International Beer and Pizza Day lands on 9 October, and if ever there was a pairing worth celebrating, it’s this one. A crisp beer with a bubbling pizza is the definition of universal comfort: unfussy, indulgent, and always a good idea. The beauty of it is that you can dress it up or down. A rooftop terrace with skyline views, a smart-casual dinner with friends, or a post-shopping slice that hits the spot when you need it most.
And in Sandton Central, the options are as varied as the toppings. From honey-drizzled artisnal pizzas with a hoppy IPA to classic Margheritas that call for an ice-cold lager, this is the neighbourhood that knows how to serve beer and pizza with flair. Here’s your guide to doing it right.
Artistry JHB – Rooftop Energy & Bold Flavours
There’s pizza, and then there’s pizza with a view. Artistry JHB delivers both in spades. Part rooftop bar, part live performance venue, and part pizzeria, it’s where the city’s creatives and after-work crowds mingle over slices that are anything but ordinary.
Their pizzas are as lively as the space itself: the Diavola with salami, honey and chilli is a sweet-and-spicy knockout, while the Short Rib (yes, with actual beef short rib and pickled chilli) is the kind of indulgence that begs for a bold IPA to balance it out. For purists, the Margherita paired with a crisp pilsner is proof that simplicity can still steal the show.
Come early to catch the sunset over Sandton’s skyline, then stay as the rooftop comes alive with DJs and cocktails. Beer and Pizza Day here feels less like a themed night out and more like the city’s best excuse to party.
Saint – Where Pizza Becomes an Occasion
Walking into Saint feels like stepping onto a stage. With its striking interiors and buzzing crowd, it’s the kind of place where “pizza night” suddenly turns into a full-blown event. This isn’t the spot for a quiet bite. It’s where you go when you want the night to feel like something.
The menu covers all the bases, from the familiar comfort of a classic pepperoni to the playful creativity of Beef ragout, jalapeño, BBQ sauce, parmesan, mozzarella. The trick is pairing them with the right beer: go light and crisp if you’re tackling cheese-heavy options, or choose an amber ale or IPA if you’re diving into the spicier builds.
The crowd is equal parts Sandton regulars, business folk, and groups celebrating something. Though honestly, at Saint, the pizza itself feels like reason enough. If Beer and Pizza Day deserves a bit of ceremony, this is the place to do it.
Aurum’s Octo Bar – Poolside Pizzas & Sundowners
High above the city in The Leonardo, Octo Bar brings Mediterranean charm to Sandton. It’s part of Aurum Restaurant, but with a more laid-back, poolside vibe. The kind of place where you start with “just a drink” and end up ordering half the pizza menu.
The toppings lean hearty: smoky chicken, chorizo, pepperoni, or the fiery Mexicana with jalapeño and crème fraîche. Pair these with an easy-drinking lager if you’re soaking up the sun by the pool, or lean into a pale ale if the pizza comes loaded with spice.
The real trick is timing. Head up for sundowners, snag a table on the terrace, and let the golden-hour glow make everything taste better. Octo is effortlessly stylish, making Beer and Pizza Day feel like a holiday, not just a midweek indulgence.
SINN – Pizza with Serious Edge
At SINN, pizza is anything but ordinary. Their dough ferments for hours, giving each base incredible flavour and a chewy texture that holds up beautifully to the wood-fired oven. The menu is stacked with inventive combinations that go way beyond your standard Margherita (though theirs, topped with roasted cherry tomatoes and basil, is flawless).
If you’re after something bold, the Meaty Bastard lives up to its name with rustic salami, boerewors salsiccia and prosciutto crudo—the kind of pizza that practically demands a cold beer to cut through the richness. The Gypsy, with salami, biltong, droëwors and a chilli drizzle, is pure South African indulgence, and pairs beautifully with a cold lager to balance the spice and salt.
The vibe at SINN is stylish without being pretentious, and Sundays bring their famous all-you-can-eat pizza deal, making it a must for anyone who takes Beer and Pizza Day seriously.
Doppio Zero – The Casual Crowd-Pleaser
For all the glamour elsewhere in Sandton, sometimes you just want comfort food without the fuss. Doppio Zero in Sandton City is exactly that. The menu runs from prosciutto and rocket to hearty bacon, chorizo, mushroom and chilli combos, with plenty of vegetarian-friendly options in the mix.
The atmosphere is warm, buzzing, and perfectly placed for a refuel after a round of shopping. Order a pizza, grab a draught, and lean into the familiarity of it all. You don’t need to overthink Beer and Pizza Day here. Doppio makes sure the classics land every single time.
Raise a Slice, Lift a Glass
Beer and Pizza Day might not come with parades or office closures, but in Sandton Central it has all the makings of a celebration. You can keep it low-key at Doppio, lean into the drama at Saint, or make it a rooftop affair at Artistry or Octo Bar. Each spot adds its own flavour, but they all prove the same point: beer and pizza are a match made in heaven.
So, on 9 October, gather your crew, pick your vibe, and toast to the pairing that never lets us down. Life’s too short not to celebrate the simple things, especially when they taste this good.
