by Glen Poezyn
Find yourself a little hungry? Come with us as we take a delicious tour through some of the best restaurants in Rivonia.
Naked Coffee
Before any grand adventure can begin, we need coffee. Not just any coffee, mind you; we need the coffee brewed by the brilliant baristas at Naked Coffee. While you can get breakfast and brunch here (their Chilli Scramble is their most-ordered breakfast for a reason), what we’re after first is a luxurious latte.
Didn't fill you up? Feeling a little peckish? Alongside that Chilli Scramble, their Char-Grilled Corn and Chicken Salad and their Eggs Benedict are delicious from the first bite down to the last. This is one of Joburg's favourite quick stops, and it'll quickly become yours, too.
Details: https://www.instagram.com/nakedcoffee | 067 373 5433 | Morningside Shopping Centre, Rivonia
Tempo Luxury Restaurant
You've had your amazing breakfast and visited a few places around Rivonia, but you've started to get hungry again. It’s time for lunch! Tempo has a wide variety of items to order, which will help to avoid any arguments about where you're stopping for a midday meal.
Their menu is designed with everyone in mind; whatever you’re in the mood for, you can get. Looking for something light? Have a look at their salads or poke bowls. Hungry, but not too hungry? Sushi is the way to go. Want to go all in? Dig your teeth into their burgers, sandwiches, or (sizeable) mains. You'll be planning your return while still halfway through your meal.
Details: https://www.tempoluxury.co.za/index.html | 079 677 5626 | Rivonia Crossing Centre, Corner Rivonia Road and Witkoppen
Gilroy’s Brewery
Okay, we’re heading into the late afternoon, we’re still a little full from lunch, and are looking to kick back a little before dinner. It's prime time for Gilroy’s Brewery to shine. Gilroy’s has been a Joburg staple for many years, and now they’ve made Rivonia their new home, bringing along all of their signature brews and good vibes. Should you start getting a little peckish once again, maybe order a side of their massive onion rings.
The first order of business is getting your hands on one of Gilroy’s ice-cold beers. You’ll be able to choose from the Traditional (a handcrafted red ale), the Serious (their rich, dark ale), the Favourite (their signature pale ale), or the Premium Lager. There are no bad choices here.
Details: https://www.gilroysbrewery.co.za/ | 011 796 3020 | Rivonia Crossing Shopping Centre, 5 Atcher Road
S!GNS
It’s now the early evening, you've left Gilroy’s, and are looking for a dinner to carry you through to the end of the night. S!gns has got just what you're looking for. Of the places to eat in Rivonia, this restaurant promises to deliver a refined dining experience. Yes, that's right. Refined.
All the signs of fine dining excellence are clear on this menu. Should you be craving something from the ocean, their Grilled Baby Kingklip will satisfy. After a little more turf than surf? Their ribeye on the bone is chargrilled and served with a herb butter finish that we could actually eat by the spoonful. Perhaps you’re looking for a unique new pizza experience; you’ll find that with their Pizza con Patate. It's every bit as good as you'd suspect.
Details: https://signsrestaurant.com/about-signs-sandton/ | 011 202 5020 | Rivonia Crossing Shopping Centre, 3 Atcher Road
Popo Tea House
You started your adventure with a coffee, and as such, you must end it with a coffee. And some cake! No taste tour can truly be complete until you've had dessert. While your coffee order might be an easy choice to make, choosing from their wide array of little treats is much harder.
Cakes galore, gelato abound, cupcakes aplenty...your sweet tooth will most certainly be satisfied here. Each item on the menu will reawaken your senses with bursts of flavour that are hard to come by in many Western restaurants.
Details: https://popoteahouse.co.za/web/products/ | 078 011 6501 | Oriental City Mall, Rivonia Boulevard
The wonderful thing about Rivonia is that this is just the tip of their scrumptious culinary iceberg. You could do this all over again on another day with completely different restaurants! We know we will. Stay tuned.
Enjoy a good Taste Tour? We're eating our way through Joburg, one neighbourhood at a time.
