Latest and greatest: what’s new in Joburg and Cape Town

The start of a warmer season heralds the arrival of an array of new places to visit and eat at. Entrepreneurs have geared up, taken the plunge and opened doors to new joints. Here’s a round-up of a couple we’re keen on.

Ocaso

Spicy Ocaso has landed in Oxford Parks, bringing Mexican-inspired flavour and golden-hour energy to Joburg. Corona’s first flagship venue in South Africa, it blends laid-back design with crafted cocktails plus a menu that swings from zingy ceviches and corn ribs to wagyu burgers and sharing platters. At sunset, a gong ritual signals the shift into evening, with DJs spinning R’n’B, Afrohouse and Amapiano late into the night. With tableside guacamole and playful cocktails like the Berry Basil Coronita, Ocaso is set to be Joburg’s new hotspot.

Pure Good Café

Pure Good Café has opened at the V&A Waterfront with a fresh take on sustainable dining. Almost everything in the space is upcycled or salvaged: there are mosaics made from broken ceramics, furniture crafted from office waste, and “orphaned” plants given a second life. The result is one of South Africa’s greenest café builds, but it’s not just about design. The menu focuses on wholesome, affordable food made from scratch with produce sourced from regenerative farming partners. Expect build-your-own bowls, wraps, and sandwiches, plus guilt-free treats and smoothies. What we like best is that every bite supports a bigger mission: the café doubles as a training hub for young people from disadvantaged communities, turning each cup of coffee into a step toward positive change.

The Discovery/SAA lounge

Frequent fliers through Cape Town are in for a treat. South African Airways and Discovery have unveiled their new domestic departures lounge. Expect stylish dining zones, collaborative work spaces and private focus booths. The food and drink offering has also been elevated with an expanded menu and full-service bars – so whether it’s a quick bite or a glass of wine, your pre-flight wait just got a whole lot better.

Pulp~Verso

Paper lovers, this one’s for you. From September to February, Pulp~Verso is popping up at 44 Stanley, bringing together the paper-obsessed team from PULP Paperworks and the printmaking masters at Edition Verso. Expect shelves stacked with handmade journals, limited-edition prints and beautifully crafted cards, alongside workshops, exhibitions and creative happenings. Pulp’s veteran bookbinders are known for turning paper into art, while Edition Verso (founded by Joburg printmaker Sara Aimee Verity) brings a sharp eye for contemporary works on paper and fabric. Whether you’re after a one-of-a-kind “bookie,” a striking print, or just some creative inspiration, this little hub is worth a stop.

Kleinsky’s

One of Cape Town’s top delis has finally landed in Joburg, and we couldn’t be happier. Kleinsky’s has brought its famed bagels, breakfasts and New York–style noshes to Birdhaven, complete with plenty of old-school deli cool. All breads and pastries are baked in-house, with bagels rolled, slow-fermented overnight and boiled in malted water before hitting the oven – the traditional way. The menu spans everything from a classic cream cheese schmear to hot pastrami on rye, loaded hot dogs, chicken soup and even gluten-free bagels. In short: deli heaven, Joburg-style. We’re already regulars.

Kirsten Goss

We’re obsessed with Kirsten Goss’s new and improved store at Hyde Park Shopping Centre. The brand’s long-time bijoux boutique, affectionately known as the honey pot, has made way way for a more elevated space that befits a label we’ve loved since its London debut in 2002. Known for its bold, modern designs and playful use of colour, Kirsten Goss jewellery is as striking as it is distinctive. Whether you’re after a bespoke piece – like one of their chic new signet rings – or something ready-to-wear, the new Hyde Park store promises to be a jewel box worth lingering in.

Ladurée

Lastly, not open yet but creating plenty of buzz, is the first South African store for legendary French pâtisserie brand Ladurée. Founded in Paris in 1862, Ladurée is credited with perfecting the macaron as we know it today. These two delicate shells joined by a ganache heart have become a global symbol of French chic. Word is the first boutique will land at the V&A Waterfront, and we’re thinking of camping out there already.

_{Top image: Pure Good Cafe}