Hidden Gems for Johannesburg

In our travel guide you will find great things to do in Johannesburg

Johannesburg, also known as Jo’burg or Jozi for short, is South Africa’s most diverse, progressive and energetic city, as well as being the country’s best showcase for activism and optimism. Cape Town, Kruger National Park, KwaZulu-Natal: South Africa has some big-hitting sights. But a lot of visitors leave the country’s largest city, Johannesburg, off of their bucket lists.
In our travel guide you will find great things to do in Johannesburg.

1. Hidden Gem Johannesburg: Ethos

This is the perfect location for a special occasion, like a date, birthday or simply the last day of your vacation. The concept and the cuisine are inspired by the Mediterranean style. The big olive tree in the middle of the restaurant, the impressive bar and the open kitchen are a dream for interior lovers. The menu is exquisite, with plenty of delicious dishes to choose from. How about burrata cheese filled with a roasted rosemary as a starter? And pulled lamb ravioli with romesco sauce, basil & origanum pesto for the main course?

Ethos / © Instagram: lesedi_mashale

2. Hidden Gem Johannesburg: Market on Main

If you are in this area on a Sunday, make sure to stop at Market on Main. This bustling market sells everything from locally designed and manufactured décor, to vintage clothes and jewelry – and of course food. The food selection ranges from African fusion sushi to little pastries, fresh paella and pulled pork sandwiches. The building flows into a central courtyard that is the perfect location for hanging around. Come early to find a spot under the trees. The goal of the founders is to encourage inner city lifestyle, and provide a relaxed and creative space for craftspeople to trade, and for locals and visitors to spend their weekend with relaxing leisure time.

Market on Main / © Instagram: marketonmain

3. Hidden Gem Johannesbur: Father Coffee

Father Coffee is a specialty coffee roaster supplying and serving the best coffee in Johannesburg from their espresso bar in Braamfontein, and their flagship roastery and espresso bar in Rosebank. Their motto is: drink better coffee, make better coffee and serve better coffee. Loosely inspired by a Scandinavian wooden cabin, this pocket-sized coffee shop is covered wall-to-wall in light wood and has a distinctly minimalist feel. Also eye catching is the giant roasting machine that sits behind the small coffee counter. In addition to being a fabulous coffee shop that is comfortable and inviting, Father also sells coffees and beans to the public and to other cafés that demand top-class flavours and quality.

Father Coffee / © Instagram: Bethie_me

4. Hidden Gem Johannesburg: Living Room Rooftop

The Living Room is an urban and lush rooftop café and event venue, located on the 5th floor of the Main Change Building in the heart of Maboneng, a vibrant district of Johannesburg. A little garden in the sky with a fantastic urban view, filled with exotic plants and trees snaking over the eco-friendly furniture and an organic menu to match. Mon-Tues are only for private events while Wed-Fri are open for all to enjoy a relaxing and laid-back lunch or sunsets. Saturday is either a private event or ‘Super Cool Saturday’ open for all, while ‘Sundays in the Living Room’ is a weekly big party where all are welcome. The eclectic menu, created by New Zealand trained health chef Dan Michaeli, is where meze-style and fresh wholesome goodness meets the South African palate. It really is a place for inspiration.