West of Johannesburg, where so many tourists start their journeys across South Africa, is Melville. Which is renowned for its hip coffee shops and exciting nightlife. Johannesburg’s cultural centre is Melville. This energetic neighbourhood is filled with chic boutiques and trendy coffee cafes.
Melville is the ideal location for a wide variety of intriguing and distinctive eateries, each serving meals to suit diverse preferences. In reality, Melville is home to some of South Africa’s most well-known eateries and nightclubs. Buzz 9 is one of the most well-known eateries and martini bars. It offers a large drink menu and industrial-style decor, making it one of the best. Hip locals watch the passing traffic from couches or seats inside or at tables set up on the sidewalk. Of course, the Beach Buzz house special, which is a must-try, is their speciality.
Melville has a pretty odd but enjoyable exception. This neighbourhood, which is close to Park City, is known for its friendly neighbourhood feel. However, this neighbourhood’s chaotic mix of residential and commercial establishments can occasionally cause one to mistakenly settle down in a stunning private residence and wonder where the waitress has gone.
The main streets are definitely worth exploring, especially the artistic Seventh Street (which served as both the location and name of a local television drama)! You might find yourself in this area browsing the used bookstores, antique shops, and body piercing parlours or relaxing in one of the excellent sidewalk cafés while people-watching.
Several of Melville’s most elegant residences, some of which date back to the 19th century, have been transformed into attractive B&Bs and guest houses, which are growing in popularity, especially among foreign visitors – see Melville Guest Houses. Just to the north of the suburb, in Melville, is the magnificent Melville Koppies Nature Reserve. This magnificent nature reserve safeguards a huge area of typical highveld vegetation and has both Stone Age and Iron Age settlement archaeological remnants, including iron furnaces.
The University of Johannesburg and the University of the Witwatersrand are two universities that are close by. As a result, Melville serves as a gathering place and popular hangout for many students. There are hip bars, clubs, theatres, and eateries. Melville is undoubtedly a hip, distinctive, and active neighbourhood. It assures everyone of a fun-filled evening to remember!
History Of Melville, Johannesburg
The suburb was situated on property belonging to Braamfontein, one of the original farms that made up Johannesburg, before the finding of gold on the Witwatersrand in 1886. The suburb, which bears Edward Harker Vincent Melvill’s name, was established on October 5th, 1896. The area was referred to as a “picturesque and healthy spot in the vicinity of Johannesburg with a magnificent view of the wooded country to the north with the blue Pretoria hills reaching like lines of steel against the horizon” in the public sale ad.
Things To Do In Melville, Johannesburg
Have Fun At Xai Xai Lounge
The stylish and well-known 7th Street in Melville is the location of the hotel Xai-Xai, which takes its name from a beach resort in Mozambique. The regulars, who frequently spend interminable evenings enjoying in the inventive cocktails and shooters created by the laid-back bartenders, refer to it as the Mozambican Shebeen.
From the not-so-young (but of course stylish) Melville regulars to young trendy students and celebrities, this quaint little venue is frequently full. Tables dimly lighted by melting candles placed in ancient brown beer bottles surround a variety of visually appealing pictures and posters illuminated by multicoloured hanging lights, providing a feeling of complete beach-like calm.
The Ant Café
Melville is a bustling neighbourhood in Johannesburg that is distinguished by its Boho chic aesthetic. This neighbourhood and its attractions are visited by the hip and educated, the creatives and the intellectuals because it is home to the University of Johannesburg. The Ant Café is located right in the middle of this energetic hub.
The 7th Street restaurant with the longest history is still the top choice for people seeking what is generally regarded as the best pizza in Johannesburg (and, perhaps, even further afield). To create a distinctive atmosphere, the rustic décor combines elements of traditional Italian design with pronounced grunge and Bohemian influences. Students and visitors alike love to settle in and take advantage of the pleasant atmosphere, terrific coffee, and delicious pizza.
Beans from a local source, of high quality, are used to make the coffee. The Ant Café is also licensed, so those looking for a spot to unwind with a glass of wine have found it. Winters in cold Gauteng can be savored by the fire with a warm drink of glühwein. A few additional items are on the menu in addition to the fantastic thin-crust pizzas.
Eat At Pablo Eggs-Go-Bar
A unique all-day breakfast, lunch, and juice place is located in Melville, Johannesburg. A fun, relaxed setting for the whole family, Pablo Eggs Go Bar offers a wide variety of mouthwatering cuisine and cutting-edge juices. Breakfast is available every day of the week, all day long. They are delectable and exhibit a particular Middle Eastern flavour that is tasty and a touch unique. During the day, breakfast is accompanied by wholesome, delectable juices and excellent coffee brewed by skilled baristas. The juices are replaced with a variety of decadent cocktails at night, and for those who need to replenish their electrolytes after a long night, there are even some.
Carolina Rasenti and Louis Roux are the owners of this hip breakfast-and-cocktail bar. Louis has experience in Israeli cuisine and is a barista and mixologist. Many of the foods, which have a distinctly ethnic flavor and influence, demonstrate this. The famed Great Eastern Food Bar is owned by Carolina. These two make a strong culinary team.
Visit The 27 Boxes Night Market
Every Wednesday from 17 to 21 hours, 27 Boxes is a terrific way to unwind and let go of the tension of the week or a great way to simulate a mini-Friday night. To enjoy the talents and goods of about 80 different merchants, it is set up in a magnificent, stylish environment made from recycled shipping containers. For hungry guests, there are gourmet delights like red velvet cupcakes, steamed dim food, real tacos, or homemade cheeses.
A colourful assortment of handcrafted leather goods, succulents, fashion items in vibrant colours, a ton of accessories, and other mementoes may be found at the craft stands. Live music provides the ideal background for a night out with friends and gives some of the best local musicians a chance to perform in a fun, energetic setting. Pet owners may unwind with their dogs and puppies at this night market, and admission is free. Visitors who want a night out will love the unique bars and eateries in the Melville neighbourhood surrounding the 27 Boxes Night Market. Melville is slightly over an hour from OR Tambo International Airport and approximately 25 minutes from Sandton.
How to get to Melville, Johannesburg
The Johannesburg CBD is 15 minutes away by car or Uber, while Rosebank Gautrain station is 10 minutes away from Melville.
The Westdene neighbourhood on the west, the upscale Westcliff neighbourhood to the east, and the Emmarentia botanical gardens to the north are all visible from the peak of the Melville Koppies. South Africa’s top universities, Wits South East and University of Johannesburg (UJ) South West, are located on either side.