An evening of comfort, connection and familiar flavours reminds me why Tashas has earned such a special place in my Johannesburg dining repertoire. When Natasha Sideris founded the brand back in 2005, she set out to challenge the ordinary café experience. Today, that original vision of beautiful food and considered environments remains wonderfully intact.
I’ve enjoyed their menus at many locations over the years, but treating my best friend to a long-overdue catch-up felt like the perfect excuse to finally experience the Mall of Africa restaurant. There is a lot to be said for a destination that gets the balance right – where shopping, leisure and exceptional dining come together in a single visit, allowing you to seamlessly transition from a busy afternoon of retail therapy into a relaxed, elegant evening out.
We did just that. After perusing the many shopping options around the mall, we were certainly ready for a delicious dinner at Tasha’s. We were welcomed warmly by Lucky, who immediately set a welcoming tone, while our waitress, Memory, brought an effortless ease to the table that made us feel instantly at home. It was a gentle reminder that the best dining experiences aren’t always about grand gestures; they’re about the people who make you feel welcome and the simple pleasure of breaking bread together.
Our meal began with a dish practically demanding to be shared: the Salmon Trout Fish Cakes. Arriving as a generous combination of pink salmon and smoked trout mixed with red onion, potato, dill and chives, the dish balanced freshness and richness beautifully. It was accompanied by gem lettuce, radish, fennel and a vibrant herb and lemon vinaigrette, alongside a warm baby potato salad finished with a lemon parsley mascarpone mayonnaise that added a brilliant layer of comfort. It was the perfect opening note, offering just enough indulgence while leaving us eager for what was to come.
Since sharing is always highly encouraged at my table – especially when two dishes sound equally tempting – we opted to split our mains. The 250g Rump Picanha, served with crispy fries, delivered that satisfying, familiar steakhouse comfort. In beautiful contrast, the Lemon Chicken brought a lighter, Mediterranean-inspired brightness to our palates. Cubed chicken breast and rice were coated in a warm, buttery sauce, with the citrus and oregano adding a lovely depth. Exploring both plates proved to be the ideal decision, allowing us to jump between the rich, comforting beef and the zesty, vibrant chicken.
To accompany the meal, we both chose the Turkish Delight Cocktail – a playful blend of Absolut Blue, cranberry juice and lime. It provided a refreshing citrus lift and just enough sweetness, making it the ideal companion for a relaxed evening of lingering conversation.
And linger we did. By the time our plates were cleared, we were both so thoroughly satisfied that, rather unusually for my famously enthusiastic sweet tooth, dessert was simply not on the cards.
However, settling the bill came with a rather lovely bonus. Until the 30th of September, Mall of Africa is running a Spring ‘Dine to Win’ campaign. By simply jotting your name and contact details on the back of your restaurant bill and dropping it into the entry box, you stand a chance to win one of ten R1,000 mall gift cards.
From the engaging service to the beautifully executed food, this visit was a wonderful reminder of how the Tashas philosophy translates seamlessly into everyday moments of connection. We might have skipped the decadent cakes on display this time around, but with the prospect of winning a shopping spree just by enjoying a beautiful meal, I have a feeling it won’t be long before we’re back.
After all, there’s always room for one more Tashas experience and perhaps, next time, a slice of cake.