A couple of weeks ago we were out to dinner with some friends and a discussion about dining in Joburg ensued. We are always on the lookout for new restaurants to try, especially those that are not contained in some type of shopping or strip mall that is unfortunately all too common here in the northern suburbs. Our friends enthusiastically told us we must go to 44 Stanley if we want to experience a place with a little more ambience than those which feature the typical extended view over a parking lot.

The next morning we were looking for a nice place to have lunch before our usual Saturday grocery shopping excursion so I had a look at the 44 Stanley website. I learned that 44 Stanley is not a restaurant but in fact an assortment of restaurants, specialty shops and designer studios, all tucked away in a restored warehouse complex. Even though 44 Stanley is a good 25 km from our home, my interest was piqued and off we went in search of a hot new lunchspot.

Entrance to 44 Stanley

Just driving through this neighborhood, you would never expect to find such a place as 44 Stanley and in fact, from the outside you would have no idea that what lies beyond the old warehouse walls are beautiful, tree-lined passageways and relaxing shady courtyards.

The outside view of 44 Stanley

Street in front of 44 Stanley

And an inside passageway view

Looking up from a courtyard in 44 Stanley

We had a stroll about to check out the stores and while the boutiques were certainly unique, we didn’t find much that we would have use for (think stuff like a huge ceramic horse head or a typewritter from 1950…). On the other hand, the lovely shaded courtyards were exactly the type of place we were looking for a nice lunch and we decided to give the Salvation Cafe a try.

One of the more interesting shops, wine accessories

Courtyard and Terrace of Salvation Cafe

The Salvation Cafe was packed however we only had to wait a couple minutes for a table for 2 to clear in the courtyard. The menu is not huge but does feature freshly prepared salads, wraps and burgers as well as a few daily specials, including some vegetarian options. They also serve smoothies, fresh juices and homemade ice teas in glass jars, which is always a big hit with me.

Salvation Cafe

My homemade pineapple and ginger ice tea in a jar

Oh yes and the food…  Though the choice was tough for me with several veggie options, I opted for the Garden wrap; haoumi, sundried tomato pesto, olives and avo. This wrap was fresh and flavorful and my only complaint is the pesky green beans that were snuck in, however these were easy extracted and fed to my green bean loving dining companion. Besides my beans, the carnivore enjoyed the gourmet, grass fed, beef burger, piled high with bacon and avo and who knows what else.

Garden Wrap with Haloumi

Gourmet Burger

We thoroughly enjoyed our courtyard lunch at the Salvation Cafe but unfortunately we were way too stuffed to try their delicious looking desserts so we will have to get back there soon. The Salvation Cafe is only open for breakfast and lunch 8am-4pm (kitchen closes at 3), no dinner. Their breakfast menu also looks tantalizing (Eggs Florentine oh yeah) so we will be sure to give that a try as well. There are also several other restaurants so be sure to stop by 44 Stanley, you’ll certainly be glad you did.