Best Brunch Spots in Johannesburg

These are the best brunch spots in Johannesburg to catch up with family and friends while eating great food. Brunch during the week typically ends at 11:30 am, therefore, you should plan your reservation accordingly.

Although I no longer live in Joburg, I’ll continue to update this post as I visit and hear about new restaurants. I most recently visited in 2025. In Joburg, the restaurant scene can change quickly, so be sure to check opening hours.

Check out my Joburg Cafe list for even more options.

Best brunch spots in Johannesburg

Proud Mary

Proud Mary in Rosebank has an excellent selection of brunch options. In a funny twist, I never went to Proud Mary when I lived in Joburg, but since visiting again, I’ve gone every time. I love the Asian omelet… They serve excellent coffee and juices… and mimosas. With indoor and outdoor seating options, it’s great for year-round brunch, and its location in Rosebank makes it a good place to start before a shopping day.

Njam

When we lived in Linden, I loved going to Njam. There are great brunch options (until 11:30am). I usually get the Rooster Breakkie, shakshuka, mushrooms on toast, benedicts, or granola. Njam usually has some freshly-baked mini quiches as well. End your meal with a brownie; I think these are the best in town!

Breezeblock

Breezeblock is a wonderful cafe in Brixton. You can head there for breakfast or lunch. (It’s also a great workspace). It’s open 7 days a week—which is a total blessing if you’re lucky enough to be looking for a brunch spot on a Monday.

The Eggs Mirza (a kind od shakshuka with eggplant and garlic sauce) is my favorite brunch item, but all the food here is delicious.

The sauce is so good that I usually order more bread to make sure I soak up every drop of the aubergine tomato sauce.

Look at the eggplant-tomato goodness!

The vibe is cool and casual, though there are DJ events on occasional weekends (pre-booking required).

Just check out these cool views of the Brixton Tower from the street (left) and from Breezeblock (right).

We’ve gone several times, including as our destination for a bike ride between Melrose and Brixton. I barely made it up some of the hills getting to Breezeblock, but the thought of getting some of the best shakshuka in Johannesburg kept me going.

The fresh-pressed juices will go perfectly with your shakshuka order, or pick from your typical coffees and cocktails.

Check out Breezeblock’s full menu.

Pablo

If you’re looking for something a little swanky, head on over to Pablo in Sandton (and dress up a bit). The menu has something for everyone, including vegans, with scrambled harissa tofu. And the drink menu for a boozy brunch is extensive! I liked the fruit juices as well.

They make a green shakshuka with leeks, spinach, and feta. It’s the only restaurant I’ve ever seen that serves it! Although it didn’t have the spice-kick I usually look for in a shakshuka, the unique green version makes it on the list for the best brunch spots in Johannesburg for shakshuka.

Look at all that green goodness!

The vibe is elevated-cool (is that a thing?). Pablo is on the ground floor of the Mint Hotel in Sandton.

Check out the menu at Pablo.

Salvation Cafe

Located inside 44 Stanley, Salvation Cafe is a brunch hot spot. They don’t take reservations during the weekends but if you show up around 10am, you’re likely to get a table. There is indoor and outdoor seating. Try one of the benefits or get a duo (Benedict and pancake combo!). Be sure to end with a slice of their famous cheesecake. It’s won awards for the best cheesecake in town and I’d agree. The cafe is in a garden space with plenty of space. Walk around 44 Stanley after your meal.

Home of the Bean

Home of the Bean is the best place to drink coffee and eat brunch in Maboneng. Located just before Jewel City, you can people watch all day long on the couch or bring your computer to work with great coffee and a meal. The shakshuka here is excellent as is the coffee!

Dosa Hut

For a South Asian brunch, head to Dosa Hut in Fordsburg. I’ve written about Dosa Hut in its own post because it’s one of my favorite restaurants in Joburg. Get a dosa or a thali dish and you’ll be full!