Mira

Located in the heart of Sandton, Mira opened its doors late last year after a mysterious social media build-up that had me wondering: would this restaurant live up to the hype? After stopping by twice since opening, I’m happy to report that the answer is yes.

Set within the Sandton Sun precinct, Mira is a 200-seater Mozambican-Portuguese restaurant that feels both transportive and deeply rooted in Joburg’s love for quiet luxury. It’s the kind of place that makes you slow down the moment you step inside, and in Sandton, that’s no small thing.

The Vibe

Mira is designed to flex with whatever the moment calls for. Corporate catch-ups, date nights, celebratory dinners and indulgent evenings out all feel equally at home here. Despite its size, the restaurant never feels vast; the layout creates a sense of sophistication and intimacy that’s carefully considered.

Every detail contributes to the atmosphere. From the curated art and music to the lighting and textures, nothing feels accidental.

There’s an undeniable sense of polish here, refined but not stiff, making Mira feel like a destination rather than just another new opening.

The Food

Mira’s menu draws inspiration from Mozambique and Portuguese home cooking.

For starters, the Lulas Fritas (deep-fried squid heads served with Mira-made tartare) are indulgent and deeply satisfying. The Mussel Pot, served in a creamy garlic sauce and white wine, is rich yet light and perfect for sharing. I didn’t share mine, a choice I would later regret.

When it comes to mains, the menu leans confidently into bold, comforting dishes. The Xai Xai Chicken, Mira’s signature spicy chicken, delivers exactly what you want it to: flavour and depth. The prawn and cashew nut curry with rice stands out as a comforting favourite, fried, de-shelled queen prawns in a rich, creamy sauce, served with basmati rice and sambals that allow you to build flavour as you go.

Portions are substantial, making this a place where ordering with intention (or sharing) is a smart move.

Dessert

I had my eye firmly on the chocolate fondant, only to be told it was sold out. Devastation. That said, the alternatives more than softened the blow.

The Malva Pudding is a beautifully executed take on the South African classic, a light apricot sponge soaked in warm cream sauce and served with crème pâtissière. It’s rich, but not excessively sweet.

The Cheesecake features a velvety cream cheese filling on a buttery biscuit base, finished with a sweet berry coulis. While very good, it does lean slightly heavy after such a generous meal, something to keep in mind if you’ve gone all out on mains as we did.

Drinks

With a dedicated cocktail bar, it’s no surprise that Mira’s cocktail programme is a standout. The menu strikes a balance between playfulness and precision, offering both show-stopping signatures and expertly executed classics.

We were keen to try the Inner Spring, a mix of chamomile, litchi, crisp gin and sparkling Pet Nat, finished with a sorbet accent, but it was sold out (another reason to return).

Instead, we opted for a Pornstar Martini, easily one of the best I’ve had, alongside the Passion Pop Mocktail, a bright, tropical blend of passionfruit, pineapple, lemon and ginger that feels playful yet refined.

There’s also a comprehensive wine list, featuring both local and international selections, making it easy to pair your meal properly or linger over a glass of wine.

Time Out Tip

Walk-ins are welcome, but booking is strongly recommended. Come hungry; portions, particularly the mains (and some starters), are generous. If you’re planning on cocktails and dessert, pacing yourself is key.