Follow the scent of woodsmoke through Hazelwood and you will find a food scene built around fire. In the streets around The Club, Firwood Avenue and Village Walk, a cluster of restaurants now cooks over open flame, slow-smoked coals and roaring grills. The result is a suburb that has made its name on flavour, theatre and a very South African love of the braai. Here is your guide to open-fire dining in Hazelwood, from the anchor venue, SMOKE, to the neighbouring spots keeping the flames lit.
SMOKE Pretoria: Where Heritage Meets the Fire Pit
At 16 Firwood Avenue, SMOKE is a flagship social dining spot that celebrates South African heritage through open-fire cooking, slow smoking and tapas-style plates. Everything is paired with craft wines and spirits, so the table fills up with dishes made for sharing.
The Fire and the Fuel
The cooking is as much a part of the experience as the food. SMOKE burns indigenous Limpopo hardwoods, specifically Vaalbos and Groen Sekelbos, in open fire pits. A Josper Grill adds high-heat finishes, while an Oakford Pellet Grill handles extended 12-hour low-and-slow smoking sessions.
What to Order
Start with the low and slow dishes. The 12-hour slow-smoked beef short rib is tender enough to slide off the bone, and the bone marrow rolls, crispy buttermilk chicken strips and potato croquettes make excellent plates to share.
For mains, look to Karoo lamb cooked over open coals, high-grade Wagyu burgers and seafood prepared on the wood grills.
Brunch, Cocktails and Bubbles
SMOKE also serves a custom brunch menu. The bar pours signature craft cocktails, including a house Negroni and a Passionfruit Caipirinha, along with South African Méthode Cap Classique (MCC) sparkling wines.
The Setting
Expect open-sky terrace dining, exposed brickwork and counter seats at the open kitchen, where you can watch the fire at work. A high-end cocktail bar lounge completes the picture.
Plan Your Visit
- SMOKE: 16 Firwood Avenue, Hazelwood.
- Fireroom: Village Walk, Hazelwood.
- RepublicZA: Hazelwood precinct.
- Trading hours and menus change, so check with each venue and book ahead for busy evenings and weekend brunch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is SMOKE Pretoria?
SMOKE is at 16 Firwood Avenue, Hazelwood.
What wood does SMOKE use?
SMOKE cooks over indigenous Limpopo hardwoods, specifically Vaalbos and Groen Sekelbos, in open fire pits.
What should I order at SMOKE?
The 12-hour slow-smoked beef short rib and the bone marrow rolls are standout starters, and the Karoo lamb cooked over open coals is a signature main.
Does SMOKE serve brunch?
Yes. SMOKE has a custom brunch menu, along with craft cocktails and South African Méthode Cap Classique sparkling wines.
Final Thoughts
Hazelwood’s restaurants show how much flavour fire can add. Whether you want slow-smoked short rib at SMOKE, a theatrical flambé at Fireroom or a relaxed braai plate at RepublicZA, you can eat well within a few streets. Gather some friends, book a table and follow the smoke.