These alternative restaurants offer up something a little different to the norm.
Here are our picks of eateries that boast stellar cuisine, that often goes under the radar.
From Peruvian ceviche to Korean kimchi, these amazing alternative restuarants will have the different flavours you crave.
Johannesburg
Lima Tapas Bar
This cutting edge Latin American fusion restaurant serves up an array of delicious tapas and cocktails to tantalise your taste buds. With awesome authentic Peruvian dishes like sharp salmon ceviche and spicy aji chicken livers, you’re spoiled for choice.
Their cocktail menu is equally eclectic and fun, with delicious beverages served in copper mugs and dainty teapots. I’d recommend the Kensignton zinger copper mug for those who like cocktails with chilli in them, or a pot of the Grand Duke for gin lovers.
Where: Montecasino, Corner of William Nicol and Witkoppen Road, Fourways
When: Monday to Thursday 10:00 am to 11:00 pm; Friday to Sunday 11:00 to 12:00 am
Cost: Approximately R250 for two people
Contact: 011 465 5991
47 on Grant
Located in the trendiest part of Norwood, 47 on Grant provides amazing Turkish dishes you’re sure to love.
Turkish cuisine is similar to Greek, combining Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavours, with fantastic grilled meats and flat breads, as well as sweet Turkish delights and baklava. The Turkish Apple Mint Tea also comes highly recommended as a wonderful way to round off the meal.
Where: 47 Grant Avenue, Norwood, Johannesburg
When: Tuesday to Thursday 11:00 am to 9:00 pm; Friday 1:30 pm to 12:00 am; and Saturday to Sunday 11:00 to 12:00 am
Cost: Approximately R350 for two people
Contact: 071 155 7266
Cape Town
Saigon Vietnamese Restaurant
For those who haven’t tried Vietnamese food, it’s fairly similar to Thai, although generally lighter with more aromatic, herbal flavours.
Saigon offers their guests a wonderful dining experience which is sure to transport the mind to Indo-Chinese shores. Their pho bo soup is a delicious starter consisting of a crystal clear broth and noodles, and baked aubergine is a brilliant combination of Asian flavours.
Where: Corner Kloof Street and Camp Street, Gardens, Cape Town
When: Monday to Sunday 12:30 to 2:00 pm and 6:00 pm to 12:00 am
Cost: Approximately R400 for two people
Contact: 021 424 7670
@Seoul Restaurant
If you want a genuine taste of Korean food in the Mother City then @Seoul is the place for you.
It serves Korean classics like shabu shabu (a Korean equivalent to fondue where you cook thin slices of meat and veg in a steaming aromatic broth) and bibim bap (a traditional rice dish served with spicy mince and a raw egg yolk) always accompanied by the famous condiment kim-chi.
A great place to try a different kind of Asian cuisine, or to reminisce if you’ve been lucky enough to visit the Asian peninsular.
Where: 72 Regent Road, Sea Point, Cape Town
When: Monday to Saturday, 12:00 to 2:00 pm and 6:00 to 10:00 pm
Cost: Approximately R250 for two people
Contact: 021 300 9247
Durban
Habesha Café
If you haven’t had the pleasure of tasting Ethiopian cuisine, you have to go try it at this wonderful Glenwood establishment. Expect rich heart-warming spicy lentil and lamb dishes served next to the traditional Ethiopian sour-dough flatbread Injara.
Coffee lovers will also enjoy the traditional Ethiopian coffee available here – Abyssinia is actually where the caffeine-packed bean was first cultivated, so it’s as authentic a cup of coffee as you’ll get!
Where: 124 Helen Joseph, Glenwood, Durban
When: Monday to Saturday 8:00 am to 10:00 pm
Cost: Approximately R180 for two people
Contact: 076 046 2516
Cafe 1999, Berea
If you’re looking for Mediterranean cuisine then give this one a try.
The chef has designed the meals around sharing, so it’s the perfect spot for a trendy first date.
Where: Shop 2 Silvervause Centre, 117 Vause Road, Berea
When: Lunch: Monday to Friday 12:30 pm to 2:30pm (Friday close at 3 pm). Dinner: Monday to Saturday 6:30 pm to 10:30 pm (Friday and Saturday close at 11pm
Cost: Approximately R300 per person
Contact: 031 202 3406
