Out-of-this-world seafood is hard to come by in Joburg, but when it’s done well, it’s probably the most delicious thing you can put in your mouth. We spread the net wide and ate absolutely everything in the City of Gold so we could find the very best, and finally found it at Pigalle in Village View Shopping Centre in Bedfordview – a high-class spot where classically opulent décor and personalised silver service meet.
With its exceptional seafood, meat and poultry dishes with a focus on Portuguese cuisine, good looks and city clientele, this is one big fish in the pond. You’ll be blown away: The sleek, airy dining room on the first floor delivers atmospheric views, while the à la carte menu offers picture-perfect plates with inspired flavour combinations. To kick off the evening, order a glass of bubbly and half a dozen oysters from the dazzling crustacea display. The hand-picked wild oysters are served in portions of six, nine or 12 and best enjoyed with a lime chilli dressing or diced red onion and red wine vinegar.
For starters, try the Prawns Agulho – prawns sautéed in white wine and garlic and infused with peri-peri – it’s a fragrant triumph. Another great option is the glorious baby calamari tubes grilled in a light garlic and lemon butter … an instant classic! For mains, you simply must order the simple yet decadent Shellfish Platter: A heavenly spread laden with baby lobster, prawns and langoustines grilled in lemon butter and lightly brushed with a garlic marinade. Secure your bib and prepare to get your hands dirty because this is the best way to enjoy shellfish in the city! The spectacular platter is unfussy but spot-on – a celebration-worthy standout indeed.
Pigalle also offers a mouth-watering selection of meat and poultry dishes – think an open-flame grilled balsamic fillet served with mustard mash, wilted baby spinach and caramelised onions; Portuguese steak pan-fried in white wine, ruby port and garlic then topped with a fried egg; roasted chicken supreme filled with apricot and wrapped in Parma ham then drizzled with a honey and mustard sauce; and slow-roasted confit duck leg prepared in a sweet Asian sauce and accompanied by roast potatoes. You’ll find the perfect pairing for any dish on the wine list, which is the sommelier’s labour of love.
At Pigalle, you’re expected to come when they’ll have you (you might only win a 20h00 Tuesday spot), wear the right clothes and pretend you aren’t eating in a shopping mall. The restaurant, in turn, is expected to deliver top-rated food that’s still breathtaking. And it does. We highly recommend the Bedfordview restaurant for special occasions and celebratory business dinners. A penny saved is a penny earned, but a penny splurged on the amazing seafood here is a penny you won’t regret!
Village View Shopping Centre, corner of Kloof & Van Buuren Roads, Bedfordview
011 450 2242
bedford@pigallerestaurants.co.za
Facebook: @pigallebedford
Twitter: @pigallesa
Instagram: @pigallesa
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