Best Brunch Spots in Johannesburg: Shakshuka Version
I absolutely love shakshuka. To be honest, I love almost anything with a spicy tomato sauce. Shakshuka is an awesome brunch dish and it’s one of my go-tos if it’s on a menu between the hours of 9am -12pm. Although I have yet to try all the Best Brunch Spots in Johannesburg (the list is actually endless), here are the best brunch spots in Johannesburg for shakshuka.
Best brunch spots in Johannesburg for shakshuka
Karibu Cafe
This cute cafe is Linden is a fast favorite for me. Now that we live in Linden, it’s also perfect for rainy day brunches. The coffee is great and all the food we’ve ordered has been so good. The service is awesome. There is sidewalk seating as well as indoor seating.
If you think ketchup is spicy then stay far away from Karibu for shakshuka. This is the only shakshuka that I haven’t had to add extra chilis or hot sauce for that extra kick I want. It’s the perfect spice level. The toasted bread is really good. If you want to kick up the spice level even more, just ask for the fresh chilis.
Wilhelm also loves the Karibu Breakfast (with eggs, toast, avo, and mushrooms. You can swap the bacon for delish spinach).
Shakshuka and a Karibu Breakfast
The loaded veggie grilled cheese sandwich is so so tasty. It has got mushrooms, avo, cheese, and caramelized onions that put this sandwich over the top.
Most dishes are served with a little Kachumbari (a Kenyan-style fresh tomato and onion salad).
Shakshuka and a Loaded Veggie Grilled Cheese
If you visit for brunch on a Saturday, the sister shop CO-OP Squared will be open as well. There are home goods and clothing for sale. I bought a cool jeans jacket here and a basket!
Check out the menu on google maps.
Breezeblock
Technically, there is no shakshuka at Breezeblock in Brixton but the Eggs Mirza is so similar to a shakshuka that it makes the list. In fact, the Eggs Mirza is an elevated shakshuka.
The Eggs Mirza is “poached eggs in smoky aubergine and fragrant garlic turmeric tomato sauce, topped with a minty drizzle and harissa. Served with a slice of toast.”
The sauce was so good that I ordered more bread to make sure we soaked up every drop of the aubergine tomato sauce.
Look at the eggplant-tomato goodness!
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 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 the Pablo in Sandton. They make a green shakshuka. It’s the only restaurant I’ve ever seen that serves it!
The green shakshuka is served with leeks, spinach, and feta. 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!
Go to Pablo’s if you want to 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.
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. There is also a red shakshuka. I haven’t tried it yet, so if you do let me know what you think.
Home of the Bean
Home of the Bean is the best place to drink coffee and get shakshuka 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. Be sure to ask for some chili on the side.
