From sizzling braais cooked on the open barbecue to mouth-watering biltong, London’s got its own mini-scene of South African restaurants ready to bring you the flavours of the Rainbow Nation. We’ve rounded up the best spots where you can tuck into bobotie (the classic curried mince meat dish), bunny chow (the street food loaf will with curries), and more - all without the plane fare.
From fine dining to a quick grab 'n' go, these restaurants deliver on taste, atmosphere, and a true SA spirit. Whether you're a Saffa craving a taste of home away from home, or you fancy trying something new, discover our list of the best South African restaurants London has to offer.
🍤️🔥🥩
South African Restaurants In The City & Central London
Bbar
Victoria
Located only moments from Buckingham Palace, Bbar is an elegant spot with just the right amount of safari flair. The interiors channel a classic South African lodge, with rich wood accents, animal prints, and a splash of colonial charm.
Perfect for anything from an afternoon tea or after-work drinks, to a full-on dinner, the restaurant serves a mixed menu that includes British classics with a South African twist. The menu includes beef biltong and bobotie corn nachos; bringing this Cape Malay classic to finger-food territory. And don’t miss their cocktails, especially if you’re into bold, African-inspired flavors.
Bbar matches animal prints with wooden features.
High Timber
City of London
A stone’s throw from the Thames, High Timber matches classic South African flavors with a modern feel. Alongside partner Neleen Strauss (sommelier and restaurant manager), the spot is run by Gary and Kathy Jordan of the Jordan Wine Estate in South Africa... this is a family who know their wines, and it shows.
Expect an interior that is polished yet welcoming, with floor-to-ceiling windows and plenty of wood tones. The food menu is meat-lover's heaven, with prime steaks and melt-in-the-mouth biltong. It’s also the ideal place to sip on a glass of South African wine, with over 400 to explore.
High Timber is the wine cellar and restaurant specialising in meat and seafood.
Vivat Bacchus
Farringdon, London Bridge
Vivat Bacchus has two locations in the city - one in Farringdon and another near London Bridge - so you’ve got double the chance to sample this South African gem. Known for its top-notch wine cellar, the venue also nails the rustic-meets-modern look via dark woods, exposed bricks, and warm lighting.
The menu highlights meat in all its glorious forms, from boerewors sausage to a juicy ribeye steak. Their extensive wine list has plenty of South African labels, and the staff are pros at helping you pick the perfect pairing.
You can try this South African
restaurant in London Bridge or Farringdon.
South African Restaurants In South London
Kudu
Peckham
Before Nunhead's Kudu Grill and Curious Kudu on Queen's Road was the original Kudu; a South African restaurant in Peckham. A modern take on the classic cuisine, the restaurant features a cosy garden area for the warmer months, and chic interiors with emerald green banquettes, leafy plants, and arty decor.
Kudu puts a fine dining twist on traditional dishes; think braaibroodjie (a toasted sandwich) with a smoked tomato chutney, and the iconic peri-peri chicken liver parfait. This place is all about flavor and presentation, perfect for a date night or a brunch with friends.
Kudu is home to one of my favourite brunches around.
The Truro
Croydon
Flying the flag for Indo-African cuisine, this South African restaurant in Croydon celebrates the diaspora through hearty meals and charming service. Named after the ship that sailed from Southern Asia to Port Natal in 1860, The Truro pays homage to history through taste.
Head to South End for platters of lamb chops, Beira wings and peri peri rice, alongside street food staples, burgers and the signature Maputo chicken which is slathered in a fusion of spices.
The Truro are pros when it comes to seafood.
Shrimp Shack
Streatham and Camden
Shrimp Shack brings a taste of the South African coast to locations in Camden and Streatham. With a laid-back vibe and bright colors, it’s perfect for a chilled out meal with friends.
The menu is seafood-heavy, as you’d expect, and their firecracker shrimps are the main event. Panko-crusted and served with a spicy mayo kick, these are everything you want from coastal cuisine. Wash them down with an ice-cold Castle lager, and you’re sorted.
Shrimp Shack is quite the catch.
South African Restaurants In East London
Jungle Braai
Walthamstow
Right in the heart of Walthamstow, Jungle Braai serves authentic South African food with a twist. The interiors here are casual yet vibrant, with earthy wood tones, leafy greenery, and communal seating that gives it a lively, social feel.
More than just a steakhouse, this place is all about hearty, flame-grilled meats and flavors that pack a punch. The wors rolls, continental brekki and braai mix platter are firm favorites.
Find this South African braai restaurant in Walthamstow.
Afrikana
Dalston
While not strictly just from the South, Afrikana Dalston brings a fresh take on African food with an East London edge. The interiors are vibrant, with hanging plants, soft lighting and a pop of African-inspired art.
The kitchen is big on sharing plates, and diners can expect both meat and veggie options on the menu. From Kenyan chicken and vegan buns to the SA-style bunny chow special, pair your choise with one of their house cocktails for a taste of both old and new South Africa.
With many locations around the country, Afrikana is among the top South African restaurants in the UK.
Check our our guide to restaurants in London and sign up to our newsletter to hear all the latest.
