Experience a glimpse of the land of Mozambique in the heart of Johannesburg at Mo-Zam-Bik, a vibrantly designed bistro that celebrates the best of South African and Portuguese cuisines. Brick-lined walls, austere sitting booths and dining tables covered in vibrant red and yellow tablecloths create a merry setting to devour some authentic delicacies of the two countries. The chefs only use freshly sourced ingredients and homemade sauces to serve up those fiery grilled chickens, succulent seafood preparations, aromatic coconut rice and an excellent collection of spirits.
The original Papachinos in Fourways, Sandton, this restaurant has been a fast favorite since it opened in 2003. The casual dining spotis known for its hearty comfort specials, prepared with the freshest ingredients. A personal touch is evident in each of their culinary creations, with a focus on natural and organic preparations. Share moreish appetizers like the trinchado, beef strips simmered in red wine and garlic with potato roasts, followed by the flavorful Mama Lanza, a flame-grilled cut of prime beef on a bed of rocket. If you prefer pizza, their Rozanna pizza and the Bossa Mussolini are worth a try. Save room for dessert, the affogato and the Waffle Valentino are simply divine. There is an excellent selection of wines to accompany your meal, while the kids will appreciate signature shakes like the Nutella Whiz and Bubblegum Shake and a variety of fresh juices.
Fisherman's Plate is a no-frills Chinese restaurant which specializes in Taiwanese food and seafood items. At first glance, the restaurant, with its plastic chairs and absence of any kind of decor seems nothing special. The real value of the eatery is experienced the minute you dig into their delicious, authentic dishes. Highly acclaimed by regular diners and critics alike, the restaurant serves scrumptious Taiwanese dishes like chili crab, garlic prawns, steamed fish and steak served with black bean sauce. You can sip on some local or Asian beers along with your food or bring your own choice of alcohol to complement the meal. If you are looking for authenticity and taste, this is the place to come to.
Although minimalist, the décor at Beira Alta conveys a feeling of opulent reminiscence of the Palaçe De Pena, in Sintra, somewhat regal, a little decadent. The relaxed atmosphere is further enhanced by the selection of music, ranging from Portuguese to jazz and world music. A terrace is welcoming on pleasant evenings. The cuisine is traditional Portuguese, spicy though fortunately not always hot, made by chefs from the homeland. As can be expected, the selection of seafood and traditional dishes will satisfy even the most ardent Portuguese diner.
The cuisine of this Brazilian restaurant is original, highly flavoured and delightfully presented—chourico, chicken, beef, pork and lamb chops (all slow-grilled with Brazilian marinades and spices). The fresh Moçambican prawns are served three ways—Xaxado, Biano and Carioca. Other seafood dishes on offer include Kingklip Grelhado, Bacalhau a Ubatuba and fine calamari from the icy Falklands. Vegetarians need not worry as they have been kept in mind and are specially catered for.
Japa is a small but slick looking and intimate Japanese sushi bar and bistro. Both of Japa's Japanese chefs have allowed for a few creative departures and western concessions in their otherwise authentic menu. Diners can expect delights such as sushi, sashimi, and tempura. Testament to Japa's sheer wizardry is that ninety percent of the patrons are Japanese.