THERE are some splendid restaurants in Johannesburg, spread across the city. Many of them have been honoured with national awards on lists that are usually dominated by Cape Town establishments.

Eat Out magazine runs the Eat Out Johnnie Walker Restaurant awards, including the Restaurant of the Year and its Top Ten countrywide; and there are People's Choice awards on the magazine's website . Wine magazine, with Diners Club International, offers Winelist of the Year awards; Top Ten: Special Occasions; and Top Ten: Everyday Eating set out in its publication Dine 100, which lists the country's 100 top restaurants.

• Assagi: A mother-and-son team turn out sublime food
  
• Auberge Michel: The favourite restaurant of BEE millionaires and leading politicians
  
• Browns of Rivonia: The cellar is justly famous
  
• Chefs in Motion: Diners can watch the chefs
  
• Deluxe: A super-trendy eatery where lunching is an adventure
  
• La Campagnola: The menu changes when the chef changes his mind
  
• La Cucina de Ciro: A cheerfully informal neighbourhood restaurant
  
• Moyo: Probably the best-known restaurant in Johannesburg
• Soi: Thai chefs prepare Thai and Vietnamese specialities
  
• The Bell Pepper: The best restaurant in Kensington
  
• The Singing Fig: New management, but same high quality
  
• Yamato: An elegant Japanese restaurant whose menu goes beyond the usual