TERRARIUM
– REIMAGINING SOUTH AFRICAN NOSTALGIA

Set within the Queen Victoria Hotel at the V&A Waterfront, Terrarium offers an edgy spin on sustainable dining and is grounded in a farm-to-table ethos. Led by Chef Patron Chris Erasmus and Head Chef Anlou Erasmus, Terrarium champions hyper-seasonal, low-waste cooking and works closely with small-scale growers, foragers, and producers who share the same values. Its menus – a creatively expressive à la carte offering alongside the Fauna and Flora eight-course tasting journeys – reflect this philosophy throughout. Dishes draw on indigenous flavours, whole-ingredient techniques, and reimagined South African nostalgia. Highlights include kingklip, which is charred over a hibachi, brushed with fermented blueberry glaze and layered with a corn-and-ginger XO sauce, velouté, baby corn, and crisp ginger floss. The Tomato dish showcases multiple varieties prepared fresh, charred, dried, and pickled, paired with peach atchar and whey vinaigrette for a surprising depth of umami, acidity, and spice. With its contemporary edge, intimate setting, and quietly meticulous, forward-thinking approach, Terrarium offers a dining experience defined by originality and depth. 

WIN

Stand a chance to win a R500 Terrarium voucher.

EXPERIENCE THE VIBRANCE OF ITALY IN JOBURG

Modena is a family-run Italian restaurant in the heart of Parkhurst that captures the spirit of the vibrant city it is named after and brings the warmth and soul of Italy to Johannesburg. From the moment you step inside, you are met with the aroma of slow-cooked sauces, freshly baked bread and handmade pasta. It is a space where tradition and creativity meet, where classic Italian flavours are honoured and thoughtfully elevated. Inspired by the culinary heritage of Modena, the home of Parmigiano Reggiano and the world’s finest balsamic vinegar, the menu celebrates true Italian craftsmanship. Every dish reflects time-honoured technique, exceptional ingredients and the simple joy of sharing good food with the people you love. From slow-simmered ragùs to delicate fresh pasta, each plate is prepared from scratch with intention, passion and respect for its origins. “At Modena, we believe Italian cooking is about transforming the simplest ingredients into something extraordinary. Flour and eggs become fresh pasta. Tomatoes and basil become a rich, slow-cooked Napoletana. A meal becomes a memory,” says chef and owner Vassilios Holiasmenos.
This season, experience la dolce vita. Take a seat, savour every bite and let Modena’s kitchen bring the heart of Italy to your table.

WIN

Stand a chance to win a R500 voucher to spend at Modena.

EASY DINING ON THE SEA POINT PROMENADE

 
Found just off the lively Sea Point Promenade, Doppio Caffè Sea Point offers a dining experience that feels both fresh and reassuringly familiar. Coral-inspired interiors, warm lighting and luxe finishes create a modern coastal space that invites neighbouring hotel guests and Capetonians to linger over a leisurely breakfast or relaxed midday meal. Born from the team behind the beloved Doppio Zero, the brand draws on more than 25 years of culinary heritage, now refined with a distinctly Cape Town sensibility. Mornings begin with a generous yet considered breakfast buffet, complemented by bespoke coffees, fresh juices & smoothies and decadent mimosas. The à la carte menu celebrates breakfast classics – the Doppio Classic, brioche French toast and hotcakes with confit sour cherry are firm favourites – with thoughtful vegetarian and vegan options included throughout. As the day unfolds, the menu shifts to lighter, flavour-forward dishes. The hot-honey crispy-chicken ranch burger offers irresistible comfort, while Mediterranean-leaning pizzas and pastas – including porcini ravioli and the Bellissimo pizza with artichoke, olive, halloumi, pesto and rocket – deliver familiar favourites with flair. The burrata caprese salad and salmon poke bowl add freshness, while the picanha with salsa verde brings hearty sophistication. Dessert delights with espresso panna cotta, rustic torta di mele and an orange Basque cheesecake. Paired with a standout cocktail like the Spicy Watermelon Royale, Doppio Caffè Seapoint is set to become a new coastal favourite. 

WIN

Win a R750 dining and drinks voucher for Doppio Caffè Seapoint

A FEAST OF GREEK MEZE CULTURE IN JOBURG

Kolonaki brings the vibrant essence of Greek meze culture to life with a fresh, modern interpretation. Inspired by Greece’s rich culinary traditions, Kolonaki is more than a restaurant – it’s a celebration of Mediterranean flavours reimagined, where time-honoured recipes meet a playful, contemporary touch. Every dish captures the warmth of Greek cooking while offering something new, creating a dining experience that feels familiar yet exciting.
With established homes in both Parkhurst and Bryanston, Kolonaki extends its spirit across Johannesburg, offering spaces filled with energy, generosity and the joy of sharing food. Award-winning chef and owner Vassilios brings years of experience from London, Greece and South Africa, shaping a style that is bold, inventive and rooted in genuine passion. His approach transforms traditional recipes into vibrant, modern plates, paying tribute to heritage while embracing creativity.
For Vassilios, Kolonaki is an invitation into his world, where every guest is welcomed like family. Heart, soul and warmth are infused into every detail, from the dishes to the atmosphere. Whether seated in Parkhurst or Bryanston, guests are transported to a place where good food, laughter and connection come together and where every meal feels like a moment worth remembering.

WIN

Stand a chance to win a R500 voucher to spend at the Kolonaki of your choice.

A SCENIC DINING EXPERIENCE AT GINJA, CAPE TOWN

Located at the water’s edge of the V&A Waterfront, GINJA is a renowned dining destination known for its relaxed atmosphere, bold flavours, and uninterrupted views of Table Mountain and the working harbour. It offers one of Cape Town’s most scenic backdrops for all-day dining, moving effortlessly from sunlit breakfasts to long lunches, laid-back sundowners, and atmospheric evening meals.
The menu blends bistroesque notes with familiar South African comforts, guided by fresh, seasonal ingredients and a generous approach to flavour that celebrates the local artisan suppliers. Dishes are vibrant and approachable, striking a balance between comfort and a gentle sense of adventure. Starters include Cape Malay-inspired mussels, tuna ceviche with avocado mousse, and salt-and-pepper squid, while larger plates feature grilled linefish with tomato vierge, pan-roasted calamari with chorizo, and the popular Cape seafood curry. GINJA’s signature Harbour Plate brings prawns, mussels, oysters, calamari and linefish together in a generous showcase of coastal cooking. From the grill, guests can expect premium Chalmar beef cuts, Wagyu burgers, and grilled prawns served with corn ribs and harissa yoghurt. Lighter options include vibrant salads and platters designed for sharing, while desserts range from crème caramel and dark chocolate torte to a warm apple tarte with vanilla gelato.
With its inviting hospitality, thoughtful cooking and exceptional harbour setting, GINJA remains a reliable favourite on the Waterfront dining scene with options to suit all palates.

WIN

Stand the chance to win R500 to spend at GINJA.

A CULINARY JOURNEY ACROSS THE WORLD AT WATERFORD ESTATE

SALT Restaurant at Waterford Estate is a sun-drenched, laid-back winelands dining destination, where chefs Craig Cormack, Beau du Toit, and head chef Anel Groenewald expertly incorporate naturally occurring salts into their culinary creations. Seasonal, locally sourced ingredients are cured, fermented, smoked, or simply seasoned to highlight their natural flavours, with each dish reflecting depth and balance. Waterford Estate offers a Wine Drive Safari, where you can explore the estate’s vineyards and learn about winemaking while enjoying a guided tasting in the heart of Stellenbosch.

WIN

Stand a chance to win an unforgettable Wine Drive Safari and SALT lunch for two, worth R4 800 in total. What a way to treat a loved one!

A WINE POD EXPERIENCE IN THE CAPE WINELANDS

The Stellenzicht Wine Pod is where the estate’s wines take the lead. Each pour reflects the character of the land; balanced, expressive, and shaped by its connection to nature. The space is designed to highlight texture, depth, and elegance, allowing every wine to show its true sense of place. With each glass, the story of the estate’s soils, heritage, and pursuit of balance becomes clearer. It’s an experience that deepens your appreciation for the wines that define Stellenzicht.

WIN

Stand a chance to win a R1 000 Stellenzicht Wine Pod voucher!

EXPERIENCE TRADITION, CRAFTMANSHIP & EXCEPTIONAL FLAVOUR

The Blockman is a tribute to tradition, craftsmanship and the pursuit of exceptional flavour. Rooted in the timeless art of butchery yet guided by a modern, forward-thinking approach, The Blockman creates an elevated dining experience that honours both the past and the future. With locations in Parkhurst and Bryanston, The Blockman brings its signature warmth and hospitality to two of Johannesburg’s favourite neighbourhoods.
Head chef and owner Vassilios Holiasmenos leads with a whole-animal philosophy, celebrating every cut through expert butchery, in-house ageing and thoughtful preparation. From delicate wet-aged fillets to robust dry-aged prime rib, each cut is treated with precision and respect, revealing deep, bold flavours that define The Blockman’s identity. The menu pays homage to craftsmanship, showcasing the richness of exceptional ingredients prepared with intention.
More than a restaurant, The Blockman is an atmosphere. It is a place where familiar faces greet you by name, where the charcoal fire anchors the room, and where every visit feels like an occasion. Whether you dine in Parkhurst or Bryanston, the experience is defined by generosity, quality and connection. This festive season, discover The Blockman – a home for those who appreciate the beauty of honest cooking and the luxury of true flavour.

WIN

Stand a chance to win a R500 Blockman restaurant voucher!

A WINE POD EXPERIENCE IN THE CAPE WINELANDS

The Stellenzicht Wine Pod is where the estate’s wines take the lead. Each pour reflects the character of the land; balanced, expressive, and shaped by its connection to nature. The space is designed to highlight texture, depth, and elegance, allowing every wine to show its true sense of place. With each glass, the story of the estate’s soils, heritage, and pursuit of balance becomes clearer. It’s an experience that deepens your appreciation for the wines that define Stellenzicht.

WIN

Stand a chance to win a R1 000 Stellenzicht Wine Pod voucher!

FINE DINING WITH FIRE IN THE SOUL AT THE WIGGLE ROOM

Cape Town, the game just changed. The Wiggle Room is the first to drop this new wave of dining in the city – an intimate 12‑seater room where food, music, and vibe collide in pure gangster chic. Forget omakase labels; this is a members‑only sanctuary, a speakeasy jazz bar flipped into a culinary cipher. Chef Ismail “Fish” Amos, South Africa’s rising superstar, runs the kitchen like a beat machine – each dish a track, bubbling with creativity, served alongside the playlist that sparked it. It’s not just dinner, it’s communion: flavour, rhythm, and soul locked tight.
On the drinks, Lester Riffel holds it down with liquid artistry. His cocktails are pure flex – unexpected, elevated, and always riding in sync with the food. Together, Fish and Lester orchestrate nights that feel like a luxury mixtape: sharp, stylish, unforgettable.
The Wiggle Room flips the script. It’s gastro with gangster chic, pulling heads into a space where every dish, every pour, every beat is a flex. It’s fine dining with fire in the soul, making this the city’s freshest stage for flavour and flow.

WIN

Win a Half-Price Dinner for Two
Enjoy an unforgettable night at The Wiggle Room with our premium Dining Package 2 – the 20:30 seating featuring 6+ curated courses crafted by our chef. The winner receives 50% off the full experience, meaning you and your guest enjoy the entire tasting journey for only R3,250.
Our signature late-evening dining experience: slower, elevated, and curated for guests who enjoy depth, flavour, and storytelling through every course. Perfect for a celebration, date night, or just a stand out evening of indulgence.

COMFORT & SOPHISTICATION AT THE TANGRAM

With chef Tamzyn Ehlers at the helm, The Tangram Restaurant at Durbanville Hills offers a refined yet welcoming dining experience rooted in contemporary South African flavours. Set high on the slopes with sweeping views of Table Mountain, Table Bay and the surrounding vineyards, the restaurant is celebrated for its warm hospitality, elegant simplicity and exceptional wine-and-food harmony.
Seasonal menus highlight local, ethically sourced ingredients crafted into dishes that balance comfort and sophistication; all enjoyed in a modern, light-filled space that connects seamlessly with the landscape.
This summer’s vibrant new menu reflects the estate’s seasonal abundance and handcrafted wines. Among the many starters on offer are oysters served four ways, including sparkling Sauvignon Blanc with lemon and Tabasco, pineapple salsa and baked with truffled Parmesan, alongside dishes such as ostrich tartar with Dijon hollandaise, curried chicken and apricot sosaties, and vegan miso-glazed king oyster mushrooms with charred corn purée. Other fresh, flavour-forward options include springbok carpaccio Caprese and herb-crusted hake with crumbed squid.
The extensive mains selection showcases generous flavour and refined technique, with highlights such as teriyaki tofu, linefish with curried lemon butter, honey-mustard pork belly and Chalmar beef fillet with truffled pea purée.
Desserts include several sweet finishes, among them the milktart-inspired mille-feuille with Xigugu ice cream.

WIN

Stand a chance to win 2 x Collectors Reserve experiences at The Tangram Restaurant valued at R1 500 in total (18+ only).

You’ll have the chance to taste seven beautifully crafted wines; each thoughtfully paired with a tasting portion from The Tangram Restaurant menu. The experience includes a cellar tour, where you'll discover the stories behind these wines and the inspiration that shaped them. To round off the experience, you’ll get to take home a bottle of your favourite Collectors Reserve wine – a little reminder to share and savour later. 

CHAR GRILL HOUSE IGNITES BEDFORDVIEW WITH A BLAZE OF FLAVOUR & FESTIVITY

Bedfordview’s newest culinary hotspot, CHAR Grill House, invites you to experience the vibrant spirit of South African grill culture in a stylish and contemporary setting. Here, the art of fire takes centre stage, where premium cuts and carefully selected ingredients are transformed into delectable dishes, celebrating our heritage and warm hospitality.
This festive season, CHAR has crafted a Christmas set menu designed for sharing and savouring with friends and family. Indulge in signature grilled meats paired with beautifully curated sides, festive touches, and, of course, bubbles to toast the occasion. It’s the perfect recipe for a celebratory feast.
On New Year’s Eve, CHAR becomes the ultimate destination to welcome 2026. Enjoy fire-kissed creations, premium South African wines, handcrafted cocktails, and an atmosphere brimming with relaxed luxury and lively anticipation.
Whether it’s a sunlit lunch or a festive evening affair, CHAR Grill House offers Bedfordview’s finest fusion of flavour, warmth, and unforgettable moments.

WIN

Stand a chance to win a R1000 voucher to spend at CHAR Grill House, Bedfordview.

COMPETITION RULES, TERMS AND CONDITIONS:
The competition runs from 08 December until 5PM on 23 January 2026. You may enter as many times as you like. In the case of a competition with more than one prize and multiple draws, entrants may only win once per competition. Staff members of Media 24 and the prize sponsor and their immediate family as well as their advertising agencies may not enter. Winners will be chosen by random draw and will be notified telephonically. If a winner can’t be reached within three calls during business hours, a new winner will be chosen. Media24 and the prize sponsor take no responsibility for any damage caused by entering or taking part in this competition. Prizes are non-transferable and may not be exchanged for another prize or for cash. Prizes will be delivered by February 2026. You may only win a competition once every six months. It’s the winner’s responsibility to provide a daytime address for delivery or a postal address (residential rather than a PO box address) and to be present to receive the prize and/or timeously collect the prize from a post office (if relevant). Media24 and the sponsor take no responsibility for the loss of the prize should the winner not be present to receive it or neglect to collect it from a post office. By entering this competition you agree that Media24 and the sponsor may occasionally contact you regarding promotions and other marketing that may be relevant to you, subject to your right to decline such promotions and marketing. By participating in this competition, you agree to the processing of your personal information in accordance with the Media24 privacy policy, which is accessible at https://www.media24.com/privacy/. We and our sponsors reserve the right to vary, postpone, suspend or cancel the competition or any prizes or any aspect thereof without notice at any time, for any reason. In the event of such variation, postponement, suspension or cancellation, you agree to waive any rights, interests or expectations that you may have against Media24 or our sponsors and acknowledge that you’ll have no recourse against us and our sponsors.