Fast facts

Restaurant Name: Salvation Café

Address: 44 Stanley Avenue, Milpark, Johannesburg

Contact Number: 011 482 7795

Opening times: Monday to Sunday 8am to 4pm

Average price of a main course: R120

Corkage fee: R60 (wine); R80 (champagne)

Parking: Good, with various available in and outside the centre

Food type: Brunch

Best for… Brunch with the girls or an enjoyable lunch with worldly flavours.

Food

There’s a good reason the courtyard of the 44 Stanley precinct in Johannesburg is packed most weekend mornings. The charming Salvation Café is somewhat of an institution when it comes to brunch. The breakfast menu boasts a variety of styles far beyond your typical eggs and bacon. Choose from one of their eggs Benedict, such as the Royal Benedict, with smoked trout and fresh avo.

For those with a sweet tooth, you’ll find a variety of flapjacks and French toast options, while the more savoury-minded will be well-satisfied with a breakfast burrito or shakshuka (also available in a vegan version). But if you can’t decide, there are some rather novel ‘duo’ menu options that pair a Benedict with flapjacks.

If you missed the early rush, you’ll still find plenty of scrumptious offerings on the lunch menu, such as the popular Vietnamese spring rolls. There are flavours from around the world, from Thai fish cakes to a healthy and filling Egyptian veggie burger.

The cake offering, such as the New York cheesecake or carrot and pineapple cake, means your visit can end on a sweet note.

 

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Drinks

The brunch menu comes paired with its own cocktail offering, from classic mimosas and bloody Marys to the Tasharita, a signature Salvation drink filled with fruit. There’s a modest but lovely wine list with a strong local showing, also available by the glass, as well as bubbly. Or opt for the smoothies, juices and signature drinks like the frozen minted lemonade. The vegan protein smoothie with almond butter, dates, bananas and cocoa is a great choice.

 

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Service

This spot is almost worth checking out just for the friendliness and kind consideration of the servers. They’ll happily advise you and are very attentive. The food is also served timeously considering how popular the café can be.

Ambience

Relax under the trees in the courtyard and watch trendy shoppers bustle by, or snuggle in under a blanket by the fireplace inside. The balcony is a particular treat on sunny days, and the spot is family-friendly.

 

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