JoziStyle Restaurant Awards 2026: The First Nominees Revealed

Discover the official nominees for the JoziStyle Restaurant Awards 2026. From fine dining to hidden gems, see the ultimate local culinary shortlist.

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 JoziStyle Restaurant Awards 2026 are celebrating the culinary visionaries, exceptional flavours, and unforgettable dining experiences that define the vibrant food scene in Jozi.

This is the definitive first wave of nominees—a master class in hospitality where every single venue stands as an essential destination. From hidden gems to celebrated institutions, explore the full list below and discover who is shaping the way we dine this year.

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.

Nominees for the JoziStyle Restaurant Awards (2026) in alphabetical order are:

Bellagio South Africa ◦ Carbon Cafe ◦ Dino’s Trattoria ◦ Embarc Restaurant ◦ Fireroom Bedfordview ◦ Hangout Jozi (Central Johannesburg) ◦ Imbizo Shisanyama ◦ La Parada ◦ Lalqila ◦ Level 7 ◦ Life Grand Cafe ◦ Marble Restaurant ◦ Mastroantonio ◦ Mcc Book And Coffee Shop Cc ◦ Mezepoli ◦ Mix Bar ◦ Mugg & Bean ◦ News Cafe ◦ Nine Lives ◦ Papachinos Boksburg ◦ Pauls ◦ Sandton Sun Hotel-San Deck ◦ Saxon ◦ Seattle Coffee Company ◦ SecretEATS ◦ Social On Main, Bryanston ◦ Sphere Monk (Maboneng) ◦ Tashas ◦ The Bistro ◦ The Hussar Grill ◦ The Old Oak ◦ The Orbit, Braamfontein ◦ Tigers Milk ◦ Truffles on the Park ◦ Uncle Jim’s ◦ Well Maid Events and Catering ◦ Zani’s Eatery, Katlehong ◦ Zen63 Restaurant and Lounge

And this is only the beginning.