Welcome to Local Intel, your guide to Johannesburg from the people who know it best. We chat with local personalities, tastemakers, and city enthusiasts to unlock their favourite spots and untold stories. Forget the guidebooks, this is authentic Joburg.
We sit down with actor Christopher Jaftha, a familiar face from the screen and stage, whose latest film, Khaki Fever, is generating a buzz. For Jaftha, Joburg is more than just a backdrop to his career; it’s a crucible that has sharpened his craft and his character. He describes the city as a smaller-scale New York, a place where the hustle is real and the odds are stacked high, but where resilience is forged in the grind.
What many locals overlook, he says, are Joburg’s greatest treasures: its people and its food, especially the snacks, which he swears are some of the best in the world. It’s this mix of grit and flavour that keeps him rooted here, and that continues to shape the stories he tells on screen.
He shares his favourite spots for a quiet coffee, a great meal, and a dose of inspiration.
MORE CELEBS SHARE THEIR LOCAL SECRETS
My go-to café or spot for a great coffee and a quiet moment to catch my breath in Joburg is Arbour Café & Courtyard in Birdhaven. It’s quaint, beautiful, and has the loveliest energy.
Saturdays and Sundays at Arbour Café are special. They serve a bottomless mimosa brunch (in partnership with L’Ormarins) alongside a delicious menu.
The Schwarma Company never disappoints; it's one of my favourite restaurants, and I should probably be their ambassador. When it comes to my favourite dish, my answer never changes: lamb laffa all the way or lamb ribs and chips, the best ribs.
When it comes to showing off Joburg, nothing beats a good rooftop, and Hallmark House Hotel has one of the best. I took some German friends to Hallmark House. The team there always takes such good care of us, and the 360-degree view of Gauteng is unbeatable. The food is the best of the best.
The Hallmark House Hotel sadly closed its doors last month, but it will always remain an iconic Johannesburg venue.
I love the Playground Market (formerly the Neighbourgoods Market) in Braamfontein. It's a market I go back to time and time again.
Expect gourmet street eats, craft cocktails, live DJs, and a curated mix of local designers, all set against the city’s electric energy. It's amazing for shopping, snacking, or just soaking up the vibe.
My favourite place in or around the city to hike, run, or reconnect with nature is the Wilds in Houghton. It’s such a peaceful slice of green right in the middle of busy Jozi.
The Wilds sits in an elevated position, offering some of the best panoramic views of the Johannesburg skyline. It's a popular spot for walks, picnics, dog-walking, and photography.
When I'm in the mood to be social and unwind, I’ll meet friends at Saint Restaurant and Bar. The food is great, so is the music, and the vibe is always great too; it's just the perfect place to unwind.
One lesser-known spot in Joburg that I think deserves more love is the original Akhalwayas near the old Majestic Cinema in Fordsburg, close to the Oriental Plaza. I should probably be an ambassador there, too, though I’d gain all the kilos.
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