The Joburg suburb of Linden is suddenly having its moment. Recently, Time Out ranked Linden #17 on its global list of the “Coolest Neighbourhoods in the World” for 2025, praising its food, culture, community and that elusive “vibe”. And then the hood’s Pizza Baby! was crowned “Gauteng’s Best Pizza” at the 702 Gauteng’s Greatest awards.
We’re delighted to see accolades landing on the good people and places of Joburg, but as longtime frequenters of the suburb, we feel what’s missing is a discerning, street-level guide to what’s really great in Linden.
If you’re new to the area, here’s a quick sketch: the northwest suburb is a quietly compelling mix of old-school vibes and mid-century bones. Think: yellow brick cottages upgraded to be big family pads, plenty of mature trees (a tree even gives Linden its name), wide avenues, and a centre grid of walkable streets lined with shops, cafés and eateries. It’s not about flash – Linden’s coolness is subtle, rooted in character, community and discovery.
To help you navigate, we’ve created a handy map marking our picks, so you can stroll and explore with confidence.
And we’re sure you’ll have an opinion on what we left out, but here’s what we think is really worth looking up if you’re in the area …
1. Farm Table
Kerry Maher and her team can take all our money. Their mix of fresh produce, small-producer wines, health and beauty products, and good-for-you cleaning stuff hits every one of our vices. Swing by, grab a straw basket and fill it with Richard Bosman cured meats, organic veg and other artisanal treats. The in-store café, Fond, serves super, wholesome food – from breakfast bowls to great toasted sarmies. Though now on the edge of Linden, its first (tiny) store was in the suburb’s heart, making it a long-time area legend.
2. Linden Cycles
Whether you’re a weekend roadie, mountain biker or just in the market for a tune-up, these guys are top-notch. Friendly service, solid advice and a proper community feel – this is where cyclists go to gear up before hitting Emmarentia or Delta Park. It stocks quality bikes and accessories, and runs a slick workshop. A Linden classic that keeps the wheels of the ’burbs turning.
3. The Cheese Gourmet
The spiritual home of turophiles (that’s a person who loves cheese, FYI). It stocks the best selection of local cheeses – and accompaniments – in South Africa and, yes, you can sample them. Need we say more?
4. PRON (People’s Republic of Noodles)
Definitely in the top three restaurants in Joburg – we might even give it the number one spot. Order the hand-break bread, beef shin noodles or the rainy-day noodles if you’re veggie. Add kimchi, beans and brinjal small plates. Who are we kidding, get one of everything and settle in for a feast of dreams. Or let Sue, who manages the joint, order for you. It’s pure heaven.
5. Bossie’s Pies
A shrine to the humble pie – and proof that simple done well is unbeatable. The shop makes everything fresh on site; you can literally watch the pastry being rolled. The chicken and mushroom is a classic, the pepper steak has a cult following, and the sausage rolls are dangerously moreish. It’s also extremely well priced, with great combo deals for lunch on the go. Life’s short, eat the pie. Oh, and while you’re there, three doors down is the SPCA charity shop – which is charmingly curated and always good for an old, delightful find.
6. Arthur Bales
Hallowed ground for anyone who sews, knits, crochets or quilts. It’s got Kaffe Fassett and Liberty prints, every yarn you could imagine, and a haberdashery that’s nothing short of sublime. It’s a Joburg institution – and its sales are the stuff of legend. Keep an eye on its socials for news of those.
7. The Whippet
A Joburg breakfast institution. Sit on the pavement with a perfectly poached egg or a flaky croissant, order a glass of bubbles or an iced latte, and watch Linden life unfold. It’s chic, buzzy and quintessentially Linden. The menu’s a crowd-pleaser – think brioche French toast, generous omelettes and the kind of coffee that keeps you coming back. Bonus: it serves excellent cakes for those who “just popped in for a quick cappuccino”.
8. Brian Lara / Little Lara
We love a celebration at Brian Lara. The fried bread thingies they serve with drinks are addictive, the cocktails are excellent, and for a moment you feel like you’ve stumbled into a 70s Caribbean tiki bar. For a post-dinner drink, slip next door to Little Lara – same owners, same good vibes, just turn up the volume.
9/10. The Artsavingsclub
Just down the road from Arthur Bales and equally dangerous for the creatively inclined. From fancy Derwent pencils to air-drying clay, Lamy pens, calligraphy nibs, imported papers and every kind of paint imaginable, this store is an art lover’s dream. The staff really know what they’re talking about and next door is Yield Coffee – perfect for recovering once you’ve blown your monthly budget on brushes. Fun fact: it replaced Joburg institution Herbert Evans and, dare we say, it’s even better.
11. Junkie Charity Store
Overflowing with old tat, but oh, the treasures you’ll find. Ceramic beauties, thrifted fashion, ridiculously cheap books, even the odd crazy Victorian pram. You’ll need to rummage, but that’s part of the joy. Plus, proceeds go to charities, so your impulse buys are basically altruistic.
12. RecordMad
This little spot is beyond jam packed with everything from collectible jazz to rock and kwaito classics, and it attracts a loyal stream of music nerds, DJs and Saturday browsers alike. The team buy and sell records and 7-inch singles and – wait for it – cassettes! This 90s kid loves that fact.
13. Rembrandt Butchery
This Linden landmark has won trollies full of accolades. Perhaps the greatest comes from Currency’s resident life-long vegetarian, who says the boerewors rolls they make outside the shop on Sunday mornings smell so good they could convert her. Get your braai stuff here – you’re in excellent hands.
14. Lerato’s Gelato
The new kid on the block – and already an absolute fav. The shop makes about 30 flavours of proper Italian gelato on site. The coconut and ginger flavours are divine, and the tart-meets-sweet forest fruits flavour is the fan favourite. This is the real stuff – none of that obscene piled high, weirdly coloured nonsense.
15. Gonk
A bijoux store full of quirky, interesting and beautifully made gifts – think ceramics, homeware, art prints and things you didn’t know you needed but suddenly must have. You’ll find South African-made treasures next to clever imports. Basically: if you’re gift-stuck, start (and end) here.
16. The Little Deli
An excellent stop for a quick espresso, a loaf of Linden Loaves sourdough, or one of its frankly exceptional quiches. Add a canelé or custard tart for good measure. You can sit in the leafy garden and devour your spoils, or stock up for a picnic – the deli counter has fresh stuff and there are fridges of frozen goodies too.
17. Linden Swimming Pool
Forget suburban treasure – this is a national one. The undercover municipal pool has taught generations of Joburgers to swim, hosted countless aqua-aerobics classes (Currency are big fans), and even serves as a training site for Emergency Services. It’s currently closed for retiling – here’s hoping that’s wrapped up soon. This is a Joburg jewel that deserves proper care.
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