Artistic expressions

Comedy in South Africa

South African comedy culture authenticates the country’s diverse multi-cultural backdrop, which consists of eclectic communities, colourful people, interesting stories and a multitude of languages. more
Ladysmith Black Mambazo

The music of Ladysmith Black Mambazo has won numerous awards and accolades over the last 4 decades and they are recognised as among South Africa’s most successful cultural exports. more
Athol Fugard

Discover the inspiring legacy of one of South Africa’s great playwrights, novelists, actors, directors and teachers; Athol Fugard. more
The Bioscope

The Bioscope, Johannesburg's only independent cinema, prides itself on sharing some of South Africa’s best local content at a boutique venue in the heart of the city. more

More about Artistic expressions

Leliekloof Valley of Art

South Africa is world famous for its rock art, but few know of hidden treasure troves like the Eastern Cape’s Leliekloof Valley of Art. more

Durban's theatres

The theatres of Durban (eThekwini) offer serious and lighthearted contemporary performances without losing sight of the rich indigenous wisdoms that belong to this balmy corner of the country. more

Sol Plaatjie

Sol Plaatje made his mark in South Africa as a pioneering intellectual, journalist, linguist, politician, translator and writer, in spite of the racial laws of the time. more

1Joostenberg Bistro

Farm-fresh food served in a small eatery attached to a warehouse-style delicatessen. Robust tastes and good recipes abound: pork and bean casserole, charcuterie platters, rillettes pâté, brioche and crème caramel. Klein Joostenberg farm, off R304, Muldersvlei, Stellenbosch, Western Cape. Tel: +27 (0)21 884 4208.

2Mariana’s Home Deli and Bistro

Wholesome, country chic with a menu that reflects seasonal plenty. Expect the likes of homegrown artichokes drizzled with garlic-redolent aioli and sun-ripened quince tarts. 12 Du Toit Street, Stanford, Western Cape. Tel: +27 (0)28 341 0272.

3Kasteelberg Bistro

Fabulous crunchy crusty-bread and lashings of local tapenade. Salads and terrines rule the summer menu with cassoulet and grillades making an appearance in the winter. 13 Fontein Street, Riebeek-Kasteel, Western Cape. Tel: +27 (0)22 448 1110.

4Le Soufflé

Chef-patron Marc Guèbert is Johannesburg’s Mr Soufflé. If you don’t like soufflés there are also quiches, calves liver in mustard sauce and duck pie. But who doesn’t like soufflés? Shop 9 & 10, Pineslopes Shopping Centre, Fourways, Johannesburg, Gauteng. Tel: +27 (0)11 465 4116.

5Bizerca

Legions of fans can't be wrong at this award-winning foreshore bistro. Classic French inspiration with delectable contemporary twists. The pasture-fed beef a la Mode is perfection. Jetty Street, Foreshore, Cape Town. +27 (0)21 418 0001.

6The Silver Orange Bistro

This bistro offers an eclectic mélange of classic French and comforting Afrikaans flavours in a pretty indigenous South African garden. Save space for the epic Malva pudding. R513, 400m from Mfula Junction, Hartbeespoort, North West. Tel: +27 (0)12 253 2136.

7Mrs Simpson’s

Country bistro classics and deliciously theatrical décor. In winter ask to be seated by the roaring fire for an experience of such comforting perfection that you may never leave. 197 Teding van Berkhout Street, Dullstroom, Mpumalanga. Tel: +27 (0)13 254 0088

8As Greek As It Gets

Hellenic comfort cuisine in a tiny Edwardian house on Cullinan’s main drag. The Chicken Bourekia signature dish is literally finger-licking good. It is essential to leave space for baklava. 86 Oak Avenue, Cullinan, North West. Tel: +27 (0)12 734 0707.

9Bar Bar Black Sheep

Mynhard Joubert's tiny bistro has achieved rock star status thanks to the chef's imaginative use of local ingredients. Fashionable foodies flock here for the rustic country fare and the Swartland's wonderful wines. Short Street, Riebeek-Kasteel. +27 (0)22 448 1031.

10Oep ve Koep

Preserves, pickles, veldskoene, farm-style bread and more at Die Winkle of Paternoster, inside which you'll find the even more wonderful Oep ve Keop bistro, where chef Kobus van der Merwe transforms foraged food into fine dining. Augustine Road, Paternoster, West Coast. Tel: +27 (0)22 752 2105