Where to eat in June: Cosy winter spots worth the hype

Winter has officially landed, and what better way to warm up than with comfort food that hits all the right spots? Whether you’re in Cape Town or Johannesburg, I’ve rounded up a few vibrant dining experiences worth tucking into this June.

A celebration of South Africa's favourite meal, seven colours

The latest addition to Cape Town's dining scene is adding colour to Sundays this winter with the introduction of Seven Colour Sunday Lunches, in collaboration with Kfm 94.5.

You won't expect your usual seven colours done at home; rather, they will be elevated to meet luxury and innovative levels at Marble Cape Town. Think luxury and innovation.

Launching on Sunday, 8 June, Seven Colour Sundays is a celebration of food, music, and family, the kind of lunch that feels like home but elevated. As South Africans know, these dishes are all about the number of vibrant sides on your plate, and Marble is putting its signature twist on this beloved tradition.

“...elevating our country’s favourite foods and taking Sunday lunch to new levels,” says chef and co-owner David Higgs. Held twice a month from June through to August (with a spring edition in September), the experience features live music, a family-style menu perfect for sharing, and themed Sundays where guests are encouraged to dress in colour.

The menu, R750 per person for adults and R195 for kids, excluding drinks, changes regularly, but here’s a taste:

• Drinks on arrival, and Marble’s focaccia with hummus, pumpkin, and butter.

• Starters: shrimp-topped flatbread with cucumber salad, or a vegetarian option with panko-fried avo, tomato pickle, and eggplant.

• Mains (served sharing-style): USDA brisket with Yorkshire pudding, or spinach & feta phyllo twists with honey-lemon dressing.

• Sides: roasted potatoes, chilli broccolini, cheesy cauliflower, and rainbow roast veg.

• Dessert: a choice between Karen Dudley’s curated cheeses or a full-on dessert platter (plus ice cream for the little ones).

Bookings are essential.

Pink Mama's, Johannesburg

Tucked into the Rosebank hub, what was once Livy’s has had a full makeover and is now the stylish new Pink Mama’s. Think posh European home meets Italian soul food, with plush interiors, warm lighting, and an inviting atmosphere you’ll want to linger in.

The change wasn’t just cosmetic. Former consultant-turned-owner, manager Ashton Frodsman took over the brand with his father after Livy’s struggled to find its footing. The result? A refreshed, Italian-focused menu and an ambience that’s equal parts classy and comfy.

My cocktail of choice: the Bellissimo Limone, made with Malfy Limone gin, lemon juice, and soda, was crisp, light, and refreshing. It reminded me of summer.

For mains, I tried the prawn risotto. While the stock could’ve reduced a bit more and the flavours didn’t quite pop, the prawns were beautifully cooked and generously portioned, a definite highlight.

Would I go back? Absolutely. The veal marsala, wood-fired pizzas, and antipasti platters all caught my eye. The service was a little on the slower side, but the charm and potential of the place more than made up for it.

Other notable spots to look out for:

Bowl'd restaurant in Sandton. They have a three-course menu with a bottle of wine for R695 per couple. Click here to find out more.

Proud Mary in Rosebank is offering their classic dishes for winter indulgence. From seafood pasta, grilled fish, to their hearty steak meal.