If Rosebank had its own golden hour, it would live inside Ocaso. Just a month old, this airy new restaurant has already become the kind of place where friends gather for lazy lunches, cocktails flow like conversation, and the décor begs for a spot on your Instagram feed.
Inspired by the warmth and colour of a sunset (ocaso means exactly that in Spanish), the space nails that carefree, summery energy. On the menu, you’ll find Mexican-inspired plates and cocktails that are as easy to love as the laid-back atmosphere. I went for lunch and left plotting my return before I’d even finished my spicy margarita.
Stepping through the doors at Ocaso, the urge to abandon my midyear responsibilities and embrace the South African spirit of “Ke Dezemba” was seriously overwhelming. Ocaso is designed to move with you. By day, it’s the perfect spot for long lunches and after-work drinks. As the sun dips, the mood shifts: DJs ease the room into lounge territory, with a soundtrack of R’n’B, Hip-Hop, Afrohouse and Amapiano.
It’s also Corona’s first dedicated flagship in South Africa, and through the thoughtful design, vibrant food, crafted cocktails, and atmospheric rituals (every day at sunset, a special gong ritual signals the start of the evening), it brings the brand to life.
We started our tasting with Ocaso’s most talked-about ritual: table-side guacamole, prepared with flair by Thabo Ferguson. If you’ve been to Ocaso, you’ll know him; he’s become something of a star on TikTok for the performance he brings to this simple dish. Watching him mash ripe avocados with generous lime and chilli, all while keeping the table entertained, turned a starter into a full-on experience. Served with warm, house-made Momma’s chips, it set the tone for what was to come.
From there, the starters rolled in: crisp pico de gallo and tortilla chips, the indulgent sweet corn ribs slathered in creamy, zesty toppings, a mini taco tasting board (with the seared tuna dressed in vibrant citrus notes stealing the spotlight), and a fresh, tangy salmon ceviche that cut through with just the right burst of acidity.
The mains kept the pace. The beef birria tacos, slow-cooked until fall-apart tender and served with a rich consommé, were an instant favourite. The Carne Asada Platter was made for sharing, a generous feast of flame-grilled sirloin, chicken thighs, wings, lamb chops, beef bangers, birria tacos, rustic fries, salsa, elote corn and three house sauces, served with salad. Comfort came in the form of nachos, stacked with guacamole, gooey cheese sauce, cream cheese, chives and extra mozzarella, while the flame-grilled half chicken roast feast rounded things out – juicy, flavourful roast chicken paired with fresh tortillas, guacamole, salsa, chilli, pan-fried rice, hot sauce and crispy chips.
Cocktails here are as much of a draw as the food. The Sol Bravio – El Jimador Blanco with hot honey and lime, was fiery yet refreshing, while the Henny Pot (Hennessy VS, Appletiser, elderflower and lemon) leaned smooth and strong, the kind of drink you want to sip long into the evening.
Dessert sealed the deal: the pillowy tres leches cake, a rich Mexican chocolate lava cake with hints of cinnamon spice, and the decadent bananas foster, caramelised and served with rum and raisin ice cream, cocoa crumbs and walnuts.
The interiors, by Johannesburg-based Bourne Kreative, deserve as much mention as the food. From the woven wicker-fronted bar glowing like a lantern, to the oversized beaded light fittings, macramé details and ocean-blue floor, the space feels transportive, a little urban escape that shifts with the time of day. Nearly everything was custom-made, with local artisans at the heart of the design.
Ocaso isn’t just adding another restaurant to Rosebank’s lineup; it’s bringing a whole new rhythm to the neighbourhood. Whether you’re there for Thabo’s famous guac, a round of cocktails with friends, or to dance your way from sunset into the small hours, this is a space that delivers on both flavour and atmosphere. With summer stretching ahead, consider this your go-to golden-hour destination and don’t be surprised if it quickly becomes your new favourite hangout.
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