Good food, great value: South African restaurants top global rankings
Cape Town and Joburg are proof that good food, great drinks and memorable nights out don’t have to break the bank.
Image: Unsplash
South Africans can raise a glass to the news that eating out in Cape Town and Johannesburg is among the most affordable in the world.
A new study by Numbeo, the global cost-of-living database, has ranked Cape Town and Johannesburg as Africa’s best cities for dining out value, with meals, beers and coffee costing less of the average pay cheque than in many European and North American hotspots.
The results show that South Africa’s major cities as the most affordable on the African continent for restaurant dining.
Key findings for South Africa
Dining out
Cape Town ranks #70 globally and Johannesburg #84, with a three-course meal at a mid-range restaurant costing just 1.4–1.5% of the average monthly salary.
This places them on par with world-class cities such as Madrid, Miami, Copenhagen, Barcelona, Stockholm, and Edinburgh. Both rank ahead of Windhoek and Marrakesh, making them the best in Africa for affordabe dining.
Coffee
A daily cappuccino costs 3.7% of daily wages in Cape Town and 4.3% in Johannesburg, placing them mid-range globally.
Beer
When it comes to beer, both cities perform strongly. Cape Town ranks #41 and Johannesburg #42 worldwide, with 10 beers costing just 1.7–1.8% of daily wages.
Where to stretch your rand
In Cape Town, head to Bree Street for a mix of trendy but affordable spots such as Clarke’s and Hacienda, or enjoy local craft beers at Beerhouse on Long without exceeding your budget.
Joburg foodies can find excellent value in the Maboneng Precinct, where spots like Pata Pata serve hearty meals in a vibrant setting, while Braamfontein offers coffee culture at a fraction of overseas prices.
For sundowners, rooftop bars like Cape Town’s Silo Rooftop or Joburg’s Alto234 give you world-class views and cocktails that cost far less than their European equivalents.
With international recognition now confirming what locals already knew, Cape Town and Joburg are proof that good food, great drinks and memorable nights out don’t have to break the bank.
IOL Lifestyle