Guide to South African restaurants in London

South Africa's legendary Pot Luck Club has landed in London, bringing Luke Dale Roberts' epic small plates to the Waldorf Hilton for a three-month residency. Expect flavours with a South African influence – from veal tataki with mandarin gastrique to Cape Malay–spiced veggie plates – all served in the sharing style that made the original a global hit.

Vivat Bacchus is a South African restaurant with a couple of locations in the city, where they serve a menu of excellent South African plates. Dishes from the main menu include things like cured meats, 21-day aged steaks, and more authentic dishes like crocodile goujons. You can also enjoy biltong alongside cheese and wines from South Africa. The restaurant is modern and atmospheric, and you'd be right to dress up a little to dine here.

High Timber is a sophisticated and modern South African restaurant where you can enjoy everything from homemade biltong and rooibos-smoked salmon to succulent steaks in a smart dining room decorated with works by South African artists. The wine list focuses mainly on South African vintages, although there are bottles from other regions also available.

Jungle Braai finds its inspiration in the cherished South African BBQ tradition known as braai. This welcoming restaurant caters to families and presents a menu featuring elevated burgers, brioche hot dogs called wors rolls, and tasty grilled seafood, such as chargrilled sea bass and king prawns, served with salad. Their gourmet burgers also celebrate the flavours of South Africa, like the 'smokin Joburg', with two patties, turkey rashers, cheese, lettuce, mayo, jalapeños, and a smoky BBQ sauce.

The Afrikana restaurants offer an authentic take on African cuisine, drawing inspiration from the varied flavours of the continent. These spots showcase Africa's cultural and culinary legacy through tasty dishes, including time-honoured recipes or modern takes.

Wandsworth's Park Tavern is a gastropub in a 19th-century coaching inn that blends classic British pub vibes with South African dishes. There are cosy nooks as well as two outdoor areas where you can sip on cocktails and South African wines. The menu highlights seasonal British meat cooked on the braai in a South African style, including platters, burgers, and more. Don't miss their take on the traditional Sunday roast.

This community pub owner has South African heritage, so the focus is on local beers and South African-inspired dishes. The drinks include local beers on tap and South African sodas, while the menu boasts authentic dishes like meaty boerewors rolls and zebra steaks. They also serve British favourites like sausage and mash, as well as Sunday roasts.

Shrimp Shack is a lively and colourful fast-casual dining spot in Streatham, centred around shrimp, often hailed as the crown jewel of seafood. Infusing South African flavours into these succulent sea treasures, Shrimp Shack allows patrons to craft their own shrimp dish, selecting their preferred size, dips, and seasonings. In addition to its shrimp-focused offerings, the restaurant also serves a variety of other seafood and meat dishes.