Joburg’s Mexican-appreciation society is expanding: Popular restaurant Perron is opening a new branch in Melville this month. The new Perron, which will join existing Perron venues in Bryanston and Illovo, will be more focused on design than the others, says Thom Hughes, chef and one of the four owners of the group. Since Melville is an arty area, the team has gone all-out to create the most beautiful murals and trendy finishes – even in the restrooms.

Perron’s chilli poppers. Photo supplied.

The fresh, deconstructed concept of Mexican food is what Perron likes to do, leaving other Mexican places to deal with the nachos and chilli poppers, while they do ceviche and tamales. At Perron the food is typically the sharing tapas type, and a meal is not fast food but a lingering experience. Half the menu is vegetarian.

The sashimi tacos from Perron. Photo supplied.

The drinks and cocktails are equally rewarding and fun, rather than slushy down-downs. Like the food, they are beautifully styled, and there’s a full wine list.

Head to Perron for fun Taco Tuesdays, when the chef experiments with six new tacos every week. These are not intended to be typically Mexican flavours, but unusual ideas to treat the guests, chef and owners. The outdoor deck (bound to be popular in the suburb of Melville) will be hot property come summer.

Also look forward to beautifully-styled cocktails. Photo supplied.

The idea is to eventually open four Perrons in all, one in each of the areas the owners – Thom Hughes, Christa Jakoby, Martin Jakoby and Grant Ansell – call home. (Thom and Martin were previously involved with The Loft in Melville in 2006, which led to The Attic and The Griffin, before Perron.)

The new Melville Perron opens on 8 September 2017.

Perron’s take on arancini. Photo supplied.