HAMAJI MAGAZINE TESTS FOR YOU SOME MUST SEES IN THE HOTTEST AFRICAN CITIES. IN THIS ISSUE WE SHARE WITH YOU ONE OF THE MOST POPULAR HOTSPOTS IN JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA.
Gemelli Cucina Bar is a concept that reflects the spirit of good Italian family cuisine. This restaurant was founded by Alessandro Mosupi Khojane who spent the first 12 years of his life in Rome, Italy thanks to his diplomat parents from Lesotho. He grew up in a large family who enjoyed inviting and entertaining friends, and was inspired in his early years by «sensory enlightenment» at family meals.
Khojane founded Gemelli to cultivate his passion to see people gather around a good meal.
MENU
Expect recognizable and loved dishes served up as fine and comforting food, while also being utterly
instagrammable. Each plate is a play of flavour, colour and detail full of fresh, seasonal and ethically sourced ingredients. Italy, with its incomparable cuisine, is at the heart of the restaurant.
Among the highlights of their menu are risotto with mushrooms and truffles or ‘Penne Alessandro’, an artful combination of prawn tails, smoked chicken, and prosecco-mustard cream.
The west coast sole is roasted with almonds, baby spinach, artichokes, mushrooms and slightly covered with parsley beurre blanc… For dessert, the chef says the cheesecake is a firm favourite – it is baked with nougat, cranberry and almond meringue and accompanied by marzipan gelato. The twist on the classic Tiramisu – with espresso syrup, Oreo cookie crumbs, a mousse of mascarpone and espresso custard – is worthy of applause.
SERVICE
Even on the busiest nights, and that seems to be every night, you’ll find Khojane welcoming his patrons, taking time to explain the menu and recommend particular dishes. The waiters are very present, so you never feel left behind.
VIBE & CROWD
The atmosphere is very lively and the crowd cosmopolitan. The ambience of Gemelli’s is enhanced by the fact that it is always busy. One downfall is the acoustics, which are not ideal for conversation – so be prepared to shout at your guests. It is therefore not ideal for a romantic dinner for two, but rather for a jovial get together or occasion.
Gemelli is not just a place to eat, it’s the experience of dining together, eating from each other’s plates, sharing stringy bites, stealing toppings, sneaking desserts into the kids just before bedtime. Laughing, dining, wining, celebrating, enjoying. It’s about family, first.
THE BILL
Good quality price ratio. However, expect to spend R500 pp for 3 course and a glass, so save this one for a special occasion.
LOCATION
Gemelli is set in a space (formerly a cycling store) inspired by the style of a New York Loft. While the interiors exude contemporary elegance with a mix of wood, leather and concrete and a rich-hued palette of bronze and copper tones, the décor is a 15m x 3m mural created by Los Angeles-based street artists Cyrcle, conjuring the might of ancient Rome, adorning the wall of the marble bar that runs the length of the restaurant.
Adresse/Address
Shop 13, Posthouse Link Centre, Corner of Main Road & Posthouse
Street, Bryanston, Johannesburg.
Horaires d’ouverture
Opening Hours :
Lundi – Samedi : 12 h – 22 h.
Dimanche : 12h – 21h30.
Monday – Saturday : 12pm – 10pm.
Sunday : 12pm – 9:30pm.
Contact
+27 (0)105914333310 591 4333
