In any “normal” city, the development of Melrose Arch might have been on any random city square. The streets would belong to the people, and they would pass through as they please. But since Johannesburg isn’t that normal, we have to understand the interesting context in which Melrose Arch sits. It all private property, so the interlinking roads are not public property. Its effectively a little self enclosed little city block. But, most importantly, its not trying to look like a tuscan village, so that redeems itself almost completely. It keeps expanding, so the formula is working. My little dream is that it one day lets exterior guards down and emerges more as a party of the city, as opposed a little city within a city. Check out the Mediterranean Market on saturdays.

Inside the development are some quality restaurants and bars that deserve to be taken seriously.

A landmark development in the ever improving Braamfontein, Narina Trogan offers fine dining to all those living and working in Braamies. This aquarium room, might just be one of the best tables to eat in town. The menu changes every day, so you can some thing amazing and different with every experience.

81 De Korte street, Braamfontein.

078 121 7133

Monday to Thursday 7:00 – 16:00

Friday 7:00 – 22:00

Saturday 9:00 – 14:00

This fine establishment can be found in the banking district of the CBD. So, dont for once second believe the whole of Johannesburg CBD is completely dodgy. This restaurant looks like it could rival any spot in Sandton. I haven’t tried the food, but I’m confident. It sits in the lobby of the Mapungubwe Hotel, which is just as classy, and its lower level cocktail bar is Vault. Twist used to be called Black, so don’t get confused if you’d heard that name be used in describing it.

The whole building takes up almost a whole city block, and is situated:

Cnr Marshall, Anderson, and Ferreira Street

Situated smack in the middle of the Fourth Ave strip of Parkhurst, the place is full of all sorts of cool stuff. Lots of time and care has gone into its design, and it really pays off. What’s really charming, is its en suite cocktail bar that could easily be confused as an entirely new spot. Hanging there while waiting to be seated will not faze me in the slightest.

24 Fourth Ave Parkhurst

011 880 6102