Review: Bambanani Restaurant

Location: 85, 4th Ave, Melville, Johannesburg, South Africa
Date visited: 3 December 2010
Website: not yet operational

Rating: 7/10

Bambanani’s menu has something for everyone with their tapas being a great way to get the meal started. The Haloumi and Falafel were especially good.

For mains I had the Moroccan Lamb with couscous. The slow cooked lamb fell off the bone and melted in my mouth. My colleagues all also had positive things to say about their meals which included the Argentinean Steak and Teriyaki Salmon.

I did not have any space left for dessert but Bambanai had a variety of cakes to select from and I noticed that the desserts were served in perfectly sized bowls that were just enough to feed the ‘sweets monster’ within.

The restaurant does have a secure kiddies area with child minders. This is not really a draw card for me but I hardly noticed any children, so the babysitters must be doing their job well. The one thing I did notice (not having a child proof home myself) was the little step and mini seat at the toilet in the ladies bathroom. Again, not useful for me but I imagine essential for a little person.

I found that the trendy decor and ambience does not quite match the 90s ballads playing on the sound system. The restaurant has lovely wooden tables with couch areas scattered in between the dining areas. The deck on the front looks on to 4th Avenue (which is good if you are a paranoid joburger who would prefer to be his/her own car guard). Although I did access this space, totally avoiding the anxiety generated when I am around children, at the back of the restaurant there are tables under the trees.

Parking is a problem, but this is nothing new to anyone who regularly eats out in Melville. However, it seems that many restaurants in the area have closed so that leaves a bit more space for Bambanani visitors.

Overall, Bambanani is a great restaurant with a very accommodating management team. Their waiters were all very friendly and efficient. I would definitely recommend them.