Keyes Art Mile has to be the hippest, coolest and most vibrant art hub in Johannesburg. This amazing spot situated in Rosebank is home to many artistic brands, which includes stores, galleries, boutiques, interior design, creative agencies and many more. With that said, the Restaurants at Keyes Art Mile are worth the trek.
People flock to the Mile every single day and for particular events like the Joburg favourite, First Thursdays. Though there may be all these amazing stuff, the question is - where do we eat? Excuse us if we are wrong, but the food is an art and well, after all the fun, we still got to eat!
The diversity of the options is super cool and just refreshing. Let's take a look at these Restaurants at Keyes Art Mile.
Momo Kuro
Momo Kuro is the sister brand to the famous Momo Baohaus and they are also bringing the flavourful bowls, buns and sushi rolls to Rosebank. If the idea is to indulge in something with a burst of flavour, this is the place to go. Serving up fresh, different and oh-so-yummy all in one dish. How can you resist? Pay them a visit and go on a fusion experience to tickle those taste buds.
BGR
There is absolutely nothing better than a burger joint that can give you a succulent patty and freedom to go all out with your burger. That is what BGR is all about. Their quirky and minimalist look is without a doubt a standout however there's nothing minimalist about their meals. Imagine a juicy patty and ample fillings to choose from to make your own burger, this right here is freedom of choice on another level. BGR is by far one of the most popular restaurants at Keyes Art Mile, and for very good reason. Be sure to check them out when you're in the area.
Mix Cocktail Bar
Mix Cocktail Bar is the perfect place to get your thirst quenched. It's not your regular bar, they have a food menu that will have you salivating. The bar has a wide variety allowing you to go on your own exploring experience. The ambience at Mix Cocktail Bar is always lively and just waiting for a good crowd.
Marble
When we talk fine dining, Marble is definitely the place to be. They embrace the authenticity of the South African food preparation process, bringing in the element of fire to make sure that your food is filled with flavour. Fine dining at it's best, we tell you. The restaurant is inviting, with urban contemporary and artistic touches that allow you to go deeper into the story of their creativity with food. A must visit!
Which one of these Restaurants At Keyes Art Mile is your favourite? we like all them to bits! Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
From unique and interesting art galleries and museums filled with history, to fun-filled Sunday markets, the latest blockbusters and hot nightlife destinations offering some of the best cocktails in the city, the suburb of Rosebank has something that'll tickle everyone's fancy when it comes entertainment.
What Are Your Looking For?
Movies
Recreational Activities
Bars & Nightlife
Movies
The Rosebank Mall Ster-Kinekor Cinema Nouveau
For all the latest blockbusters on the circuit, visit Ster-Kinekor Cinema Nouveau at Rosebank Mall. This is just the spot to drop off the kids if you're looking to do some retail therapy at the mall without them pining about being bored. There's always something exciting on the big screen, just don't forget to grab a few snacks and slushies from the kiosk before your movie starts.
Visit the Rosebank Mall Ster-Kinekor Cinema Nouveau.
The Zone @ Rosebank
After shopping up a storm at The Zone @ Rosebank, why not visit their Ster-Kinekor, choose a movie, grab a few movie viewing treats and put your feet up for a little bit? This is the ideal spot for an impromptu date night – the latest movies, great selection of restaurants and The Fun Company all within the same vicinity, what more do you need? Visit this cinema to see what they have screening on the big screen. There's sure to be something for any kind of genre you're in the mood for – romance, animation, action, drama, comedy, you name it.
Visit The Zone @ Rosebank Ster-Kinekor.
Recreational Activities
Goodman Gallery
The distinguished and longest-standing Goodman Gallery is an international contemporary art gallery with three venues that can be found in Johannesburg, Cape Town and London. The Goodman Gallery has been pivotal in shaping contemporary South African art, working with prominent and emerging international artists whose work engages with African and post-colonial contexts. Some of these artists include Ghada Amer, El Anatsui, Candice Breitz, Alfredo Jaar, Kapwani Kiwanga, Shirin Neshat, Yinka Shonibare CBE, Mikhael Subotzky and Hank Willis Thomas.
Rosebank Sunday Market
The ever-popular Rosebank Sunday Market offers visitors a true expression of South Africa’s vibrancy, diversity and culture. The market has something for everyone, from a large selection of arts and crafts, antiques, live music, kids entertainment and gourmet delights. This is also a great spot to see stunning views of the Johannesburg skyline and sunsets which compliment the traditional African market experience. Expect to see an array of delicious cuisines and food products, interesting bric-a-brac, original clothing and an eclectic assortment of handmade and creative goodies. Be sure to visit their Facebook page to see when the next market will be taking place.
Visit the Rosebank Sunday Market.
CIRCA On Jellicoe
CIRCA is a beautiful small art gallery that's, in fact, a work of art itself. Pay this gallery a visit and take a wander through their stunning exhibitions. CIRCA showcases highly important contemporary artworks. CIRCA’s curators also arrange installations concerned with technology. Other than the interesting works of art, musical events and lectures are also held at the gallery, so be sure to keep an eye out on their website and social media platforms to stay informed! Also, along side CIRCA On Jellicoe is the Everard Read Gallery, which is Africa's oldest commercial art gallery. The gallery is only a short walk away from Rosebank's diverse array of shopping malls, craft markets, hotels and restaurants.
The South African National War Museum
Take a step back in time and visit the South African National War Museum. Only 7 minutes away from the centre of Rosebank, this museum is a must-visit if you're looking to enjoy interesting historical entertainment. Here, visitors will get the opportunity to view and study an array of relevant artefacts on display, take a guided tour through the museum which is available on request during the week, and even use their extensive library and photographic facilities for research purposes. The museum is a memorial for all South Africans who have died in or as a result of military actions and preserves our nation’s military history.
Visit the South African National War Museum.
The Keyes Art Mile
If you have a love for on-trend local and international art and design, artisan eateries, vibrant shops and spaces, and unique cafés, then the Keyes Art Mile is just the place to visit when you're in the area. New to the Johannesburg scene, the Keyes Art Mile offers visitors an art-focused experience. Talk a leisurely stroll through its unique collection of features, including the Everard Read Gallery, the trendy Marble Restaurant, Mix Cocktail Bar, Akrikoa Cafe and much more entertainment.
Bars & Nightlife
Katzy's Live Rosebank
Looking for a fun night on the town with friends? Or want to meet up with your colleagues for after work drinks? Katzy’s Live at The Firs is Rosebank's premier music, dining and entertainment venue, offering just the space to have fun and unwind. It boasts resident bands, performing five nights a week, a wonderful wine and cocktail list, and more than 100 different whiskeys, cognacs and bourbons to choose from! And if you're looking to grab a bite to eat, you can order from their sister restaurant, The Grillhouse, right next door. Be sure to arrive dressed to the nines (dress code is smart casual), and enjoy a fun evening out.
Mix Cocktail Bar
Situated in the Keyes Art Mile, Mix Cocktail Bar is just the place if you're looking for fantastic Jamaican / African inspired cuisine, excellent cocktails and stunning sunset views. This is the ideal destination for after work hangouts, sundowners with your mates and even a Saturday brunch. This bar is located within the Keyes Art Mile, complete with exquisite art and design, unique eateries, great music and dance spaces. To keep up to date with the latest events, news and information regarding Mix Cocktail Bar, like them on Facebook.
Sin+Tax
Sin+Tax offers visitors a world-class cocktail experience that's sure to delight all of their senses. Upping the ante for South Africa’s cocktail scene and pushing the boundaries of innovation and imagination, Sin+Tax is the only bar in African to make it into the World’s 50 Best Bars’ top 100 in 2019. Kick off your weekend with a visit to this speakeasy style cocktail bar in Rosebank.
Saigon Suzy Parkwood
Looking for one of the most authentic Asian experiences in the city? Then be sure to make a stop at Saigon Suzy PArkwood near Rosebank! This popular spot offers visitors only the best in Asian-inspired cocktails and street food accompanied by top notch, classic rock ‘n roll hits. Delight your sense with authentic flavours straight from their menu. Also, sip on your choice of specially imported Asian beers, sake, gins and whiskeys. And if you’re feeling a little brave, why not head to their No Tell Motel Karaoke when you can sing along to your favourite tunes! It's exciting entertainment you don't want to miss.
L'atelier Bakery
L'atelier Bakery is the latest addition to the culinary scene at the Trumpet Building on Keyes. Situated on the first floor atrium, this French and Belgian-inspired patisserie looks to become the go-to for high teas, baby showers and lavish birthday parties. Serving up a delicious array of pastries, tartlets, cakes, sandwiches and salads, L'atelier offers a taste of Paris in the heart of Rosebank.
Afrikoa Cafe
Right next to L'atelier is Afrikoa Cafe - the first chocolate-inspired cafe to pop up in Joburg. This cool coffee cafe and chocolatier is all about celebrating African excellence. In all they do, Afrikoa aim to 'keep it local', using the finest South African chocolate sourced from sustainable African farms. Afrikoa also serve delicious coffee and champagne, so you can toast to local producers while tucking into a divine array of sweet delights.
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Sotto Sopra
What would a culinary trip around the world be without a little Italian flair? Sotto Sopra is another one of the Trumpet Building's new eateries. This Italian-style restaurant serves all the old classics - wood-fired pizza oozing with bubbly mozzarella cheese, creamy pastas and divine desserts. However, they've taken the idea of Italian dining to new levels by dividing the restaurant into a downstairs trattoria and an upstairs fine dining venue. Sotto is located just opposite the Trumpet Building along Keyes Art Mile, while Sopra is situated on the first floor of the building, just to the left of the atrium. Visit either of their venues for clean, wholesome flavours and a serious devotion to good food.
Marble
Rosebank's one and only Marble Restaurant is also located inside the Trumpet Building. Boasting a menu rich in South African flavours, their pride in open-fire cooking is evident in everything they do. From perfectly marbled steaks to smoked cocktails, Marble has a flair for the dramatic, without detracting from the integrity of the ingredients they use. Complete with a stunning view of the sprawling metropolis, Marble should certainly be on your culinary adventures bucket list.
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Momo Kuro
For bao buns, bowls and sushi rolls at the Trumpet Building, look no further than Momo Kuro. This Asian-fusion restaurant serves up fresh umami flavours, as well as an unforgettable dining experience. All dishes are made to order, meaning that you can expect only the freshest ingredients and a culinary taste journey tailored to your personal preferences. The next time you have a hankering for dim sum while in Rosebank, hop on over to this hidden gem at the Trumpet (Momo Kuro is quite literally hidden - upon arrival, climb the fire escape stairs, then walk through a door to be presented with a magnificent view of Johannesburg and the back end of the bustling Marble restaurant!)
MIX Cocktail Bar
It's cocktail hour at the Trumpet Building! Stop by MIX Cocktail Bar for artisan cocktails and fabulous finger food. We recommend the Gallic Malic - Jameson Select Reserve, Green Apple Booch, hazelnut and vanilla paired with their crispy spicy pork belly served with mustard and pickled ginger. It's a palate fusion explosion! MIX Cocktail Bar is where music, art and cocktails are accompanied by sunsets and interesting conversations, bringing together extraordinary people.
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For More Information
Visit the Keyes Art Mile website for more information about the culinary experiences at the Trumpet Building. You can also follow them on social media:
Details: 21 Keyes Avenue, Rosebank, Johannesburg
Have you visited any of the restaurants at the Trumpet Building on Keyes? Let us know about your experience!
Social on Main
There’s one thing that comes to mind the moment we hear the name Social on Main, and that’s COCKTAILS! This trendy, hip and happening hangout in the heart of Bryanston offers one of the broadest selection of cocktails we’ve seen in a long time! Think frozen margaritas, refreshing jam jar concoctions, flavourful mojitos, ice-cold G&Ts, and of course, the wide array of craft beers, ciders, red and white wines and some bubbles. There’s something for all tastes – sweet, tart, bitter, crisp, light or strong.
Details: Social on Main | 011 706 7115 | [email protected] | Shop 1, Posthouse Centre, corner Posthouse Street and Main Road, Bryanston, Johannesburg.
Tiger's Milk
This Cape Town favourite branched out to our beautiful city a few years ago and has become one of the most popular and coolest places to hangout in the city. Tiger's Milk offers a happy place for those looking to meet up with their mates or beat the peak-hour traffic with a draught or two. And if you’re looking for a cocktail, their selection is sure to tickle your taste buds. Take your pick from the selection of classics and virgin cocktails they have available or try something a little out of the ordinary.
Details: Tiger's Milk | Bryanston: 010 286 0105 | [email protected] | Shop 1, corner of St James and Bryanston Drive, Bryanston, Johannesburg.
Cedar Square: 010 286 1030 | [email protected] | Cedar Square Shopping Centre, Willow Avenue, Fourways, Johannesburg.
A Streetbar Named Desire
For cocktails inspired by classic literature, visit A Streetbar Named Desire in Parkwood. This tapas hot spot has three bars on-site, as well as a two-page long cocktail menu. Taking inspiration from Tennessee Williams' wicked personality and those of his delicate characters, their mixologists have crafted a variety of tantalising drinks. Try the Kindness of Strangers, with gin, lime juice, spiced rhubarb shrub, bitters and rhubarb stalk, for a back of the tongue tingling experience. Or, stick to the classics and order a Negroni - a delightful blend of Campari, gin and vermouth. Then, sit back and soak up the sensual charisma of the place.
Details: A Streetbar Named Desire | 011 268 6485 | 144 Jan Smuts Avenue, Unit 2 Parkwood Mansions, Parkwood, Johannesburg.
The Artisan – Cocktail & Tapas Bar
We all know and love the Greenside Strip, and if it’s cocktails you’re after, then you need to make a stop at The Artisan – Cocktail & Tapas Bar. Their cocktail menu includes everything from the classics (Long Island Ice Tea, Cosmopolitan, Gin Martini and the Classic Vodka Martini, just to name a few) and artisan specialties (the Tequila Rosemary Slammer is a must-try) to jugs perfect for sharing (Rum & Raspberry for the win).
Details: The Artisan | 011 027 3707 | [email protected] | 12 Gleneagles Road, Greenside, Johannesburg.
Mix Cocktail Bar
For sundowners re-imagined, be sure to visit Mix Cocktail Bar in the heart of in the Keyes Art Mile in Rosebank. This is a great spot to grab a couple cocktail with your mates after a long day or week at the office, accompanied by amazing sunsets and a trendy vibe. They have a wide selection of interesting cocktail blends and combinations for your to choose from, all you have to do is decide which one you'd like to sip on or how daring you are to try something new.
Details: www.mixbar.co.za | 010 594 5545 | [email protected] | 2nd Floor, Trumpet on Keyes, 21 Keyes Avenue, Rosebank, Johannesburg.
Sin+Tax
Sin+Tax in Rosebank is the perfect spot for a nightcap. They offer visitors some of the best cocktails you could find in the city and take the mixology to a whole new level! It’s cool, classy, trendy and exudes a speakeasy vibe. With such an awesome setting comes the incredible and ever-changing menu of artisanal cocktails – TOTALLY worth the experience.
Details: sintaxbar.com | 010 900 2559 | [email protected] | Corner of Bolton and Jan Smuts Roads, Rosebank, Johannesburg.
Six Cocktail Bar
This stylish and upbeat little bar is a great spot if you’re looking to sip on interesting cocktails during happy hour. It offers a young and fun vibe, complete with awesome tunes, a choice of over 60 different cocktails and, of course, delicious meals in case you get a little hungry. Round off the weekend with a spot of dancing with their Salsa Sundays and if your usual Happy Hour is a little too short for your liking, then you’ll be pleased to hear that Happy Hour at Six Cocktail Bar is from 12:00 – 19:00 every day! And during Happy Hour, don’t miss their two-for-one cocktail special. Cheers to that!
Details: Six Cocktail Bar | 011 482 8306 | [email protected] | 8 7th Street, Melville, Johannesburg.
The Ivy Champagne Garden
Looking to get together with your friends for a gossip session over a few delectable cocktails? If you're in the Bedfordview area, then you need to grab a table at The Ivy Champagne Garden. Take your pick from their impressive selection of creative and delicious cocktails and grab a tasty bite to eat from their Afro-Asian menu filled with sushi, tapas, salads, poké bowls and so much more. As for cocktails, we absolutely love the Rooftop Hawaiian – Havana Club Rum, blue curacao, fresh pineapple and pina colada syrup – divine!
Details: theivygarden.co.za | 010 203 9054 | [email protected] | HQ Building, Block A, 3rd Floor, 2 Arbroath Road, Bedfordview, Johannesburg.
Siphuza Bar at the Indaba Hotel
Cigars, sports on the big screen, wine and cocktails – what more do you need to help you unwind after a long and busy week at the office? If this sounds like just what you need to relax, then head to Indaba Hotel’s Siphuza Bar for a night on the town. They offer an array of wine and cocktails for your sipping pleasure, sporting action live on their screens, as well as a selection of cigars if you would like a little bit of a puff.
Details: www.indabahotel.co.za | 011 840 6600 | [email protected] | William Nicol Drive and Pieter Wenning Road, Fourways, Johannesburg.
Billy the Bums
Billy’s is a bar and cocktail lounge which caters for a more mature scene. It has recently undergone a big revamp and has now come back better and more stylish than ever before! With a variety of over 60 different cocktails (they have it all!), American-style 200g beef burgers (with over 15 different toppings to choose from) and good tunes, this is the ideal spot to wind down at the end of yet another crazy week. Sit and chill in the seated areas and socialise with friends or, if you feel like busting a move, there is a DJ playing the latest music – and you can make requests so you can dance to your favourite tunes.
Details: www.billythebums.co.za | 011 465 2621 | Pineslopes Centre, Fourways, Johannesburg | Facebook
Jolly Cool
This one is an oldie but still a goodie if you're in Parkhurst. Head through to Jolly Cool to play a few rounds of pool, grab a meal (they make a mean pizza), or grab a few drinks with your mates after work. This popular hangout is the place to be after 17:00. With reasonably priced food and drinks, what's not to like? Wash your pizza down with a chilled drink and enjoy!
Details: jollycool.co.za | 071 871 3049 | [email protected] | Corner 6th Street and 4th Avenue, Parkhurst, Johannesburg.
The Blind Tiger
Unwind, relax and indulge a little at the Blind Tiger in Parkview. This café offers delicious California-inspired cuisine as well as a delightful cocktail menu for you to sip and enjoy in their bar area or out in their outdoor terrace. Sip on your choice of classic cocktails and an interesting wine offering. As of September 2020, they're now open Monday to Thursday from 15:00 and Friday to Sunday from 12:00.
Details: blindtiger.co.za | 076 030 4200 | [email protected] | 62 Tyrone Avenue, Parkview, Johannesburg.
Remember that our “Top Picks” are not paid for and are compiled at the discretion of the journalist. We only write about what we love.
Do you know of any other must-visit cocktail spots? Let us know about them in the comments section below!