This is the last post in a series of Johannesburg Restaurant reviews…for now.
List of things that I avoid:
- Pawpaw.
- Other people’s drooly pets.
- Maths.
- Children.
It’s not that I don’t like children, I do. But the same way that most people don’t like sitting next to babies on planes, I typically don’t go to restaurants with armies of young’uns running around.
Call me “ageist” if you must.
But for my last review in Jozi (I AM COMING HOOOOOME SOON) I went to this beautiful little bistro and bakery called Junipa’s, which happens to be very child-friendly, without being loud and childish.
To start we shared Venetian Duck Liver and Porcini Mushroom Pâté (R50) served with fresh homemade bread and beetroot chutney. The liver was rich and smooth. They added a little too much lemon to counter the fattiness, but with the sweet beetroot, it balanced out.
Then we shared Tiger Prawn Salad (R95) with pomegranate, coriander and avo and a sweet dressing. The prawns were katafi-stlye, wrapped in shredded phyllo. They were enormous, succulent and tender. Really divine.
Next up Stuffed Chicken Breast (R90) filled with broccoli & Brie, served with either basil pesto potato salad or green mashed potato and creamy chilli-lime sauce. We had both sides (I’m gluttonous that way). The potato salad was beautifully seasoned and freshly made. It hadn’t been ruined by refrigeration, which my worst because it becomes cold and stodgy. The mash was light, but rustic and went well with the chicken. The chicken itself was a bit dry on the outside, but the cheesy centre made up for it. I poured the lime-chilli sauce over it, which lifted the dish beautifully.
Finally, we had a Lamb Burger (R75) on a soft Turkish roll with guacamole, caramelized onions and crispy shoestring fries. All the elements were perfect, the patty was slightly pink, the avo was well seasoned, and the roll soft but crispy – but I must admit I am not the biggest fan of lamb burgers in general, so why I ordered it I can’t be sure.
Junipa’s has an incredible atmosphere for the entire family. The staff are friendly and well trained. There are no sections, and they each carry a portable ordering system to put through orders. So you never have to wait for your waiter to make an appearance.
They also prepare “adults” meals in kiddie’s sizes because to them, to help kids appreciate food, they need to eat properly. Not just fish fingers and hot dogs. Kids can even go and help the chef create their own gourmet pizzas.
I was really impressed by this little restaurant, it’s live music and welcoming staff and owners. Somewhere I would visit often if I lived in Joburg.
