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Our power list: Restaurants that stay open during loadshedding

It’s hard to get through a day without overhearing (or initiating) a good old loadshedding rant. Because home cooking can be one of the more aggravating obstacles, we’ve compiled a list of where to grab a meal during those pesky power cuts. Whether they’re powering up with a generator or setting the mood with a couple of candles, these places have got you covered. (Note: Some restaurants lose the ability to process cards without Eskom playing along, so be sure to take plenty of cash along.)

We’ll be adding to this list as we discover more options. Please enlighten us (see what we did there?) by writing about your discoveries in the comments section at the end.

Please note that while we take care to ensure that the details here are accurate, some may change without our knowledge. Please contact establishments for any queries. 

Johannesburg

Beerhouse (Fourways)
Beerhouse have a generator, which means they have lights and a full menu during power outages.

Bellagio (Illovo)
This buzzing Illovo spot has a generator and a functional card machine during load shedding so diners can still enjoy the elegant bistro fare offering.

https://www.instagram.com/p/ByUbLw2J_WA/

Cafe del Sol (Olivedale and Bryanston)
All branches run off a generator, so you won’t be left hungry in the dark.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B8JAzV6KRoB/

Casalotti’s (Craighall ParkRiverclub)
Thanks to a generator, Casalotti’s operates like a champ during loadshedding hours. The restaurant continues to serve a full menu of Italian favourites and its card machines are battery-powered and operational.

Chief’s Boma (Fourways)
Thanks to a generator, Chief’s Boma continues to operate at 100%. They offer a full menu and credit card facilities.

Churchills (Melrose Arch)
This upmarket bar and lounge operates as usual during loadshedding, thanks to a generator.

Coobs (Parkhurst)
The restaurant is fully operational during loadshedding, thanks to a generator.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B2O1QwSJhTs/

Delta Café (Craighall Park)
A powerful generator means this café continues to serve its full menu whenever loadshedding occurs. All facilities, including card machines, are fully operational.

Douglas + Hale (Parktown North)

An EatOut reader favourite during loadshedding.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B6-o8BzJ-uD/

DW Eleven-13 (Dunkeld West)
This fine-dining restaurant is open for service as usual, with a generator keeping diners happy.

The interior at DW Eleven-13. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

The interior at DW Eleven-13. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

The Foundry (Parktown North)
While it does have a generator, The Foundry offers a limited menu, minimising meals that require grilling or frying. They still serve pizzas and salads, and continue to prepare ingredients that can be made in the wood-fired pizza oven such as calamari, bone marrow and ribs. All card machines are battery-powered so customers can pay as per usual.

The Foundry. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

The Foundry. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

Fournos Bakery (Dunkeld West)
A generator means that all stores continue to offer a full menu and credit card facilities during loadshedding. They also have backup power for their computer systems so that the cash registers function as normal.

Gabriella’s Tea Room (Parktown North)

An EatOut reader favourite when the lights are out!

https://www.instagram.com/p/B7-dwURDQkr/

Ghazal (Sunninghill)
The restaurant has a back-up generator, so power cuts have no effect on business.

Jamie’s Italian (Melrose Arch)
The generator at Melrose Arch ensures that nothing is affected during loadshedding at Jamie’s Italian.

Il Contadino (Parktown North) 

https://www.instagram.com/p/B72x19yJPLJ/

JB’s Corner (Melrose Arch)
A generator ensures that loadshedding has zero effect on the operations at this vibey corner restaurant.

La Stalla Italian Restaurant (Melville)

https://www.instagram.com/p/B2rjf5RJgC2/

La Cucina di Ciro (Parktown North)

https://www.instagram.com/p/B8MGh-KpNKl/

La Vie en Rose (Illovo)
A trusty generator means the restaurant is fully operational during power outages. Diners can enjoy a full menu, hot coffee and WiFi.

Mantovanis (Bedfordview)
Eastgate Shopping Centre has a large generator that powers the entire restaurant during loadshedding.

Mastrantonio (Illovo)
This elegant Italian eatery is open for trade during loadshedding, thanks to a generator.

Mexican Fresh (Bryanston, Craighall, Sunninghill)
A generator means this fun franchise continues to offer its tasty Tex-Mex menu during loadshedding.

Mezepoli (Melrose Arch)
Mezepoli is fully functional during loadshedding (including the use of card payment facilities).

Ocean Basket (Melrose Arch)
Loadshedding has zero impact on the operations at Ocean basket, thanks to the generator at Melrose Arch.

Paul (Melrose Arch)
Paul is a 100% operational during power cuts, thanks to a backup generator.

Perron (Bryanston)
Perron is equipped with a generator, which means dinner as usual.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B8HYxfdnm2M/

Piza e Vino (Melrose ArchMelville, Rosebank, Waterkloof)
Rosebank, Melville and Waterkloof branches are prepared with large generators, so you can enjoy your pizzas as per usual.

Pigalle (Sandton, Bedfordview, Melrose Arch)
Thanks to a powerful generator, Pigalle is unaffected during loadshedding.

Pron (Linden)
This eclectic eatery isn’t affected by power outages, meaning the noodle orders keep flowing.

Emma Chen's Pron

Emma Chen’s Pron. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

Roast Café (Melrose Arch)
Roast Café is equipped with a generator to ensure that your dining or drinking experience is unaffected during loadshedding.

RocoMamas (Melrose Arch, Fourways)
A generator means this trendy burger joint is fully operational during loadshedding.

Stelle (Parkview)
You won’t be eating in the dark at this Italian spot. With a fully operational generator, diners can still enjoy their pastas and pizzas.

The Grillhouse (Melrose Arch)
A backup generator means The Grillhouse is fully-functional during loadshedding.

The Local Grill (Boksburg, Parktown North)
All branches of The Local Grill have working generators, so meat-lovers won’t have to forgo their steak fix.

A steak at The Local Grill.

A steak at The Local Grill. Photo supplied.

Tashas (Melrose Arch)
The restaurant remains fully operational during power cuts, thanks to a backup generator at Melrose Arch.

Turn ‘n Tender (Bryanston)
This popular steakhouse has a generator that provides full power to the restaurant, meaning they continue to offer their full menu.

Turn 'n Tender. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

Turn ‘n Tender. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

Trabella Pizzeria (Illovo)
This Italian gem makes the most of their gas and wood-fired oven during loadshedding, while the dimmed lighting creates a romantic mood.

Vini’s (Bedfordview)
Thanks to a generator, a pizza oven and a gas stove, Vini’s is the perfect place to grab a meal during a loadshedding power outage.

Walnut Grove (Sandton)
This Sandton café makes use of candles, their trusty pizza oven and a gas stove. While most of the menu is still available, they can’t prepare deep-fried or oven-baked dishes such as the homemade lasagna, French fries and crumbed Camembert salad. Customers can pay by card, as the card facilities are battery-powered.

Winehouse at Ten Bompas (Dunkeld West)
A generator powers the entire restaurant and hotel, meaning you can enjoy a complete menu and fully operational facilities.

Wombles (Parktown North)
A large generator runs all the electrical appliances, so it’s dining as per usual at this elegant steakhouse.

Wombles. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

Wombles restaurant. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

Pretoria

Black Bamboo (Ashley Gardens)
This contemporary restaurant has a working generator, which means diners can enjoy their meals without any disruptions.

Black Bamboo interior

The Black Bamboo interior. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

Brasserie de Paris (Waterkloof Ridge)
At this fine-dining establishment, guests can still savour Parisian food when loadshedding strikes, thanks to a backup generator.

Capital Craft Beer Academy (Centurion, Menlo Park)
These beer aficionados won’t let a little loadshedding stop them; they’re fully functional during power cuts.

De Kloof Restaurant (Waterkloof)
This elegant bistro has a generator and is open for business as usual.

The interior at De Kloof. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

The interior at De Kloof. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

Kream (Brooklyn)
A generator and working card machines means diners don’t need to worry about power outages at this elegant restaurant.

Kream interior

Artwork at Kream. Photo courtesy of the restaurant

Life Grande Café  (Hazelwood)
This charming café has a generator that powers the entire kitchen and restaurant, ensuring that everything runs as per usual during loadshedding hours.

The stylish bar at Life Grand Café Pretoria. Photo supplied.

Priva Gastrolounge (Waterkloof Heights)
While the restaurant is fully functional during loadshedding, they’re unable to use their deep-fryers. However, everything else is on the menu thanks to generators.

Restaurant Mosaic at the Orient (Elandsfontein)
An elegant evening at chef Chantel Dartnell’s restaurant will have no loadshedding interruptions, as a generator powers both the restaurant and the hotel.

 

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When not even load shedding can stop cheffies from cooking in the dark …

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Toni’s Fully Furnished Pizza Co. (Sinoville)
Toni’s has what they describe as a ‘humungous’ generator that ensures every aspect of the restaurant is fully operational during loadshedding hours.

Durban

9th Avenue Waterside (Durban Harbour)
A generator powers the kitchen, while candles and solar jars light up the restaurant. All items on the menu are available, with the exception of the deep-fried calamari.

A dish from 9th Avenue Bistro

A dish from 9th Avenue Bistro. Photo courtesy of the restaurant

Al Firenze (La Lucia)
Wood-fired pizzas keep hungry foodies happy when the electricity goes out. For residents in the area, pick up a quick take-away for a night of pizza by candlelight.

Bellevue Café (Kloof)
Tuck into a comforting bowl of rigatoni while the generator keeps things buzzing at this comfy café.

Butcher Boys (Morningside)
The whole steakhouse is powered by a generator.

Café 1999 (Berea)
Most menu items are still available, with the exception of coffee and three oven-prepared dishes. They use a generator and their card machines are fully operational.

Cafe 1999

A dish at Cafe 1999. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

Caffe Italia (Riverside and Sunningdale)
Thanks to a generator, you can enjoy the full Caffe Italia experience during pesky power outages.

Little Havana (Umhlanga)
Juicy steaks and wine are still available at this Umhlanga hotspot where generators keep things cooking and cooling.

Lupa (Durban North, Hillcrest, Westville)
Generators work hard at all branches of this Italian favourite.

Mamma Luciana’s (Glenashley)
This neighbourhood gem is equipped with a generator so that the kitchen can keep functioning as per usual.

Mo Noodles (Umhlanga)
Diners will enjoy a romantic dinner by candlelight, but other than that, Mo Noodles is fully operational during loadshedding.

Old Town Italy (Umhlanga)
At this authentic deli, customers can enjoy their risotto and red wine with the lights still on while the generator does all the work.

Remo’s  (Umhlanga)
The Umhlanga Village favourite is still open during loadshedding, with a fully operational generator.

The Mad Italian (Durban North)
The team at Mad Italian offers a special loadshedding menu featuring grills, seafood and other fare prepared in the gas oven, but unfortunately guests will have to do without pizza, coffee and selected pastas. The lights, systems and credit card facilities remain fully operational.

Pot & Kettle (Botha’s Hill)
The team at Pot & Kettle keeps the restaurant running with a generator. Since they operate mainly on gas, all menu items are still available, with the exception of their pies. Besides that, everything runs as per usual.

Unity Bar and Brasserie (Musgrave)
These guys make it work despite not having a generator, so you’re still able to enjoy an after-work drink and bite.

Unity Bar and Brasserie. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

Unity Bar and Brasserie. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

The Firehouse (Morningside)

A crowdsourced favourite!

The Wok Box (Durban North)
While they don’t have a generator, The Wok Box uses gas to prepare a limited menu. Tables are lit by candles and the restaurant accepts cash only during loadshedding.

Cape Town

95 at Keerom (City Bowl)
95 at Keerom is equipped with a generator, meaning you can still enjoy the Italian cuisine on offer during loadshedding.

The exterior at 95 at Keerom. Photo Supplied.

95 at Parks (Constantia)
95 at Parks still serves tasty Italian fare during loadshedding, thanks to a generator.

A beautiful outside shot of the building at 95 at Parks. Photo Supplied.

A Tavola (Claremont)

A Tavola remains open during loadshedding, thanks to backup power. While payment by credit card remains unaffected, lighting is provided by candlelight and there’s no air-condition (temperature is controlled through a combination of open doors and the extractor fan). A small number of menu items like lasagne, cannelloni, bruschetta and zucchini fritti may not be available.

Alexander Bar & Café (City Bowl)
Four hours of silent backup power keeps the music, tills and credit card machines operating, while romantic candles set the mood. The kitchen remains open but offers a slightly limited menu. It’s best to call ahead if you’re popping in for a show, as certain ones may be postponed or cancelled depending on technical requirements.

Alexander Bar & Café. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

Alexander Bar & Café. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

Anatoli Turkish Restaurant (De Waterkant) 

An EatOut reader favourite.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B71AbNWJCFw/

Aubergine (Gardens)
This elegant restaurant remains open during loadshedding. Plenty of candles make for a romantic atmosphere and since dishes are cooked mostly on gas, dinner goes ahead uninterrupted.

The Avenue (Claremont)
A generator powers the kitchen and lights, but the menu is slightly limited during loadshedding hours to allow for easier preparation. The credit card facilities operate perfectly.

Baptiste (Camp’s Bay)

An EatOut reader favourite.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B8I2-owJwun/

Bella Italia (Sea Point)
This cosy Italian eatery still serves up its delicious fare when the power is out.

Bilboa (Camp’s Bay) 

An EatOut reader favourite.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B7QXng3JeSD/

Bistro Sixteen82 (Tokai)
Thanks to a generator, it’s business as usual during loadshedding at this picturesque Southern suburbs bistro.

Blanko at The Alphen (Constantia) 

An EatOut reader favourite.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B8N2cISpTTb/

Bobos (Mouille Point)

An EatOut reader favourite.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B7ib7rWJcNZ/

Bootlegger Coffee Company (Sea Point)
A trusty gas oven means Bootlegger can prepare most of its menu items with the exception of anything deep-fried, blended or coffee-related. The card facilities are still fully functional.

Borrusso’s (Kenilworth)
Thanks to wood-fired ovens, pizza-lovers in the ‘burbs won’t miss out on their weekly fix.  The card facilities don’t operate when the power is out though, so be sure to bring cash.

Burger & Lobster (CBD)

An EatOut reader favourite when loadshedding hits.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B8RurmQj2U-/

Café Caprice (Camps Bay)
A single generator powers this Camps Bay restaurant, meaning the popular venue continues to offer its full menu and customers are able to pay with their cards.

The exterior at Café Caprice. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

The exterior at Café Caprice. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

Café Charles (De Waterkant)

A crowdsourced favourite.

Carne on Kloof (City Bowl)
Carne on Kloof is unaffected by loadshedding, meaning diners can still enjoy great, perfectly-prepared steaks.

The interior set up at Carne on Kloof. Photo Supplied.

Carne SA (City Bowl)
Carne SA remains fully operational during loadshedding.

The downstairs area at Carne SA. Photo Supplied.

Cassis (Gardens Centre)
The salon is still open, serving French food, pastries and cakes. 

Catch 22 Beachside Grill and Bar (Tableview)
A trusty generator means Catch 22 is still able to serve steaks, seafood, sushi, and cocktails during loadshedding hours.

Chinchilla (Camp’s Bay)

An EatOut reader favourite.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B7av_1KJZMN/

City Grill(V&A Waterfront)

A crowdsourced favourite.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B5sCl9ypk-s/

Col’Cacchio (Westlake)
This store has a new generator, making the restaurant fully functional.

Da Vinci’s on Kloof (Gardens)
Enjoy the famous wood-fired pizzas by candlelight. While they offer a slightly limited menu during loadshedding, you can still enjoy a variety of Italian favourites cooked in the pizza oven.

Da Vinci's on Kloof. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

Da Vinci’s on Kloof. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

Dahlia on Regent (Sea Point)

Sea Point residents go-to load shedding eatery.

Deer Park Café (Vredehoek)
This Vredehoek favourite still serves up hot breakfasts and ample coffee when the power outages hit.

De Grendel Restaurant (Durbanville)
The generator takes 30 seconds to kick in but, once on, the restaurant operates without a hitch. A complete menu and card facilities are available.

Dixies Restaurant and Pub (Simons Town)
This seaside spot has a fully operational generator, meaning diners can enjoy their pizzas and cocktails as per usual.

Goloso Restaurant (Sea Point)
A bowl of comforting homemade pasta can still be enjoyed at this Italian eatery. A generator keeps the doors open during loadshedding.

The Greek Fisherman (V&A Waterfront)

A crowdsourced favourite.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B8EpHj_JQQq/

Hudson’s (Gardens and Green Point)
The Hudson’s branches don’t get hit by loadshedding, which means more burgers for everyone.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BzNcNT7p_ET/

Hussar Grill (Camps Bay, Green Point, Rondebosch)
Equipped with generators, these branches are prepared for busy nights as usual.

Iron Steak and Bar (CBD)

An EatOut reader favourite.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B42Z14KpmJN/

La Belle (Camps Bay, Constantia)
This seaside bakery and bistro stays open during loadshedding hours with the help of its handy generator.

La Boheme (Sea Point)
With functioning generators, La Boheme ensures diners can still sip on a glass of wine and enjoy a cosy bistro dish.

The Dogs Bollocks (Gardens)
This trendy burger joint continues to serve its full burger menu, with candles providing a romantic setting for an evening out. Bring your own wine glasses for a classier affair.

El Burro (Green Point)
The restaurant has a generator and runs as usual during loadshedding.

Empire Cafe (Muizenberg)
Your Sunday morning coffee and brunch is no longer at risk as long as you head out to Empire Cafe, which uses a generator during blackouts.

Fish on the Rocks (Hout Bay)
A newly installed generator means you can enjoy a full menu and operating credit card facilities until 8.30pm every evening.

Four & Twenty (Wynberg)
This trendy spot operates with a slightly limited menu during loadshedding hours, but battery-operated card facilities ensure that paying isn’t a problem.

Infusion on Long (CBD)

A crowdsourced favourite.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B7-kXaBFylu/

Incognito at The Alphen (Constantia)

An EatOut reader favourite.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B5SQq9UJ4mI/

Il Leone Mastrantonio (Green Point)
With a trusty generator in place, Il Leone ensures that diners can continue to savour risottos during loadshedding hours.

La Belle (Constantia)

A crowdsourced favourite.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B08ZOy8pZEF/

La Mouette (Sea Point)
The restaurant trades as normal during loadshedding, with a generator for the kitchen, but limited lighting makes it even more romantic than usual.

La Tête (City Bowl)
Giles Edwards nose-to-tail eatery remains untouched by load shedding, meaning you’ll never have to eat dinner in the dark.

Lefty’s Dive Bar (City Bowl)
This popular city haunt doesn’t have a generator, but everything is cooked on gas. Candles add a cosy atmosphere.

Lilly’s Restaurant (Sea Point) 

An EatOut reader favourite.

https://www.instagram.com/p/ByFuZLTpuTq/

Lime Tree Café (Bergvliet)
The restaurant’s menu is geared to cook with wood fire and gas, so loadshedding presents no problems. (Apart from the coffee machine!)

The interior at Lime Tree Cafe. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

The interior at Lime Tree Cafe. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

Massimo’s (Hout Bay)
A wood-fired oven means Massimo’s continues to serve delicious Italian fare, but remember to bring cash as the card machine will be down.

Massimo's pizza

Massimo’s pizza. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

Maestro’s on the Beach (Milnerton)
The lights and computers run on two small generators and most menu items are prepared using a gas stove, electric frying pan and gas fryer. Unfortunately, they’re not able to serve toasted sandwiches, coffee or any blended cocktails during loadshedding.

Manna Epicure on Kloof (Gardens) 

A crowdsourced favourite.

Meloncino (V&A Waterfront)

An EatOut reader favourite.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B7pxhqdpOD1/

NV-80 (Sea Point)
A generator ensures that this popular Sea Point haunt is fully operational during loadshedding hours.

Obz Café (Observatory)
The trusty wood-fired pizza oven works overtime during loadshedding, allowing the popular café to serve a selection of pizzas and salads off the menu. Tables are lit by candlelight.

The Olive Bistro (Durbanville)
While Olive Bistro does have a generator, it doesn’t serve any deep-fried items during power outages. They do, however, put their pizza oven to good use, and their card machines and cash register are powered by the generator.

Olio Pizza (Bergvliet)
The wood-fired pizzas emerging from the pizza oven aren’t affected by power outages at all.

Pajamas and Jam Eatery (Strand)
Thanks to a generator and gas stove, guests can enjoy lights, steaming hot coffee and a full menu.

Papino’s (Hout Bay)
Papino’s has a wood-fired pizza oven and all other cooking is done with gas, so most of the menu is available – steaks, pizzas, pastas and salads. Candles offer light and the credit card machines continue working, but unfortunately there’s no coffee during loadshedding.

Peddlars on the Bend (Constantia)
This beloved Constantia haunt won’t let its customers down and they have a large generator to ensure it. Enjoy a full menu and credit card facilities.

Poplars Restaurant (Durbanville)
They promise to have you covered when the lights go out.

Posticino (Hout Bay)
Thanks to a wood-fired pizza oven, this popular Italian spot continues to serve its famous pizzas and a full menu during loadshedding.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BL1HGejhyeA/

Salsify at The Roundhouse (Camp’s Bay)

An EatOut reader favourite.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B8GkwXGJOC9/

Saucisse Deli (Woodstock)
Saucisse doesn’t use a generator, but it offers a mostly cold menu, meaning their popular sandwiches, wraps and salads are still available. Card machines are battery-powered and they also make use of the SnapScan app.

Seaforth Restaurant (Simon’s Town)
A small generator powers the restaurant, but they aren’t able to serve any deep-fried dishes. All other facilities are fully operational.

Spiro’s (Hout Bay)
This Greek restaurant is equipped with a generator so that diners can tuck into their meze without interruptions.

Surfshack (Camp’s Bay)

A crowdsourced favourite.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B78R70epi9W/

The Bungalow (Clifton)

A crowdsourced favourite.

https://www.instagram.com/p/ByhpAGoJKsp/

The Commissary (City Bowl)
This grungy late-night spot has fortunately been unaffected by loadshedding, so ease those Eskom woes with some spicy chicken wings and frose.

The view of the kitchen from the tables at The Commissary. Photo by Nikita Buxton.

The Local Grill (Woodstock)
The Cape Town branch of The Local Grill has working generators, meaning meat-lovers won’t have to forgo their steak fix.

The Melting Pot (CBD)

An EatOut reader favourite.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B57utj0pnc2/

The Pot Luck Club (Woodstock)

An EatOut reader favourite during loadshedding.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B4KGOqrATGJ/

The Shop (Sea Point)
This cosy little bistro operates mostly on gas and keeps the tunes going on their own boombox, so you won’t have to sacrifice any enjoyment.

The Riverway Café (Hout Bay)
This cosy culinary spot is covered by a working generator, which means there won’t be any interruptions while you tuck into a plate of eggs Benedict.

The Taproom at Devil’s Peak Brewing Company (Salt River)
Located in the factory-dense area of Salt River, The Taproom is fortunate not to have been affected by loadshedding as much as other areas. When the power does go off, beers are kept cool for a long time. They also serve a menu of dishes cooked on a gas stove.

The Taproom at Devils Peak Brewery. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

The Taproom at Devils Peak Brewery. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

The Terrace Restaurant (Newlands)
The entire Kelvin Grove Club runs on one powerful generator, so The Terrace Restaurant is fully operational during loadshedding hours.

The Test Kitchen (Woodstock)

An EatOut reader favourite.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B5sXm0onnEs/

The Woodlands Eatery (Vredehoek)
This charming eatery uses the pizza oven during power outages, continuing to serve pizzas, salads and some desserts. All card machines are battery-powered and function at 100%.

Tjing Tjing and Tjing Tjing Torii (City Bowl)
Both the buzzing rooftop bar and the trendy Asian tapas spot are open during loadshedding, thanks to trusty generators.

Utopia (De Waterkant)

A crowdsourced favourite.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B52J-_UJo0G/

Zenzero (Camps Bay)
A generator means that cocktails and Italian fare can still be enjoyed at this sea-front spot.

Winelands

95 At Morgenster (Somerset West)
95 At Morgenster is equipped with a generator, which means your dining experience in this picturesque restaurant won’t be affected by loadshedding.

The interior at 95 at Morgenster. Photo Supplied.

96 Winery Road (Stellenbosch)
This country-style restaurant continues to offer its full menu during loadshedding.

Avontuur Restaurant (Somerset West)
A large generator powers the entire Avontuur estate, including the kitchen and restaurant. They offer a full menu and card facilities.

Babel (Franschhoek)
A lunch at the picturesque Babel restaurant won’t be interrupted when loadshedding occurs, as it has a fully operational generator and functioning card machines.

 

 

A salad at Babel. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.A salad at Babel. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.Bovine Restaurant (Franschhoek)

Bosjes Kitchen and Tea Garden (Worcester)

https://www.instagram.com/p/B7DOJxOp_FU/

Cavalli Restaurant (Somerset West)
Generators kick in immediately when loadshedding occurs, allowing the restaurant to function as per usual. They still offer the full menu, and the cash register and card facilities are fully operational.

Equus at Cavalli

Equus at Cavalli. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

Cold Gold Artisan Ice Cream & Sorbet (Stellenbosch)
These artisanal ice cream producers continue to serve their famous ice cream and sorbet during power outages.

Foliage (Franschhoek)
The emergency lights go on as soon as the power is cut and candles are placed in front of the house, dining room and kitchen. As all meals are cooked using gas, the full menu is still available during loadshedding, as are all card facilities.

A flower pot on the counter at Foliage. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

A flower pot on the counter at Foliage. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

Gino’s (Stellenbosch)
Gino’s ensures sports fans don’t miss a single rugby game, with the help of a generator that powers their televisions, fridges and facilities. They still serve a full menu with the help of a gas stove, and have emergency lights that go on the second the power goes off. Unfortunately, their coffee machine isn’t operational during power outages.

Glen Carlou (Klapmuts)
Glen Carlou has a generator that services the entire property and ensures the restaurant operates at 100%.

Haute Cabriere (Franschhoek)

https://www.instagram.com/p/B5uxp3MJnQG/

Hudson’s (Stellenbosch)
The new burger joint to hit Stellies will still be buzzing while the generator keeps the burgers coming.

A burger with potato wedges. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

A burger with potato wedges. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

Indochine (Stellenbosch)
The whole estate is run via generators during blackouts, minimising the impact of loadshedding and allowing the restaurant to run as usual.

Majeka House (Stellenbosch)

This elegant Stellenbosch restaurant is powered by a generator that allows diners to continue enjoying their fine-dining experience.

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Oude Wellington Restaurant (Wellington)
Oude Wellington has used loadshedding as an opportunity to host a magical dining experience with lanterns, fairy lights, handwritten bills and a special menu. There’s plenty of ice to keep the wine cold and emergency lights to ensure everything runs smoothly.

Skilpadvlei Restaurant (Stellenbosch)
Thanks to a powerful generator, this restaurant is fully powered during loadshedding hours. You can enjoy a full menu and functioning card facilities.

Wagon Trail Brewery (Klapmuts)
The generator ensures every aspect of service remains operational. Enjoy the full menu and continue to make use of the card facilities.

Viande at Grande Roche (Paarl)

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West Coast

Damhuis Restaurant (Melkbosstrand)
This well-loved restaurant fortunately remains open during loadshedding, so you can get your seafood fix any time.

Overberg

The Restaurant at Newton Johnson (Hemel-en-Aarde Valley)
A generator provides power to the Newton Johnson property. While the regular menu is served, there may be a slight delay with regards to music and the printing of bills.

The Restaurant at Newton Johnson. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

The Restaurant at Newton Johnson. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

Garden Route

Emily Moon (Plettenberg Bay)
A huge generator means the restaurant is fully powered during loadshedding hours.

The interior at Emily’s Restaurant. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

The interior at Emily’s Restaurant. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

Bloemfontein

Bella Casa
The restaurant has a small generator that runs lights, tills, music and credit card facilities. No deep-fried foods are available during the hours blackouts, though.

Countrywide

Col’Cacchio
Some stores have generators, but all pizzas, salads and pastas and desserts are available regardless. Credit card machines are battery-powered, but unfortunately coffee machines don’t work. 

Know of any other restaurants staying open during loadshedding? Tell us about it in the comments section below. Plus, remember to review your experience there using our free app.

Please note that while we take care to ensure that the details here are accurate, some may change without our knowledge. Please contact establishments for any queries.

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