A business meeting at lunchtime usually means skipping that glass of wine (or two) and opting for a bottle of sparkling water instead. Whether you’re meeting with your boss, impressing a client or having a strat meeting with colleagues, the environment needs to be suitable for getting the nitty gritty done. We’ve hunted down the best spots to munch on a delicious lunch while you crunch your deadlines.

Johannesburg

Bistro Vine (Parkhurst)
This classic French bistro with its crisp white tablecloth and Parisian fare is ideal for beguiling a big-shot client. With elegant dishes such as bouillabaisse and duck confit, you are sure to impress.

The interior at Bistro Vine. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

Mastrantonio
Located on the first floor of the Illovo Square Centre, this sophisticated venue serves up simple yet refined Italian fare. Choose from dishes like the penne served with fresh salmon in a tomato and cream sauce or the lemony spaghetti al fresco served with fresh chopped raw tomatoes, herbs, capers and black olives.

The interior at Mastrantonio Restaurant. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

The Grazing Room
The more casual sister of Top 10 restaurant DW Eleven-13, The Grazing Room serves up tapas dishes that are ideal for a lunchtime meal. Options like springrolls filled with parma ham, smoked mozzarella and rocket or springbok tataki with kimchi are big on flavour and light enough so that you can still get back to work afterwards.

The table setting at Thomas Maxwell Bistro. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

Thomas Maxwell Bistro
Situated close to Sandton City, this contemporary French eatery is perfect for a quick business meeting and lunch. The options like grilled prawns and rabbit risotto on the menu will guarantee that you impress the clients.

Pretoria

Carlton Café
This daytime eatery serves up delicious breakfasts and lunches that are full on flavour. Think smoked salmon trout parcels or parmesan and olive risotto. With no wine being served and options like a glass of blitzed up frozen berries topped with sparkling water, this is an ideal spot for a working lunch.

Inside Carlton café Delicious. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

Deli on Duncan (Hatfield)
Situated in Duncan Yard, this is a great spot to soak up the Pretoria sun. The courtyard bistro serves up delicious and classy deli fare like mini burgers, quiches and pastries. Great for wowing the boss or bringing in a new client.

A salad at Ginger and Fig. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

Ginger and Fig (Brooklyn)
If you’re looking to skip the office and hold a meeting off site, this is the place. A favourite among locals, this hip eatery offers crowd-pleasing dishes such as rib-eye burgers and hearty pastas as well as lighter salad options such as the duck confit wonton salad.

The inside at Kream. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

Kream (Brooklyn)
Kream is a stylish upmarket restaurant that offers elegant food and swift service. The menu offers a wide range of dishes from sushi to steaks with something for everyone’s palate.

Durban

Boiler Room Café (Morningside)
This sibling to 9th Avenue Bistro offers the combo of comfort food and a fantastic out-of-office environment for business meetings. Conveniently located at the old Lion Match Factory, the café offers a cheerful open-plan atmosphere, gourmet milkshakes and daily soups.

The interior at the Boiler Room Cafe. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

Market (Essenwood)
Fancy clients in town? Woo them at this quiet alfresco restaurant. The sun-dappled courtyard offers the perfect setting for an important meeting. The food is elegant without being fussy. Try the sesame lentil burger with beetroot and house mayo or break the ice with a shared cheeseboard.

Old Town Italy (Umhlanga Rocks)
Situated in an up-and-coming office area, this trendy Italian eatery is an ideal space for a business meeting. Order pastries, artisanal flatbreads and pastas or select a few items from the deli counter.

The bar at Old Town Italy. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

Quarters Brasserie (Morningside)
Conveniently forming a part of Florida Road’s busy boutique hotel, this upmarket and airy restaurant is great for meeting out-of-town clients for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

Cape Town

Bistrot Bizerca (City Bowl)
This city bistro is ideal spot for both summer and winter business lunches. The laid-back setting will add a stress-free element to any meeting while the chic menu and polished plating will most certainly close the deal.

The courtyard at Bistrot Bizerca. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

Borage Bistro (City Bowl)
This city-centre bistro is for both the foodie and the businessman. With ample space to perch your laptop, the space offers a great working environment for freelancers. A business lunch can turns into a gourmet experience with seasonal options such as fishcakes served with wasabi mayonnaise and teriyaki or a warming mushroom risotto.

Bites at Borage Bistro. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

Hemelhuijs (City Bowl)
This beautiful oasis nestled in the bustle of the city offers a peaceful escape from the chaos. Snack on pretty plates of seasonal salads and or wholesome soups while discussing deadlines.

The interior at Hemelhuijs. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

The Pot Luck Club (Woodstock)
Take your food-loving boss or business partners to this energetic and stylish spot. If the spectacular Cape Town views don’t win them over, the enticing and flavoursome tapas-style dishes will do the trick.

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Smoked pork belly with kimchi apple and sesame mayo at The Pot Luck Club. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.