The Moot area offers an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city centre. But don’t let the lack of glitz and glam fool you, there are a number of exceptional cafés and eateries hidden in the quiet suburbs of this established area.Grounded At Echo The owners of Grounded at Echo understand that coffee is much more than a drink – it’s a catalyst for conversation and community. Grounded and Gathering started out as a space in the Moot where people could kick back, talk, snack and drink great coffee. Since then it has evolved and, in collaboration with artists, business people and loyal customers, it has become so much more than a coffee shop – it's a down-to-earth place for networking and teamwork.
Grounded at Echo’s WORK concept offers business centre services that include boardroom hire, uncapped Internet access and scanning and printing facilities, all within an unpretentious coffee shop environment.
The Grounded at Echo menu offers an array of blended coffees, honest sandwiches, liberal toasties (among which the Blah Blah Blah is quite popular) and a Soup of the Day during winter.
Details: 353 24th Avenue, Villieria / 012 329 0159 / http://groundedat.co.za/
Toni’s Fully Furnished Pizza Co. Toni’s Fully Furnished Pizza Co. is so much more than your average pizza joint. Situated in a renovated house with a large stoep, as well as an enclosed children’s play area, Toni’s is a modern, vibey place where you immediately feel at home. The menu offers diners a choice of more than 30 pizzas and includes gluten-free and Banting options, pastas, salads and desserts. Toni’s is well known for the pizzeria’s signature Banana and Toasted Almond with Honey and Cream Pizza, and some decadent adult milkshakes.
Details: 676 Chamberlain Street, Rietfontein / 012 329 9000 / http://tonipizza.co.za/
Respek
Respek is described as a casual, health-conscious coffee shop that serves croissants and cheesecake under the jacaranda trees. Most of the breakfast options, including Respek and Eiers and French Toast, as well as The Blue Cheese, Pear and Cucumber Croissant, are popular orders. The Spinach and Lentil Stuffed Pancake and Thai Style Vegetable Stir Fry are part of the small yet super-healthy lunch menu.
You’ll often find a pop-up boutiques and some live musos here on a Saturday morning, as well as a crowd of post-trail runners.
Details: Corner of Codonia and Moulton Street, Waverley / 084 764 4258 / http://respek.co.za/Oppiplaas
Oppiplaas is a family restaurant rooted in history, culture and values. This beautiful, green venue – that also has a kiddies play area, small nursery and antique shop – is filled with tradition and a welcoming ambience. The delicious smell of freshly baked boere bread and aromas of family dining recipes fill Oppiplaas on a daily basis. Signature dishes include the Seafood Steak (a rump or fillet served with mussels, prawns and white wine sauce), Lamb Shank with Curry Sauce and a Hot or Not Prego Roll.
Oppiplaas has a very popular Facebook group where daily meal specials are advertised, check out: Oppiplaas Restaurant Specials vd Week. Oppiplaas recently also had their menu translated into braille. Kudos!
Details: 1147 Terblanche Street, Villieria / 012 333 2117 / http://www.oppiplaas.co.za/
Namaskar
Namaskar restaurant, with its typical subcontinent amber colour scheme and dark Mahogany décor, serves some of the best Indian food in the area. The menu includes an extensive selection of the classic Tandoori dishes, biryanis, curries, naan breads and rotis, as well some Indo-Chinese fusion options. The Tandoori Lamb Chops, Butter Chicken, Lamb Rogan Josh, and Paneer-stuffed Naan are among the most popular menu items.
Details: 1270 Stanza Bopape Street, Queenswood / 012 322 2195 / www.namaskar.co.zaLa Cantina
La Cantina overlooks the greenery of Rietondale Park and has been serving Pretorians Italian cuisine since 1977, although not originally from the Rietondale venue. La Cantina is a family-friendly ristorante that offers a choice of indoor, outdoor and lawn seating. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, expect all the usual Italian treats on the menu: carpaccio, pizza, fish, all types of pasta dishes and Italian kisses for dessert. The meals here are prepared and served in a no-fuss, hearty manner.
Details: 259 Soutpansberg Road, Rietondale / 012 329 6934 / http://www.lacantina.co.za/
By Jana van der Linde
