Edward Chamberlain-Bell

The nominations for the best restaurants in Johannesburg are pouring in — and the competition is already looking fierce. The JoziStyle community is officially deciding which restaurants in Johannesburg are the most deserving of the JoziStyle Restaurant Awards. The early contenders range from grand luxury to ambitious pop-ups, and sublime fine dining to rustic local gems. From buzzing weekend brunches to sunset rooftop cocktails, these are the Gauteng spaces people refuse to stop talking about.

Johannesburg’s dining scene is bold, constantly evolving, and deserves to be celebrated. Welcome to the inaugural JoziStyle Restaurant Awards 2026 — a public-led celebration of Johannesburg’s best dining destinations. No judging, no politics, just real votes for the restaurants people genuinely care about. The power sits with the people who actually support the restaurants. This is your opportunity to promote the restaurants that define Jozi’s hospitality culture.

Before we let you into the inner circle, we need to verify your credentials. Do you know your braai from your shisanyama? Can you navigate the nuances of Jozi culture without a map? ​This ten-question sprint is designed to separate the true South African Comrades from the tourists. ​We are giving away 10 VIP Jozi Social Club Memberships, each worth R1,000. ​Redemption: You may retake the assessment to improve your standing on the leaderboard. ​10 questions. 60 seconds. 1 VIP winner.