There’s an unexpected upside to be found in the aftermath of lockdown: Joburg now has a better takeaway scene than ever before. So, just because you’re staying indoors right now doesn’t mean you have to miss out on some of chart toppers for breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert. Feeling a little peckish? We’ve rounded up the best spots that have launched a delivery and takeaway service.
Brooklyn Brothers
As American as American eating gets, hip urban diner Brooklyn Brothers fulfills a very urgent need, providing craveable comfort food. Their first-ever virtual kitchen in Melrose Arch boasts an enormously talented kitchen staff – the food here is fresh, hot and on-point. Choice is the name of the game: On offer is a wide range of fryer and grill-top classics such as burgers, buffalo style chicken wings and hand-crafted shakes. Hits from the massive menu include the deep-fried cauli-wings tossed in cajun spice, indulgent jalapeño poppers filled with a cheesy mixture and the aptly named The Firehouse burger: A 100% pure beef patty snuggled between two buns and crowned with green chilli relish, pickled jalapeños and sour cream. Of the top-notch burgers, another standout is The Mobster; a moist chicken breast piled with grilled mushroom, caramelised red onion and a slice of emmental cheese for good measure. The list of specialty shakes appeals to the sweet tooth in all of us. We’re partial to the Zoo Biscuit blended with Zoo Biscuits, berry compote and ice cream, topped with whipped cream – it’s creamy, rich and enough for two people to split.
Various locations around Joburg
Manna Food Co
Are you choking down on overpriced excuses for weekday lunches just in an effort to save time? Well, sad #WFH desk lunch no more! Manna Food Co delivers ‘clean indulgence’ designed to be healthy, accessible and easy to eat to the fashion flock and an eager audience of The Parks residents. It’s a happy, joyful, ‘free-from’ kind of menu featuring top-quality local and seasonal produce. Expect to find fruit, vegetables and leaves – kept in their original form where possible – loaded into almost everything, from the daisy-fresh salads to the vegetarian sandwiches that are pure, plant-based heaven. Fill up on the decadent The Truffle Sandwich layered with portobello and white mushrooms sautéed in truffle oil, pickled onion, ricotta and rocket or the out-there Spicy Peanut Salad – miso-roasted sweet potato, brown rice, sriracha-roasted tofu and roasted coconut and peanuts tossed in the most amazing creamy peanut vinaigrette with a foodie-worthy presentation. Even the most virtuous dishes like the spicy Cape Malay Butternut Soup taste luxurious. But trust that it’s the enticingly sweet, smoky and sticky Bacon Jam Sandwich that you’ll keep going back for!
Service road between Newport Road and Jan Smuts Avenue, Parkwood
076 367 9080
Piza e Vino
With amazing delis, classic red sauce joints and high-end purveyors of pasta, Joburg is no slacker when it comes to Italian food. But it’s Piza e Vino’s pizza game that shines the brightest. However you slice it, these pizzas are the upper crust – the bases here have just enough structural integrity to get the food to your mouth without dropping in your lap. The Melrose Arch is your mouth’s new best friend: A thin, charred base all covered in melted mozzarella and big puddles of feta and spiced up with chicken, cherry tomatoes, avocado, coriander and honey. It’s soft and rich and runny and crunchy and salty and sweet, and if you’re anything like us, you’ll fight a fiend over the last piece … and then you’ll order a second serve! The Porky the Pig – topped with salami, pepperconi, bacon, caramelised onion, feta and fresh basil – also hits all the right flavour zones on your tongue (we swear you won’t even miss the mozzarella). There’s no denying meat-free dining doesn’t get much better than a classic margherita, but here they add marinated zucchini ribbons, mushrooms, green peppers, onion, Parmesan and balsamic reduction on the Valentino to boost both the vitamin and flavour factor.
Various locations around Joburg
Wild One Grazing
The grazing box trend is as gorgeous as it is genius. Cold cuts and cheese, what else do you even need in life? For your next get-together or wine and cheese night, skip the cheese plate and order a visually stunning grazing box from Wild One Grazing instead. There’s just something about one of this local business’s grazing boxes that are filled to the brim and decorated with edible flowers and fresh lavender. A feast to the eyes and the taste buds, the curated – and seriously Instagrammable – platters can instantly spruce up any celebration. We mean, who can say no to fresh fruit and berries, an assortment of cheese (including tangy, thick and creamy labneh), hummus, crackers, carrots, salami, droëwors, koeksisters and chewy chocolate chip cookies with a gooey centre? What’s more, all of the ingredients are locally sourced, from the fresh produce and gourmet cheeses to the cured meats and homemade dips. Whether it’s a picnic party, bridal shower, wedding party, weekend getaway or business meeting, owner Ami can put together a grazing box to suit your needs. To set the mood, just add some flowers, an ice bucket and a bottle (or two) of champagne!
071 210 8054
Soul Souvlaki
Enjoying the tastes of the Cyclades from the comfort of your couch may be easier than you thought. Wealthy in aromas, flavours and influences, the Greek street food at Soul Souvlaki ranges from meze and main meals to souvlaki and gyros. The kitchen serves up traditional Hellenic sunshine in the shape of mixed olives and house-made tzatziki dip served with warm pita bread, rocket salad made with pure technique, succulent chicken sticks, skinny lamb chops … all ready to enjoy alongside a dry rosé or ouzo-based cocktail. The flavours may be reassuringly authentic, but the presentation is progressive. The menu is stuffed with luxurious flavour combos, but nothing beats the ‘in the hand’ souvlaki rolled in a warm pita – we can’t get enough of the classic, juicy bifteki in pita (beef patty with feta, chilli and herbs) and the insanely good grilled giant mushroom in pita with a generous layer of tzatziki. You can also enjoy a Greek coffee before enjoying delicious, great-value meze combos like the vegetarian option consisting of grilled giant mushrooms, grilled halloumi, grilled chilli feta, dolmades, potato wedges, aegean slaw, mixed olives, pita breads and your choice of two dips.
Various locations around Joburg
Caffeine & Cashmere 