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Dining out in Joburg: How long can you really linger at a restaurant?

A light-hearted guide to dining etiquette in Johannesburg’s busiest spots.

Liesl Bartlett
Written by
Liesl Bartlett
City Editor, Time Out Johannesburg & Pretoria
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As the season changes and more people head out to enjoy Johannesburg’s cafés and restaurants, it seems like everyone has a table to claim. Whether you’re meeting a friend for coffee, celebrating a birthday, or sneaking in a laptop session, we’ve all asked ourselves at some point: how long is too long to linger in a restaurant?

Recently, chatter online has blown up after a few heated debates about restaurants enforcing time limits, with diners arguing over what’s fair. That got us thinking—it’s the perfect time for a little etiquette guide to help everyone enjoy their meals without awkwardness.

Coffee or a quick bite?

If you’re just popping in for a coffee or a small snack, 30–60 minutes is a good rule of thumb. You get time to enjoy your drink, maybe scroll a bit, and chat without feeling like you’re overstaying your welcome.

Lunch or dinner

For a proper meal, most restaurants expect 1–2 hours. That’s enough time to order, enjoy your food, and leave room for dessert if you’re feeling indulgent. Weekends and busy evenings may require a bit of discretion. If the place is packed, keeping your table moving is a courtesy to staff and fellow diners.

Special occasions

Celebrations, date nights, and business dinners are a different story. 2–3 hours is usually fine, as long as you’re enjoying your food and drinks, and the restaurant isn’t turning tables like a fast-food joint. If you’re planning to linger longer, a polite heads-up to your server is always appreciated.

Tips to avoid overstaying

  • Check the vibe: Some cafés encourage lounging with laptops; others want turnover.
  • Be mindful of busy periods: Peak dinner hours are not the time for multi-hour marathons unless you’ve booked.
  • Order strategically: A second round of drinks or a dessert can justify lingering a little longer.
  • Know the policy: Some restaurants have time limits on weekends or peak periods—no harm in asking.

Time Out Tip: Enjoy your meal, soak up the atmosphere, and remember that part of dining out is sharing the space with others. Good manners make the experience better for everyone.

For inspiration on where to enjoy a relaxed meal or a quick bite in Joburg, check out our list of the Best Restaurants in Johannesburg.

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