Ghost Stories, Gourmet Plates, and Grand Ceilings: Mikes Heritage House Still Has It All in 2025

Where steaks meet stained glass and legends live on

If you’ve lived in Joburg long enough, you’ve heard whispers of Mikes Heritage House. Maybe it’s the ghost stories. Maybe it’s the duck spring rolls. Either way, this Parktown icon is far more than a steakhouse in a vintage shell; it’s a full-bodied experience that still charms, 43 years since it first opened its doors as Mikes Kitchen in 1982.

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A Mansion That Refused to Die

Before it became a restaurant, the stately Victorian mansion known as Eikenlaan was nearly lost to bulldozers more than once. Built in 1905 and once owned by land speculator James Goch (brother of former Joburg mayor George Goch), the house has survived proposed motorways, ghost rumours and entire eras of urban development.

Thanks to a public petition in the late ’70s that drew over 12,000 signatures, the mansion was saved, and today it stands proudly as one of the last publicly accessible Randlord-era homes in the city.

From Steaks to Spring Rolls: A Menu That Bridges Eras

Mikes Heritage House is no museum piece. The food, like the venue, is deeply nostalgic yet modern enough to surprise.

The menu still offers familiar steakhouse comforts, grilled rump with Café de Paris butter, pork ribs with signature BBQ glaze, and classic schnitzels. But it’s the extras that elevate the experience: duck spring rolls with ginger soy dip, Mediterranean lamb chops, and baked panna cotta with berry coulis.

From the 2025 menu, favourites include:

• Madagascar fillet with peppercorn sauce

• Mozzarella, spinach and feta bake

• Tiramisu or the legendary lemon cheesecake fridge tart (a 1972 recipe still going strong)

You’ll also find a dedicated vegetarian function menu, weekend brunches, boozy milkshakes, and a wine list that’s curated but accessible.

And yes, the peppermint crisp tart is still on the dessert menu.

Image 1: Facebook/Mike’s Heritage Parktown

Load-Shedding? Water Out? They’ve Got You Covered

It’s not just the food that keeps loyal customers returning. Mikes Heritage House is one of the few heritage restaurants in Joburg that has both a generator and JoJo tanks, so your booking won’t be cancelled because of a blackout or dry taps.

The vibe is laid-back but professional. Walk-ins are welcome, but if you’re eyeing a spot outside or planning a celebration, it’s best to book ahead, especially for tables of four or more. You can do it via their website or give them a call directly.

Big Events with Vintage Charm

Need a venue with both atmosphere and substance? Mikes hosts private and corporate functions with set menus that balance affordability with flair. Whether it’s a brunch with bubbly or a formal three-course dinner, the service is tailored, the backdrop is breathtaking, and the team is known for their personal touch.

They even encourage feedback directly to the owners, Manny and Henrique Pita, a rarity in today’s faceless hospitality scene.

A Ghost or Two? Maybe. But You’ll Leave Smiling

Some say Mikes is haunted. Others say it’s just the wind echoing through the pressed ceilings and creaky wooden floors. Either way, there’s something unmistakably soulful about dining in a space that’s lived through centuries of Joburg’s stories.

And with food this good, you’re more likely to leave with a full belly than a fright.

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Source: Mikes Heritage House

Featured Image: Facebook/Mike’s Heritage Parktown