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As ever with our content we present those places we have visited and enjoyed, these guides are not comprehensive of every single business, but are intended instead to present a snapshot of the businesses that give a high street its unique character.
If you want the lowdown on the nightlife scene in Greenside, check out our list of cool spots on Gleneagles Road.
THE GREENSIDE VIBE
A five-minute drive from the lovelyEmmarentia Dam and Botanical Gardens and, in the opposite direction,Zoo Lake, leafy Greenside's main street Gleneagles Roadis one of the most eclectic high streets in the old 'parks' suburbs (includingParkview, Parkhurst, Parktown North). The two intersecting streets Gleneagles and Greenway are lined witha mix ofcafe-bars appealing to a youthful twenty-something clientele, morning coffee stops that attract those early rising cyclists so often spotted in thesuburbsat dawn, and friendly casual Turkish and Middle Eastern cafespopular with the neighbourhood's large Muslim community. Throw in some design studios, health food spotsand the occasionalgraffiti muraland you have a quirky, yet low-key high street that appeals to all ages and tastes along one friendly strip.Much has changed in Greenside in recent years, particularly during the pandemic, with some old neighbourhood favourites like Dukes burger bar and the vegetarian Greenside Cafe sadly moving on, although despite the challenges new businesses have cropped up too.
LOVELY FOR BREAKFAST OR LUNCH
Tei Avon
Thisoutstanding Israeli bistrodoes a delicious shawarma on a plate with side salads, hummus and tahini (carb-free or with warm pita bread) and the best fried eggplant in town. Get a takeaway and head off to one of the parks or sit in (there is indoor and outdoor seating) and end lunch with the excellent homemade halva and pistachio ice-cream.
Clenergy
There's something slightly wrong with the name ofthis cafe and health food shop... itsounds to our earslike something vaguely medicaland possibly even painful. But still, there's actually nothing to be faulted with the healthy food on sale. If you are looking for 'clean eating' keto diet, banting-friendly and gluten-free dishes to sit in and eat ortake home, you'll find an amazing range and a knowledgeable host at this spot.
Galata Bakery and Coffee
This bakery and caféis a Turkish family-run business named after the ancient neighbourhood in Istanbul that offers authentic and very affordable Turkish cuisine served in a family-friendly atmosphere. The family'sfirst branch of the bakery is in Braamfontein.Try the traditionalTurkish Breakfast and wash it all down withstrong Turkish tea or coffee.
And for the city's vegetarian and vegan foodies,The Fussy Veganhas a branch on Gleneagles Road.
HIGH STREET STALWARTS
DoppioZeroThe original Italian restaurant and bakery launched in 2002by entrepreneurs Paul Christie andMiki Milovanovicthat has since grown into a nationwide franchise. 'Doppio's' has truly stood the test of time. The original bakery is still famous for its artisanal ciabatta breads and on weekends the large sunny terrace is a popular place for long lazy lunches with plenty of wine.
Topo Gigio
Specialising in pizza, pasta and all things Mediterranean, this Italian cafe-bar is another mainstay in ever-changing Greenside, loved for its buzzing atmosphereand perfect people-watching opportunities. Whether you sit streetside on the ground floor or nab a table on the mezzanine, the whole place opens out onto the street giving you a feeling of always being part of the action.
DINNER HOTSPOTS
Momo BaohausSpecialising in Taiwanese street food with a twist (Chinese, Korean and Japanese cuisine) thisrestaurant is the original in what is now a chain of Momo restaurants (including Momo Kuro, Momo Soko and Momo Ono), opened by a trio of friends who wanted a taste of home.The menu has a wide range of choices that are designed to be shared such astraditional potstickers,crispy Korean fried chicken wings and twice-cooked beef ribs, although of course it is the imaginative range of stuffedbao (steamed buns) that have made the place so famous. Nolicence so bring your own alcoholic drinks.
HIDDEN TREASURE
Best Friend Street Bar(Pictured top). Previously called Blondie Bar (which Joburg has lost to Cape Town), Best Friend Street Bar still holds the charm, vibe and aesthetic of its predecessor. It is definitely one of the coolest places we've found in a suburban Joburg car park, this retro-cool hole in the wall occupies a space in a quiet car park just behind theSmoke Shop. Deep dish pizzas are available by the slice or as a whole 'pie' and can be enjoyed at the counter with a nice cold draught craft beer or classic co*cktails such as Aperol Spritz and their big hit, Paloma.
NEIGHBOURHOOD COFFEE SPOTS
Loof coffeeEvery good high streetneeds a good coffee spot and Rachel Dzenga (aka JoziCoffeeSpots) our coffee correspondent tips Greenside's Loof Coffeethat opened here in spring 2020as the best (read more about Rachel's local coffee tips here). "Their space is rustic, charming, and simple, in typical Loof fashion. The coffee we ordered was incredible, and they're also serving a few goodies like muffins and rusks if youwant something to snack on! They have Milklab(the plant-based milk alternative) on offer if you need to stock up your fridge, aswell as their own beans to take home. Definitelyworth a visit when you're in the neighbourhood".
SPECIALIST SHOPPING
Carpet Emporium Paco is a big-budget home decorator's delight, while Merge Designs is the place to find chairs of many descriptions. They also have a cool venue space behind the store, fronted by the Oink and Moo food truck. Then there's a great traditional neighbourhood haberdashery Exclusive Fabrics,Giant Jhbthe cycle shop and the legendary old schoolmovie rental store, The Majestic.
