The 8 best steakhouses in Pretoria

A Pretoria institution if ever there was one. This old-school steakhouse has been a local landmark since 1989, Hillside Tavern underwent a revamp in 2021. While they didn’t get rid of any of the traditional charm, the dining room now feels warmer and more inviting.

Expect generous portions (read: very generous) of perfectly grilled cuts. This isn’t a one trick pony kind of steakhouse either; their menu features everything from a tender fillet Bordelaise (served with roasted marrow bone) to a fillet topped with fried Camembert and wild berry coulis, as well as plenty of chicken dishes. Longtime staff greet regulars by name, and the well-curated wine list means you’ll find the ideal red to pair with that juicy ribeye. For dessert, the homemade malva pudding with warm toffee sauce is a must to complete the hearty, homely experience.

Address: 320 The Hillside St, Lynnwood

Dishing up rib eyes to Pretoria since 1985, Pachas delivers a steakhouse experience on par with the country’s best. The location has moved up the road since the 90s, and it’s now housed in a modern space at The Club in Hazelwood. That said, it’s still kept the old-school sophistication with white tablecloths and attentive service. 

The menu marries steakhouse classics with continental flair: start with the famed stuffed calamari starter, brimming with shrimp, line fish and basil pesto. There’s a full range of prime beef cuts (aged to tender perfection), as well as seafood and game specials. With a deep wine cellar and an atmosphere of relaxed luxury, Pachas remains one of the top choices for celebratory dinners in the capital.

Address: The Club Centre, 22 Dely Rd, Hazelwood

Seafood may share the limelight at Crawdaddy’s, but make no mistake — the steaks can hold their own. The Brooklyn outpost is one of the best options and has been serving Pretoria’s east side for decades.  

Go for the Surf & Turf if you want the best of both worlds, or the legendary Espetada (beef skewered and dripping with garlic butter) for full indulgence. The menu is famously massive and spans everything from calamari and hake through to steak, chicken, and even curries. It’s a great choice if you’re hankering for a grillhouse-style fillet, but the rest of the family want something else.

Address: Brooklyn Piazza, Middel St, Brooklyn

Kream is where Pretoria’s power players and foodies alike go to indulge. This Brooklyn hotspot (another that’s been part of the capital’s dining scene for years) is more contemporary than many of the other steakhouses in the city with modern decor, bold art, and a global menu featuring everything from tempura prawn to linefish.

But make no mistake: steak is a centerpiece of the menu, and Kream elevates it to gourmet heights: the beef fillet comes with roasted bone marrow and a rich Bordelaise sauce, plated alongside velvety fondant potatoes. Another favorite is the sirloin topped with blue cheese sauce and biltong shavings for something uniquely South African.

Address: 283 Dey St, Nieuw Muckleneuk (Brooklyn)

For a steak dinner with proudly Afrikaner flair, head to Buffelsfontein Beesboerdery in Menlo Park. This restaurant (its name means “Buffalo Fountain Cattle Farm” for those who are uninitiated into the Afrikaans taal) has cultivated a rugged yet refined image in both its food and decor.

The focus is simple: high-quality, grass-fed beef cooked over open flames. You can choose your cut, your side, and your sauce. Don’t be put off by the menu, which is only available in Afrikaans. If you’ve forgotten everything you learned during your high school language classes, the waiting staff are happy to explain (read: translate) and guide your choices.  Come hungry, loosen your belt, and embrace the bosveld spirit at this one-of-a-kind steakhouse.

Address: Greenlyn Village Centre, 13th St & Thomas Edison St, Menlo Park

True to its name, Meet on Milner is where friends meet for great food. This upscale bistro in the leafy suburb of Waterkloof is as lovely as you’d expect. While they’re not a steakhouse in the traditional sense of the word, they’ve definitely spent some time perfecting the art of grilling a medium-rare fillet or a gorgeously charred rib-eye charcoal grill. 

In fact, Meet on Milner has quickly gained a reputation for its juicy, flavorful steaks and its Mediterranean fare - no easy feat. Start with a fresh Caprese salad or beef carpaccio, then follow with, say, a pepper-crusted sirloin and thin-crust prosciutto pizza for the table – no judgment here if you indulge in both. Whatever you do, order the dijon sauce for your steak. You won’t regret it.

Address: 378 Milner St, Waterkloof

Technically in Midrand after years in Centurion, The Godfather is worth the short drive from Pretoria proper – it’s often considered the best steakhouse in the greater Pretoria area. In all the years people have been coming through the doors, the classic menu that has barely changed 0 because why mess with perfection? 

The specialty is the Godfather Fillet, a center-cut tenderloin grilled and then topped with a picalilli mustard, mushroom, and white wine sauce. Popular sides are classic fries or onion rings. When the bill comes, don’t be surprised if they give you a ‘sticky finger’ - we’ll let you figure out what that means when the time comes. 

Address: Shop 29 Midstream Centre, Midstream Estate, Olifantsfontein, Centurion

A newer entrant located in Nieuw Muckleneuk, Wood & Fire is quickly making waves for its contemporary take on the steakhouse concept. South African meat mastery is front and centre, combined with global cooking techniques like American smoking, Argentine asado grilling, and French sous-vide. 

This isn’t for your average Tuesday night steak dinner. Instead, go for something unusual which you wouldn’t find elsewhere. A solid choice is their coffee-rubbed sirloin, which comes with a subtle smokiness and char that is out of this world. Otherwise, the 12-hour sous-vide prime rib simply melts under a knife. The setting is stylish yet relaxed, with a lovely patio and herb garden (the “wood and fire” theme carries into warm wooden tables and a view of the open-flame grill inside). 

Wood & Fire is a fantastic choice for anyone who needs convincing that Pretoria’s steak scene can be cutting-edge too.

Address: 79 George Storrar Dr, Nieuw Muckleneuk