Food, festivities, and father figures: Where to celebrate in Joburg

It’s not his birthday, but it's his special day. This Sunday is Father’s Day, and as a self-confessed daddy’s girl, I’ll admit: I should spoil my dad more often.

Instead of the usual socks, tie, braai stand, or DIY gadget, why not give him the one gift everyone loves, good food?

Here are some Father's Day specials worth checking out in Johannesburg:

The Block restaurant, Craighall

Opened in November 2024, The Block has quickly earned a reputation for good wine, great burgers, and a laid-back vibe.

This Sunday, they’re offering a Father’s Day menu with a twist:

• Live music

• A free Heineken (choose from Classic, Silver or 0.0) with any meal

• And of course, beer and burgers done right.

The Block restaurant in Craighall. Picture: Instagram, @theblockrestaurantza

Bookings are essential.

The Pot Luck Club at The Peech Hotel in Melrose

Set in the lush grounds of The Peech Hotel, The Pot Luck Club is serving a more refined Father's Day experience, ideal for the father figures who appreciate fine dining.

Here’s what to expect:

A complimentary drink on arrival

• Choose between the Prix Fixe Lite (R495) or Loaded (R795) menus, designed for guests 16 and older

• A surprise gift for every dad

• Optional wine pairing at R750 per person

Bringing younger kids? No problem. Head to The Garden Restaurant, where children under 16 can enjoy a relaxed meal with a special kids’ menu.

Bowl'd restaurant, Sandton

With Father’s Day falling on a long weekend this year (thanks, Youth Day!), Bowl’d is celebrating in style:

• Bottomless mimosas

• Half-price cocktails

• A generous buffet to keep everyone full and happy

Whiskey festival, The Ground Venue, Muldersdrift

Looking for something a little different? Head to The Ground for a full-day Whiskey Festival featuring:

• Over 20 whiskey tasting stands

• Gourmet food trucks

• Live music from Gavin Hooker, Daniel Baron, Justin Serra and more

Tickets for adults are R350; children under 10, R100 per person.

To find out more, click here

Special mention: Father's Day Concert at NIROX

Celebrate all father figures, past, present and future under the highveld winter sun at NIROX Sculpture Park on Sunday, 15 June.

Here's what you can expect:

A soul-stirring acoustic concert lineup with Bongeziwe Mabandla, Muneyi x Leomile, Langa Mavuso, Modise Sekgothe and more. Delicious eats from the Epicurean Emporium, drinks, wine and cocktails. Gates open from 10am until 6pm.

Cost: From R400 per person. Children under 12 enter for free. Book via Howler

Whether it’s beer and burgers or whiskey and live music, make this Father’s Day less about stuff and more about memories. Dad deserves that.