Best of both worlds- lots of choice but within quiet surroundings
Craighall Park is remarkable in that it has a whole range of neighborhood eateries but yet it has retained its suburban feel without the rowdy party scene of the main drags (and weekend mayhem) in suburbs like Melville and Norwood; the parking challenges of 4th Ave Parkhurst; or the sterile bland internash-chic of enclosed malls. These eateries include family friendly; pub-vibe; fine-dining; local Italian pasta-pizza restaurants; cocktail bars; good value Chinese and Indian; and vegan/vegetarian offerings. And Liz at Lancaster at 79 Lancaster Ave, is centrally located for all these places. Check the 10 different locations which are not further than 2 km from the guesthouse.
1. Lancaster Centre
Dolci is a household name (along with Cnr Café) as a great neighbourhood eatery. I have written many blogs about this fab Italian restaurant which has recently undergone a stunning revamp.
Next door on one side is the newly opened Brix with a bright airy feel and great coffee. Also in this centre is an excellent-value Chinese (for takeaway).
2. Cnr Café
This is another Craighall Park landmark which gets its name from its location on the corner of Rothesay and Buckingham Aves. It’s so popular that tables overflow into the parking lot over weekends (particularly on sunny winter mornings). Vice, next door is a funky little café with great coffee. And behind Vice is a secret pub-cum-sports bar.
3. The Woods
This centre, newly revamped and renamed, (although I think it will be known as the Colony for a long time to come), houses the other renowned Craighall Park Italian restaurant: Pronto, recently greatly expanded. Opposite Pronto are 3 very different venues: French-inspired cuisine at Liberté, Indian at Mother-in-law, and noisy party vibe at Besos billed as “young and contemporary, popular with busy, trendy locals”.
4. Delta Café
Down at Delta Park is our suburban favourite, owned and run by the congenial Daniel. Traditional Neopolitan pizzas are served up on the deck which overlooks the spruit and Delta Park and there’s a fabulous new pub on the lawn. Chilled laid back and convivial … all helped by a playground much loved by kids and even more so by parents, especially as there are excellent child minders.
5. Giles 9,Grafton Ave
Giles is “renowned for its after work 4 pm get together” and was voted “best neighbourhood Pub” in Joburg in 2022. It’s a popular watering hole for young professionals and great for gathering to watch sports events. The deck also offers great sunset views.
Oregano is right next door to Giles and which has come to a great arrangement with Giles. Oregano uses Giles’ kitchen for daytime meals and then Giles takes over in the evenings. Sharon van Tonder has a lifetime of experience in good food and Oregano is no exception. And her daughter makes a mean sourdough bread.
And in the same block is Namak, for good value Indian fare.
6. The Royale, 357 Jan Smuts Ave
The Royale also attracts a youngish crowd but is trendier than Giles with its Cuban themed rum cocktails, great island décor with vibrant colours, and fun salsa party-time vibe over the weekend.
7. AJ’s in the Park, 33 Abercorn Ave
Another family friendly chilled environment which caters to all ages. There’s a big screen for live games, an open field for the older children to play soccer and use their bikes, and a playground with child minders for younger kids. Excellent value pizzas, burgers and salads, make it a popular meeting spot for local families to meet up for early suppers nad relaxed weekend lunches – exhaust the kids and relax with a glass of wine as its close enough for locals to drive home safely!
8. Shepherd Market at 339 Jan Smuts Ave
It’s a bit of a “hole in the wall” with a couple of quick daytime meal/takeaway options: Greek Soul Souvlakia and Yung Chen a good Chinese takeaway.
9. Winehouse at 10 Bompas Rd
Winehouse at 10 Bompas offers “fine dining with a twist of elegance”. This is a quiet sophisticated venue which offers three-course seasonal menus which change fairly often. The restaurant name comes from their extensive wine collection. They also offer regular picnic lunches in the hotel’s gardens that include wine tastings and occasional live music.
10. Delta Central Hillcrest Rd
Here there is another whole cluster of eateries (details for another blog). At Fresh Earth, as its name suggest, you can get excellent healthy wholesome and delicious food with loads of vegan and vegetarian options.
Mad Giant is a great pub with home-brewed beer on tap (an American guest said it’s the best beer ever); and next door is Coalition Pizza which serves traditional Neapolitan pizzas. The famous Pauls iceream has a branch here and Mr Pants runs a wine-bar over weekends.
