Credits: Stort Biltong Credits: Stort Biltong

Guide to South African restaurants in London

Explore the vibrant and diverse flavours of South Africa in the heart of London with our guide to the best South African restaurants in the city. From traditional dishes to contemporary twists, these restaurants offer a taste of South Africa that will transport your taste buds across the country. Whether you're a seasoned fan of South African food or a curious newcomer, this guide will help you discover the top spots in London to enjoy the very best of the country's culinary culture.

In this guide
  1. The best South African restaurants in London
    1. High Timber Restaurant – Homemade biltong and sophisticated fare
    2. Jungle Braai – South African BBQ style
    3. Afrikana – Authentic African fare
    4. Vivat Bacchus – Wine and dine
    5. Kudu Grill – Open-fire braai cooking
    6. Park Tavern – A South African pub
    7. Bbar – South African through and through
    8. The Pig & Whistle – South African and British
    9. Shrimp Shack – Fast South African seafood

The best South African restaurants in London

High Timber Restaurant

Homemade biltong and sophisticated fare

High Timber is a sophisticated and modern South African restaurant with a twist. Enjoy everything from homemade biltong and rooibos-smoked salmon to succulent steaks in a smart dining room decorated with works by South African artists. The wine list focuses mainly on South African vintages, although there are bottles from other regions also available.

Jungle Braai

South African BBQ style

Jungle Braai finds its inspiration in the cherished South African BBQ tradition known as braai. This welcoming restaurant caters to families and presents a menu featuring elevated burgers, brioche hot dogs called "wors rolls," and tasty grilled seafood, such as chargrilled sea bass and king prawns, served with salad. Additionally, their gourmet burgers celebrate the finest flavours of South Africa, like the Smokin Joburg, with two patties, turkey rashers, cheese, lettuce, mayo, jalapeños, and a smoky BBQ sauce.

Afrikana Dalston Afrikana Mile End Afrikana at The O2 Afrikana Hayes
Afrikana Dalston
afrikanakitchen.com
Afrikana Mile End
afrikanakitchen.com
Afrikana at The O2
afrikanakitchen.com
Afrikana Hayes
afrikanakitchen.com
Afrikana Dalston Afrikana Mile End Afrikana at The O2 Afrikana Hayes

Authentic African fare

The Afrikana restaurants offer an authentic take on African cuisine. Drawing inspiration from the varied and aromatic flavours of the continent, these spots showcase Africa's cultural and culinary legacy through tasty dishes. Whether presenting time-honoured recipes or modern interpretations, Afrikana pays homage to the spirit of African gastronomy within a hospitable and inviting setting.

  • 43 - 45 Kingsland High Street, Dalston Mile End Road, Tower Hamlets The O2, Greenwich High Point Village, 83-103 Station Rd, Hillingdon
    Afrikana Dalston
    43 - 45 Kingsland High Street, Dalston
    Afrikana Mile End
    Mile End Road, Tower Hamlets
    Afrikana at The O2
    The O2, Greenwich
    Afrikana Hayes
    High Point Village, 83-103 Station Rd, Hillingdon
  • Afrikana Dalston
    afrikanakitchen.com
    Afrikana Mile End
    afrikanakitchen.com
    Afrikana at The O2
    afrikanakitchen.com
    Afrikana Hayes
    afrikanakitchen.com
    Afrikana Dalston
    020-792 333 18
    Afrikana Mile End
    020-770 273 47
    Afrikana at The O2
    020-885 834 41
    Afrikana Hayes
    020-856 166 56
  • Afrikana Dalston Afrikana Mile End Afrikana at The O2 Afrikana Hayes
Vivat Bacchus Farringdon Vivat Bacchus London Bridge
Vivat Bacchus Farringdon
vivatbacchus.co.uk
Vivat Bacchus London Bridge
vivatbacchus.co.uk
Vivat Bacchus Farringdon Vivat Bacchus London Bridge

Wine and dine

In addition to the main menu at Vivat Bacchus, this sophisticated dining spot boasts a walk-in cheese room featuring a vast selection of cheeses, ideal for pairing with your selected wine. Dishes from the main menu include things like cured meats, 21-day aged steaks, and open sandwiches. While there are wines from around the world, there is an emphasis on those from South Africa.

  • 47 Farringdon Street, The City/Holborn/City of London 4 Hay's Lane, Southwark
    Vivat Bacchus Farringdon
    47 Farringdon Street, The City/Holborn/City of London
    Vivat Bacchus London Bridge
    4 Hay's Lane, Southwark
  • Vivat Bacchus Farringdon
    vivatbacchus.co.uk
    Vivat Bacchus London Bridge
    vivatbacchus.co.uk
    Vivat Bacchus Farringdon
    020-735 326 48
    Vivat Bacchus London Bridge
    020-723 408 91
  • Vivat Bacchus Farringdon Vivat Bacchus London Bridge

Kudu Grill

Open-fire braai cooking

Kudu Collective's Grill is bringing refined South African flavours to the streets of Peckham. This family-run restaurant focuses on South African charcoal cooking, with everything being cooked on an open fire, a style referred to as braai. The ever-changing menus showcase dishes like coal-roasted sweetcorn, grilled prawns, potato flatbread with lardo and wild garlic, and pork chops.

Park Tavern – South African restaurants
Park Tavern
Park Tavern – South African restaurants
Park Tavern
Park Tavern – South African restaurants
Park Tavern
Park Tavern – South African restaurants
Park Tavern
Park Tavern – South African restaurants
Park Tavern
Park Tavern – South African restaurants
Park Tavern
Park Tavern – South African restaurants
Park Tavern
Park Tavern – South African restaurants
Park Tavern
Park Tavern – South African restaurants
Park Tavern
Park Tavern – South African restaurants
Park Tavern
Park Tavern – South African restaurants
Park Tavern
Park Tavern – South African restaurants
Park Tavern

Park Tavern

A South African pub

Wandsworth's Park Tavern, a gastropub in a 19th-century coaching inn, blends classic British pub vibes with South African flavours. With cosy nooks, two outdoor areas, and cocktails and South African wines, it's perfect for hearty meals and entertainment, from sports to pub quizzes. The menu highlights seasonal British meat cooked South African-style, offering barbecue platters, burgers, and more. Don't miss their unique twist on the Sunday roast.

Bbar

South African through and through

Bbar's kitchen blends South African culinary traditions with contemporary global flavours, featuring dishes like jackfruit burgers and bobotie spring rolls. The decor draws inspiration from the African savannah, featuring animal prints and sculptures for an elegant yet exotic vibe. They also offer children's menus and afternoon tea, while live DJs keep the atmosphere lively and vibrant.

The Pig & Whistle

South African and British

This community pub provides a cosy, homey atmosphere to enjoy a drink and a bite to eat. With the owners' South African heritage, visitors can enjoy a selection of local beers and South African-inspired dishes. The drink offerings feature local beers on tap and South African sodas, while the menu boasts authentic treats like boerewors rolls and zebra steaks. Additionally, they serve hearty British favourites like sausage and mash, as well as Sunday roasts.

Shrimp Shack

Fast South African seafood

Shrimp Shack is a lively and colourful fast-casual dining spot in Streatham, centred around shrimp, often hailed as the crown jewel of seafood. Infusing South African flavours into these succulent sea treasures, Shrimp Shack allows patrons to craft their own shrimp dish, selecting their preferred size, dips, and seasonings. In addition to its shrimp-focused offerings, the restaurant also serves a variety of other seafood and meat dishes.

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Editors

At Thatsup, we have extensive experience of guiding our readers to a city’s hidden gems. Since 2008, our editors have been writing insightful guides covering restaurants, bars, cafes, hotels, and hairdressers, among other things. Our guides consist of carefully selected tips based on our local knowledge and are regularly updated with the help of our focus group, where we collectively discuss selections and content. We are constantly working to inspire and provide you with the best possible experience, no matter where you are or what you are looking for.