Bambanani Restaurant

Bambanani Restaurant is a relaxed all-day restaurant at 85 4th Avenue, at the corner of 7th Street, in Melville, Johannesburg, Gauteng. Melville is a bohemian western suburb with a strong café and restaurant culture, and Bambanani fits the neighbourhood with a large garden setting and an easygoing, family-friendly atmosphere. The menu blends South African and international dishes and is designed for all-day dining. Breakfasts, burgers, grilled chicken and milkshakes are among the popular choices, so the restaurant works equally well for a weekend brunch, a family lunch or a casual evening meal. Portions are hearty and prices are moderate, which suits groups and families. The garden is the main attraction, with shaded tables that suit warm Highveld days, and children can usually move around freely, which makes the restaurant a good choice for families. The mood is informal and friendly, with a moderate noise level that rises at busy weekend lunchtimes, and casual dress is the norm. Drinks include coffee, milkshakes, beer, wine and soft drinks. Listed hours are Monday to Friday from 09:00 to 19:00 and Saturday and Sunday from 09:00 to 23:00, so weekend evenings run later than weekdays, which is worth noting for visitors planning dinner on a weekday. Reservations are recommended for weekend evenings, when the garden fills, and can be made on +27 11 482 2900; at other times walk-in tables are usually available. Melville is best explored on foot, with 7th Street's bars, independent shops and the nearby Melville Koppies nature reserve within easy reach, and street parking is available though limited at night, so e-hailing is common. The restaurant is a comfortable stop for visitors combining a morning walk with a long lunch in one of Johannesburg's most characterful suburbs.