Kolonaki Bryanston: A New Chapter For Greek Cuisine In Joburg

There’s a new name stirring excitement in Bryanston’s food scene...or perhaps, a familiar name with a bold new chapter. Kolonaki Greek Kouzina, the acclaimed modern Mediterranean restaurant from chef-restaurateur Vassilios Holiasmenos, opened its 2nd location on 5 May 2025, in the heart of the Winifred Mandela Precinct (formerly Nicolway). But this isn’t just a restaurant launch — it’s the next evolution of a deeply personal culinary journey.

From London To Joburg

Chef Basil Holiasmenos has always done things differently. A Greek born in South Africa, then trained in the UK, Basil’s culinary foundation was shaped in some of London’s most respected kitchens. His return to South Africa marked the beginning of a new chapter: one where his technical finesse and Mediterranean roots collided in powerful, flavour-forward ways.

Kolonaki, first opened in Parkhurst, quickly became a standout inJohannesburg’s fine dining landscape. Named after the vibrant Athenian neighbourhood, Kolonaki is about more than food. It’s about heritage, hospitality, and an unapologetically modern take on Greek cuisine. With Modena (Italian fine dining) and The Blockman (steakhouse and butcher) now part of the growing family, Basil continues to push boundaries in concept-led dining.

Bryanston’s Kolonaki: More Than A Sequel

The new Bryanston space builds on everything that made the original a favourite, and then some. The 180-seater restaurant features a dedicated private dining room and a 30-seat bar, a curated wine cellar, a fish display, and a dramatic open kitchen that anchors the space in performance and theatre.

Designed by siblings Peter and Joanne Valasis of Atmos Architecture & Design, the space is a study in contrasts: travertine and marble, ancient materials reimagined in a modern format. Flowing natural fabrics hang from the ceiling, soft arches evoke the ruins of old Greece, and a sunlit, airy atmosphere invites long, lingering meals. It’s warm, timeless, and quietly luxurious, like a Greek island home that’s been reinterpreted for a Joburg audience.

The Menu: Rooted In Greece, Refined In Joburg

At the heart of Kolonaki is the food. “We’re excited to evolve the menu for this location,” says Basil. “Our DNA remains the same: fresh, flavourful Mediterranean dishes rooted in Greek tradition—but we’ve taken the opportunity to be playful. To take tradition and add a twist. You’ll find dishes here you won’t find anywhere else.”

A few of the highlights: dishes developed exclusively for the Bryanston kitchen, a beautiful new cocktail bar experience, and the same commitment to fine local and imported ingredients that set Kolonaki apart from day one. Signature cocktails meet reimagined classics. Traditional Greek seafood dishes are paired with cutting-edge technique. It’s an experience that rewards both the familiar and the curious diner.

Why It Matters

Kolonaki Bryanston is more than just a new restaurant. It’s a signal that Johannesburg’s culinary scene is maturing, with concepts that balance narrative and nostalgia with technique and innovation. It’s also a place to celebrate: to mark milestones, to host clients, or simply to savour a glass of Assyrtiko while watching the chefs in action.

Kolonaki’s acclaim is not just local hype! SA’s Top Restaurants recognised the restaurant with the Service Excellence Award. Kolonaki also most recently took home the 2024 Luxe Restaurant Awards People’s Choice Award, affirming its place among the country’s most loved dining destinations.

This is a restaurant designed for diners who want more. More flavour, more depth, more atmosphere. Diners who understand that great food is as much about feeling as it is about taste. Kolonaki is very high on our list of restaurants that you can't afford to have flying under the radar!

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