+27 Café, c/o South and Jan Shoba Street, Hatfield
If the data struggle is draining your funds, you’ve met your restaurant match. Tucked into the courtyard of a small building on a busy main street, you can forget that you’re even in the city at all. Home to an R18 breakfast, unlimited free Wi-Fi and some unique meals, +27 Café combines the love of food with design. +27 Café also hosts events such as Jazz evenings every Friday night. Special menu item: Nutella milkshake.
Aroma Gourmet Coffee Roastery, Lynnwood Road, Hillcrest
The most noticeable part of Aroma is the giant roaster that extends towards the ceiling. The scent of the beans roasting permeates the café on any ordinary day. Their coffee beans come in a variety of roasts and from many places of origin. In addition to great coffee, Aroma has a waffle lounge that also serves decadent gelato and milkshakes. Special menu item: Pino Penguino (Nutella flavoured) gelato.
Vetkoek Maleis, c/o Jan Shoba and Burnett Street, Hatfield
Basically a small window next to a petrol station, foolish is the person who doubts Vetkoek Maleis’ ability to produce an excellent, traditional vetkoek. Nothing beats sitting on the curb while filling your stomach with meat and oily carbohydrates to ensure you end a night out perfectly. Special menu item: Mince vetkoek – the original and best.
Lollipop Roadhouse, 1340 Stanza Bopape Street, Colbyn
A typical old-school roadhouse, this is for those who can’t be bothered with the stop-start of a drive-through as the waiters come serve the food straight to your car. Lollipop Roadhouse’s menu is extensive with typical American-style diner food, including giant burgers and milkshakes. Opening early and closing late, the takeaway joint is perfect for times when the munchies strike or a hangover needs to be cured. Special menu item: Chicken schwarma.
BICCCS, 103 Club Avenue, Waterkloof
Bread, ice-cream, cake, croissants, coffee and sandwiches was far easier to condense into the acronym that became the name of the restaurant. Complete with a Vespa, BICCCS is an Italian-inspired bakery and coffee bar where patrons can expect a relaxed atmosphere and several cyclists stopping for a coffee break. Special menu item: Italian mortadella, provolone and pickled melanzane panini.
Lucky Rodrigo, 330 The Hillside Street, Pretoria
Styled after the gastro pubs of England, Lucky Rodrigo, more affectionately known as Lucky’s, is the hipster hangout of Pretoria. A wide variety of craft beer and a 01:00 closing time ensures that finding a table is a challenge. Special menu item: Any of their craft beers.
Vintage Coffee, 69 Freight Road, Centurion
If community and coffee are loves of yours, you’ll be happy to know that Vintage Coffee caters specifically for you. A non-profit organisation, Vintage Coffee donates their monthly profit to a reputable organisation in the city. So while your caffeine fix makes you feel good, you also do something good for others at the same time: a double serving of happiness. Special menu item: Vanilla Hibiscus iced tea.
Royal Danish, 198 Bernard Street, Pretoria
Chilli chocolate, apple pie, cherry brandy, coconut, fig jam, lavender infusion and peanut butter are all flavours you can expect to encounter at Royal Danish. This homemade ice-cream is made on site along with several other baked goods. The parlour itself is scattered with tall tables and chairs that give it a nostalgic feeling. Special menu item: Royal Copenhagen flavoured ice-cream.