By Staff Writer
The warmer months have a way of making everyone suddenly very interested in being outdoors, preferably with a drink in hand and a skyline in view. If you are hunting for the best rooftop restaurants in South Africa, look no further.
The 11th Floor, Bedfordview, Gauteng
The Luxe Restaurant Awards named The 11th Floor their 2025 Rooftop Restaurant of the Year, so the bar is set high, literally and figuratively. It is a rooftop restaurant and cocktail bar where city lights and stars set the scene. Best for a celebration dinner, or for convincing someone you are a person who plans things.
Mountain Club Rooftop Bistro, Tamboerskloof, Western Cape
Cape Town has plenty of rooftops, but this one feels like a secret. It is hidden above the Cloud 9 Boutique Hotel, and pairs relaxed dining with mountain views, seasonal menus and creative cocktails. There is also a rooftop pool, which makes the long lunch a very reasonable life choice.
The Lighthouse Bar at The Oyster Box, Umhlanga Rocks, KwaZulu-Natal
The Lighthouse Bar sits on the rooftop terrace of The Oyster Box, right beside the Umhlanga lighthouse, with a menu of light meals, snack platters, seafood and fine wines. The signature cocktail is the Umhlanga Schling, made with cane spirit and cane sugar, and there is live music and big-screen sport on match days. It is open daily from 10am to 11pm, but children under 12 are not allowed after 5pm.
16th by KOI, Menlyn Maine
This is the one I’d put in the article. It’s an exclusive rooftop venue on the 16th floor of The Capital Trilogy at Menlyn Maine, serving charcoal-fired speciality dishes with uninterrupted views. It’s billed as the highest rooftop venue in Pretoria, with a smart casual dress code.
Spring in South Africa is best enjoyed with a view, a refreshing drink and good company. Whether you're planning a polished evening out or a relaxed lunch in the sunshine, rooftop spots offer the perfect excuse to get outside and make the most of the season.
Book ahead, bring your favourite people and let the views set the mood.
Which rooftop are you heading to first?
