This week on our My Joburg: The City Through The Eyes of a Local series, we'll be chatting to owner of Pronto Italian Restaurant and Liberté Restaurant, Natasha Maciel. Keep reading to find out about Natasha, her favourite spots to visit within Joburg, where she gets the best coffee, and where she likes to dine and unwind during her free time.
About Natasha Maciel
Natasha Maciel is a Restaurateur and passionate entrepreneur. She owns Pronto Italian Restaurant (22 years old) and Liberté Restaurant (2 ½ years old) in Craighall at The Woods Centre in Craighall.
Describe your ultimate night out
I love to completely break routine and immerse myself in nature, but like most Jozi folk I’m really busy and can’t travel too far on the weekends. A HUGE treat for me is The Tiny House (a converted shipping container) which is an exceptional Airbnb in Carlswald Midrand.
A 40 minute drive from the Northern Suburbs and I’m immersed in nature and indigenous trees. I’m a big fan of this particular staycation as it leaves me completely refreshed without the pain of travelling.
Where can we find the best cup of coffee?
Greg who owns Cnr Café in Craighall is passionate about great coffee and created Vice which is well loved by the locals who frequent Delta Park. It’s a quirky, cool space with a roaring fire and the most amazing couches.
What is your favourite local store?
I’m a big fan of vintage clothing. I barely buy any new clothes and really enjoy Huntress in Craighall. I’m not a girl who loves trends – I’m all about the classics, and what better way to reduce consumption of new clothes and also wear something unique.
What is your favourite spot for a date night?
Hands done my own spot Liberté at The Woods. This is a little bistro with a big heart. It’s a small and intimate space, beautifully designed and brimming full of relaxed sophistication. The food is recreated French classics that feel special but not overly engineered or fussy. With the French jazz tinkling away in the background it feels VERY romantic.
What is your favourite adrenaline-packed activity?
For a quick fix of heights and stamina I love a Sunday afternoon spent at City Rock. I’ve got two young sons who love rock-climbing and it’s a super bonding, super fun way to spend the afternoon. There is a great inclusive culture there, and it’s hard to think of anything else when you are doing your best not to fall off a wall. So as a bonus it’s also very meditative.
What is a must visit place for a first-timer?
A day spent on the Rosebank Keyes Art Mile is the perfect mix of art and food and feels completely safe. The area is buzzing with cool restaurants and bars, so you can spend the whole day appreciating art and eating and drinking beautiful things. It’s a cool way to experience our very unusual city.
Do you have any weekend traditions?
A week is not complete without my Friday night pizza or pasta at my own Italian restaurant Pronto in The Woods, Craighall. It’s my opportunity to catch up with my friends and have a glass of wine while just enjoying life. Italian food is so comforting – simple but with the best ingredients.
The perfect place for a girl’s night?
Girl’s LOVE dancing and Yanky who owns The Wild Side has created a fantastic environment (especially on Saturday nights) to have a few drinks and dance the night away to great DJ’s in a completely safe environment.
