Pappas on the Square

Pappas on the Square is a family-run Greek and Mediterranean restaurant on Level 1 of Nelson Mandela Square, at the corner of 5th and Alice Streets in Sandton, Johannesburg, Gauteng. Its terrace overlooks the square and the giant bronze statue of Nelson Mandela, one of the most photographed sights in Sandton, which gives the restaurant one of the more memorable outdoor settings in the district. The cooking is Greek and Mediterranean, and the menu includes grilled calamari, lamb, moussaka, the baked layered dish of aubergine and minced meat, and baklava, the honeyed pastry, for dessert. Family ownership shapes the approach, with home-style recipes and a hospitable, unhurried service style, and the kitchen suits sharing across a table. The dining room is bright and relaxed, and the terrace is the preferred spot in fine weather, offering views across the square with its fountains and surrounding cafés. Noise levels are moderate, and the terrace can be lively when the square is busy with shoppers and events. Smart-casual clothing is usual. The drinks list includes Greek and South African wines, beer and spirits, and coffee and dessert make a natural pause after a day of shopping at Sandton City, which is directly connected to the square. Prices sit in the upper-middle range, in line with the prime location. Listed opening hours are Monday to Saturday from 11:00 to 22:00 and Sunday from 11:00 to 20:30. Reservations are recommended for terrace tables, particularly at weekends and around lunch, and can be made by calling +27 11 884 9991. The square has extensive underground parking through the surrounding mall, and the Gautrain station is a short walk away, so the restaurant is easy to reach for visitors staying in Sandton hotels. Many diners combine a meal here with a visit to the statue and the neighbouring shops.