12 Waterfall restaurants perfect for your next dining adventure
The Waterfall areas in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal have long attracted food lovers with vibrant dining options, from the Mall of Africa to rustic cafés. Discover 12 Waterfall restaurants that offer unforgettable experiences for your next dining adventure.
Source: Facebook
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Key takeaways
- Waterfall hosts top-rated restaurants across Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal, spanning fine dining, cafés, and global cuisine.
- Locations like Waterfall Corner and Mall of Africa feature menus rated 4.0+ on TripAdvisor and Dineplan.
- These 12 picks include restaurants with strong public ratings, confirming consistent customer satisfaction.
- Briefly News shared insight into another restaurant that is redefining Johannesburg's dining and nightlife scene
Top 12 Waterfall restaurants worth visiting today
We aim to give readers valuable insights through carefully curated rankings and lists. Our selection of the top 12 Waterfall restaurants draws on reputable sources, including Joburg.co.za, Tripadvisor, and Dineplan.
The list highlights standout dining spots across both Gauteng’s modern Waterfall City and KwaZulu-Natal’s charming Waterfall area.
No. | Restaurant | Year of Establishment | Rating |
12 | BLACK | 2024 | 4/1/5 |
11 | Mugg & Bean | 2015 | 4.2/5 |
10 | Kream | 2007 | 4.3/5 |
9 | Casa Bella | 2018 | 4.4/5 |
8 | Life Grand Café | 2015 | 4.5/5 |
7 | The Codfather | 2022 | 4.5/5 |
6 | Fishaways | 2004 | 4.6/5 |
5 | Gigi | 2022 | 4.6/5 |
4 | Cowfish | 2021 | 4.6/5 |
3 | Daruma by Oskido | 2019 | 4.7/5 |
2 | Lupa Osteria | 2014 | 4.8/5 |
1 | Bean Tree Café | 2018 | 5.0/5 |
12. BLACK
Source: Instagram
Date of establishment | 2024 |
Address | Dunwoody Shopping Centre, 147 Western Service Road, Woodmead, Sandton, Gauteng 2080 |
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Contact | +27 76 052 9013 |
Rating | 4.1/5 |
Nested in the vibrant heart of Joburg, BLACK is redefining Johannesburg's dining and nightlife scene. A bistro, lounge and cocktail kitchen in one, BLACK seamlessly combines culinary sophistication with unforgettable vibes, making it the go-to destination for Joburg's discerning professionals, socialites and tastemakers.
Perfectly located near the Sandton highway, BLACK is more than just a restaurant; it's a lifestyle destination, offering a versatile menu, photo-worthy interiors, and much more.
This season, BLACK invites guests to discover its Spring Menu Launch: Flavours of a New Season, a curated pairing of signature dishes and cocktails, introducing Joburg food lovers to a one-of-a-kind pairing experience.
Fun fact: BLACK is an acronym for Bistro Lounge And Cocktail Kitchen.
11. Mugg & Bean restaurant
Source: Facebook
Date of establishment | 2015 |
Address | Watercrest Mall, Shop UG 17 141 Inanda Road, Waterfall |
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Contact | +27 31 763 1388 |
Rating | 4.2/5 |
With a 4.2 out of 5 rating on TripAdvisor, Mugg & Bean is a trusted café chain offering hearty breakfasts, coffee, and comfort food. The Watercrest Mall branch features a full-service sit-down menu alongside bottomless coffee, making it a reliable stop for shoppers and locals in Waterfall.
10. Kream
Source: Instagram
Date of establishment | 2007 |
Address | Magwa Cres, Level 5, Shop 2055, Mall of Africa, Midrand |
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Contact | +27 10 591 0023 |
Rating | 4.3/5 |
Kream is the crown jewel of fine dining in Waterfall City. With its sleek interiors, curated wine list, and standout dishes like Springbok Carpaccio and Mushroom Biltong Soup, it is where sophistication meets South African flavour. It is rated 4.3 out of 5 on TripAdvisor.
9. Casa Bella restaurant
Source: Facebook
Date of establishment | 2018 |
Address | Shop 2059, Mall of Africa, Magwa Crescent, Waterfall City, Midrand |
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Contact | +27 11 805 0889 |
Rating | 4.4/5 |
Casa Bella is an Italian-inspired restaurant that serves wood-fired pizza, fresh pasta, and premium steaks made with homemade ingredients. Located in the Mall of Africa, one of the biggest malls in South Africa, it serves as a cosy yet upscale spot for authentic Mediterranean flavours. As shared on TripAdvisor, it is rated 4.4 out of 5.
8. Life Grand Café
Source: Facebook
Date of establishment | 2015 |
Address | Waterfall Corner, Woodmead Dr & Maxwell Dr, Midrand |
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Contact | +27 10 596 9000 |
Rating | 4.5/5 |
This stylish café offers Mediterranean-inspired meals, sushi, and tapas in a chic, open-air setting. Among Waterfall restaurants with a view, it stands out for its elegant terrace and relaxed atmosphere. A post on Dine plan shows it is rated 4.5 out of 5.
7. The Codfather
Source: Facebook
Date of establishment | 2022 |
Address | 8 Polofields Dr, Waterfall Park |
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Contact | +27 10 745 0680 |
Rating | 4.5/5 |
The Codfather at Polofields Crossing brings market-style seafood dining to Waterfall with a fresh fish counter and elegant wine pairings. Known for its sushi, grilled prawns, and wood-fired meats, it is a premium experience in a refined setting. As published on the Dine plan, it has a rating of 4.5 out of 5.
6. Fishaways restaurant
Source: Facebook
Date of establishment | 2004 |
Address | Shop LG25A, Watercrest Mall, 141 Inanda Road, Waterfall, Durban |
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Contact | +27 87 164 1219 |
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Rating | 4.6/5 |
Fishaways is South Africa’s go-to for quick-service seafood, offering grilled hake, calamari, and healthier sides like rice and salads. The Watercrest Mall branch is famous for its fast service and consistent quality in the heart of KwaZulu-Natal. As shared on TripAdvisor, it has a 4.6 rating out of 5.
5. Gigi restaurant
Source: Facebook
Date of establishment | 2022 |
Address | Shop 27, Waterfall Corner Shopping Centre, Corner of Waterfall & Woodmead Dr, Waterfall City, Midrand |
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Contact | +27 10 443 9711 |
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Rating | 4.6/5 |
A contemporary fine dining spot led by Chef Moses Moloi, Gigi serves inventive dishes like Wagyu bavette and oxtail vetkoek. Located at Waterfall Corner, it is widely regarded as one of the best restaurants in Waterfall, Midrand, for its bold flavours and seasonal tasting menus. On the Dine plan, it is rated 4.6 out of 5.
4. Cowfish restaurant
Source: Instagram
Date of establishment | 2021 |
Address | Shop 31, cnr Woodmead & Waterfall Corner, Waterfall Dr, Waterval City, Midrand |
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Contact | +27 10 157 1290 |
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Rating | 4.6/5 |
Cowfish fuses East and West with flair—think sushi tacos, Wagyu burgers, and dim sum in a trendy, upbeat setting. Located at Waterfall Corner, it is a standout among restaurants in Waterfall for fusion cuisine and bold presentation. Per the Dine plan, it has a rating of 4.6 out of 5.
3. Daruma by Oskido
Source: Facebook
Date of establishment | 2019 |
Address | Waterfall Corner, Waterfall Drive, Midrand |
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Contact | +27 73 012 4801 |
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Rating | 4.7/5 |
Founded by South African music icon Oskido, Daruma serves teppanyaki, sushi, and robata grill dishes with bold Japanese fusion flair. Its theatrical presentation and vibrant menu make it a hotspot for trendsetters and lovers of Japanese cuisine. On the Dine plan, it is rated 4.7 out of 5.
2. Lupa Osteria restaurant
Source: Facebook
Date of establishment | 2014 |
Address | Waterfall Wilds, Shop 3, Corner Country Estate Drive And Waterfall Drive, Midrand |
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Contact | +27 10 065 2682 |
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Rating | 4.8/5 |
This rustic Italian charm in Waterfall offers handmade pastas, wood-fired pizzas, and a welcoming ambience. Ideal for romantic dinners or family gatherings, it blends fine food and wine with old-school professional service and elegantly styled modern dining rooms. On TripAdvisor, it is rated 4.8 out of 5.
1. Bean Tree Café
Source: Facebook
Date of establishment | 2018 |
Address | 141 Inanda Road, Waterfall 3610 |
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Contact | +27 31 762 1840 |
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Rating | 5.0/5 |
This hidden gem combines a contemporary menu with cosy café vibes. Rated 5 out of 5 on TripAdvisor, as a local favourite, it is praised for wholesome breakfasts, excellent coffee, and gourmet sandwiches, making it an ideal spot for relaxed catch-ups.
What are the Waterfall City restaurant prices?
The prices for each restaurant vary based on style and cuisine, with meals ranging from R80 to R600 or more per person.
Conclusion
Due to their unique blend of charm and culinary excellence, these Waterfall restaurants continue to draw both locals and visitors. From the featured destinations, you will find memorable flavours and experiences to make your next dining adventure truly special.
READ MORE: Therapy Restaurant menu and updated prices in SA
As Briefly.co.za published, Western Cape-based eatery Therapy Restaurant prides itself on offering delicious cuisine that emphasises cultural roots. It opened in September 2023 and has since impressed patrons with delicious meals that blend traditional favourites with a contemporary twist.
To complete the dining experience, you can also enjoy various delicious drinks paired with your meal. With everything from tasty breakfasts to hearty lunches and dinners, Therapy Restaurant has something for everyone.
Source: Briefly News
