Cost of Eating Out in Johannesburg 2026 — Restaurant Prices, Braai Costs and Johannesburg Food Budget Guide

Cost of Eating Out in Johannesburg 2026

Johannesburg has South Africa's most diverse and sophisticated restaurant scene, spanning African, Indian, Portuguese, and modern South African cuisine across neighbourhoods from the gentrified Maboneng Precinct to the upscale northern suburbs of Sandton, Rosebank, and Melville. Joburg's restaurant prices are among Africa's best value for quality. This guide covers eating-out costs in Johannesburg in 2026.

Johannesburg Restaurant Prices by Category

• Bunny chow (hollowed bread loaf with curry): R55-120 ($4.40-$9.60 AUD)
• Maboneng Precinct brunch or casual lunch: R120-220 ($9.60-$17.60 AUD) per person
• Mid-range Melville or Greenside restaurant dinner: R200-380 ($16-$30.40 AUD) per person
• Sandton City or Rosebank Mall restaurant: R250-450 ($20-$36 AUD) per person
• Upscale Johannesburg restaurant (Montecasino): R450-900 ($36-$72 AUD) per person
• Fine dining Joburg northern suburbs: R800-1,800 ($64-$144 AUD) per person

Johannesburg Best-Value Food Areas

• Maboneng Precinct in the inner city has vibrant food markets and cafes at creative mid-range prices; 44 Stanley in Milpark has an excellent cluster of independent restaurants and food traders; Melville's 7th Street has one of Joburg's best neighbourhood restaurant strips; Fourways has a sprawling suburban dining precinct popular with Joburg's northern suburbs residents; Soweto Township has authentic traditional South African food experiences at local prices

Tipping in Johannesburg

• Tipping of 10-15% is standard and important at Johannesburg restaurants; service staff are often on minimum wages and depend on tips; car guards in parking areas (an informal employment system unique to South Africa) typically receive R5-10 per service

Johannesburg Daily Food Budget

• Budget (local restaurants and markets): $20-40 AUD per day; Mid-range: $50-100 AUD per day; Upscale (Sandton fine dining): $110-220 AUD per day

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