There’s something about the aroma of sticky rib basting sauce that whets the appetite in a way no other scent does. Here’s where to find juicy ribs in a city near you, to feed the craving.

Capital Craft Beer Academy (Menlo Park)

Capital Craft offers a great choice for rib-lovers. Try Southern-style slow-cooked pork ribs – either smoked or unsmoked (R130 for 500g or R220 for 1kg); beef ribs cooked in red wine, garlic and tomato, and basted with smoky chutney (R120 for 500g or R200 for 1kg); or slow-braised lamb ribs cooked in lager, tomato, thyme and garlic, before being briefly smoked (R130 for 300g).

The bar at Capital Craft Beer Academy. Photo supplied.

Stanley Beer Yard (Milpark)

Great beer-on-tap and a lovely outside area make this a popular spot for pub grub. Tuck into barbecued pork ribs cooked over the grill, and served with chips and cabbage. (R120 for 350g or R175 for 600g.)

The ribs at Stanley Beer Yard. Photo supplied.

Little Havana (Umhlanga Rocks)

This chic, Cuban-inspired restaurant is a great option for romantic dinners and business lunches. If you’re planning a more casual encounter, the pork spare ribs served with chips are a great option. (R185)

The interior at Little Havana. Photo supplied.

Lefty’s (City Bowl)

This dive bar may seem dingy from the outside, but their ribs have a great reputation. Pork loin ribs in a wonderfully sticky basting are smoked, grilled and served with fries and a red cabbage slaw (450g for R130, R325 for 900g).

Lefty’s glorious ribs. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

Da Vinci’s on Kloof (Gardens)

Pizza and burgers are fantastic at this comfortable neighbourhood spot, but the ribs have their own bevy of supporters. Juicy, sticky pork ribs are served with either fries, wedges, or salad. (R135 for 400g or R155 for 600g). Can’t decide? Try a ribs and calamari combo (R165) or a rib and wings combo (R155).

Woolies’ range of barbeque ribs are marinated and precooked, so only need 15 minutes in the oven or on the braai. The best part? The Sweet and Sticky Pork Loin Ribs are currently on promotion.