by Heidi Olivier
If you've spent some time in Joburg, you'll have heard of Rosebank. It's a part of the city that never seems to go quiet. On weekends, there's always some kind of event drawing crowds or a new restaurant opening its doors. During the week, folks pour down the streets, dressed sharp as pins, often with briefcases in hand as they flit between the countless offices, private schools, and law firms in the area. There's also the famous mall, of course, adding another layer to the hustle and bustle of an urban society deeply invested in the daily corporate grind.
We're not here to talk shop, though. Rosebank is home to a plethora of establishments dedicated to your leisure, whether you've arrived to play, indulge, or enjoy a more culture-forward experience. Let's get into it.
Play
Grab your people and head for The Fun Company. Whether you're mom, dad, or kiddo, you'll have a blast here. Nothing beats the thrill of friendly competition and a little ten-pin bowling. The advanced electronic scoring system and video simulation are out of this world...and also make cheating very hard. Bumper rolls for kids under 12 mean this really is for everyone.
Remember bumper cars? These cars are high-energy supercars! Because it’s a family affair, at Spin Zone Bumper Cars, safety is of utmost importance. The cars are equipped with padded bumpers, easy-to-use controls, and safety harnesses.
The Arcade and XD-Theatre bring old school arcade games into the future with state-of-the-art 4D visuals and endless entertainment.
Details: Shop FF20 - FF27, 177 Oxford Road, The Zone @ Rosebank Mall, Rosebank | 087 164 9459 | [email protected] | The Zone@Rosebank - The Fun Company
If it’s mind-boggling illusions and brain games you’re after, then the 60 visual and educational exhibits at The Museum of Illusions is your jam. The exhibits and interactive experiences bring the art of science and fun into the same space. Gaslight yourself a little. It keeps life interesting.
Details: 177 Oxford Road, The Zone @ Rosebank | 010 541 0314 | [email protected] | Museum of Illusions Johannesburg
Cracker Zac’s is an over-21s arcade and socialising spot that serves premium alcohol, beer on tap, and cocktails we can't get enough of. With hi-tech Hyper Bowling, Reality Darts, and Retro Arcade, fun doesn’t get any more fun than this.
Details: Find us inside The Fun Company on the 1st Floor | 087 092 0181 | Home - Cracker Zac's
Food…and coffee
The Rosebank streets are lined with restaurants that leave no tastebuds unsatisfied. Here are a few mentions just to get your appetite going.
Ethos offers Mediterranean cuisine with heart. The menu has a variety of dishes, but if it’s seafood you’re after, then you can’t go wrong here. The stunning décor makes this the perfect romantic restaurant.
Details: Oxford Parks, Corner Eastwood and Parks Boulevard, Rosebank | 010 446 9906 | [email protected] | www.ethos.restaurant
The Grillhouse Rosebank is one of Rosebank’s award-winning restaurants. With the décor embracing the New York grillhouse vibe, this restaurant offers not only steak and ribs but also salads, chicken, seafood and vegetarian dishes.
Details: Shop 1, The Firs / Hyatt Centre, C/O Oxford Road & Biermann Avenue, Rosebank | 011 880 3945 | [email protected] | complement
La Parada Rosebank has that chic, casual atmosphere where friends meet after work or couples come together for a romantic dinner. Different seating arrangements complement whichever vibe you are gravitating towards.
Details: Shop 22 & 23, The Firs Shopping Centre, Cradock Avenue, Rosebank | 010 745 2282 | [email protected] | Rosebank - La Parada
Because we at Joburg.co.za love our coffee, we had to include a Rosebank coffee shop or two.
Father Coffee is a speciality coffee roastery that roasts a rotating selection of speciality-grade microlot coffees a year. A simple yet classic menu is available. No need to overcomplicate a good thing.
Details: The Zone, 177 Oxford Rd, Rosebank | 082 513 4258 | [email protected] or [email protected] | Father Market – Father Coffee
Motherland Coffee Company is special in that they source a variety of beans from several African coffee-producing co-operatives and small farmers. And in this way, they help support these communities. It’s well worth checking out, and for a good cause, too.
Details: Shop G22, The Zone Phase 2, Rosebank | 011 447 8125 | https://www.motherlandcoffee.com
Culture Shock
Rosebank is brimming with culture and art. Here are a few interesting places to check out if you are a culture vulture.
Lizamore & Associates, a contemporary fine art gallery and consultancy, takes pride in presenting the finest contemporary works from both emerging and established South African artists. They often have new projects on the go.
Details: 29A Keyes Ave, Rosebank | 082 651 4702 | [email protected] | Lizamore & Associates
Open Mondays to Sundays, the Rosebank Art & Craft Market showcases beautiful hand-made products from across the African continent. The market buzzes with energy, bringing locals and tourists together to browse, buy and support local communities.
Detail: 50 Cradock Avenue, Rosebank | 011 788 5530 | African Market Place | Rosebank Art & Craft Market
Everard Read Gallery, once called Circa, is a hub for art lovers and architecture fundies. The gallery is part of the Keyes Art Mile, an art and design district featuring multiple galleries, restaurants, and creative spaces.
Details: 2 Jellicoe Avenue, Rosebank | 011 788 4805 | Circa Gallery Rosebank
Rosebank's weekly Sunday market on the top floor of the mall can't go without mention, either. There's far too much to explore in a single paragraph, but you can read all about it here.
Take the day to stroll through one of Joburg’s most iconic suburbs!
Extra Reading
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