When one thinks of relaxed European-styled sidewalk cafes, Cape Town usually springs to mind.

But Jo'burg and Pretoria has its fair share of chicly relaxed delis to conjure up images of Paris, the city not the dorp, with a South African twist.

• Harries's Pancakes

Cnr Eastwood & Pretoria Street
021 342 3613

Do you love pancakes? It's not a rhetorical question; it's a little rap on the door before the big loot is revealed. Because if you truly do (some people are into cupcakes, Woolies caramel mint swiss rolls or, heck, even pork bangers), do yourself an addict's favour and visit Harries Pancakes.

Forget about the décor or the atmosphere, yes it’s chilled and not as stuffy as some places tend to be, but really, who cares.

They serve meal sized pancakes whose fillings are not only for those who have a sweet; they also come in different combinations.

So really, if you’re a bangers or cupcakes addict, you're in luck because you could have a chocolate mousse filled pancake followed up with a bobotie filled one. It just depends on your stomach.

Try these delights with a city break and one of our packages...

• Fournos Bakeries

Cnr Jan Smuts Ave and Bompas Road
011 325 2110/1

This Dunkeld family-owned restaurant has been around since the late 80s. And since then the brand has spread out all over Johannesburg, providing local pleasure seekers, travellers and business people with an easy going deli lunch that smacks of fresh-baked goodness. But don't take our nose for it...

If you're on some kind of Atkins-esque diet and you're afraid to touch the bread, you can still check out what the fuss is about.

They've got a wide variety of cold meats (you can truly gorge), cheeses and salads. If you’re not afraid of bread, go ahead and have a freshly made straight from the oven sandwich.

Find more Fournos Bakeries Fourways, Southgate, Rosebank and Sandton.

• Café Europa

Cedar road Fourways
011 467 8293

Like the name suggests this deli is built to replicate a European approach to eating out.

But this time it's the Italian style that's permeates the atmosphere. So in addition to a chilled environment to escape to when you feel run down during the day, there's good coffee to perk you right up and Italian food.

But just because it's pizzas, paninis, homemade pastas, tramezzinis and all manner of Italian cuisine, don't expect it to be too bad for the waistline because the food is planned for best nutritional value.

The deli also provides takeaways and they have a quaint cocktail and wine list.

• Villa Paolo

Waterkloof shopping centre
011 460 1202

This is another Italian deli. The look is decidedly Italian traditional, and the deli is actually a bit of a restaurant too. Not surprisingly the food is also very traditional. All prepared daily by the owner, Paolo himself.

But if you feel like you've had the traditional margherita pizza a bit too much (or are used to crazier inventions) they do have some gourmet choices like smoked salmon on the menu. The carpaccio cuts include beef, duck, and salmon.

You can also buy some Swiss and French cheese on your way out.

• Annica's Deli

Michelangelo Towers
011 884 9445

From Italy you can jet off right to Russia and Austria. Annica's borrows its chic décor from these countries' tearooms and depending on your taste you'll either love the dramatic setting or be completely terrified.

No matter, it's the kind of place you should check out when all you want is unapologetic luxury.

The food matches the whole dramatic look of the deli. They have things like blinis with salmon roe, red velvet wingbacks, vodka cream, salmon timbale and much more. But you can also settle for gluten or wheat-free pastas if you're being extra good. For dessert you can always go for low-GI carrot cake.

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