Could these be the most popular restaurants in South Africa? Here are the spots that pulled in the most traffic on our site in April.

1. Epicure by Chef Coco (Sandton)

Coco Reinarhz’s highly anticipated Benmore restaurant opened in March – to instant fanfare. The acclaimed chef – who grew up in Kinshasa and trained in Belgium – is known for his modern interpretations of African flavours. Think West-African inspired coconut-basted crabs, slow-cooked Nguni oxtail, or mabele (sorghum) topped with wild mushrooms. It’s a chic option that’ll impress clients and foodie friends alike.

A scrumptious dish at Epicure. Photo supplied.

2. The Royale (Craighall)

This Cuban-inspired spot pulls in the crowds with a beautiful old-fashioned bar, Cuban music and a short confident menu. Tuck into mojo-rubbed pork belly with coleslaw, crispy spiced potato skins and sloppy joe empanadas.

Inside The Royale. Photo supplied.

3. Thali (Gardens)

Is it the Cape Malay fish taco? The duck curry? Or that tandoori cauliflower? One thing’s for sure: Liam Tomlin’s cosy Indian restaurant remains a thoroughly popular Cape Town spot. The tapas for two currently costs R700.

A selection of tapas from Thali. Photo supplied.

4. Old Town Italy (Umhlanga Rocks)

Stock up on free-range biltong or lamb from the butchery; tuck into a pizza at the pizzeria or a warming bowl of conchiglioni Calabrese (spicy pork ragu with shell pasta and crème fraîche. Leave with a gelato cone and a loaf of bread under your arm. It’s no wonder this spot is Durban’s most-viewed restaurant of the month.

Old Town Italy’s cronuts. Photo supplied.

5. Saigon Suzy Asian BBQ & Rock n Roll Bar (Parkwood)

You might have to queue for a table at this much-Instagrammed Asian-inspired spot. Early reviews have been mixed, but think warming ramen bowls, curries and baos.

A spread of Asian-inspired street food at Saigon Suzy. Photo supplied.

6. Il Contadino (Parktown North)

James Diack’s fourth restaurant is aptly named ‘The Farmer’ – a reminder of the glorious family farm from where much of the produce is sourced. Think twice-baked goat’s cheese and pecorino soufflés, or free-range ossobucco-filled ravioli.

Wild boar ragu with papardelle at Il Contadino. Photo supplied.

7. Quarterdeck Restaurant (GrandWest)

This Cape Town casino restaurant is popular for its buffet offering – R200 until 6.30 pm and R255 from 7pm onwards.

8. Momo Soko (Sandton)

Perennially in our most-viewed restaurants list, this Asian street-food spot is an absolute hit. Our readers recommend the beef short ribs, chicken wings and colonel bao. Their poké is also reputedly some of the best in town.

The signature soko (skewers) at Momo Soko. Photo by Miss Lucky Pony.

9. The Silo Rooftop (Silo District)

Perched atop Cape Town’s most iconic building, this rooftop bar’s sunset views are on the hitlist of every Instagrammer worth their salt. Make sure you book – because it’s situated inside the hotel, you won’t be allowed up without a reservation.

The Silo Rooftop Bar. Photo supplied.

10. The Yard (Silo District)

Run by Abigail Bisogno (of Spice Route fame) and GP Singh, this concept store and restaurant serves up Indian, Mediterranean and European fare in a very stylish space. Share a platter and be sure to try the mutton rogan josh. Also on offer: high tea with a South East Asian lilt. For R295, tuck into gulab jamun-flavoured cheesecake, miso-glazed éclairs and saffron-spiced carrot cake.

A fish dish at The Yard. Photo supplied.