Brews & Bites
EL&N London Brings Its Iconic Café Experience to South Africa
From London Streets to South African Tables
For years, South Africans travelling abroad have returned home with one specific café on their camera roll. Pink florals. Neon signs. Coffee cups that look like props from a fashion shoot. Now that the viral favourite has finally crossed continents. EL&N London has officially opened its doors in South Africa, bringing its signature look and all-day dining menu to the Mall of Africa in Johannesburg and Menlyn Maine in Pretoria.
The arrival feels less like a quiet launch and more like a cultural moment. Within days of opening, social media feeds were flooded with mirror selfies, latte art close-ups, and wide shots of the restaurant’s instantly recognisable décor. For a country that loves both good food and a good photo, the timing could not be better.
What Makes EL&N Different
EL&N, short for Eat Live Nourish, built its reputation in London by blending stylish interiors with an accessible menu that works from morning through to evening. The South African locations follow the same philosophy.
The spaces are bold and unapologetically glamorous, but the menu is designed for everyday dining. Guests can expect everything from breakfast favourites and light lunches to indulgent dinners. A standout feature at both locations is the wood-fired pizza bar, offering crisp-based pizzas that lean into classic flavours. There is also a grill menu aimed at heartier appetites, making the restaurant just as suitable for dinner as it is for brunch.
A Natural Fit for Mall of Africa and Menlyn Maine
Choosing Mall of Africa and Menlyn Maine feels deliberate. Both precincts attract a crowd that enjoys destination dining and social experiences rather than rushed meals. EL&N slots neatly into that lifestyle. It is the kind of place people plan around, whether that is a long lunch with friends, a birthday dinner, or a midweek coffee that turns into a two-hour catch-up.
Johannesburg diners in particular have embraced the idea of restaurants as social spaces, and EL&N’s layout encourages lingering. Pretoria’s Menlyn Maine location has drawn similar attention, quickly becoming a go-to spot for both daytime meetings and evening outings.
Image 1: Facebook/EL&N London South Africa
Online Buzz and Real-World Reactions
Local reaction has been swift and loud. Influencers, lifestyle pages, and everyday diners have all shared first impressions, often focusing on the décor but staying for the food. The general sentiment online suggests excitement rather than scepticism, which is not always guaranteed when international brands enter the South African market.
What seems to resonate most is that EL&N does not feel exclusive despite its polished look. The menu is broad, the atmosphere is welcoming, and the experience works for more than just special occasions.
More Than Just a Pretty Plate
While EL&N is often described as Instagrammable, reducing it to visuals alone misses the point. Its South African launch reflects a broader shift in local dining culture, where restaurants are expected to deliver both experience and substance.
By offering an all-day menu, wood-fired pizzas, and grill options alongside its iconic aesthetic, EL&N positions itself as a place people can return to, not just visit once for photos. That balance may well be the reason its arrival has landed so confidently in both Johannesburg and Pretoria.
Also read: Inside Bowl’d: A Restaurant, Bar & Lounge Johannesburg Loves
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Source: EL&N London
Featured Image: Facebook/EL&N London South Africa
