Brews & Bites

Bonjour in Braam: How Saint Germain Is Stirring Up Parisian Charm in Joburg

Published

3 months ago

June 23, 2025

Chiraag

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A Parisian Café with a Jozi Beat

Nestled in the creative enclave of 44 Stanley in Milpark, Saint Germain isn’t your average café. It’s a transportive blend of French elegance and Joburg’s urban soul, where leafy courtyards, black-and-white awnings, and wrought iron details set the scene for croissants and connection.

Co-founded by French-Congolese designer Marien Mel, the mind behind Maboneng favourites like Xavier and Bertrand, Saint Germain brings his signature flair for spaces that feel curated yet casual. Inspired by Paris’s iconic Saint-Germain-des-Prés neighbourhood, this café brings a slice of Left Bank cool to Braamfontein’s backyard.

Also read: News Cafe Rosebank: Where Rosebank’s Days Start Bright and Nights Go Bold

Simplicity Meets Sophistication on the Menu

Saint Germain champions a menu that’s fresh, honest, and unmistakably French. One crowd favourite is the Yoghurt Surprise – a vibrant bowl layered with vanilla yoghurt, seasonal fruit, house-made granola, and a chardonnay-spiked berry compote that’s as refreshing as it sounds.

For those after a more indulgent bite, French staples like Pain Perdu (French toast) and the much-loved Croque Madame often grace the menu, alongside classics like the Salade Niçoise. You’ll also find back bacon and cheese croissants and a pastry counter packed with buttery treats, ideal for a grab-and-go breakfast or lazy brunch.

What Saint Germain does best is balance: a compact, beautifully executed menu that never feels overwhelming – just thoughtfully delicious.

More Than a Café – It’s a Community

Saint Germain isn’t just a place to refuel – it’s a place to slow down, stay a while, and soak in the vibe. With daily hours from 9am to 9pm, the café becomes a quiet morning refuge, a midday meet-up spot, and a relaxed evening wind-down.

The drinks menu features expertly brewed coffee, an impressively curated wine list (from French classics to new-wave sips), and plenty of sparkle in between. Shaded outdoor seating makes it a popular weekend hangout, especially with the creative crowd that frequents 44 Stanley.

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Image 1: Instagram/@saint_germain44

What Joburgers Are Saying

On Instagram, Saint Germain is fast becoming a local darling. Foodies and creatives alike are tagging their flaky croissants, artful cappuccinos, and soft-lit brunch tables. Phrases like “a piece of Paris in Joburg” and “effortlessly elegant” flood the comments under the café’s posts. The café is often tagged alongside the precinct’s galleries and fashion studios – a testament to its creative credibility.

Even on TikTok, the French toast has become a cult item, with users calling it “possibly the best in South Africa.” It’s not just the food that’s drawing love – it’s the feeling of the space: relaxed, refined, and unmistakably Jozi.

Why It Works in the Jozi Context

Since opening in 2003, 44 Stanley has become a landmark for those who love Joburg’s quieter, quirkier side. And Saint Germain fits right in – not by mimicking Paris, but by fusing its continental aesthetic with authentic local spirit.

It’s a café that reflects what Joburgers crave in 2025: beautiful design, a slower pace, and spaces that encourage connection. In a city bursting with cafés, Saint Germain doesn’t shout for attention. It doesn’t need to. Its elegance speaks volumes.

Saint Germain is more than just croissants and coffee – it’s a lifestyle. Whether you’re here for a solo breakfast, a wine-fuelled work session, or a romantic evening debrief, it delivers all the right notes. It’s proof that in Joburg, global inspiration and local identity can sit at the same table – and thrive.