Neighbourhood Diaries: Morningside, Sandton

Morningside has enough restaurants that you could probably choose a different one for every day of the year and not cover them all, but you would float the Morningside economy, so there’s that. Club Como in the Morningside Shopping Centre is spectacular for Mediterranean food and long, boozy lunches.

Order a few dishes to share to enjoy the menu fully. Signature, in the same mall complex, is pricy but popular – a perfect spot to take the client you’re trying to impress and if you’re swiping the company credit card.

In Nelson Mandela Square, Pappas serves stellar Greek food (their pitas and dips are to die for), and the Big Mouth is always packed for their superb sushi. Morningside has a handful of excellent Asian restaurants: Obento’s ramen, Banchan’s Korean fried chicken, and Tea and Antique’s dumplings come to mind. For good burgers, the chain restaurant Rocomama’s is popular for a reason. If you’re hungry, choose the triple-decker Slacker burger (and don’t tell your cardiologist). Their gourmet shakes are glorious, too.

Morningside also has no shortage of cafes and coffee shops. For chilled vibes that make you forget you’re in the city, Gia’s is lovely for its garden setting and tasty tramezzini options. Naked does a dreamy banana bread, and their coffees are rivalled only by Father Coffee, one neighbourhood over in Kramerville.

If heading out that way, get a chocolate chip tahini cookie and a macchiato. Tasha’s has a brunch cult following with several branches all within throwing distance of each other, so if you can’t get a table at one, head for another. Budget in some extra time to greet the people you know, but haven’t seen in forever. Agree to do brunch with them soon. 

Morningside isn’t known for crazy nightlife (compared to other neighbourhoods), but it has a handful of vibey watering holes. The San Deck is famous for its sunset views and great drinks menu. Jozi Gin is a buzzing spot, and their food is just as good as their G&Ts.

Katy’s Palace hosts events that can be a tad raucous, but they’re not a weekly thing, so best to keep an eye on their socials for the public ones, as they often get hired for private events. The more brunches you do, the more chance of cracking an invite to these private parties. 

Father Coffee turns into the Wine Bar at night, perfect for sampling indie wine estates that aren’t on the supermarket shelves. Stock up here for the vino equivalent of “I was listening to that band before they went mainstream.” Milk Bar is a popular pick for live music and chilled drinks enjoyed outside. Kids run around, so bear that in mind if you’re planning on going large. 

Know what pairs well with brunch? Retail therapy. Morningside has malls—loads of them. There’s the (cryptically named) Morningside Shopping Centre (Me&B is perfect for clothing that starts a conversation – I get compliments every time I wear my lobster shirt). Fridays and Saturdays see the Marketa market in the walkways of the mall, with cute stalls selling homemade baked goods, spices, and dim sum, as well as clothes and handmade jewellery.

Sandton City and Nelson Mandela Square are just down the road, and if it exists in the shopping world, there’s a store for it there. The Marc is a smaller shopping centre smack-bang between the two, with a popular Planet Fitness gym on the top level and a hair salon, Flow, famous for their blonde balayage wizardry. There’s also LXX in Sandhurst, offering a variety of restaurant options (Cowfish is well worth it) and grocery stores. 

For those who love a bit of thrifting, head to neighbouring Bryanston’s Forest Farm for their secondhand shop. They have a massive range of gently used books, homeware and more, plus proceeds go to the home that cares for people with cerebral palsy. 

Mushroom Farm Park is a gorgeous little green space with outdoor workout machines and loads of play areas for kids. If it’s a grim day, head to Sandton City and catch a movie with the kids or take them to one of the Artjamming franchises for some painting fun.

If you want to be up in the gym, working on your fitness like Fergie, Gold’s is a neighbourhood gem with intense workout classes open to members and non-members alike. Nice on Poplar sometimes has watercolour art lessons going on in the back, which makes for a creative weekend date. For some spoils, book a spa treatment at the Maslow or Fairlawns spas. 

Local Secret

It’s criminal how many people drive past these without knowing about it. Deli One is hidden in a petrol station complex along Rivonia Road. They cater for events, but it’s a great spot to meet a friend or colleague. Try the cream-stuffed doughnuts. There’s also another get-your-petrol-and-carbs Italian spot down the road called TiAmo. Their pizza slices are delish, but grab a fresh loaf to take home. You know. For brunch tomorrow.