Newly opened Arez Cafe in Sandton is a must visit – not only is the view exquisite, but the service impeccable and the food beyond delicious.
Lebanese food, made by Lebanese people, and a family owned business to boot, means that pride and care go in to everything from the food, to the decor and the small touches.
The one inside restaurant wall is a giant mural depicting the beautiful coastline of Lebanon, with dark blue waters and islands, on the other side a complete Hubbly Bubbly bar – stocked with a variety of pipes and tabacco’s – and the first thing that arrived was a pipe, which I smoked during the course of the evening, the coal was replaced a few times, and I enjoyed it immensely.
Surprisingly busy for a Tuesday evening mid month, I arrived early, at about 18h15 – and by 19h00 there were very few tables still available, especially outside – I really suggest making a booking!
I was spoiled by the owners to a meal that was so delicious, I am still having fond memories of it during random times of the day. Lebanese dishes are made to share – and indeed we did. I selected to a variety of starters, and dined with the owners, which was a great way to try many different things – from my ultimate favourite, the healthy Fattoush Salad (served with fried bread on top) to the hummus with mince, grapevine leaf rolls and cabbage rolls as well as falafels and the tastiest pies ever and fried courgette strips (Qusa).
Everything on the menu is freshly made on the premises, or made at home – so when they say home made, it truly is. Some of the more complicated items are made by Lebanese chefs in Johanneburg, collected and brought through to the restaurant on a daily basis.
The menu is vast and you would have to return several times to be able to even do it justice. We rounded off the meal with a little copper pot of freshly brewed coffee, thick and dark – this is Lebanese coffee at it’s best.
Replete and satisfied I headed home to bed and sweet foodie dreams, with promises to return as soon as I could – and this is one promise I intend to stick to.
Catch my interview with the owner, Brett Ford, on my podcast on Niche Radio Tuesday 14th November at 10h00
A: Morningview Shopping Centre, 100 South Road, Morningside
T: 011 883 3611
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