With live performances making a come back post-covid, Jazz is leading the pack in Jozi as these 12 jazzy restaurants prove.

The Marabi Club (Maboneng)

From the food, and music to the ambience, The Marabi Club offers a premium experience, and all three components are the drawcard. The establishment has become synonymous with award winning Chef Katlego Mlambo’s deliciously spirited menu brimming with seductive flavours. However, chef Katlego has just left for London and has handed the baton over to Chef Alex Ngulube, who is running with the same culinary ‘swag’.

With The Marabi Club, nestled inside the Hallmark House Boutique hotel in New Doornfontein, jazz forms part of the philosophy of the restaurant. The essence of Sophiatown, historically known as the hub of South African jazz in the 1950s, is intentionally captured in the vintage décor and warm ambience. The name marabi refers to the South African Jazz sub-genre of the 1920s. Fine and considered jazz performances is what you’ll find here. Come for the Thursday Date Nights and enjoy superb food and jazz at R595 per couple. On any other day the menu is made up delectable small plates made to share at the average price of R90 a plate. The space is open from Thursday to Saturday evenings. Booking is essential.

Jazz nights at The Marabi Club. Image from Facebook.

Leano Restaurant and Live Music (Braamfontein)

A new trendy restaurant and live music space located in Braamfontein. It not only features jazz on its roster, but a diverse range of local and international live acts as well as interactive food experiences. African cuisine – refined or traditionally comforting is on offer at reasonable prices. Enjoy delicious food while taking in the soul of a live jazz performance from Thursday to Sunday evenings. Expect to pay anything from R400 for a meal and a show, depending on who the act is. From Monday to Wednesday the venue makes provision for corporate bookings that can be customized on request.

Live entertainment at Leano Restaurant. Image from Facebook.

eDikeni Kitchen Bar and Lounge (Sandton)

eDikeni in Alice Lane, Sandton has become known as the new home of good food and jazz. The ethos of Ubuntu and a Pan African warmth are resonant in this chic and sophisticated kitchen, bar and lounge. It is named after the Eastern Cape Town of Alice (nicknamed eDikeni) where the owner, Lereko Ntshona is from. The Winston Stage is its jazz platform. Launched in 2020 through the intimate but Covid-friendly Winston Sessions, it has showcased a number of reputable jazz musicians like Bokani Dyer. Since then, jazz favourites such as Feya Faku, Herbie Tsoaeli and Mandisi Dyantyis have all launched albums at eDikeni.

The menu by cook, Noxolo Tshabangu is a hearty fusion of Zulu, Swati, Tsonga and Portuguese influences. Expect oxtail or lamb stew with umgqusho (samp) or steamed bread, chakalaka and salsa; delicacies such as ulusu or mogodu (tripe / lamb offal), ox tongue and pork trotters as well as street food options like the frikkadel wrap, eDikeni burger and a braai meat platter to share with a few vegan and vegetarian options available. The average price per head for a good meal paired with an exquisite glass of wine at eDikeni is R350. The spot is open daily from 12pm to 9pm. Keep an eye on their social media platforms for up coming events and booking details.

 

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Niki’s Oasis Jazz Restaurant (Newtown)

Niki’s Oasis is an institution. It is an endearing food and jazz spot that is still standing after 27 years and counting. It is ideally located next to the Market Theatre and the Mary Fitzgerald Square in Newtown and thus attracts artists of all kinds. It’s a nurturing artistic space that gives a platform to both emerging and well-established jazz musicians. It’s also a great place to enjoy a networking experience in a warm, arty and relaxed ambiance with live jazz and comforting food as connectors. Unwind here with friends after a work day or with family on weekends. The spot also caters to corporate and private functions as well as film shoots. The food is a simple and comforting mix of South African traditional favourites and grills with meal prices ranging from R70 to R150. Vegetarian options can be made available on request. Niki’s (as it is affectionately known) is open on Tuesday to Saturday from 12noon till late.

 

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The Mix Cocktail Bar at The Mesh Club (Rosebank)

The Mesh Club is a trendy co-working venue with private offices located in the art and design centre, Keyes Art Mile in Rosebank, where entrepreneurs and creatives can meet, work, connect and socialize. The multiple spaces within feed off the Keyes Art Mile vibe with artistic and architectural flair. Among them is the Mix Cocktail Bar which is about sophisticated food, music, art and memorable sundowners. Head Chef Vusi Mbatha curates exciting seasonal menus and these can be enjoyed with jazz every Wednesday evening. Dubbed the Jazz Club, the weekly jazz occasions feature the resident Kopano Jazz Collective and other billed acts. This happens from 7pm till late. Booking at concierge@meshclub.co.za is essential.

Inside at The Mix Cocktail Bar at The Mesh. Image from Facebook.

The Jazz Room at Doppio Zero (Rosebank)

The Jazz Room at Doppio Zero Rosebank assembles some of the best local and international jazz acts – a mix of iconic and legendary names as well as contemporary youngsters taking the genre forward. Past headliners include McCoy Mrubata, Carlo Mombelli, Bokani Dyer, Tumi Mogorosi, Kyle Shepard, Vuma Levin, Spha Mdlalose and Tutu Puoane to name a few. The Jazz Room was established just over a year ago, coinciding with the opening of Doppio Zero Rosebank situated at The Firs. Enjoy a live performance in an intimate setting, delicious food and refreshing drinks with friends and family every Friday evening from 7pm. Cover charge is R200. To book email rosebankevents@doppio.co.za or WhatsApp 073 211 9618.

 

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Clico Boutique Hotel (Rosebank)

Clico Boutique Hotel in Rosebank hosts special jazz lunches on the last Sunday of every month. Coined the Sunday Lunch with Jazz, the occasion showcases fine dining with wine pairing and smooth jazz sounds in an elegant setting. The jazz lineup consists of varying artists and the events are usually sponsored by different wine labels. The exquisite menus headed by executive chef Davies Moagi, change every month. Enjoy a 3-course lunch with wine pairing at R499 per person from 12pm. Booking is essential. Email info@clicohotel.co.za or call 011 252 3300.

Jazz sessions at Clico Restaurant. Image from Facebook

Peachy at 44 Stanley (Milpark)

Peachy is a cute eatery at 44 Stanley lovable for its laid-back vibe, delicious food and occasional DJ sets. The small plates boasting exciting flavours inspired by chef Jess Doveton’s south-east Asian heritage leave a lasting impression. Enjoy this with excellent wines and cocktails complemented by live jazz sounds on the last Sunday of every month featuring the Kopano Jazz Collective. What’s lovely is that there is no cover charge and kids are welcome. The live jazz starts at 1pm. It’s advisable to arrive a little earlier as the event is popular and is usually sold out. Book timeously on Dineplan.

Just Badela (Soweto)

Just Badela is popular for its magical grills. This food and wine spot in Orlando West, Soweto which evolved from being a successful family butchery also serves delicious breakfast, chicken and seafood meals, home-style dishes and a little dessert. Their wine offering is an extensive list of both affordable and high-end premium labels. Enjoy this coupled with monthly jazz performances. Dubbed the Jazz Fusion Listening Sessions, they attract some of best local jazz acts. These happen every last Sunday of the month from 1pm and are a family occasion that accommodates kids. “Just bring your ears”, their promo says. Braai-ed delights, wine and jazz are always guaranteed at Just Badela.

 

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Radium Beer Hall (Orange Grove)

The Radium Beer Hall is an iconic Portuguese bar and grill that is still standing and loved since 1929. It is synonymous with music and culture. Journalist Glynis O’Hara aptly describes it as a “very old bar in Louis Botha that became a second home to hundreds of journalists and musicians.”
After being taken over in 1986 by owner, Manny Cabeleira (who passed away in 2021), it became a lasting platform for jazz artists. The Friday Night Jazz has been an ongoing feature at Radium Beer Hall until it was disrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020. However, from August 19 2022 Radium is reviving the popular jazz occasions. There’s no cover charge and performances start at 7pm. Saturday nights are reserved for other genres of live music with a cover charge.

Bertrand Café and Jazz Lounge (Maboneng)

Launched in 2018 Bertrand is a charming gem hidden in plain sight in Maboneng. It’s the different sections of the spot that captivate. There’s the outside seating where you can take in the Maboneng buzz. Inside is a vintage, French inspired, warm and homely space adorned with lovely artefacts and art. You can enjoy the delicious and reasonably priced food in this enveloping ambiance. The upstairs space extends on the vintage feel with jazzy tones. It is in this lounge that saxophonist Teboho Moruti Mokoena curates the Church of Blues Night on the first Thursday of every night. Mokoena interrogates the blues -which gave birth to jazz – with two guest musicians for an intimate musical night at R150 per person from 7pm. On Saturdays it’s all about jazz with varying headliners. To book call 082 645 0416.

 

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Mangrove Café (Braamfontein)

Continuing on the trend of jazz musicians curating jazz events is the Thursday night jazz evening at Mangrove Café, run by Mandla Mlangeni who is the 2019 Standard Bank Young Artist for Jazz. Called Jazz at the Studio, the event attracts reputable jazz musicians and hosts jazz album launches. Expect only the best from R150 per person. Mangrove is a soulful restaurant and bar that serves its Braamfontein community as a meeting and events space. Keep an eye on their social media platforms for info on upcoming events.

 

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