The 11 best steak restaurants in Johannesburg

Picture this: a matured primal cut of rump, T-bone or prime rib paired with a signature in-house wine for an incredible dining experience. Right in the middle of the iconic Nelson Mandela Square is an establishment known for its quality meat dishes: Trumps Grillhouse & Butchery. The first restaurant to open at the Nelson Mandela Square in 1994, this brand lives up to its hype. A walk through the restaurant, past the black tile mirror wall, lands you in a walk-in wine cellar. With a wine-tasting option, you will discover the proudly South African reds on offer, as well as their very own in-house brands. And to elevate your experience (if you're in the mood to splurge a little), the restaurant offers VIP dining spaces for private events. If you’re around the Sandton area, pop in at Trumps Grillhouse for an unforgettable experience.

Address: Nelson Mandela Square, 5th St &, Rivonia Rd, Sandton, 2196

If you’re a meat lover, here’s a plug. Known for its legendary grilled beef, game and venison cuts, The Hussar Grill takes steakhouse fine dining to a whole new level. The wine barrels in the entryway tell of their exceptional wine offering. The juicy, rich flavours of every serving on the menu (sizzling on a hot plate), coupled with the classic ambiance of dim lighting and Italian artwork, sets the perfect mood for a fine dining experience. Speaking of “mood” and “fine dining”, the restaurant offers a date night menu. And if you don't want to stretch your budget, they also offer a seasonal lunch menu with two or three-course options. Keen to put your sports and music taste to the test? The bar area makes for the perfect spot to chill, reminisce on some old-school jams and catch up on some sporting action.

Address: Shop 102, Blueberry Square, Blueberry Street, Honeydew, Roodeport

Experience a Joburg meets New York feel, right up an escalator from Bowman’s law firm, where a sleek building is home to one of the finest steakhouses in Sandton – The Grillhouse. As an award-winning establishment, it has become popular for its steaks and ribs, while offering a variety of amazing dishes to choose from. The beef fillet is a must-try. The ruby-red center unveils itself as your knife slices through, providing bursts of flavour. And what’s a meal without a good drink, right? The Grillhouse boasts one of the largest choices of spirits, an impressive wine list, as well as well-crafted drinks. Here’s a pro tip: consider visiting the restaurant just before sunset to experience the breath-taking views of Sandton's skyline.

Address: 11 Alice Lane, Sandhurst, Sandton

A carnivore’s paradise located at Nelson Mandela Square is serving up world-class, hand-selected cuts sourced from the best farms, aged for maximum flavour and grilled just right. Dating back to 1961, the story of this family-owned business is evident through the quality of the dishes served. You can never go wrong with the rump, sirloin, ribeye or T-bone cuts. If you’re not really into wine (or prefer something stronger), the bar has a wide selection of top-shelf whiskeys, craft cocktails and premium gins. Every bite and every sip tells a story. Perfect for a business meet-up or family or friends hang out, when visiting The Butcher Shop and Grill, make sure you come hungry to accommodate the sizable portions and consider walking over to the butcher to shop for some meat to take home... Oh, and don’t forget to say "hi" to the iconic cow sculpture on your way out.

Address: Shop 30 Nelson Mandela Square, Sandton

If you’re not one to compromise on quality when it comes to your steak, George’s Grill House will not disappoint. If you’re not sure which option to go for on the menu, perhaps consider taking George’s favourite – the wet-aged 600g sliced T-bone steak encrusted and served with mushroom and truffle sauce. The pepper-crushed ribeye also comes highly recommended. If you’d like to take some meat home, you can just walk over to the counter at their in-house butchery for a good purchase. The classy and modern ambiance is an invitation to wear your Sunday best (don’t make us call the fashion police on you). The gold trimmings, greenery and the unique seating areas will enhance your dining experience. Make sure you also explore the bar for top-tier options to pair with your meal.

Address: Hyde Park Corner

A moment of appreciation please for the masterpiece that is The Blockmam. Located in Parkhurst, this steakhouse, surrounded by trendy eateries, masters the art of combining a traditional butchery with modern, exclusive dining. The Instagram-worthy aesthetics invite you in for an experience like no other. The food? Mind-blowing. From the starters right to the desserts, expect an experience of note. The Blockman is known to source the finest, well-marbled beef and aging it for maximum flavour. This is evident when the waiter brings a tray of fresh cuts and schools you a little on the steaks on offer. For a complete experience, make sure to enquire about the best drinks to pair with your meal. Parkhurst’s best kept secret? Not for long.

Address: 33 on 4th Ave, Parkhurst

Now we all know South Africa loves a bit of steak... enough to name it as a flavour - "steak and chops flavour" items can be found all around the country. So it's no surprise that Gaucho in Johannesburg is so successful. The Latin-inspired restaurant specialises in wood fired flame grilled meat and seafood... just like they did when man first discovered fire. It's the way the flame is controlled and managed to get to the perfect sizzle for us. Therein is the art of Gaucho and that's why their flame grill has impressed so many restaurantgoers. Gaucho in Randburg is the perfect spot to get your next meat fix.

Address: 67 7th St, Linden, Randburg

This refined steakhouse in Sandton offers premium cuts, including Wagyu, ribeye and tomahawk steaks. Located in the heart of Sandton, this is the place to seal any deal, whether business or personal. The menu is inspired by the fast-paced nature of New York City and features a dry-aged meat selection complemented by a well-curated wine list. Outside of the restaurant is a big bronze statue of a bull created by South African sculptor Michael Canadas, which welcomes you into a stylish, business-casual atmosphere, making it perfect for corporate dinners, lunches and date nights. There is outdoor seating available by the entrance. The interior décor is sleek, with leather seating and dim lighting adding elegance. The service is top-tier, with knowledgeable staff who expertly guide you through the menu and wine pairings. Sides like creamed spinach and triple-cooked fries are standout additions to the meal.

Address: 20 Maude Street, Sandton

Since 1977, Turn ‘n Tender has been a Johannesburg institution delivering premium cuts of steak with an unmatched commitment to quality and tradition. The establishment was founded by the Aaron Brothers and each developed their specialty dish paired with their wine of choice. The restaurant's warm, inviting aura makes it a go-to for both casual diners and steak connoisseurs alike. Each cut is grilled to perfection and carved at the table, emphasising the brand’s dedication to the craft of steak preparation. The menu features a variety of expertly aged, flavourful steaks, including their signature Point Rump, buttery fillet, and richly marbled ribeye on the bone.  Signature dishes like Howard’s Howler - a 300g rump with or without fat - or sirloin topped with melted cheddar and creamy pepper sauce are winners. Mervyn’s Magic - a 600g French trimmed prime rib, thinly sliced off the bone and finished with coarse salt and burnt butter - is paired with fine South African wines, elevating the dining experience.  Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or craving a perfectly cooked steak, Turn ‘n Tender remains a premier destination for exceptional dining in Johannesburg.

Address: Various locations across Johannesburg

An old-school Joburg institution which opened in 1968, Thunder Gun Steakhouse has offered delicous flame-grilled steaks for decades. Their menu is simple but delivers big flavours, with thick-cut sirloin, juicy T-bones and incredible ribs. The setting is casual and family-friendly, with a rustic, no-fuss charm that keeps regulars coming back. Portions are generous, making it excellent value for money. The laid-back atmosphere and consistently great food make Thunder Gun a favourite for those who appreciate a hearty meal in a chill setting. The lively pub and enclosed terrace provide alternative dining settings for various moods and events.

Address: 281 Beyers Naudé Dr, Northcliff

A one-of-a-kind dining experience for meat lovers, offering an all-you-can-eat feast of exotic game meats. The menu features venison, ostrich, kudu and crocodile, all served on massive skewers and prepared on an open fire by the chef and carved tableside. You can pair your meal with traditional sides like freshly baked bread, mielie pap and chakalaka. The ambiance is lively, as you get to dine outside, with an African safari theme running throughout the restaurant. It makes it feel like a culinary adventure with a tourist feel. If you’re looking for a truly outdoorsy dining experience that goes beyond the usual steakhouse fare, then I recommend Carnivore.

Address: 69 Drift Boulevard (R114), Muldersdrift