Best restaurant specials in Johannesburg: Where to dine every day of the week

If this terrible economy has you on a financial chokehold, we've got you. Ocean Basket is celebrating its 31st birthday this August with a Greatest Hits menu packed with wallet-friendly seafood favourites.

For R99, diners can choose the High Tide, featuring a selection of seafood favourites, or the Sushi 99 platter, which includes 14 pieces. For bigger appetites, the Perfect Catch Platter costs R299 and comes loaded with six Prince Prawns, four Panko Prawns, creamy garlic half-shell mussels, calamari strips and more.

Sushi lovers can pick up a 16-piece selection of Saucy Prawn Futomaki, Rock Shrimp Tempura Rolls and Prawn Maki for R125. Dining solo? The Oceans Platter is also available for R125, served with half chips and half rice. Come hungry. Specials are valid until 31 August.

Harpers makes it easy to enjoy a meal out for less, with a range of weekly breakfast, lunch and dinner specials offering excellent value throughout the week.

Monday to Friday: you can start your day with a R99 breakfast, or take advantage of the R119 lunch special, or return in the evening for selected weeknight meals for R149.

No matter what time you’re dining, Harpers has a value for money special to suit every appetite. 

The weekly specials at Hudsons' range from veggie options to delicious cocktails. 

Mondays: Begin with Meat-Free Mondays, where you can enjoy 50% of all plant-based burgers. 

Tuesdays: It's Pizza Two’sday where you can enjoy two pizzas for the price of one.

Weekdays: Happy-hour runs from Monday to Friday between 4:30pm and 6:30pm, for 30% off cocktails, beers on tap, appetisers and selected glasses of wine. Night owls can enjoy 40% off speciality cocktails, which are available every day between 9pm and 11pm.

Nothing beats a comforting plate of authentic Italian food. Topo Gigio has built its reputation in Parkview for its authentic Italian cuisine, from wood-fired pizzas and hearty pasta dishes.

Mondays: All pizzas orders get 50% off.

Tuesdays: Get 50% off all pastas.

This makes the start of the week the perfect time to indulge in authentic Italian food.

Spur's timeless menu caters to every appetite, which makes dining out even better value.

Mondays: For R62.90, the Unreal Breakfast includes two eggs, two crispy back bacon, grilled tomato, and two slices of toast with butter and jam. The value continues into the evening with a Half Chicken Schnitzel or an Original Spur Burger, both served with a 350ml soda for R99. There’s also something for the little ones too, with the Kids’ Burger for just R49.90

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Cafe Picobella Trattoria is a go-to for its comforting bowls of pasta and generous portions.

Mondays: All pasta dishes are 50% off

Wednesdays: Return midweek for wood-fired pizzas from R100.

This makes it an affordable choice for lovers of Italian food. 

The Station is making eating out in Parkhurst even more appealing with a lineup of wallet-friendly food and drink specials all week long.  

Tuesdays: Make the most of Tuesdays with The Station’s buy five, pay for three tapas special, ideal for sharing a selection of dishes with friends.

Wednesdays: Enjoy any two burgers with chips for just R150. The deals don’t stop there.

Weekdays: From Tuesday to Friday, enjoy 2-for-1 classic cocktails between 4pm and 6pm, the perfect way to ease into the evening after work.

With weekly food and drink specials, plus live music to round off the week, TLC @ KEP has a selection of specials worth planning around.

Daily: Spend R100 or more on your breakfast meals and enjoy a complimentary mimosa.

Wednesdays to Fridays: Get midweek discounted cocktails and drinks are available from 5pm to 7pm.

Wednesdays: Make this your date night, with a three-course meal and a bottle of wine for R495 per couple.

Thursdays: Get 20% off all pizzas every Thursday.  

Fridays: Live music performances and burger specials take centre stage every Friday.

Bonus weekend: Discounted cocktails and drinks specials available all day.

News Cafe Rosebank’s has a host of specials you shouldn't miss either.

Daily: Rush Hour special is the ideal stop for after-work drinks or a great way to start the evening. The Rush Hour runs daily from 2pm to 6pm, with cocktails such as Coco Mambo, Watermelon Sugar, Mojito, Classic Margarita, Long Island Ice Tea and Strawberry Daiquiri for just R69. 

Wednesdays: Enjoy Half Price Steaks every Wednesday on all steaks.  

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🍽 The best restaurants in Johannesburg
🍺 The best pubs and bars in Johannesburg

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