Most travelers see visions of safaris—lions, tigers, wild boar, oh, my!—when they think of Johannesburg, South Africa. But this booming metropolis of nearly 8 million inhabitants, located in the wealthiest province of the country, also sports far-reaching skyscrapers, bass-thumping concert halls and, yes, a host of epicurean delights.

For those in pursuit of a good meal, a few neighborhoods are standouts. Begin your trip in Parkhurst, a favorite for younger Jo’burgers for its sidewalk café ambience. Head to Café Nice (Fourth Avenue and 14th Street, Parkhurst; +011 788 6286) for sumptuous breakfast items such as poached eggs, sandwiches, pies and quiche. More unpretentious, quick eats can be found throughout the Parkhurst neighborhood. George’s on Fourth (21 4th Ave., Parkhurst; +011 447 7705) dishes out Mediterranean flavors with Asian spices. Think moules frites with Eastern spices, or an Asian prawn with avocado.

Melville is the oldest foodie enclave in the city. Stroll along 7th Street, and you’ll find it’s home to some of the city’s hipper dining establishments. With an owner from the Czech Republic and an industrial-style interior, Buzz 9 (9 7th St., Melville; +011 726 2019) dishes out simple burgers, smoothies, salads, pastas and nachos. At night, it sheds its café persona and turns into a trendy lounge with an eclectic cocktail selection.

Just down the street, discover Soulsa (16 7th St., Melville; +27 11 482 5572; soulsa.wordpress.com). Acclaimed international chef Nicky Gibbs travels the world for menu inspiration and fresh ingredients to create a fusion of Asian, African and American flavors. Try the beetroot carpaccio with caperberry, red onion and Parmesan salad; the smoked crocodile in truffle vinaigrette; or the roasted butternut risotto with roasted vegetables and smoked Grunlander cheese.

In Johannesburg, “traditional” cuisine is a relative term; the fusion movement is well entrenched and, in any given area, travelers will encounter everything from Thai and Italian food to Flemish and French. Portuguese restaurant La Parreinrinha (9 6th St., La Rochelle; +27 11 435 3809) offers a variety of authentic tastes in an interesting atmosphere—the dining room is in a converted jail.

For a taste of South Africa, head to the famous Gramadoelas (Market Theatre, Bree Street, Newtown; +27 11 838 6960; www.gramadoelas.co.za), which has served such legends as Nelson Mandela, Elton John, the Clintons and David Bowie. Owners Brian Shalkoff and Eduan Naude prepare traditional dishes, including deep-fried crocodile, ostrich and bobotie, a local version of shepherd’s pie.

If Melville is Johannesburg’s oldest neighborhood, then Melrose Arch is the newest—and fastest-growing. In March, the city unveiled a vibrant new piazza here, surrounded by more top retail, hotels and restaurants. Select from three set menus that fuse the flavors of North and East African specialties at the trendy Moyo (Shop 5 High Street; +27 11 100 6696; www.moyo.co.za).

Chef Wikus Prinsloo has taken the helm at March (1 High Street; +27 11 214 6666) in the Melrose Park Hotel. Dine in the restaurant itself on grilled Mozambican prawns, risotto nero with smoked calamari, calves’ liver and crème brûlée. Guests can also wander into the library for dinner or to the restaurant’s ankle-deep pool outside.