The 8 best outdoor restaurants in Johannesburg

The piazza at Steyn City captures that Italian town square feeling perfectly, albeit with more space than any little spot in Rome or Florence.

Outdoor seating next to the fountains, enough space between tables that you're not part of neighbouring conversations. Tables are set for lingering, so settle in for lunches that start at noon and only wrap when the sun drops.

Wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas emerge with properly blistered bases and fresh mozzarella. Handmade pasta appears on every table, quite rightly.

Nobody should say no to handmade tagliatelle! And the porcini risotto – featuring earthy mushrooms with creamy arborio rice – delivers exactly what you want from Italian comfort food.

An on-site deli stocks imported olive oils, aged cheeses (the burrata is excellent), crusty ciabatta, and homemade pasta sauces for when you want to take the atmosphere home with you.

Address: Shop 211 City Centre, Upper Piazza, Central Lane, Steyn City

The courtyard at 44 Stanley sits beneath mature trees, creating a natural canopy overhead. Even on scorching Jozi afternoons, the shade makes sitting outside actually pleasant.

Brunch favourites include shakshuka arriving bubbling in a cast-iron pan, falafel Buddha bowls loaded with roasted vegetables and tahini, and toasties stuffed so generously that they require strategic eating. Vegan and vegetarian options receive proper attention rather than being relegated to an afterthought status.

44 Stanley itself is worth mentioning as a weekend outing: the converted warehouse complex is filled with boutiques, design studios, and this café at its heart.

So order fresh juice or strong coffee, settle in for longer than planned, then wander through the boutiques afterwards.

Address: 44 Stanley Avenue, Milpark

This Parktown spot hides away at the Wits Club. It's only minutes from the M1 but feels much further, in a good way.

The outdoor area is surrounded by ancient oak trees that have been there longer than most of Johannesburg's suburbs. There are whitewashed walls, greenery spilling everywhere, and a hint of the Cape Winelands atmosphere.

As the name suggests, Mediterranean flavours dominate here. They're executed with genuine care, and you'll see the mezze platters being prepared, colourful and abundant. Lamb shank gets slow-cooked until it genuinely falls off the bone.

Roasted vegetable couscous and quinoa salad proves that vegetarian dishes don't need to play second fiddle. Save room for baklava or the honeycomb cheesecake. On the first weekend of each month, they serve afternoon tea – book ahead.

Address: 7 Yale Road, Parktown

The drive to Monaghan Farm takes you far enough from the city to actually feel like you've escaped – and given Joburg traffic, that's saying something. This farm-to-table restaurant sits within 1,260 acres near Lanseria.

The approach alone justifies the journey: green landscapes, a river crossing, horses grazing in paddocks, and farm dams. It's properly countryside, not "estate living with slightly larger stands than usual" faux countryside.

Outdoor seating spreads across the property with serious views over the surrounding hills, complete with horses grazing at the stableyard next door. The menu changes seasonally based on what's picked from the farm.

Wood-fired pizzas, handmade pasta, and grilled steaks make up the core offerings. A fireplace provides warmth for cooler evenings. Sunday lunch here is restorative in that way only proper countryside dining can manage.

Address: Ashenti Road, Monaghan Farm, Lanseria

The rooftop terrace at this Rosebank hotel is situated on the 4th floor, offering full city views. The garden element isn't just decorative greenery in pots; actual plants grow here, softening what could easily be another generic hotel rooftop.

The setting is particularly good for sundowners when the light takes on that specific golden hue that photographers wait all day for.

It's true that the restaurant is best known for contemporary fine dining and afternoon tea, but the outdoor terrace stays refreshingly more relaxed than you'd expect from a hotel restaurant.

The champagne bar handles special occasions seamlessly: proposals, anniversaries, or even "we finally finished the year" celebrations.

Address: 54 Bath Avenue, Rosebank

Set within the grounds of Inanda Country Base, Fangios brings Italian dining to the equestrian-mad suburb of Kyalami. The outdoor seating overlooks stables and grass riding arenas, with ICB taking full advantage of the green, open spaces. The pet-friendly policy means dogs are as common as cappuccinos on the terrace.

One thing you’ll notice about Fangios is that it’s always busy - thanks to a crowd of loyal locals who pop in for everything from weekend lunches with rugby, to post-riding drinks on weekday evenings.

The menu focuses on pasta and wood-fired pizzas, with arrabiatta as the go-to vegan option. Live singers perform on weekends, and a jumping castle keeps children entertained while parents linger over lunch. The restaurant closes around 9:30-10pm on weeknights, so plan accordingly for dinner.

Address: Rose Road via Kyalami, Inanda Country Base, Midrand

Tucked away in the leafy surrounds of Muldersdrift, Ground Café is one of Joburg’s most underrated outdoor dining destinations. Set on a spacious, nature-soaked property with shaded terraces and open lawns, it’s the kind of place that makes lingering over brunch feel like a weekend escape.

The menu leans into fresh, seasonal food, focusing on hearty breakfasts and thoughtful café classics that pair perfectly with a long, sunlit lunch. Think creamy avo on sourdough, vibrant salads, and perfectly brewed filter coffees, all best enjoyed alfresco with a breeze rustling through the trees.

What really sets Ground apart is its relaxed, rural vibe just a short drive from the city. Whether you’re meeting friends for a weekend brunch, letting the kids (fur babies included) run free on the lawn, or settling in with a book and a cold drink, it’s a spot that celebrates outdoor dining done right.

Time Out Tip: Try the Lamb Naan Wrap and thank us later.

Address: Plot 19 Driefontein Road, Muldersdrift

The Potluck Club's outdoor terrace is one of Joburg’s most stylish al fresco dining spots. It's an intimate, leafy escape in the city, perfect for long lunches, sunset dinners, or weekend catch-ups.

The menu is playful and globally inspired, designed for sharing and discovery. Think punchy small plates, inventive mains that change with the seasons, and flavour combinations that surprise in all the right ways. 

Keep an eye on their social media for seasonal curated events, such as their Summer Sundowner Sessions or Weekend Jazz lunches with bottomless bubbles. 

Address: 61 North St, Melrose