There's only one real street scene left in Jo'burg, and that's Seventh Street in Melville. And especially at sunset, there's only one place to consider the world, and that's on the balcony or on the terrace bordering the garden at Soulsa - on, but not quite of, the street.
Soulsa is all about people, about creating a space where, for the duration of your visit, you are going to experience care and attention, and that very rare commodity in this busy world, authentic service - people who truly strive to look after others and make them feel at home. And with a fireplace and couches for winter, and umbrellas over an outside sanctuary for summer, Soulsa is genuinely a restaurant for all seasons.
Kobus Vermeulen in the kitchen has created a menu that offers something for everyone. Not just exceptional fillet and chicken, but game dishes, home-made pasta, and fresh fish on a daily basis.
And vegetarians have not been neglected, with dishes such as caramelized pumpkin and feta risotto and home made panzerotti stuffed with creamed beetroot, hazelnuts and mature cheddar. Eclectic with a local feel, contemporary, evolving, with constantly changing specials, each item is carefully conceptualized, balanced and constructed. The chickpea burger with pecorino pesto, red pepper relish and chips is an architectural masterpiece that could even tempt a carnivore.
The wine list has been carefully chosen to present a range of fine wines at good value, including a good selection by the glass. Single malts, ports, grappas and cocktails are also well represented.
