Every time Sheira and I come to Joburg and stroll through the booming Melrose Arch retail precinct there are new layers and brand new buildings to see. The neighborhood is made even richer by the variety of restaurants springing up amongst the offices, plazas, shopping centres and squares.
Sheira and I took Zoe to this very entertaining bar restaurant with live music and a ‘Pan-African’ flavour that reminded us of why we were here. The African theme seems heartfelt and authentic rather than touristy, and an integral part of the whole experience - from the design motifs on all the walls and menus to the colourful, regional dress and warm attitude of the waiters, waitresses, and bar people. We loved the staff’s exotic appearance; the loose flowing robes covered in tribal prints and upstanding feather headdresses provide plenty of local colour and a sense of fun for kids. It’s no accident that Moyo means “soul” in Swahili.
The Bedouin décor creates a raw, rustic atmosphere at odds with the slick glossy shopping strips outside - but a perfect match for the informal and family friendly food. We dipped home-baked bread into a variety of traditional spiced sauces and really enjoyed the selection of simple, earthy but absolutely tasty dishes to come, like curried carrot and coconut soup, Ethiopian lamb or beef stew, and BBQ lemon chicken, with a typically African base of tabouli or cous cous.
Kids will love the richer desserts like fruit fondue with chocolate sauce and visitors who want to try something other than South Africa’s superb wines can try HANSSAN MARZAN AMBER BEER, which is an acquired taste but a local birthright!
Sheira and I usually seek out ambience over stiff formality so we loved the busy, bustling vibe of this popular restaurant, and Zoe was totally entertained by the amazing staff, who paint faces, serenade the diners and even add the unmistakably African sound of slow, sensual drumbeats. Moya’s food and distinctive feel gives you a real sampling of old world, traditional hospitality and simplicity right in the middle of “the Arch,” the new face of Africa.
The cuisine at the Melrose Arch Hotel’s restaurant has the same quirky flair and sense of whimsy as the hotel itself. The fusion theme mixes flavours and cooking techniques from around the world in a way that the hotel likes to say “defies categorisation.”
Dishes could originate anywhere, like a fresh, zingy Japanese style salmon starter with pickled ginger, kikkoman soy & lime - but presented as a French style tartar. Others are great classics that nod to tradition like Chinese Hot & Sour Soup, simple oysters or British style “Financial Times” Fish & Chips (served in newspaper) with salt and vinegar. And for those looking for more rarified, grown up dishes, there are plenty of hearty, winter style innovations like Pork Belly with pesto and Rib Eye with truffle mash.
The feel is all about space and clean lines, with double height ceilings, elongated banquette style tables and long, tapered light fittings. The sophisticated surroundings and fantastic variety of the menu makes this a great dining choice that I would recommend even if you were staying elsewhere.
This new concept restaurant is designed by one of South Africa’s top restaurateurs, Alan Gerson to match the country’s dynamic new mood. The rainbow coloured exterior and high-energy staff set the happy, welcoming tone: it’s the kind of well-run but relaxed atmosphere that we love best.
‘The Shebeen’ is also a great place for travelers to sample new flavours along with old favourites as the Afro-Fusion cuisine combines international dishes with regional specialties. The menu ranges widely from strongly-flavoured local dishes like gamey Warthog Carpaccio, Chicken Doro Wot from Ethiopia (in a chilli, fresh tomato and onion sauce) and Sowetan Beef Stew to the Asian influence of Soy Calamari and Teriyaki Beef.
But it’s the extensive pizza menu and snack platters that add the perfect extra element for younger travelers; they are certainly Said family favourites. Zoe has eaten thin crust Margeurita pizza across almost every continent! And we always love the way snack platters cut down on formality and long waits. This winning culinary combo will keep everyone happy and give you a worthwhile reason to visit peacefully pretty Sandton - one of the city’s most prestigious municipalities on it’s Northern Edge.
One of Joburg’s hippest bar restaurants not only has the intimacy of small scale private dining but another great point of difference for music fans: live “elegant jazz.” Meant to recreate the legendary 50s music scene of Sophiatown, it is a cosy, sophisiticated cocoon. We love the eclectic, supper club atmosphere with plush velvet club chairs, beautiful backlit decanters on glass shelves, and chandeliers (It’s a typically nocturnal environment where kids aren’t allowed).
The menu favours seafood, grill dishes and Portuguese cuisine, like the traditional Pan-fried Steak topped with a fried egg, reimagined as a 5-star dish in white wine and ruby port sauce.
Other set-menu favourites are quite sophisticated and rich, like Duck with a Calvados liqueur glaze and Sole with champagne and cream. This is more ‘fine dining’ than we usually go for, but in this ambience stylish, urbane food works; it is such a great (kids-free) night out and you can always fall back on a Rump Steak if, like me, you love chic ambience but as a diner prefer to keep it simple!
Ever since Sheira identified certain necessary dietary restrictions we have sought out healthy, alternative food stores and restaurants that lead us to all kinds of neighbourhoods when we travel. EMMARENTIA is one of the greenest parts of Joburg because of the Botanical Gardens, and it also has one of the most comprehensive vegetarian and health food spots I have ever visited.
All foods and products are organic and there is every kind of wheat-free, gluten-free, dairy free product in existence, which brings fantastic variety for those who thought they could no longer enjoy bread, pasta or cake. Even the chocolate and desserts are sugar free (which I admit doesn’t sound like much fun!)
From mineral makeup and seaweed beauty products to vegetarian meals this is a counter culture must-do…
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