I’m a breakfast gal. I’d swap dinner for eggs every time and it’s my favourite way to while away the weekend. Food is such a subjective thing so know that these are my favourites based on my coffee addiction, the things I like, ambience and proximity to where I live. I’ve been wanting to write this post for ages and reached out to my network to sense-check my list and a few newbies popped up; some I haven’t tried and can’t vouch for personally so I thought I’d list them here for future reference as they look good: Razor Charlie, Croft & Co and Glenda’s. If you’ve got any others you feel worth checking out, please comment on this post and let me know, I’d love to hear more about your favourite breakfast haunts.
My current favourite from Naked Morningside; oats with maple cinnamon croutons and a roasted banana
- Naked (Morningside)
Naked is my current favourite, even though it’s in a mall, so this is a huge call from me. Despite being in a mall I feel they’ve managed to create mood and ambience and you’ll quickly forget where you are. Their breakfasts are some of the best in Johannesburg in my opinion, and certainly the most beautifully plated and presented. Do yourself a flavour and order the oats with roasted banana and maple cinnamon croutons and you’ll see what I mean. Everything looks too good to eat. Morningside is completely out of my way but I’ll find any excuse to drive that way for a Naked breakie and a flat-white. Oh, they also stock Tonka Bean Bakery’s donuts stuffed with unicorn tears custard which are out of this world.
Address: Shop U48 Morningside Shopping Center, 26 Rivonia Road, Morningside
2. Pablo-Eggs-Go-Bar (Melville)
Pablo follows closely behind Naked and only loses points in my mind because the wait can be a real pain on the weekend. I guess if you want to get a seat you need to get there really early. As the name Pablo-Eggs-Go-Bar suggests, these guys are breakfast purists, my kind of people. Their menu is amazing and the Shakshuka with Yemeni flat-bread will change your life. I’m also not scared of their eggs & soldiers, nor their truffle fries.
Address: 2 7th Street, Melville, Johannesburg
3. Nice (Parkhurst)
Nice is a firm ol’ favourite of mine, a sweet little institution that always delivers. Nestled between shops on the sidewalk at the end of Parkhurst’s 4th Avenue, this quaint little gem is the perfect way to spend a lazy Sunday morning. Nice is famous for its egg basket (order extra avo) and if you’re feeling like a little something sweet, then order the Half & Half which is one egg basket and one crumpet stack.
Click here to view Nice’s menu
Address: 37, 4th Avenue, Parkhurst
4. Salvation Cafe (44 Stanley)
I love Salvation Cafe because the setting is ideal and al fresco dining is hard to find in Johannesburg. Sit outside on a warm summer’s day, or cozy up next to the fireplace inside if you’re feeling frosty. I’m a big fan of their sweet french toast but their breakfast burritos are also excellent if you’re in the mood for something savoury.
Click here to view the Salvation Cafe menu
Address: 44 Stanley Avenue, Milpark
5. Fabb (Parkhurst)
This little firecracker packs a punch. Don’t be deceived by the Delft and impressive gelato counter as she serves a mean breakie and perhaps the best scones in Johannesburg. It’s small and space is at a premium so get there early or cuddle up at the counter or on the patio outside.
Address: Shop 3, Sunlit Court, 34, 4th Avenue, Parkhurst
6. Tasha’s Le Parc (Hyde Park)
Another mall, I know, I know. Again there’s something about the space and setting that manages to distract one from its location. I’m a fan of the high communal marble tables near the confectionary counter; I often sit there on my own with a magazine and other fellow lone diners. Also worth it if you don’t feel like waiting in the weekend queue. My favourite is the Millionaire’s Eggs (scrambled eggs with truffle and salmon roe). I also like that Tasha’s serve breakfast all day. My only gripe about Tasha’s is that for a brand that gets it right in SO many ways, their coffee leaves a lot to be desired.
Click here to view Tasha’s Le Parc’s website
Address: Corner Jan Smuts Ave & William Nicol Drive, Hyde Park
7. The Whippet (Linden)
Linden is fast becoming a foodie’s paradise and The Whippet was one of the first to grace us with its presence. This haunt doesn’t just have cool hipster name and logo, the atmosphere and menu is excellent too. I’m rather partial to their hot cross bun French toast and the smashed avo wake-up. They also serve up a pretty killer drinks menu including designer hot chocolates, super-food lattes and some pretty interesting milkshakes and things. My only gripe (sorry Whippet) is that they’re closed on Sundays.
Click here to view The Whippet’s menu
Address: Corner of 7th Street and 4th Avenue, Linden
8. Arbour Cafe (Birdhaven)
Six months ago I moved my office to Birdhaven and Arbour Cafe became my regular. Cozy, friendly, free WiFi. They’re also extending/upgrading the courtyard out back which is great, and I stand to be corrected but I believe they offer jazz in the courtyard at lunchtime on Sundays? I can’t seem to find the precise details of the jazz online, so please let me know if you do. Back to breakie, they do a KILLER galette (French buckwheat pancake/crêpe), as well as the usual suspects.
Address: 64 St. Andrew Street, Birdhaven
9. 4th Avenue Roastery (Parkhurst)
A firm favourite amongst Johannesburg’s MAMILs (middle-aged men in lycra), this teeny little pink pergola proves you don’t need a massive kitchen to serve up a mean breakie. The menu isn’t massive, but their croissants, French toast and crumpets are all perfectly paired with their delicious coffee.
Click here to view 4th Avenue Roastery’s menu
Address: 4th Avenue, Parkhurst
10. Ono Eatery (Illovo)
This one’s a little different as it’s not your typical bacon & eggs kinda breakie; it’s better suited to the healthy super-food lover and those who like ingredients like chia seeds, acai, matcha, super lattes etc. Packed with protein and tons of goodness, Ono’s breakfasts are unique, colourful and delicious. This new Illovo local’s decor and setting is also dreamy and will transport you to your Hawaiian fantasy. They’re famous for their poké but I think their breakfasts are just as good.
Click here to view Ono Eatery’s menu
Address: 1 Corlett Drive, Illovo
That’s all from me. Hit me up with your recommendations.
Brandslut xoxo