Top Restaurants in Bedfordview: Indulge in Johannesburg's Culinary Hotspot

Picture tree-lined boulevards, golden Johannesburg sunshine, and the smell of sizzling grills drifting from chic eateries. Welcome to Bedfordview, where the restaurants are as refined as the suburb itself. Locals know Bedfordview for its affluence, but visitors often make the mistake of skipping over this gem on their way to Johannesburg’s big names like Sandton or Rosebank.

Restaurants in Bedfordview are an experience on their own, rivalling the city’s finest tables. This upscale enclave is just minutes from Johannesburg’s major business hubs and shopping districts. Between bites, you can take time to enjoy its well-kept nature trails, tranquil parks, and nearby attractions like Gillooly’s Farm and Germiston Lake.  

When the day winds down, Mercure Johannesburg Bedfordview makes the perfect retreat. Start the morning with a hearty breakfast and some coffee, indulge in room service when you feel like staying in, or head to the pool for a refreshing dip. With a shuttle service and on-site parking, getting around is as easy as choosing your next meal. 

Speaking of food, we've curated a roundup of the best restaurants in Bedfordview, plus a few tasty secrets you’ll be glad we spilled. Most of these must-try spots are just a five-minute drive from Mercure Johannesburg Bedfordview, making it easy to explore local flavours from your resting place. 

Get ready to savour every bite this charming suburb has to offer.

Who doesn’t love artisanal gelato with a side of breathtaking city views? Located high above the Bedford Centre, The 11th Floor pairs sweeping city views with a modern Mediterranean menu. Perfect for a special occasion or date night, this award-winning rooftop escape is where Italian flair meets Johannesburg’s skyline.

We honestly don’t know where to start because everything here hits all the right notes. We could go on and on about all the awards The 11th Floor has earned – from Best Luxury Dining Experience in South Africa in 2025 to Rooftop Restaurant of the Year – but none of this will do it justice. You have to experience the food and hospitality for yourself.  

Ingredients here are carefully curated, and the ambience is top-tier in every sense of the word. Handmade pastas are silky and rich, and desserts go far beyond gelato (make sure to try the tiramisu – it’s a scene-stealer). Whether you’re indulging in a wood-fired pizza or savouring a char-grilled Wagyu Sirloin, the combination of flavours, atmosphere, and view makes The 11th Floor a Bedfordview must-visit. For the full experience at this opulent restaurant, make sure you dress to impress in smart-casual style.

At Bennigan's, you can savour a thick, juicy steak as soft tunes hum in the background. For decades, Bennigan’s has been the go-to spot in Bedfordview for hearty char-grilled steaks, warm service, and a touch of nostalgia.

On certain nights, the energy kicks up a notch with live music, and big screens light up for sporting events – whether it’s a rugby match or the roar of a Grand Prix race. 

 Bennigan’s is known to be perfect for a fun night out with friends or a relaxed Sunday lunch with family or your significant other. It’s a go-to spot for celebrations and game-day gatherings, thanks to its welcoming vibe and versatile menu – because who doesn’t love a juicy burger or a perfectly grilled steak?

The food at Lupa Osteria makes you feel like you’re stepping into Nonna’s kitchen – if Nonna happened to live in Bedfordview and served up the kind of Italian dishes we all crave. This local treasure is where handmade pasta is rolled with love, fresh ingredients are mixed to create the perfect marinara, and the pizza is fired up in a traditional wood oven.

Lupa Osteria's passion for authentic recipes brings a slice of Italian tradition to Johannesburg, easily making it one of the best restaurants in Bedfordview. You leave the gun and take the cannoli at Lupa Osteria– where elevated Italian flavours meet warm hospitality.

Welcome to Tiger’s Milk – yes, the name has an origin story, and we’ll get to that in a moment.

This laid-back restaurant in Bedfordview has bold flavours, making it a must-visit for anyone looking for good food and a fun night out. The atmosphere buzzes with energy, thanks to a rustic-chic decor, warm lighting, and a friendly crowd. We recommend starting off with their famous crispy calamari, perfectly tender with just the right crunch. Then, dive into a plate of mouthwatering mini sliders – don’t be fooled; they may be small, but they pack a mighty taste.  

You also want to try the Stepchild – don’t let its name put you off. It’s a classic beef patty with lettuce, tomato, red onion, pickles, and a secret house sauce. The fluffy bao buns with steak tips are to die for, and the seafood pizza with Mozambique Peri-Peri sauce tastes as heavenly as it sounds.

As for the restaurant’s quirky name, well, this popular chain takes its name from the Peruvian phrase “Leche de Tigre,” or “Tiger’s Milk” in English. It’s a nod to the zesty, citrusy marinade that cures fish in ceviche, a beloved Peruvian dish. Legend has it this marinade isn’t just delicious but also packed with restorative and even aphrodisiac qualities, said to make you feel fierce and invigorated, just like a tiger. 

At Yamitsuki in Bedfordview, simplicity is the star of the show. The conveyor belt gently spins a carousel of minimalist plates – each one clean, clever, and inviting.

The authentic Japanese menu keeps things real, letting fresh, honest flavours speak for themselves. Fresh fish, perfectly seasoned fried rice, and artsy sushi plates pass by like little tasty surprises, waiting for you to grab and enjoy them. It’s a fun place, where excellent food meets a relaxed vibe.

If Bedfordview had a passport, Pigalle would get its stamp from Lisbon. This elegant spot by restaurateur Naldo Goncalves has been delighting locals since 2004. The menu is a love letter to Portuguese flavours, with its just-caught seafood plated like art and creative fusions that surprise in all the right ways. The flavours here pop, and each dish looks like it belongs in an art gallery. The ambience blends understated glamour with a warm welcome, and on certain evenings, live music sets the scene for a night that feels more like a mini getaway than a meal out. 

Pigalle is well-known for their fresh seafood, so make sure to try the creamy prawns or oysters. If you're feeling adventurous, they also serve delicious snails with a gratinated garlic sauce.  

Finally, just keep in mind that Pigalle (like The 11th Floor) observes a smart-casual dress code – think polished, not formal. So skip the sneakers, shorts, and t-shirts, but feel free to wear jeans if paired with a crisp button-down and smart shoes. 

Whether you’re in the mood for sky-high views or craving the comfort of homemade Italian food, Bedfordview has it all. You can take your time exploring and don’t be afraid to ask locals for their favourite hidden spots. And be ready to savour everything from elegant plating to hearty, home-cooked flavours.

Booking ahead can be a smart move, especially on weekends and when opting for a chic night out at places like Pigalle or The 11th Floor, for example.

Make sure to keep an open mind when trying new flavours – you never know when a simple dish might surprise you. Above all, enjoy the culinary journey and let Bedfordview’s diverse flavours speak for themselves!

Bedfordview offers a variety of top dining spots, including The 11th Floor for rooftop Mediterranean cuisine, Bennigan’s for classic steaks, Lupa Osteria for authentic Italian dishes, Tiger’s Milk for bold contemporary flavours, Yamitsuki for fresh Japanese sushi, and Pigalle for elegant Portuguese seafood.

Many Bedfordview restaurants provide vegetarian or vegan choices. Tiger’s Milk offers flavourful dishes with fresh ingredients, while places like The 11th Floor and Lupa Osteria also include vegetarian-friendly options on their diverse menus.

For special occasions, The 11th Floor and Pigalle are excellent choices with their elegant settings and smart-casual dress codes. Both offer refined menus and stylish atmospheres perfect for celebrating memorable moments.