Best of the med in Jozi

BEST OF THE MED IN JOZI

• THE FLAMING OLIVE
With the opening of two hearty restaurants, Joburgers can now enjoy a taste of the Mediterranean without leaving the confines of the city…

 

The Flaming Olive is tucked away at the back of the Cramerview Village Shopping Centre in Bryanston. Shielded from the hustle and bustle of Main Road, it has a peaceful dining space with a lovely shade-dappled patio, ideal for long, relaxed meals. The menu features a little something for everybody, with a strong focus on meze and other Greek-style dishes. The starters include a range of delectable dips, chorizo flamed in Aguadent and Ouzo, moreish jalapeño poppers stuffed with cheese and sweet chilli and much more.

As the name of the restaurant suggests, flame-grilled meats take centre stage, but the menu also offers an interesting array of dishes including classic German Eisbein, Greek kleftiko and pasta, as well as an excellent selection of fish dishes. The wide choice of interesting salads, mini souvlakia, burgers and gourmet sandwiches makes this the ideal spot to enjoy a light lunch. As with the menu, the wine list is fairly priced and offers a range to suit all palates.

The selection includes the old favourites as well as a few new producers. The owner, Terry Zefanopolous, has been in the restaurant industry for over 20 years and knows the key to success is to offer a good selection of great food at affordable prices. The Flaming Olive is sure to be the next success story in his impressive restaurant history.

The Flaming Olive, Cramerview Village Shopping Centre, 277 Main Road, Bryanston; tel 011 463 9813

• OLIVA
Chef and co-owner Zane Beer has branched out from his time at Fino restaurant with its Spanish repertoire and is now focusing on the Mediterranean as a whole at Oliva. Dusty walls and Roman busts lend atmosphere at his Illovo venue. Tapas dishes are available at lunch or dinner, when Spain is favoured, aside from the occasional Italian bruschetta diversion. Main courses veer in a distinctly Italian direction. Think porcini mushroom or squid-ink risotto, veal dishes and lamb shanks. Once Oliva's liquor licence application comes through, the wine list will feature Spanish sherries and wines, plus South African boutique labels. With 40 tapas dishes on offer, Oliva has the makings of a food-friendly partnership.

Oliva, 3 Galen House, 178 Oxford Road, Illovo, Johannesburg; tel 011 025 5225