The Village Café: Fourways’ Cosy Mediterranean Spot Where Every Bite Feels Like Home

Now open for dinner and still serving heart on a plate, from breakfast to brunch

Tucked under the trees of Church Street in Johannesburg North is a café that doesn’t need neon signs or influencers to earn loyal regulars. The Village Café in Fourways is one of those rare places that feels like it was made just for you, whether you’re popping in for a pastry or settling in for a proper plate of pasta.

Family-run, Mediterranean-inspired, and proudly local, this is a café where flavour and familiarity go hand in hand.

Also read: Hidden in the Garden: Why JaJa Tea Garden Is Jozi’s Most Wholesome Secret

Made With Heritage, Served With Heart

At the centre of The Village Café is Head Chef Tina, whose cooking tells the story of her family’s Greek, Italian, and Portuguese roots. The menu celebrates those traditions, with rustic dishes like slow-cooked stews, fresh morning bakes, and stand-out sandwiches like the now-iconic rump panino.

Running the front of house is her son Pete, who brings the kind of personal touch that makes every guest feel like a friend. The rest of the team, baristas, waiters, chefs, and even social media minds, are all part of the extended café family.

Fan-Favourite? The Rump Panino, No Contest

If there’s one dish that sums up what this place is all about, it’s the rump panino: 150 g of lemony, herbed rump layered on crispy ciabatta, topped with caramelised onions, rocket, and chimichurri. It’s messy, rich, and totally unforgettable.

Their coffee is just as loved; baristas like Peter, Brandon, and Tshimo have quietly built a cult following of caffeine lovers who won’t go anywhere else.

Now Open for Dinner Too

Locals can rejoice; The Village Café now serves dinner. After years of perfecting breakfast, brunch, and lunch, the team has expanded their hours so that evening diners can experience their hearty Mediterranean plates in a cosy, laid-back setting.

Trading hours:
Tuesday to Sunday: 8:00 to 16:00
Now open for dinner service (check for evening hours when booking)

Image 1: Facebook/The Village Café

Not Just a Café; A Community

What makes The Village Café truly special is the people. The website proudly lists every staff member by name, from Tamryn and Morgan to Chef Mac and digital whizz Eddy, creating a sense of community that extends beyond the kitchen.

Even their hiring approach is local-first; they regularly offer roles to gap year students who want to learn the ropes in hospitality or coffee-making.

Got a Party? Host It Here

Planning a celebration? The Village Café offers event hosting for up to 60 people. Whether it’s a birthday brunch or a laid-back dinner party, they’ve got Mediterranean platters and barista-poured drinks to match the vibe.

Why This Café Deserves a Spot on Your List

In a Joburg scene where cafés can feel formulaic, The Village Café stays true to what matters: real food, real people, and a relaxed atmosphere that keeps customers coming back. It’s not about gimmicks. It’s about generational flavours, family pride, and a panino you’ll be thinking about all week.

Also read: Cali Cocktail Bar Brings Sunset Sophistication to Sandton

Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter , TikTok and Instagram

For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com

Source: Wix.com

Featured Image: Facebook/The Village Café