Johannesburg Restaurants

Situated in the spacious grounds of a pre-war rooming house, Linger Longer stands among South Africa's top ten restaurants as rated by Wine Magazine. The elegant ambience and legendary culinary standards make this one of the country's longest surviving and favourite fine dining experiences, combining classic French fare with Eastern flavours. Famous signature dishes include appetizers such as Walter's Foie Gras; for main course the rack of lamb with rosemary, garlic and course-grain mustard is highly recommended; and the crepes filled with warm cream cheese, vanilla and brandied raisins is a particularly good dessert. Open for lunch and dinner Monday to Saturday. Reservations recommended.

Address: 58 Wierda Road, Wierda Valley, Sandton; Tel: 011 884 0465

For over 30 years an international clientele of celebrities, heads of state and royalty have flocked to Gramadoelas to sample the traditional South African and Cape cuisine. The menu has recently expanded to incorporate specialities from all over Africa and is one of the best spots to taste excellent dishes like Cape Malay-spiced bobotie, melktert and malva pudding, as well as experiencing recipes from Zanzibar, Morocco and Ethiopia. Game meat, such as cubed crocodile tail and ostrich steak, has long been served; the more adventurous can try the favourite dishes of Hillary Clinton and Nelson Mandela: mopani worms and mogodu (black tripe and wild African spinach stew), respectively. Closed Sunday. No lunch Mondays. Reservations recommended.

Address: Market Theatre Complex, Bree Street, Newtown; Tel: 011 838 6960; E-mail: info@gramadoelas.co.za

This African-themed restaurant is spectacularly decorated with a mixture of modern and African design, and although spread over five floors, each one has a unique ambience with secluded alcoves, elevated galleries and atmospheric lighting. Moyo is an experience, from the traditionally attired staff and perfumed finger bowls, to the exotic dishes, and the live African entertainment and music that keeps the place abuzz. The food is varied with dishes from around the continent that include fragrant North African stews, East African fish curries, huge Mozambique prawns, and unusual desserts like the sweet potato and chocolate pudding. There are also set menus served in large platters for the table to share. Service is outstanding, and booking well in advance is essential. Open daily until 12am.

Address: 5 Melrose Square, Melrose Arch; Tel: 011 684 1477; E-mail: info@moyo.co.za

The food here is authentic and prepared in the home-style way by Tuscany brothers Federico and Fernandino, who use family recipes handed down from their mother and uncle, as well as a few newly created inspirations. Al Dente is popular for its ambience, the excellent food and the genial presence of Federico who is always close by to advise on the innovative specials of the day. The extensive menu has the usual pastas and pizzas, as well as the speciality rump steak, stuffed with garlic and rosemary and lightly roasted. Reservations are recommended. Open for lunch and dinner Monday to Friday, dinner only on Saturdays and lunch only on Sundays.

Address: 173 Rochester Place, Rivonia Road, Morningside; Tel: 011 783 9989; E-mail: aldente@myconnection.co.za

This long-standing Provencal favourite (formerly Ile de France) serves excellent French traditional cooking served up by chef-owner Marc Guebert, who is the only member in Africa of the illustrious group of chefs from the Maîtres Cuisiniers de France. His speciality is soufflés, and to dine here without trying the Grand Marnier soufflé, his signature dessert, is a culinary faux pas. The dishes found at Ile de France are uniquely created and nothing similar will be found as good anywhere else in the city. The menu also includes a six-course tasting menu that is a treat. Closed Monday. No lunch Saturday. Booking is essential.

Address: Cramerview Centre, 227 Main Road, Bryanston; Tel: 011 706 2837

The central feature of Carnivore Restaurant is a large open fire with over 50 converted Masai warrior spears holding a wide range of meats roasting over the flames. These include the usual pork, chicken, beef and lamb, as well as a minimum of five speciality game meats such as crocodile, zebra, impala, giraffe and ostrich. Waiters bring the spears from the fire to the table and carve succulent cuts of your choice directly onto your plate. The meat is served with six different salads, a variety of sauces, and a pot containing traditional 'pap and sauce' or baked potatoes. The set meal begins with the homemade soup of the day and freshly baked honey bread, and concludes with a choice of five different desserts and coffee. Open daily for lunch and dinner.

Address: 69 Drift Boulevard, Muldersdrift; Tel: 011 957 2099; E-mail: carnivore@rali.co.za

This trendy restaurant boasts a variety of delicious seafood as well as some excellent international cuisine. There are meat and vegetarian dishes, pastas and curries, along with famous speciality dishes like the Seafood Chowder, which is considered the best in the world. Another speciality is the Kingston Kebabs, consisting of skewered prawns wrapped in bacon and accompanied by a voodoo dip. A fresh oyster and sushi bar is also available for starters or light luncheons. The Montego Bay service is excellent.

Address: Shop 31, Nelson Mandela Square, Rivonia Road, Sandton; Tel: 011 883 6407; E-mail: alfie@montegobay.co.za