From day into night, this stylish venue serves up exactly what you crave
With successful venues in uMlanga and Bryanston, Rockets is building on those triumphs with Rockets Menlyn at Time Square. Here, it sets the standard in a competitive dining scene, delivering a seamless, sophisticated experience. From artisanal pizzas and handmade pastas to perfectly grilled steaks and exciting new-style sushi, the menu offers world-class dining for every taste.
Along with the delicious food comes impeccable service and the most current entertainment, DJs and artists SA has to offer in a stylish industrial-chic environment, which includes a rooftop bar to sip above the city.
Pull in for lunch, dinner, sundowners or cocktails – Rockets has it all covered. Glam it up with oysters, traditional or in a gin shot, or tempura prawn Ritz. For the adventurous, there are queen prawns sautéed with diced yellow peppers and cherry tomatoes, flambéed in Ouzo liqueur, and served on a white wine parmesan cream sauce, herbed oil and accompanied by crispy poppadoms.
For a crowd, order a selection of sharing plates like crunchy calamari, honey feta pockets in spring roll pastry, grilled teriyaki wings or golden halloumi fingers served on a vibrant cherry purée. There is also a variety of platters to serve the table. The sushi is enormously popular and the best way to try it is with a Rockets Signature Sushi Platter of 22 pieces: crispy mist roll (4 pieces), royal Ritz roses (4 pieces), crudo roses (6 pieces), tempura thunder roll (4 pieces), and tempura prawns (4 pieces).
The crudo roses are springbok carpaccio wrapped around sushi rice, topped with Kewpie mayo, creamy Brie, blueberry pearls, and sliced gooseberries, with aged balsamic, peppered rocket, herbed olive oil, and finished with crushed pistachio nuts. This is just one example of how Rockets is turning traditional sushi on its head. If you still prefer the classics, there is plenty to choose from, like California rolls, fashion sandwiches, maki, sashimi and nigiri.
Come for lunch and pick something from the “light delights and tossed salad” section, which includes crispy imported tortilla chips topped with sliced jalapeño, mozzarella and Monterey Jack cheddar, served with homemade guacamole, sour cream and salsa; marinated tuna, sushi rice, edamame beans, caramelised onions, burned peppers, toasted sesame seeds, sliced dill pickles, avocado, radish and cucumber; or sliced fillet of beef served on a bed of mixed lettuce, topped with Kewpie mayo, pickled white ginger, avocado, toasted sunflower seeds, crispy halloumi strings and fresh parmesan shavings.
Glorious burgers, pizzas and pastas are winners at any time of the day, with creative and mouthwatering toppings and sauces. Try a smoked birria burger – slow roasted pulled lamb on a toasted bun, with sliced tomato, rocket, grilled onions and tzatziki, served with chips. Pick a creamy fillet pasta with tender strips of fillet, sautéed mushrooms, and julienned peppers tossed with tagliatelle, all coated in a rich creamy paprika sauce and finished with tangy dill pickles.
When it comes to pizza, the imagination can run wild. A favourite example is the well-named Formidable One: a Napolitana base topped with mozzarella, bacon, chicken, pulled lamb, cubed beef fillet, chorizo and gorgonzola. It’s served with a dramatic flaming of teriyaki and finished with crushed coriander seeds for an unforgettable flavour experience.
Treat yourself to a spectacular dinner with something from the grill – prime cuts, ribs, lamb shanks, or a tomahawk flame-grilled to perfection with butter and signature spices, served with baby potatoes and roasted vegetables of the day. Poultry or seafood more to your taste? Rockets has got you, from a full peri peri baby chicken, to fish and chips.
Ending with something sweet is a must. Panna cotta, Amaretto mouse with caramel poached pear, Biscoff cheesecake, white chocolate brownie, Eton mess, or at the very least, three scoops of smooth, creamy Italian vanilla ice cream drizzled with homemade caramel and rich Belgian milk chocolate sauce, topped with a Flake and fresh mint…make sure you save space.
And if it’s cocktails you want for an exciting night out, on a rooftop with the city at your feet, try one of the signature drinks, blended, built, shaken or stirred. Of course, the bartender pours all the classics too.
Rockets is open daily from 11h00, closing at 23h00 on Mondays and Tuesdays, Wednesdays at midnight, Thursdays and Sundays at 01h00, and Fridays and Saturdays at 02h00. Reservations are essential, so call 012 003 618 to book. Find it at Time Square, 209 Aramist Avene, Menlyn, Pretoria. For more information and the full menus, go to the Time Square website.