• Johannesburg’s brunch scene is a vibrant mix of flavours, offering everything from classic comfort food to international delights.
• Restaurants in the city emphasise fresh, local ingredients, supporting the local economy while providing delicious meals.
• With options catering to various dietary preferences, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free, there’s a perfect brunch spot for everyone in Jo’burg.

Craving a brunch that’s as vibrant as the city itself? Johannesburg, often hailed as the City of Gold, is rapidly earning a reputation as the “city of brunch gold”. 

Whether you’re a seasoned brunch enthusiast or a newcomer to the city, there’s always something fresh and delicious to discover. 

A highlight of Jo’burg’s diverse brunch scene is the emphasis on fresh, local ingredients. Many eateries pride themselves on sourcing produce from nearby farms and markets, ensuring that your meal is delicious and supports the local economy.  

Additionally, the city’s growing health and wellness culture has led to a surge in brunch options catering to dietary restrictions and preferences, with plenty of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free choices available. 

From bustling, trendy spots offering a variety of delicious brunch staples to holes in the wall tucked away in residential areas, Johannesburg’s brunch scene is constantly evolving. These are the 12 best spots to get brunch in Jo’burg.

The Whippet Coffee 

Prices: $$ 

Start your day with a jolt at The Whippet, renowned for handcrafted coffee creations and droolworthy brunch dishes. Think crispy bacon with fresh croissants, buttermilk pancakes with berries, and their signature Wake Shake to kickstart your morning.  

You can find this brunch institution in the leafy suburb of Linden. It serves up bright but simple-tasting food and drinks on its all-day brunch menu, like its bobotie omelette, a perfectly fluffy egg with curried mince topped with a dollop of creme fraiche and an apricot drizzle.  

Happy hours at The Whippet start at 13:00 on Wednesdays and 14:00 from Thursday to Sunday, when you can get two drinks for one on the alcohol menu. 

Grate Cafe 

Prices:  $$

Grate boasts an impressive selection of pastries, cakes, and waffles. This al fresco setup flanks the street side and acts as an oasis between the cluster of office parks in Illovo. The relaxed Parisian atmosphere makes you feel like you have been painted into Van Gogh’s Cafe Terrace at Night.

Pair a selection of their sweet treats with a perfectly brewed cup of coffee and soak up the trendy ambience.  

‘Arbour Cafe and Courtyard 

Prices: $$

Enjoy a whimsical brunch at ‘Arbour Café and Courtyard, a French-inspired café and creperie nestled in the leafy suburb of Birdhaven. The brunch menu at ‘Arbour offers a selection of delicious omelettes, sweet crepes, galettes, and a daily selection of freshly baked cakes and flaky pastries.

Every Saturday, Sunday, and public holiday, a partnership with L’Ormarins offers brunch lovers bottomless mimosas and a bespoke brunch menu.

From R375 to R575, you can treat yourself to refreshing mimosas and a brunch main of your choice. 

Father Coffee 

Prices: $$

Father Coffee is where speciality coffee meets artisanal culinary artistry. This trendy roastery with locations in Rosebank and Kramerville boasts an all-day menu featuring innovative dishes like a deconstructed croque monsieur with their signature sourdough croissant topped with gruyere, mustard and gipsy ham and a soufflé omelette with aged cheddar, chives, charred romesco salsa and grilled sourdough. 

Louise and Anna 

Prices: $$

Nothing screams soul food quite like the taste of Cajun and Creole cuisine. Louise and Anna in Craighall brings South African diners a taste of good old deep American Southern cooking.  

This charming eatery offers endless New Orleans-style brunch options, including fresh oysters, chicken and waffles, and authentic beignets. Enjoy one of their delicious cocktails, including a spicy margarita – a blend of Jose Cuervo, orange liqueur, lime juice, and crystal hot sauce.

Glenda’s 

Prices:  $

Glenda’s in Hyde Park is the spot for a hearty brunch that will keep you going all day.

Tuck into their signature gooey gruyere omelette or eggs royale with poached eggs, hollandaise sauce, and smoked salmon served with freshly baked homemade brioche. 

The Fun Eatery 

Prices: $

The Fun Eatery in Randburg offers an alternative space to enjoy whimsical, colourful meals that are good for you and the environment. Their menu offers a vibrant selection of healthy brunch options, including health and smoothie bowls, sweet and savoury bubble waffles, delicious bubble teas and thick, creamy, moreish milkshakes. 

Loco Mexican food and bar

Prices: $

Stepping into this Braamfontein restaurant, you will be instantly immersed into the vibrant streets of Cancun, Mexico. The Loco brunch menu offers delicious Mexican-inspired breakfast burritos and corn fritters. The prices are also pocket friendly, ranging from R65 to R145 for meals, with drinks from R20. 

The Village Cafe 

Prices:  $

The Village Cafe is set among the trees of Johannesburg North’s Fourways and offers a robust, hearty menu influenced by the bold and fresh flavours of the Mediterranean. Opt for customer favourites like their delectable eggs Benedict with topping options of either bacon, smoked salmon, or wilted spinach, or enjoy every bite of their fresh cobb salad and rump and caramelised onion panino. 

Breezeblock Cafe 

Prices: $

The Breezeblock Cafe in the vibrant and trendy Brixton neighbourhood aims to draw Jo’burgers to visit and appreciate the beautiful, diverse, and artistic neighbourhood. Enjoy brunch with a view of a succulent garden, fish ponds, and a reclaimed tile mural.  

It’s a vibrant and trendy spot where creatives thrive; enjoy their delicious spicy huevos rancheros or eggs mirza, with soft, oozing poached eggs in a smoky aubergine, fragrant garlicky turmeric and tomato sauce topped with a minty drizzle and harissa. 

De la Creme 

Prices:  $

De la Creme prides itself on being one of the best brunch finds in Mellville. Situated on the corner of 4th Avenue and 7th Street, this family-owned restaurant uses the purest and freshest ingredients to bake fresh pastries and bread daily, a crucial component in creating its beautiful brunch dishes. 

EL&N London 

Prices: $$

The world’s most Instagrammable café chain, Eat, Live and Nourish (EL&N), is renowned for its pink interiors, floral backdrops, neon words of wisdom, and innovative menu of brunch cult classics.

You can enjoy a vast selection of brunch delights, including French toast, eggs Florentine, and the millennials’ favourite, smashed avocado on toast. 

READ | Review: Date night at EL&N London, Johannesburg’s newest Instagrammable restaurant