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.
While Kim Jayde may have been born in Zimbabwe, she is most certainly a Johannesburg girl at heart. The prolific creative, entrepreneur, and TV host shot to fame after her modelling and digital content exploits caught the attention of MTV Africa, where she quickly became the face of the channel and built a large following.
She has since launched her own production company, KJ Productions. This had led to collaborations with powerhouse brands such as Revlon, Hennessy x NBA, and AfriCannes through her Kickin’ It With Kim Jayde show.
Once named on the Forbes Africa 30 Under 30 list, Kim Jayde continues to rock various avenues, using her influence as a Johannesburg-based star to inspire through international speaker gigs, being a badass creative director, and helping to showcase African entrepreneurship and media.
To celebrate the wonders of Jozi, Kim Jayde has shared her favourite spots to visit, shop, explore, and chill in this latest edition of Time Out Johannesburg's Local Intel.
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I'm big on sharing food and Istanbul Kebab has the perfect combination of shisha/hubbly and amazing food that is made for sharing with family and friends. As an added bonus, Melrose is beautiful and super safe, so you can check out sneaker stores after lunch to walk off the food!
Address: Shop 5, The Arch, Melrose Square, The High St, Melrose
My little hidden gem! Opened by my friend and the much-loved DJ Chrizz Beatz, this low key spot serves the most luxurious cocktails. If you are lucky enough, you'll also catch Chrizz on the decks playing some great old school hip hop and Rnb. It's such a great spot to check out on a Sunday.
Address: Building 2, 38 Wessel Rd, Edenburg, Sandton
A wholesome family spot where everyone can choose their preferred cuisine, and then share a wooden bench while catching up on the week's stories. From Italian pizzas to braai'd meat, delicious seafood, and gelato, there really is something for everyone! On my last visit we stumbled upon a break dancing competition where the winners would go on to compete in Mauritius! One of the sheds is filled with local creatives and artwork, from homemade candles to paintings and upcycled musical instruments - you really never know what you'll come across at this market.
Address: 10 MacMillan Rd, Glenferness AH
Prison Break Market is on Time Out's list of the best markets in and around Johannesburg
The Big Mouth serves my favourite cocktail - a Basil Watermelon cocktail that is to die for... and you can only find it here! Their sushi is just as mouth watering. The location overlooks Nelson Mandela Square, so you can people watch while you enjoy a great meal.
Address: Shop No. 13 & 14, Nelson Mandela Square, Cnr Maude & 5th Streets, Sandton
Supporting local brands is huge for me - so Grade Africa has to be on your list of places to check out for cool, youthful, proudly African streetwear. Zaid Osman, the founder, has collaborated with everyone from Ms Lauryn Hill to The Powerpuff Girls - yes, they have their own sneaker! This is where the cool kids shop...
Address: The Zone @ Rosebank, 177 Oxford Rd, Rosebank
I am always hosting friends and family at my place. As you will know, that can be a very expensive exercise, so my little catering secret is Golden Rose. They have 29 piece platters for under R400 and they deliver to your home. However, if you're at the cinema and want a great meal after (that doesn't break the bank), they are amazing!
Address: Sandton City, 5th St, Sandown, Sandton
My favourite hubbly/shisha spot in Jozi. Serving Mediterranean tapas-style food, the owners can be seen seated by the wood-fire oven sipping on Turkish coffee. They always have AMAZING service!
Address: 38 4th Ave, Parkhurst
I'm a big fan of the entire cinema experience; the fresh popcorn, giant Coke, and choccies while watching the latest movie - what a vibe! There is a massive resurgence of 'going to the movies' which I love and Hyde Park Corner has a great variety of local and international films. Also, as it isn't a massive shopping centre, it's a bit more of a private experience.
Address: Cnr Jan Smuts Avenue and William Nicol Drive, 6th Rd, Hyde Park
Dermatologist to the stars and also the best place to get an amazing facial and lymphatic drainage treatment (to reduce bloating and lose a few centimetres before a big event). I've been going there since I was on MTV and I trust them with my life!
Address: Oxford Health and Wellness Centre, 99 Oxford Rd, Rosebank
The proudly local, female-owned streetwear brand that was founded in the Mother City is about to have a new spot in Jozi from 29 November 2025! This makes me so happy because even though they are easily available online, it's always amazing to be be able to touch and feel the product while shopping. I saw their show at SA Fashion Week a few seasons ago and fans can now find them in Jozi! Yay!
Address: TBD - Opening in Rosebank on 29 November 2025
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