Frommer's Review
Moyo, with three branches in Jo'burg and another in Stellenbosch, is touristy but good. This branch in the leafy park at Zoo Lake is a lovely place to spend the afternoon with kids or a long, relaxing night celeb-spotting (Bill Clinton left early; Will Smith and Samuel L. Jackson did not). The setting is peaceful and visually exciting, with a veritable gallery of African artworks and artifacts, many of them transformed into fusion pieces. And there's a variety of different spaces to explore: the decadent deep sofas on the wooden deck are good, as are the tents and tables in the garden. While Moyo is widely regarded as the best place to sample "African cuisine," most items are reworked to suit a Western palate (unlike at Gramadoelas, where authenticity is favored). Start by sharing a platter of duck and naartjie (mandarin) samosas, served with a kumquat and van der Hum sauce. Popular dishes include fragrant North African stews, slow cooked with ginger, cinnamon, coriander, cumin, and saffron, and served with couscous; the South African venison bobotie (a mild, sweetish curry); and the grilled ostrich, prepared with aromatic Ethiopian spices. If you prefer something light, the Zanzibar fish burger, served on sweet-potato-and-pumpkin bread, is a good option. More than a restaurant, Moyo is an experience, particularly at night, when music, dance, and other entertainment are on the menu; there's even a boutique selling local wines, CDs, artworks, and toys. Note: If you're exploring the cultural sights in Newtown, you can take a break and enjoy similar fare at the Market Theatre's branch of Moyo (tel. 011/838-1715), although service there is generally awful. The Melrose Arch branch (tel. 011/648-1477) has less charm but may be more convenient.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without
notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before
planning your trip.
