It’s hard to believe that it was just seven years ago when Coobs, now one of Johannesburg’s most-loved bistro’s, was opened. Chef James Diack was 28 years old when he first combined his passion for provenance with armfuls of freshly-grown ingredients from his family’ farm in the Magaliesburg, Brightside, and set about to change the landscape of Jo’burg dining.

“It’s been an incredible seven years, and I have learnt many lessons,” explains Chef James Diack. “But I wouldn’t have it any other way. I’m so grateful to every customer who has visited Coobs over the last seven years and I’m excited to celebrate this milestone with our 2019 Summer menu.”

Not only has Coobs won numerous awards over the years but it’s also pushed the boundaries of provenance-inspired eating beyond simple bean sprouts and home-grown herbs – both for the 130-strong team that works for him, but also the customers who get to indulge in Brightside Farm’s latest crop.

His passion for provenance has established him as a thought leader in the South Africa dining scene and have put his wild boar ragu and pork belly firmly on the foodie map.

His latest menu, for Summer 2019/20, is a collection of the freshest ingredients the farm has to offer plated as refined dishes and proffered alongside some of South Africa’s best boutique wines. Dishes are tasty, fresh, simple and show off the quality of the ingredients.

Some of Coobs’ best-selling dishes from the last seven years feature, including beef carpaccio, Caprese salad, duck liver parfait, acorn-fed pork and lamb bangers, tarragon-roasted baby chicken and Coobs’ carbonara pasta with crispy wild boar bacon. For dessert, walk down the farm’s memory lane with Malva Pudding or spiced poached pears with nut brittle and honeycomb ice-cream.

Coobs has won the hearts of thousands… from Trip Advisor Awards to Eat Out Everyday Eateries, Best of Joburg and the coveted Jenny Handley Gourmet Guide Award – One Plate received in 2019. In 2018, James’s work for sustainable farming, eating and education were recognized by SASSI when he was awarded a 2018 Trailblazer Chef Award.

Coobs is located in the leafy suburb of Parkhurst, Johannesburg. To experience the latest menu, featuring some of the top dishes from the last seven years – make a booking call them on +2711 447 0710 or email bookings@coobs.co.za