Starting a Banting diet shouldn’t mean that you have to forego the indulgence of a few cooking-free nights a month, or indeed delicious meals.
Here is our pick of the Banting-friendly restaurants around town serving low carb, high flavour fare.
Banting restaurants Johannesburg
Belle’s Patisserie, Birnam
Belle’s has weaved a little magic and managed to turn our favourite sweets into healthy treats. Their new Skinny Menu embraces the Banting and paleo diets, and includes a range of gluten- and sugar-free items, as well as low-GI options.
Indulge (without the guilt) in a slice of Fran’s Cheesecake on an almond base and smothered in blueberry mint coulis (R35). There are also loads of delicious breakfasts and lunches on the menu, but we’re firm believers in dessert first!
Definitely one of the quaintest banting friendly restaurants Johannesburg offers.
(Birnam, Johannesburg | 011 440 4474)
Col’Cacchio, various locations
This authentic Italian joint has branches nationwide and offers both Banting-friendly pizza and pasta dishes, indicated by a big ‘B’ next to the menu items.
(Johannesburg head office | 087 803 4000)
Take a look at our 7 top tips for banting on a budget
Banting restaurants Pretoria
Coco Bistro, Erasmuskloof
Coco Bistro is a comfy, casual family restaurant that also welcomes Banters. No longer do you have to feel like a fusspot picking through the menu only to choose the blandest option; there’s a menu full of exciting breakfast, lunch and dinner Banting fare, which will have everyone else wondering if they can order off it too.
Try one of the ‘No Bun’ Burgers (R60-R85). With no bread to smother flavours, fillings – like sirloin steak topped with avo, feta, peppadews, and salsa and sriracha sauce – between fresh rocket or spinach leaves become the heroes.
One of the nicest Banting friendly restaurants Pretoria has to offer.
(Erasmuskloof, Pretoria | 012 347 6050)
Also Read: The 13 Best Maboneng Restaurants
Banting restaurants KZN
Durban: Earthmother Organic Restaurant, Morningside
Earthmother specialises in making nutritious food with the best of what nature has to offer. Carb-free, gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan, raw… you want it, they’ve got it. The raw cocoa tart is simply moreish.
You’d never guess that this decadent slice is gluten-, dairy-, and sugar-free! Who said free-from had to be free from flavour? They also have a small supermarket stocked with locally sourced fresh veg that comes in every Friday and other organic products, making it easy to put up tasty nourishing meals at home.
(Morningside, Durban | 031 202 1527)
Pietermaritzburg: Artisan Pizzeria, Hilton
The thought of having to give up pizza could put anyone off the Banting idea completely… Enter Artisan to the rescue! Here Banters are catered for, too, with the option of ordering any of the toppings on a crisp cauli base.
Our favourite is the tender Pulled Pork with red onion, feta and BBQ sauce (R124). And just to prove they’re really not bias, there’s also a mouth-watering Banting Lasagne (R90), with layers of roasted aubergine, on the menu.
(Hilton, Pietermaritzburg | 033 343 1095)
Banting restaurants Cape Town
Cape Town: Nü Health Food Café, Sea Point
As its name suggests, you’re in no danger of having your willpower tested here. And, in fairness, after tasting their banana coconut bread served with creamy peanut butter, banana, honey and cinnamon (R49), you wouldn’t bat an eye at toast if was laid down hot in front of you.
With a focus on flavorsome food – that just happens to be wholesome, too – you certainly won’t feel deprived. Nü caters for a range of healthy-eating lifestyles, including Banting, and serves up breakfasts, lunches, and light suppers.
If you ever find yourself in Johannesburg, be sure to check out The 20 Best Restaurants in Midrand.
(Sea Point, Cape Town | 021 430 0506)
