaroon Café

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 14:05:47 +0100

“I was once an interior designer, but my love for macaroons took over, and this year, when an opportunity to open a coffee shop came up, I grabbed it with both hands!” says Kirsty Lindi, proud owner of Macaroon Café.As the name states, this coffee shop is all about macaroons. There are more than 40 delectable flavours on offer that alternate every week, so the macaroon-obsessed can experience a new flavour every time they visit. Popular flavours include choc chai, coconut, pistachio and rose...

Cape Town - Beefcakes Burger Bar

Wed, 20 Jul 2011 09:47:14 +0100

The Beefcakes brothers, Grant and Andrew, have created a wildly entertaining and fun 50’s American Diner style burger bar with a touch of madness and Miami chic. Walk into Beefcakes in Greenpoint and you’ll find a pink fantasy of feather boas, fairy lights and Florida flamingos - it’s like you’ve died and gone to Barbie heaven! But apart from the tastefully camp decor, Beefcakes also offers the best burgers in town....

Cape Town - The Fireman's Arms

Wed, 20 Jul 2011 09:42:07 +0100

Nestled between the modern skyscrapers and loft apartments of the inner city, is one of Cape Town’s oldest and proudest pubs. Established in 1864 it hardly gets more traditional than The Fireman’s Arms! What was once a favoured watering hole for sailors is today a hot spot for good timers and a den for sport fanatics. Here you will relish in a choice of 13 beers on tap, the greatest pub grub in town, seven full high definition flat screen panels, and two big screens for major sporting events ...

Cape Town - Twankey Seafood Champagne and Oyster Bar

Wed, 20 Jul 2011 09:29:55 +0100

The five-star Twankey Seafood Champagne and Oyster Bar in the Taj Hotel is a place where flowing champagne, the freshest seafood, elegant décor and sublime jazz tell a glamorous story. Originally home to the South African Reserve Bank and Temple Chambers, the Hotel boasts elegant architecture that combines the heritage of old with the luxury of new. Located right in the centre of town, this is the ideal spot for a little post-work indulgence....

Joburg - Salsa

Tue, 19 Jul 2011 15:49:09 +0100

The love of delicious food, good wine and beautiful music are the cornerstones that bring this elegant restaurant to life. From a quiet dinner for two, to an evening of entertainment or a raucous party, this restaurant strives to achieve the perfect moment...again and again. Owners, Janine and Maro, are completely hands-on and every detail is expertly attended to by them, which makes any evening spent at Salsa a pleasurable one....

Joburg - Wolves

Tue, 19 Jul 2011 09:31:25 +0100

At Wolves you will eat the prettiest and most decadent cakes you’ve ever seen, drink the best Fair Trade Coffee this side of town, and purchase beautiful jewellery, unique artwork and find fun, quirky knick knacks that will make you smile.

Joburg - Skye Bar

Mon, 18 Jul 2011 14:04:37 +0100

All the best cities of the world have at least one bar located high enough to capture an aerial view of the entire city – Skye Bar is Joburg’s! Located on the ninth floor of the Holiday Inn, the opulent Skye Bar is blessed with panoramic views of the surrounding city. This attractive hotel bar offers Joburg residents something special, it’s also the only place where you feel like you’re sipping on a cocktail of sophistication....

Durban - Lords & Legends Sports Bar

Mon, 18 Jul 2011 13:56:39 +0100

Lords and Legends is the social hub of the South Coast. This Amanzimtoti restaurant and bar is relaxed and always filled with a good friendly vibe. Above all, it is a Mecca to all South Coast sports fans! Not only equipped with screens and screaming fans to set the tone for any game, it also (quite fittingly) overlooks great big sports fields that stretch out beyond the terrace. And, there’s great news for those who prefer shopping: the fields transform into a popular night market every Thursda...

Durban - Wodka Restaurant and Bar

Mon, 18 Jul 2011 13:53:16 +0100

Wodka Restaurant & Bar If it’s a sexy city restaurant you’re looking for, Wodka is it! This superb New York style bistro situated in the Docklands Hotel serves phenomenal food in a great setting. The space boasts the latest in urban design, with a modern industrial feel that juxtaposes exposed brick and metalwork with oversized wingback armchairs and linen-clad tables that spill out into a beautiful courtyard....

Cape Town - Caveau Wine Bar & Deli

Mon, 23 May 2011 17:17:57 +0100

The hosts of Caveau believe that their guests should drink quality wine at all times. Driven by this great philosophy they’ve managed to bring the Cape wine route to you with an epic selection of fine wines. It’s no surprise that Caveau Wine Bar & Deli is one of the very few kept secrets of the Mother City.Their menu changes daily, and in true French style, all the deli foods have been carefully selected to complement the wines. There’s a large selection of local cheeses and cured meats...

Cape Town - Sòtano

Mon, 23 May 2011 17:15:39 +0100

If it’s a hearty breakfast, a lazy summer lunch, a light evening meal or simply a good cocktail you’re after, Sòtano is the place to go. This sea-facing venue boasts a pavement café setup and outdoor “beach bar” where you can enjoy the ocean views and lap up the fresh sea air. Inside is a hip contemporary-design haven with a beautifully styled sky-lit bar area that leads the way into the restaurant.An innovative menu takes inspiration from Mediterranean meze and tapas table foods and in...

CAPE TOWN - Gourmet Burger

Mon, 23 May 2011 17:14:03 +0100

The chefs at Gourmet Burger have proudly taken the traditional burger to gourmet heights. Where else could you select a prawn, avo and garlic burger, a chicken, camembert and cranberry burger, a lamb and feta-cheese burger, or a Mexican chilli burger? And the innovation doesn’t stop there! Each meal is a delicious contradiction in terms and comes complete with all the sophisticated trimmings. Adding an extra hint of elegance are out-of-this-world Lindt milkshakes and the finest Paul Cluver wine...

Johannesburg - HQ

Mon, 23 May 2011 17:11:59 +0100

At HQ the waiters don’t bother rattling off a long list of specials, nor do they ask what you want. They know as well as you do what you’re there for: the best salad, sirloin and chips in the city, of course! The menu is fixed, so other than how you’d like your steak cooked, there aren’t many decisions to make.Overextended menus often crowd hungry minds and leave you confused, sticking to your boring usual or making the wrong choice altogether. At HQ you can’t go wrong! The starter sala...

Johannesburg - ODD Cafe

Mon, 23 May 2011 17:10:03 +0100

This quirky new coffee bar, gallery space and restaurant in Greenside boasts an arty interior. Old meets new in an exciting collaboration of recycled and reused bits and pieces. Lamps are made out of buckets, a bright-red telephone booth attracts attention, and tables are decoupaged in pages from old Richie Rich and Casper comic books!Stopping off here is quite simply a multi-sensory experience. The eclectic corner café offers all-day breakfasts with several interestingly odd options – bacon a...

Johannesburg - Buddha Ta

Mon, 23 May 2011 16:20:46 +0100

From the food and drink to the ambience and vibe, Buddha Ta is a playground for the sophisticated and free spirited. Brand new to the Design Quarter, the large venue makes a grand statement with four bars, a few sunken lounges, restaurant and mingling areas. It’s the perfect place to kick start a social evening with your pick of cocktails, tapas-style platters as well as a selection of exciting nibbles designed to be shared. Buddha Ta offers it all under one roof.Enhanced by dark interiors and ...

Durban - Cacao Chocolate Bar

Mon, 23 May 2011 16:12:29 +0100

Everything on the menu at Cacao Chocolate Bar has a chocolate twist. Croissants, crepes, fondues, fruit sticks, brownies and waffles are found right up front. Although, the slightly more indulgent folk will probably opt for more extraordinary pleasures such as death by chocolate tart, or the magnificent chocolate and honey mousse or the Cacao chocolate hotpot.There’s savoury stuff on the menu, but let’s be honest, that’s not why you’re there. Highly recommended is the signature Cacao hit ...

Durban - I Heart Market

Mon, 23 May 2011 16:09:54 +0100

Looking for a great way to spend a Saturday in Durbs and spoil yourself while you’re at it? The I Heart Market is a treasure trove of unique and delightful treats, goodies, gifts and gorgeous things all made with love. This specialised food and design market was created as a platform for local foodies and designers to show Durban what they’re made of. Absorb the vibrant energy as you wind your way around the stalls while friendly creators greet you with their original wares. You’ll find loc...