Gauteng Mosaic at the Orient Hotel

Set inside this exotic hotel complete with Persian carpets, intricate wood carvings and impressive antiques is the Gauteng Mosaic, with imaginative dishes and superb presentation. You can choose a la carte or degustation (with or without wine). We recommend going with the wine option since the restaurant houses an underground cave holding over 15,000 bottles.

La Colombe, Cape Town

Executive chef Luke Dale-Roberts has been the recipient of both national and international awards and titles. In 2010, La Colombe ranked 12th in the San Pellegrino 50 Best Restaurants of the World. The French cuisine with an Asian twist earned the establishment attention, but its setting in a famous vineyard overlooking a fountain courtyard didn’t hurt.

Five Hundred at The Saxon

When you get off the elevator, you’ll be on ground level and here you’ll find what feels like part restaurant, part theater. The exposed kitchen is dramatic and beautiful against the restaurant’s black walls, shimmering with the reflection of crystal wine glasses. Dining options include four- or six-course menus by chef David Higgs, each featuring local and seasonal ingredients, many from the restaurant’s own garden. Established sommelier Francis Krone will pick you out the perfect wine.

Salt, Cape Town

If you’re going to make the trip, call in advance to make sure you’re seated at one of the tables by the floor-to-ceiling windows, complete with stunning views of the Atlantic ocean. During sunset the restaurant serves tapas and special cocktails. The vibe is modern and elegant, with a South African-French inspired menu.

Firefly Eating House, Knysna, Garden Route

Straight from an off-beat fairytale is this shabby chic restaurant, built into an old tin mining house with dramatic red walls and enchanting twinkle lights. Run by mother and daughter Dell and Sanchia Hadlow, the spot lacks nothing in personality. The duo love anything spicy, so expect dishes that are Indian, Malayan, Thai and African inspired. Sometimes even a Mexican dish makes the cut. Don’t worry: each menu item has the number one to 10 listed next to it to denote the level of spice. To cool down your tongue, there’s a menu of unique cocktails, teas and coffees.

Zinzi’s, Plettenberg Bay, Garden Route

Resident dining establishment of the Tsala Treetop Lodge, this restaurant is tucked away in the thick coastal forest between Knysna and Plettenberg Bay on the Garden Route. Zinzi’s is the epitome of African design with earthy tones and luxurious textures like suede, velvet and metal. As for the menu, it’s household favorites like the hamburger with a gourmet twist.

Roma Revolving Restaurant, Durban

Don’t fuss over which window you’re seated at: you’ll get a 360-degree view no matter what. Sitting on the 32nd floor of John Ross House, 105 meters up in the air, this moving restaurant that offers unparalleled views of the city and Durban harbor. The food is classic Italian with seafood and game. It also claims to have one of the best dessert trolleys in the city including favorites like baked Alaska and crêpes Suzette.

Ile Maurice, Umhlanga

This family establishment is a local landmark run by brothers Robert and Jean Dauvis, with mother Elsie acting as head chef, for 20 years. Their specialty is classic French food with hints of Creole and Mauritian mixed in. The talented family recently moved the business out of Durban into a restored mansion in Umhlanga, complete with an outdoor terrace and ocean views.

Roots, near Johannesburg

The exact address is flexible, since the restaurant is housed in a private game park. Just a 40-minute drive from Sandton, Roots is regularly named one of the top 10 restaurants in South Africa and for good reason. Here you’ll indulge in a gourmet four-course lunch or six-course dinner, accompanied by breathtaking views of the African bush. Head chef Allistair Lawrence draws inspiration from French, African and Asian cuisine and with each dish comes the option of hand-selected wine teasers.

Bombay Brasserie, The Taj Hotel, Cape Town

Up there with the most lavish dining rooms is this Indian-inspired restaurant with lush textures, drapery so expensive you’d rather not ask the price, and magical lighting. A handful of tables at a window look onto the kitchen, which has an almost ethereal look. The menu is mostly classic Indian dishes with a fine-dining twist. The wine list is created especially for dishes with spices.