Best seafood restaurants in Johannesburg: find options near you

Really enjoyed supper and spending time in the games room with my son and my brother. Was a fun night with alot of options to keep us entertained at Emperors. A nostalgic moment to see a call box after ages.

I stay here always when I fly into S,A on business as it’s in a perfect location and more importantly it’s a great hotel with some wonderful staff that make sure all what you need throughout your stay is readily available.
The breakfast are so varied with an abundance of choice and even at lunchtime and the evening the menus are great with a good choice.

So I would highly recommend this hotel for anyone either visiting on business or pleasure as a great layover place.

I had the pleasure of attending another conference at the Emperor’s Palace this week. The event was impeccably organized, with excellent food, venues, and accommodations. My hotel room was modern, spacious, and well-equipped to meet my needs. However, I did notice two notable omissions: the room lacked a fridge, which has become a standard amenity I’ve grown accustomed to in my travels, and room service is no longer available, which is a significant drawback for me.

I enjoyed the service, but one thing that would make it even better is having a Capitec ATM on the casino side. Could you please look into this or let me know if there are any plans to add one? I’d appreciate your assistance in addressing this concern.

Emperors Palace offers a truly remarkable experience! From the moment we arrived, we were impressed by the grandeur and elegance of the venue. The variety of dining options, entertainment, and activities ensured there was something for everyone to enjoy.

The service was exceptional—staff were professional, attentive, and always willing to go the extra mile. The food was outstanding, with a wide range of dishes that were beautifully presented and packed with flavor.

Whether you’re there for dining, entertainment, or simply to relax, Emperors Palace delivers on every level. It’s the perfect destination for a memorable outing or event. Highly recommended!

Amazing restaurant. The food was delicious. Best escargot ever. The service was even better. Our Waitress Lerato handle the 10 of us like a champ. Food was on time, hot and yummy. Lovely experience.

Dined here now twice…once a dinner date with my husband a while ago and recently an early dinner with my daughter. Dined indoors and outdoors, tasteful decor, clean and great setup outside. Service indoor was way better than outdoor but compliments to the chefs as both times the food was very tasty.

The food was great,but it was too busy during that period,making the service slow and less interactive.

I love dinning here. Great atmosphere, amazing food. Very relaxing environment. Ben The waiter is excellent

Delicious Portuguese cuisine.
Mozambik is a franchise that understands the magic of quality food, quality environment will consistently deliver quality experience.
This site is so much bigger than I thought. The garden area is big enough to seat smokers and non smokers with a kids play area.
The food is tasty and just what you would expect if you have been before.
Well done guys. A job worthy of an applause.

We hosted a combined birthday party here. The food was amazing. What stood out was the assistance in setting up the decor before, the incredible service, responsiveness and care from the waiters during the event, right up until the end with help in carrying all the gifts and ensuring we get home safely. I highly recommend Callisto’s Gillview!

I visited this restaurant with friends, the restaurant to have dinner, it was very crowded so we had to wait 15 minutes for a table, but it was worth it. We ordered shrimp, crab, halumi cheese and steak. All the dishes were very tasty, now I understand why such a restaurant is so popular. For dan we ordered fries which together with the company spices were delicious, I bought these spices for home as a souvenir from this visit (I came from Europe).

I wanted to take a moment to share my recent experience at Calistos which has been our favourite spot for food and drinks.

Unfortunately during our visit tonight, we encountered an issue with the champagne sangria which didn’t taste like it usually does. We genuinely attempted to enjoy it but despite ordering it before our meal we struggled to finish it alongside our food.

We brought this concern to our waiter’s attention who appeared to be new or in training. We appreciate that everyone deserves a fair chance to master their craft. No complains about that at all , even though we did notice some errors in his service including him spilling our drink while pouring it.

No big deal , so when our waiter involved his manager about our sangria , we found it odd that the manager came to ask us what “we needed from the sangria” we are not mixologist nor barman’s , we are just customers looking for our favourite taste from our favourite drink that we’ve come to love. It felt somewhat disheartening to be asked that .

On a positive note , we managed to switch to another drink that turned out nicely. We also made a quick stop at Calistos Gold Reef City after for a sangria moment before heading home . we will definitely be coming back as we appreciate the food and good services from waitresses like Dorothy , we are just uncertain about having sangria there again.

Thank you for taking the time to read about our experience. We look forward to our future visits, hopefully with a better experience regarding sangria.

The most amazing best tasting starter muscles and prawns you will ever encounter. Such a feast.
The service is super amazing, friendly, professional and knowledgeable.
Well done

Our once a month visit 🙂
Best prawns EVER!!

Now this place you can almost call home, best food i had in a long time from a restaurant, waiter was so friendly. Food was fantastic and wow the portion size more than what you will expect. Great prices aswell. Definitely a 10 ⭐ worthy.

We visited Mozambik Randpark Ridge for the first time on Sunday to celebrate a birthday. The delectable food and brilliant service from Thabani far exceeded our expectations. I can highly recommend any dish including the queen prawns accompanied with their moreish chili sauce (mild option also available). We’ll definitely be back for more.

The place had a nice atmosphere and friendly staff! They had a cocktail special from 4-6, and the cocktails were perfect. They make the best sauce, and I’ll make sure I pay them a visit again!

The Queen Prawn Platter was a winner—the prawns were big, juicy, and packed with flavor. I went with the Peri-Peri mild option, which had a nice kick without overpowering the taste.

We also ordered the creamy garlic snails, which were, as always, juicy and delicious. My fellow diner devoured their Seafood Platter for One, so that speaks volumes. The coconut rice remains a standout—fluffy, fragrant, and the perfect side.

Mozambik consistently delivers great value without compromising on flavor. Whether you go for their seafood, chicken or steaks, you won’t be disappointed. Oh and this particular branch is the best out of the lot in my humble opinion

Delicious food and Thops (our waitress) was great! She was friendly, attentive and helpful! We will be back!

Mozambik Randpark Ridge isn’t just a restaurant, it’s an experience. From the moment you walk in, you’re greeted by the upbeat sounds played at Costa do Sol creating a lively atmosphere that’s perfect for a fun date night or a family outing.

They’ve truly thought of everything for a delightful visit. While you wait for your table, little ones can enjoy themselves in the dedicated play area. And to kick off your meal, they offer complimentary roasted nuts – a delicious way to whet your appetite.

But the real star of the show is the food. Mozambik offers, in my opinion, the best Portuguese cuisine in Johannesburg. The flavors are incredible, and the portions are generous.

Another perk? The restaurant’s location within a quiet shopping complex. This means you can enjoy a relaxing conversation with your significant other without the hustle and bustle of a busy dining area.

Highly recommend! I’ve been to Mozambik several times now, and it consistently delivers a fantastic dining experience.

The Grillhouse Melrose Arch – A Masterclass in Steakhouse Sophistication

The Grillhouse at Melrose Arch is more than just a dining destination—it’s a benchmark for upscale cuisine, refined service, and an atmosphere that effortlessly marries classic elegance with contemporary charm. From the moment you’re greeted at the door, the service is polished, intuitive, and deeply personal. The staff are knowledgeable, attentive without being intrusive, and clearly well-versed in the art of hospitality.

The culinary highlight? The 400g Rib Eye Steak—an absolute showstopper. Expertly aged, flame-grilled to precision, and bursting with bold, smoky richness, it’s a carnivore’s dream. Tender, juicy, and flawlessly seasoned, each bite reaffirms why The Grillhouse is considered one of Johannesburg’s finest.

Pair it with a glass of Chocolate Block red wine, and you’ve created a pairing that borders on iconic. This robust, velvety wine with hints of spice and dark fruit complements the steak beautifully, enhancing the flavors while elevating the entire dining experience to something truly memorable.

To round off the evening, the Malva Pudding arrives like a warm hug—rich, sticky, and indulgent with just the right touch of nostalgia. Paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, it’s a sweet finale that lingers on the palate.

Pricing reflects the premium quality and location—this is elevated dining done right. You’re not just paying for a meal, but for a full-sensory journey of South African excellence in one of Johannesburg’s most stylish precincts.

The ambiance is upscale yet inviting—think dark woods, ambient lighting, and a buzz that reflects its status as a go-to for both business lunches and romantic dinners. Whether you’re a local aficionado or an international traveler, The Grillhouse delivers consistency, class, and culinary confidence in every course.

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The Grillhouse is one of the top restaurant franchises in Africa.
The price and the quality are unbeatable. The food is (almost) always on point. If not, they take care of it right away.
Service is very nice and keeps up with big groups as well.
Reservation is recommended!

It’s not the first time I eat at this restaurant. Food is always amazing, portions quite big and prices very reasonable. Good quality meat. Most waiters don’t show politeness and emotion every time, sometimes it looks like they are forced to work and take the orders, but some of them are exceptional and really good in their job. All in all – recommendation for this place.

The service and ambience was excellent. Servers were relatively attentive and didn’t require much effort to get their attention. Food was served promptly with above average grace.

Food was unfortunately underwhelming due to seasoning – the lack of. Steak was bland and lack the needed char and crust of a good steakhouse steak. Highly unfortunate. Serving sizes were generous. Salad was excellent, fresh and crunchy. Wines were average.

The food never disappoints!!
If you live to eat steaks then you’re at the right place.
Good selection of wine, and a great finish with a Don Pedro.
The staff are very friendly, quick service and always aim to please everyone. I went 2 days in a row coz I couldn’t get over the first time.

Was I wow’ed – definitely not! I looked forward to coming here because others seemed to have enjoyed it.
No prawn curry, no small prawns?
Had Queen prawns and calamari – bland.
Kingklip in Piteu was ok.
Basic portuguese meals had SQ

We went for dinner last night with no reservation. The only table available was upstairs where we were informed it would be noisy as there were a couple of big tables upstairs. We really enjoyed our evening all the same. The service was excellent and the waiter was really great. Sardines to start were okay. Our main courses being Queen Prawns and the Peri Peri Chicken, were delicious. All in all, it was a really great evening. Nice, relaxed vibe and atmosphere. We would definitely go back! Thank you

Excellent food and service. Had lunch on their recommendation. Reasonably priced. Dessert menu very too.

Cool place for a Portuguese meal with South African and Mozambique flavours. The prawn sauce is amazing, sadly the bacalhau was sold out

I was thrilled to find this restaurant in Melrose Arch. I haven’t had Portuguese food in ages. This is a hearty and warm family establishment. Five stars to my server Starrion; I think he might be the son of the patron. So polite and friendly. What a wonderful young man. The prawn curry was out of this world! I didn’t realize the portions would be as big as they were. Otherwise, I would not have ordered an appetizer and just eaten the prawn curry. It was so delicious and I wish I could have finished it. The chicken liver appetizer was nice and rich as well. And the chocolate mousse was divine. I had it with a galao (Portuguese latte).

Definitely check out the necktie collection as well. The backstory on that is really nice.

It is my first time coming here desiring to try something new. The ambience of this place is absolutely lovely and the interior is beautiful. The menu has a wide selection of delicious food with slightly high pricing. The service was very slow and the staff took very long to come to our table to accommodate us but the food made up for it.

The Burrata caprese was absolutely lovely. So refreshing and paired well with the toast. Very nice for a light starter.

My mom in law got the oxtail bites and they looked delectable. She said they were so sensational and loved the presentation.

Overall I’d definitely come back here again to try more of their food!

Hosting a surprise birthday party is no easy feat, but with the help of the staff at Proud Mary, it was both successful and spectacular.
We were booked into the private dining room and all of our needs were taken care of professionally and with excellent hospitality.
10/10 for the set menu and for the mixologists.

A fantastic dining experience
We enjoyed breakfast here and food plus service first class
Then we came back for lunch and had another excellent meal. My seated Tuna and mixed salad was delicious, tasty and very generous service size. My partner’s dish Grilled Vegetables and Cous cous salad also great
Very good prompt service, waiters very friendly and helpful

Excellent hip restaurant with great wine list and bar

Ooh Proud Mary. This was a really nice surprise for my colleagues and I. After having a disastrous dinner the night before, we were all skeptical to go but Proud Mary proved us wrong. From the arrival to the setting of the restaurant…. OH THE FOOD . From the starter, we just knew we were in for an amazing evening. The waiters were great and even gave recommendations on what to try. It was an amazing space to be in after a long day of meetings. My only reservation was that the Wagyu beef burger was a bit dry but it was still very delicious. This was a lovely space and you will definitely see me again

My second visit and this time with family. Was quite underwhelming. Waitress was not attentive and there was stuff like more than one drinks menu that should’ve been provided and not asked, as was the case with toothpicks. Food was bland and lacked the richness and depth of flavour that was expected. Cocktails were ok. Ambience and decor is great however not enough to warrant a third visit.

My whole extended family had an absolute delicious dinner. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed their meal. Service was excellent. The atmosphere was also perfect. I personally ate the Queen prawns which were grilled to perfection.
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS RESTAURANT

Delicious food! I got the asparagus hake and it was very tasty. Alvin was our waiter and he was excellent.

Had such a fantastic dinner!!

This restaurant always produces and the main courses are generous and so tasty

Our waiter, Shaun, absolutely top notch

The service from the whole team was outstanding!

It was not our first option, but because I like a wine with my dine… the original restaurant unfortunately was not an option as they don’t serve wine . We decided on our ‘norm restaurant’ and on the way out we saw the fishmonger. Wow, wow, wow… Boesman had the prawns, I had the salmon. The food, the atmosphere and the service is nothing less than excellent! Thank you ever so much. Ps: the food comes so fast out, ‍♂️, have a chat with that someone special before you order . 5 stars for you thefishmonger illovo!

Probably the top seafood dining experience in. Johannesburg. You get what you ordered. The food is always fresh and the atmosphere always vibrant. Professional, mature staff who go out of their way to ensure that your experience is pleasant and memorable for all the right reasons.

I’d been told the prawns were great here. They were big enough and a decent helping, but I didnt enjoy the sauce that they had been grilled in – it seemed to take away the prawn flavour and was not appetising. I would have preferred it on the side as an option. Nice homely atmosphere and excellent service. Reasonably priced.

We had my dad’s birthday here recently and although the service was a little slow I still had to give 5 stars as the food was just amazing! Every person had a fantastic meal.

I can highly recommend the beef Picanha.. thinly sliced .. it was delish.

Always lovely to support an independent restaurant!

The staff there were so rude and horrible to me. My self and my husband came to have supper there with friends a Saturday night. I ordered a steak when I got my food I didn’t like it and I chose to send it back and i asked for a plate of hot chips instead. The waiter came to me and said that they can’t give me anything else as the kitchen was closed even though it was 20 min before the kitchen was closed. I talked to the manager and he rudely denied my request. I ended up having no supper at all. This shows terrible service as they are not accommodating or considerate or helpful. I will never go there again again.

Food was excellent, my wife and I had an early dinner/late lunch each having 6 Queen Prawns and Calamari. The food arrived piping hot and was delicious. The price, for prawns was in my opinion very reasonable

Best restaurant in Jhb, the picanya and calamari serving is my favorite, excellent service by staff and safe parking. A must visit…

Had such a wonderful late lunch here, the service was fast and friendly – gave helpful suggestions when trying to decide on what we wanted. Each dish was beautifully prepared and tasted amazing. Even though the dishes are designed small they were super filling. Great place!!

We went for supper on Saturday. I decided to try this establishment as their sushi looked great on the menu.

On arrival, we were seated. The restaurant was very busy and noisy. One could almost not hear the conversation being had, and hence, I did not enjoy it.

Our waitor did not introduce herself and seemed out of sorts, perhaps a bad day.

I ordered the number 5 and number 2. The sushi was prepared quickly, and I appreciated that. The sushi was mediocre, and although the presentation was great.

Most exceptional service by Alpheus. What a remarkable man. Hope that he gets to be the manager soon. Very rarely we come across someone that makes such a lasting impression. Speechless to say the least. Thank you Alpheus. Giving honor where it is due.

My go to restaurant for years! I’m from Los Angeles, California but I always fly to South Africa (Johannesburg) for the amazing experience I have at mezepoli. Adam is an incredible manager, as well as all the staff! Benny and Smo are wonderful. I’m always well taken care of, the food is constantly amazing and the staff is always professional, respectful, accommodating and friendly!

Had the most amazing Valentines Dinner , cute champagne on arrival and a delicious floral dessert on the house, food and cocktails were delicious , host, waitress and atmosphere were top-notch ❤️