Load Shedding Friendly Restaurants: Don’t Dine In The Dark, South Africa

Guys, it’s time to stop whining about load shedding. Stop with the status updates and plaintive tweets. Seriously, we’re over the ranting and raving about South Africa, its lack of electricity, and its poor economy. Cheer up, and go out for dinner. Spend some much-needed time away from the TV and with friends, family, and your fellow Saffas. The best part? You can do it at 2-for-1 prices with the ENTERTAINER.

So, before resorting to a sad dinner of Salticrax by candlelight, check out our list of restaurants – they’re guaranteed to light up your life during load shedding. You can thank us later.


Load Shedding Friendly Restaurants Cape Town

1. GOLOSO | SEA POINT

Come to Goloso for an authentic taste of Italy in Sea Point. Although the menu is small, this hangout is known as one of the best family-friendly pizza restaurants in the city. Their delish dishes are drool-worthy and they’re load shedding friendly, so you won’t be left hangry in the dark.

2. ADDIS IN CAPE | CBD

Situated in the heart of the city bowl, Addis In Cape is right up any veggie lover’s alley. Their menu has a number of Ethiopian vegan dishes for you to choose from. Our personal fave thing to do is create a vegan combo and eat with our hands. Have we mentioned they’re also load shedding friendly? LOVE.

3. LEFTY’S | ZONNEBLOEM

You know you’re at a winning restaurant when you have a concise menu yet you’re torn on what to order. This is the perfect load shedding-friendly spot to share with friends. Order the chicken and waffles because, well, it’s Lefty’s, and you just have to. Their portion sizes are C R A Z Y and the bacon perfectly complements the syrup.

4. GREEK FISHERMAN | V & A WATERFRONT

Basically, Greek food is dabomb.com. If you’re not a fan, go to Greek Fisherman and you’ll be converted (trust us). The cuisine includes Mediterranean and seafood specialties and they are famous for their Greek meze, seafood platter feast and their stunning oven lamb.

5. MELONCINO | V & A WATERFRONT

Views on views! Located on the second floor of the Victoria Wharf Shopping Centre, Meloncino offers ah-mah-zing sights of Table Mountain and the harbour below. It’s the perfect setting for sundowners, lazy afternoons and leisurely evenings.

6. CITY GRILL | V & A WATERFRONT

No visit to the V&A Waterfront is complete without having a steak at the City Grill. Regulars return week after week, and with steak that’s cooked to your desired temperature, and topped with a buttery sauce, it’s for a good reason. You’ll be back for seconds (and thirds and fourths) for sure.

7. DOODLES | BLOUBERG STRAND

Kick your feet up, crack open a cold one and tuck into one of Doodles’ incredible pizzas. If you’re looking for a beautiful view for you and bae, look no further. This beachfront gem frames the beauty of Table Mountain and Table Bay. #InstaGoals

8. BOARDHOUSE | TABLE VIEW

Known for its relaxed atmosphere and delish drinks, Boardhouse is the go-to spot for cocktails with friends in Table View. A cold beer, a Piña Colada, and a great view make for the perfect sundowner – and Boardhouse is just the spot for that!

9. COL’CACCHIO | SOMERSET WEST

Col’cacchio has been serving mouthwatering Italian-inspired meals since 1992 and is obvs the next load shedding friendly restaurant on our list. Hearty portions of wholesome food are on the menu and their pizzas are a real treat! Pair yours with the perfect glass of wine (of which this restaurant has many) for an unforgettable night by candlelight.

10. CARLUCCI’S | BLOUBERG

If you gotta whole lotta love for pizza then Carlucci’s will rock your world. Picture thin, crispy wood-fired bases covered in a melted amber cheese-coat, a smattering of scrumptious toppings and a fresh sprinkling of home-grown herbs. Carlucci’s, get in my belly!

11. JONKERSHUIS | CONSTANTIA

Situated in Constantia Valley, this family-friendly restaurant offers ample outdoor seating for summer days. Dine alfresco overlooking False Bay or in the courtyard under the vines. Inside, dining is elegant and there’s a double-sided fireplace – perf for a romantic dinner.

12. BLOCKHOUSE KITCHEN | CONSTANTIA

Blockhouse Kitchen serves “try-not-to-lick-your-plate” delicious food and the menu is varied! Packed with local and seasonal ingredients and dishes, the food is guaranteed to please you. Thanks to a generator, they continue to operate at 100% during load shedding. Yipeeee!


Load Shedding Friendly Restaurants Joburg

1. NEWS CAFE SANDTON | SANDTON

Sandtonites rejoice! News Café is perfect for a schneaky blackout dinner. It should also be noted that they serve up good value-for-money meals, considering their generous portions. Oh, and have we mentioned their cocktails? Heart eyes!

2. SAN DECK | SANDTON

Rooftop all-day drinks and dining? Yes, please! They light the fire pits as day turns into night, and it’s transformed into a cosy, vibey, and even more romantic dinner spot.

3. LA VIE EN ROSE | LOWER HOUGHTON

La Vie En Rose has the whole secret garden vibe going for them, which is exactly why it made it onto this list of load shedding spots. It’s peaceful, picturesque, and perfect for nature-lovers who want to dine under the stars.

4. VINI’S | GERMISTON

This Italian eatery has a casual and fun environment that’s right up any sports fans alley. It also has a stunning Italian style patio dining area with candles, an Italian water feature and olive trees (romantic AF). The eatery serves up delicious pizzas with both crispy and soft bases and it’s blackout friendly, y’all.

5. SOSUSHI | VICTORY PARK

Don’t know about you, but we could eat sushi all day, everrrrday and you CANNOT go wrong with SoSushi. You can expect to tuck into a wonderful selection of world-class sushi, no matter which kind you prefer. Yum!

6. 86 PUBLIC | ILLOVO AND RANDBURG

86 Public vows to make the best pizza in the city and they take that promise seriously. Generously toppinged and packed with flavour, these pizzas will have you loosening your belt. They make a mean thin-crust that you can enjoy with a glass of wine or craft beer.

7. CAPPELLO | BOKSBURG

Cappello does real Italian and does it well. Whether you’re in the mood for pizza or pasta, you’ll find what you’re craving at this spot. Whatever you decide to order, just be sure to leave some space for dessert – let’s just say that the chocolate spring rolls come highly recommended.

8. HARPERS CAFE & RESTAURANT | EASTGATE SHOPPING MALL

It’s been around for yonks but still has a loyal following – they’re committed to serving only what is local and best. They also have great cocktails and wonderfully comfy couches.

9. THE FISHERMAN’S KITCHEN | CRAMERVIEW SHOPPING CENTRE

There’s something so comforting about dining at a family-owned restaurant. Fisherman’s Kitchen has been serving the Bryanston community and surrounding area for over 30 years. It’s a neighbourhood fave and we seriously recommend their plump prawns – deliciously sweet and cooked to perfection.

10. THE RESTAURANT AT FIRE & ICE | MELROSE ARCH

You and your partner could be having the perfect splurgy evening at The Restaurant at Fire & Ice, sipping on their famous milkshakes in their vibey spot. We highly recommend the proudly South African Ouma en Oupa milkshake (carrot cake and rooibos). Sounds like heaven, doesn’t it? Good thing they’re load shedding friendly, too.

11. MOCHACHOS | ASPEN HILLS

To say that we love Mexican food is an understatement. In fact, we can fill up on tacos, tortillas and tequila almost every day of the week for a month, right!? Mochachos is easy on the pocket (thanks to the ENTERTAINER), and simply delicious. If you’re heading to Aspen Hills and need to get your Mexican fix, this is the place to go.

12. DEL FORNO RUIMSIG | FEATHERBROOKE VILLAGE

Pizza lovers need to keep this restaurant on their radar. Their wholesome wood-fired pizzas are irresistible, and the buzzing vibes of their restaurant is a testament to their popularity. Bon Appétit.

13. CELESTINO’S | THE FERN SHOPPING CENTRE

Is there anything more satisfying than a bowl of homemade pasta or a perfect pizza? We think not! Celestino’s food is simple, traditional and made with the freshest ingredients to ensure full-bodied flavour from every dish. Drool, drool, drool.

14. COL’CACCHIO | HYDE PARK

Did you know that Col’cacchio’s menu offers more than thirty legendary gourmet pizza options!? Not to mention the originality of the pasta – they will give your taste buds an experience that you’ll want to repeat pretty soon after.

15. BANJAARA | BOSKRUIN VILLAGE SHOPPING CENTRE

Few things satisfy hunger like an aromatic curry. Whether you prefer yours spicy or mild, Banjaara serves the best in town. This popular eatery is known for its signature dishes, including butter chicken and prawn masala. Good luck deciding what to have, as the options seem endless and a new dish grabs your eye with every turn of the menu’s page.

16. FOOOD CAFE | RANDPARK RIDGE

Ever had a Naked Burger? If not, you’ve got to try it, guys. Picture a 180g patty with rocket, hummus, roasted cherry tomatoes, and Emmentaler cheese – all served on a brown shroom! With tried and tested confidence, we can also honestly say that Foood Cafe produces some of the best coffee in Jozi. Check em’ out!

17. PORTOBELLO | CRESTA MALL

Tuscany meets Cresta in this cute Italian restaurant. Enjoy delicious wood-fired, thin-base pizza at one of the best pizza spots – at Portobello’s they pride themselves on making good food. Their menu has a selection of pizzas you can choose from, although we highly recommend the NO: 7 with salami, ham, and peppers.


Load Shedding Friendly Restaurants Durban

1. CAPE TOWN FISH MARKET | GATEWAY

We all know them. You’ve been there. And you’re probably going back next week. When it comes to seafood, it doesn’t get any fresher, and the menu offers a combination of both South African and Japanese dishes. Cape Town Fish Market never disappoints, guys.

2. CAFE BREVE | HILLCREST

Who doesn’t love a Cafe Breve’s pasta? Ooh, or their burgers? Draaanks? The answer is no one. No one. We can’t promise a night out on the town after chowing all the delicious food, because food comas are almost guaranteed.

3. BURNADALE CAFE | DOLPHIN COAST

Located at Dolphin Coast in Durban is this hidden gem that’s perfect for a peaceful lunch. Burnadale offers café-style dining with an exotic leafy backdrop – what more could we ask for? From wood-fired pizzas on weekends to a variety of dishes during the week, you know your pizza craving will be sorted.

4. VIEWS AT TWENTY 5 | MORNINGSIDE

The popular hangout for Durban’s young and trendy, the Views at Twenty 5 doubles as a daytime and night-time spot. It easily goes from a place that hosts Sunday brunch and late lunches, to a vibey nightclub. This place gets pretty busy, so be sure to call ahead before heading up to the top.

5. HOPS RESTAURANT | BALLITO

Ballito’s beaches are home to many jewels, and Hops is one of them. This restaurant enjoys some of the best views in the country, perched on the KwaZulu-Natal coastline. Watch whales and dolphins in the warm Indian Ocean as you sip on an ice-cold beer and snack on fresh, seafood.

6. STOKERS ARMS | KLOOF

Situated in the old Kloof railway station (how cool, guys), Stokers Arms is a must-visit. Peri-peri steak fingers, popular thin-crust pizzas, pies, chicken salad, and flavoursome potato skins are all part of the Stoker’s experience (they’re also load shedding friendly).

7. DE’MA | GATEWAY THEATRE OF SHOPPING

This is where you need to get your next curry fix. Umhlanga’s De’ma is unpretentious and serves delicious homemade Indian chow. Just thinking about it makes our taste buds shiver.

8. OCEAN VIEW UMHLANGA | UMHLANGA

The name says it all. And let’s be honest, we’re all a sucker for an ocean view. We’d suggest you arrive early for a sundowner! While the power is out, sink your teeth into a good pizza while taking in the sea views from the deck.

9. AFRICAN ROOTS | UMHLANGA

African Roots Coffee is – yup, you guessed it – all about the coffee. Their locally sourced, premium single-origin coffee will delight every coffee lover – as will the skilled prep of talented baristas.

10. STRETTA CAFE | HILLCREST

Stretta does what it does best – simple, fresh Italian cuisine. It’s hard not to fall instantly in love with the interior of the restaurant, which has a warm and welcoming feel.

11. UNION SQUARE | HILLCREST

Cater to your carnivore cravings with a variety of meaty meals from Union Square Hillcrest. The choice from over 19 different steaks and 22 burgers will have you coming back again and again.

12. HUSSAR GRILL | GATEWAY THEATRE OF SHOPPING

The Hussar Grill is something of an institution. Being ranked as one of South Africa’s best restaurants and steakhouses, they know what they’re doing, peeps.

13. DURBAN BURGER | UMHLANGA

It’s all about street-food burgers with a twist here. Chef Khutso Masethe’s idea is simple: Moroccan burgers on a panini bun. There’s a selection of beef, lamb and chicken patties all topped with delicious coriander pesto, onion marmalade and hummus.

And there you have it, folks! Some of South Africa’s load shedding-friendly restaurants. Go give them a try and let us know what you think in the comment section below.

Psst, still haven’t bought the ENTERTAINER? Download it now before the power goes out and takes your internet with it!

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