fine food: Chic and laid back, Mabu in Waterfall, Midrand, is a great place for drinks and a relaxed meal with friends.
After seeing mixed reviews about Mabu, in Midrand’s affluent Waterfall neighborhood, questioning whether the restaurant was more about aesthetics than good food, I decided to try it for myself. I like it, because I find both sides happy.
The restaurant is Japanese inspired but with a contemporary spin. What stands out is how spacious Mabu is. There is a bar and an indoor dining area but the outdoor dining area is the heart of the restaurant.
The view from the Waterfall area is the perfect backdrop for a relaxing afternoon lunch.
The dishes are creatively plated and the staff members are helpful and friendly.
Ordering a cocktail is an experience in itself – the Eclipse arrives on a mirrored tray. After the waiter removed the lid, the dry ice came out. It makes for the perfect Instagrammable moment.
Mabu only recently added alcoholic beverages to its menu because it did not have a liquor license at the time of its launch.
Good for: A relaxing afternoon lunch with friends or a romantic sunset dinner date. It’s stylish and casual, so you can easily dress it up for an evening outing with your love interest or wear a casual outfit for a light meal and drink with friends.
this message: Try three West Coast oysters as a starter. They are prepared using smoked Bloody Mary granita with chimichurri, Champagne gel, charred pineapple, lime salsa and mango chilli gel.
For the main course, order the shrimp linguine. It’s made with Café de Paris butter-grilled prawns; Champagne and lemon linguine; blistered heirloom tomatoes and caviar. This dish is served with a generous serving of shrimp and creamy, flavorful and rich pasta.
For something sweet, try the chocolate spirit, made using Manjari and passion fruit delice; bubbled caramel; chocolate and miso ice cream; brown glass; pulled sesame sugar; chocolate kisses and passion fruit sherbet.
Signature of bev: The aforementioned eclipse. This cocktail is mixed with Tanqueray No Ten gin, El Jimador Blanco tequila, pineapple and lime for a strong, smooth, and sweet citrus flavor.
You will like this eatery if: You appreciate a spacious restaurant with an aesthetically pleasing decoration which is great service and food.
That Friday atmosphere: Relaxed and funny. Mabu has a sophisticated and relaxed atmosphere.
location: Waterfall Wilds, 3 Country Estate Drive, Waterfall, Midrand, Gauteng.
