Whether it’s sweet or savoury, Fournos makes and bakes it best. Their pastries, pies and deli counter are legendary and we never leave without at least half a dozen loaves of different shapes and sizes, dips, cold meats, and we definitely never make it out without a box of their Florentines.

fournos.co.za, 011 771 2500

Before you light that braai, go and check out Impala Butchery’s boerewors, we promise you, there is nothing tastier, other than maybe their lamb chops or aged steaks. And to nibble on while you get the fire going, there’s South Africa’s national dish, namely a bowl of biltong.  Whether you like it thin sliced or chunky, spicy or fatty, Impala has a range of biltong and droëwors unparalleled in Joburg. Now, all we need is an ice-cold beer…

impalameat.com, 177 Beyers Naude Dr, Northcliff, 011 888 9838

There’s only one thing worse than being talked about and that’s not being talked about! And it’s the word of mouth that has kept By Word of Mouth at the top of the caterer extraordinaire list for many years.  And it’s not just their mouth-watering tailor-made menus that keep people using their services over and over, it’s their impeccable complete event management service. Next time you’re planning a special party, give them a call – and we’re looking for an invitation!

bywordofmouth.co.za , 011 553 7600

No one wants the hassle of deep frying (and have you seen the cost of cooking oil?) so when a plate of piping hot, salty, vinegary chips is in order get to Steers for their fries. Nothing tastes quite as good as their hand-cut chips, complete with their special seasoning sprinkled on top. But don’t miss out on their juicy burgers, flame-grilled, just how we like them. Burgers and chips – a perfect pair just like bread and jam.

steers.co.za, 011 759 7221

Where would we be without coffee with wings…Caffeine deprived, that’s where we’d be. Single or double shot, skinny or grande, malted or spiced, the choice is yours but your cup of Seattle coffee will always be how you like it and made with love by expert baristas.

seattlecoffeecompany.co.za

One bite into a light, fluffy Krispy Kreme doughnut, and you’re transported into a world of pure joy. And they look so appetising, too. With so many glazes and fillings to choose from, the only solution is to take home a box of every single kind. And if you still can’t make up your mind, what about their DOUs combining two melt-in-your-mouth flavours? But perhaps what you didn’t know is that they will customise doughnuts for kids’ parties, gender-reveal parties, company events and more.

krispykremesa.com, 010 006 0400

What can we say about Fisherman’s Deli? They are a perennial winner, as voted by our readers to the top spot.  Clearly, their daily fresh fish, a large variety of seafood, live oysters, caviar and freshly made sushi are something our readers keep going back for again and again, as well as for the service – they will fillet, de-vein and prepare your fish for you saving you from all that hard work. You just need to light the braai!

fishermansdeli.co.za, Dunkeld West Centre, 011 325 2577

Joburg’s longest-running outdoor market, Bryanston Market is home to some of our most skilled artisans. Each stallholder has a story to tell about their particular hand-crafted goods. The market has clothing, jewellery, gifts, plants and flowers, but above all they are known for their fresh and organic food produce, bakery and deli stalls.

bryanstonmarket.co.za, 011 706 3671

With its distinctly market feel and extra special offers on fresh fruit and vegetable combos, there’s no longer any excuse not to eat your greens (and reds, oranges, yellows and purples…) Providing a truly spectacular visual as well as a literal feast of fresh produce, FLM  is a firm Jozi favourite and now stocks a wide range of other groceries too.

foodloversmarket.co.za, 086 000 7728

No picnic or outdoor concert would be complete without a visit to Woolies where we just don’t know what to choose from. And just when we think we’ve over catered with those dips, samosas, cocktail sausages, bite-size meatballs and so much more, there’s not a morsel left. They also have tempting healthy snacks for school bags, packed lunches and padkos along with tried and tested favourites from their ready meals.

woolworths.co.za, 086 002 2002

Don’t you wish your folks had the forethought to gift you an ice-cream-making machine at 21 so you could turn it into a successful business? That’s exactly what happened to Paul. Now, after much churning and experimenting with flavours, who today doesn’t recognise those iconic turquoise boxes filled with Paul’s Homemade Ice Cream yumminess? Too many flavours to mention, but not too many for you to try over the summer.

paulshomemade.com, 011 485 0104

With burger names like Smash Burger, Yabbler, Sweetbird and Bomba, RocoMamas has always made dining out at their restaurants fun as well as yum. Their G Shakes and Freakshakes are as decadent as they get, marbled with flavour, and they look as good as they taste. With a funky décor and rock ‘n’ roll vibe, RocoMamas is all about ‘fast and casual’ in a good way. There’s nothing casual about their approach to great food, great shakes and great service. This is a smashing win!

rocomamas.com, 086 088 8772

When you see tables laden with Just Teddy’s goodies, you just want to swoon. It’s almost a sin to bite into one of their masterpieces of confectionery, they are so beautiful. Colourful and shiny, delicate and creamy these cakes and pastries are in a world-class pâtisserie and boulangerie league of their own. And if you want to know how they do it, you can now join #BakeWithJustTeddy classes, where you get to learn skills from Teddy first-hand.

justteddy.co.za, Hyde Park Corner Shopping Centre, 010 203 9038

There are essentials and then there are…essentials. Apart from cleaning products, cosmetics, small electrical appliances, fresh fruit and veggies, a bakery and butchery, a wine section and all your other grocery basket basics, Checkers now boasts a Forage & Feast range of French and Italian cheeses, condiments and sauces selected together with Michelin star chef Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen. But if you can’t get to one of their stores in person, their Sixty60 online shopping service guarantees the quickest delivery right to your door. Start making that shopping list!

checkers.co.za, 0800-01-07-09

Pizza Perfect has spent the past 32 years perfecting the perfect, iconic Italian pizza. From their hand-stretched dough to the generous toppings and lashings of cheese all cooked in an authentic wood-fired oven, it’s no surprise that this well-named company is the winner in this category. And if you don’t believe us, pop in and watch them preparing the pizzas in their signature open kitchens.

pizzaperfect.co.za, 011 462 4413

Thundergun has been a firm favourite for more than 50 years and has been delighting patrons old and new all that time. Their carvery is legendary, but few can resist their enormous rack of juicy ribs whose size is a challenge to even the most avid meat eater! And if you’re of ‘a certain age’ (we’re not saying) there’s a pensioners’ special on Tuesdays.

thundergun.co.za, Palala Centre, Beyers Naude Drive, 011 678 7224

As soon as you see a Nando’s ad in that iconic font, you know they’re going to make you smile. And boy, does their chicken also make you smile. It doesn’t matter how you dress it up – with lemon-and-herb sauce or with their very own mild or hot peri-peri (no one does it hotter!) Nando’s flame-grilled chicken is the taste we crave. And we know lots of South Africans who make a beeline for their nearest Nando’s store overseas, too. There’s nothing like the taste of home!

nandos.co.za, 086 011 3332

Uber and Uber Eats have become verbs in the South African lexicon and are shorthand for the convenience of ordering food from any restaurant anywhere in the city to be delivered straight to your door. Uber Eats means never having to say you’re sorry for not having supper ready, it means treating yourself to gourmet at home, a pizza during the match when you can’t tear yourself away from the TV screen. We’re just looking for excuses, but really, none are needed. Uber Eats is simply The Best Food Delivery Service.

about.ubereats.com/za  

There’s a Liquor City across the road from our office, so trust us, we know what we’re talking about on this one. Never imagine you’re going to pop in for a six-pack or single bottle of vino for supper. Nope. There are too many aisles of bottles with beautiful labels, of liquids of all colours from red, white, amber, blue and pink. Then there are their own signature house brands that provide amazing value for money. Family-owned and customer-centric, we love this store that’s been around for almost three decades.

liquorcity.co.za, 011-306-9999

With its trendy, upmarket décor, 011 Gin-Eatery provides the perfect vibey, friendly, upbeat escape from an everyday hum-drum life. Live music, every kind of gin cocktail in every colour of the rainbow, combined with great food – there’s nowhere with a more South African spirit to enjoy for after-work drinks with good colleagues or a weekend night out with good friends, and who says we can’t be both?

011jhb.co.za, 27 Minerva Avenue, Sandton, 010 020 9945

Smack a smile on, they say – we’re all about the taste – and what a selection of tastes they have. Who knew beer came in so many colours and intensity of flavours? If you want to quench your thirst, there’s nowhere better than Mad Giant. Their craft-brewed lagers and IPA are sensational and the taproom is all about ‘smoke, fire and extra fresh beer.’ They also deliver if you can’t make it to the pub and are craving an ice-cold one!

madgiant.co.za/taprooms/, 079 283 7380

Giles is simply an institution. Between them, Giles Original Pub and Founders at Giles serve food all day. The place is popular with local residents, young professionals and sports fans who go to watch the match over a beer…or two. And then there’re the stalwarts who have been going for years (you know who you are!). A clear favourite in this category.

gilesrez.co.za, 9 Grafton Avenue, Craighall Park, 011 442 4056

The two coolest suburbs in the city have to be Parkhurst and Melville so that’s where you’ll find the cool cats hanging out at Jolly Cool. There’s a permanent party vibe going on at Jolly Cool, with pool tables, great music, amazing pizza and other pub grub, there are weekly food and drink specials and a Sunday shesa nyama.

4th Avenue, Parkhurst or 7^th Street, Melville, 011 327 5883

Because it’s so well loved by so many, and so busy pretty much any night of the week, there’s a good chance you might just meet the person of your dreams at The Baron. The question ‘do you come here often’ is usually met with a ‘yes’ so be part of the in-crowd and get to your nearest Baron. And if you don’t find who you’re looking for, the food and atmosphere are worth the night out anyway!

thebaron.co.za

Ross, Marco, Dale, Dirk and Neil – collectively known as Prime Circle is not only Jozi’s favourite but they’re one of the nation’s best-loved musical outfits, too. With their prolific gig schedule both at home and overseas where they also enjoy immense success and seven award-winning albums under their belts, they’re also one of the hardest-working bands we know. They have some SA November dates, so check out their website.

primecircleband.com