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Rosebank is no stranger to cool eateries; in fact, Oxford Parks is already home to its fair share of heavy hitters. The latest addition to the roster is The Thai Table 789, and it’s bringing serious authentic flair to the precinct.
The philosophy here is rooted in the social aspect of dining; every inch of the space and every item on the menu is designed to encourage intentional interaction.
The Vibe
The decor draws inspiration from traditional Thai timber homes and temple interiors. The bronze and green accents, coupled with the natural wood, add a calming element to the space. It’s understated rather than kitsch, fitting seamlessly into the elevated Rosebank aesthetic.
While there is plenty of seating inside, the curb-side tables are definitely the place to see and be seen. I fully expect this spot to be a summer hit, especially with the “curb-side” bar where you can pair your drinks with a hubbly.
The Food
Johannesburg restaurants are firmly in their "aesthetic era," where looks often take precedence over the plate. That’s not the case here. The menu is a fragrant celebration of Thai cuisine at its purest. We started with the Prawn and Cheese Spring Rolls, a delicate mix of prawns and mozzarella in a perfectly crisp pastry.
However, the Peek Gai Tod (Thai-style fried chicken wings) stole the show. They came highly recommended, and I could 100% see why. Side note: Eat your spring rolls first. The wings pack such a savoury punch that they’ll blow out your taste buds for the more delicate prawn flavours.
Deciding on a main felt like a mammoth task given the variety, but we kept it cute with a traditional Beef Basil Stir-fry and Sweet and Sour Prawns. The ingredients are noticeably fresh, and the flavours are vibrant. A standout feature is the quartet of condiments, including chilli-garlic fish sauce and crushed chillis, which allows you to customise the heat to your liking. Portions are generous, leaning into that shared-table philosophy that lets you taste a bit of everything.
Dessert
The dessert menu is concise, with only five options. We tried the Amaretto Eleganza, a dense, moist almond cake balanced by fluffy cream (more cream than cake, some might say) that adds unexpected lightness. If you’re a fan of cooked fruit, like I am, the Golden Chocolate Banana Delight is a must. Think mini banana spring rolls drizzled in chocolate sauce with a side of ice cream, it’s refreshing and, thankfully, not overly sweet.
Drinks
To survive the cutthroat Joburg scene, you need to serve great food; to thrive, you need great drinks. The Thai Table 789 manages both. The menu is extensive, covering everything from bubbles and local craft beers to homemade Thai iced tea. And if you’re looking for an international twist, you can even order Raki.
Time Out Tip
Bring a friend! The Thai Table 789 experience is built for sharing. We arrived at noon and only drifted away after 3 pm, and in this city, that’s always the ultimate seal of approval.