Jazz lovers were delighted when The Orbit opened their doors in the trendy Braamfontein area. With a new act, singer or musician performing every evening and the rumour of good food, it’s no wonder that getting a reservation at The Orbit can be rather tricky.

Food:

The bistro/bar type menu means there really is something for everybody. Whether you fancy a bigger meal, or prefer ordering a selection of snacks, the offering seems to be going down very well with the masses.

The tapas part of the menu delivers staples such as rosemary and garlic tiger prawns (R76), lamb meatballs with tzatziki (R52) and a seafood platter. The onion and goat’s cheese tart (R61), served with a mixed herb salad, is a tangy and crisp delight. Also very tempting is the salt and pepper calamari.

Mains are varied, with anything from steak to a few vegetarian pasta dishes and even a hearty and rich dish of braised oxtail in red wine (R138). The roasted mushroom risotto (R84), although flavourful, seemed a little on the dry side, but was tasty nonetheless.

Desserts offer the usual – chocolate brownies with cream and warm chocolate sauce (R39), baked ricotta cheesecake and a tarte tatin that was sweet, tart and crisp, served with a scoop of creamy ice cream (R34).

Food in the kitchen at The Orbit Jazz Club and Bistro. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

Service:

Service is fast, friendly and efficient, despite the kitchen being rather busy. The ambience and smooth sounds of jazz makes for happy dining.

Beverages:

They offer a good selection of both wines and spirits. Top sellers, according to the staff, include the Black Oystercatcher 2012 Elim Sauvignon Blanc and the Stellenrust 2013 Robertson Chenin Blanc. Champagne and a host of reds are all on available, as well as a good selection of beers and cognacs.

Ambience:

Being able to listen to good jazz while dining? A spot like The Orbit brings the best of both worlds together – food and music. The vibe is relaxed, in keeping with its location in this trendy part of town. The venue is filled with interesting characters, some coming simply for the food, others lured in by the music.

The interior of The Orbit Jazz Club and Bistro. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

And…

A popular spot like this may necessitate booking ahead, so have a look at their website for the concert program to plan your visit accordingly.

Have you been to The Orbit? Tell us about the experience in the comments.