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From Park Picnics to Pizza Nights: 33 Olive Tree Brings New Life to Craighall’s Favourite Spot

Published

3 months ago

June 6, 2025

Chiraag

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In a city that thrives on community corners and family hangouts, 33 Olive Tree Johannesburg has quietly become one of Craighall Park’s most loved neighbourhood spaces. Once known as AJ’s in the Park, the venue has been refreshed and reimagined – but the relaxed charm and child-friendly soul that made it a staple remain firmly intact.

This isn’t just another Joburg restaurant. It’s a space where good food, open air, and local connection all live under one olive tree canopy.

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A New Name, A Familiar Feeling

Set at 33 Abercorn Avenue in the heart of Craighall Park, 33 Olive Tree feels like a natural evolution of AJ’s rather than a total overhaul. The venue now features curated seating zones, a larger shaded deck for big tables and gatherings, and multiple open-air setups under trees and Bedouin tents. It’s still dog-friendly, stroller-friendly, and perfect for barefoot kids – just with a little more polish.

Locals who loved AJ’s will be relieved to know the laid-back spirit hasn’t gone anywhere. If anything, it’s only grown more intentional.

A Menu That’s Comfort-First, Family-Approved

You won’t find overdone fine dining here – and that’s part of the appeal. The menu at 33 Olive Tree hits the sweet spot between classic and crowd-pleasing.

Regulars rave about the AJ’s wood-fired pizza (still on the menu, with toppings like Parma ham and brie), fresh calamari and crisped fries, gourmet burgers, and sharing salads. Kids have their own dedicated menu with better-than-average options, and the coffee (or wine, if you’re leaning that way) flows freely all day.

Bonus: meals are affordably priced for families, which isn’t always easy to find in northern Joburg.

It’s Built Around the Kids – And It Shows

While the food’s great, the real magic of 33 Olive Tree lies in how deeply considered the space is for children.

There’s a large playground with jungle gyms, sand pits, trampolines, and shaded soft-play zones for toddlers. On weekends and public holidays, supervised play areas with childminders, crafts, and jumping castles allow parents to unwind while little ones stay safe and entertained.

It’s one of the few places in Johannesburg where you can enjoy a glass of bubbly while your kids are giggling under a tree 10 metres away – not glued to a screen.

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Image 1: Facebook/OliveTree33

Markets, Music and Local Makers

What really sets the venue apart in 2025 is its growing role as a community events hub. Every few weeks, the team hosts the Craighall Collective Market – a showcase of over 60 local traders, artisans, crafters, and food vendors. Expect anything from live music and boerewors rolls to ethically made toys, plants, and jewellery.

These events draw a loyal mix of parents, locals, creatives, and small business owners and have become part of the area’s social fabric.

What the Locals Say

Scroll through their Instagram, and you’ll see glowing feedback from families, dog walkers, and date-night diners alike. One user put it perfectly:

“It’s still AJ’s in soul – just grown up a little. The vibe is chill, the food’s great, and the kids are always happy. What more do you need?”

Plan Your Visit

Location: 33 Abercorn Avenue, Craighall Park, Johannesburg
Open: Mondays to Sundays, breakfast through late lunch
Events: Keep an eye on Linktree for market dates, special events and seasonal pop-ups

Whether you’re meeting a friend for a coffee, letting the kids burn energy, or spending a lazy Saturday in the sun, 33 Olive Tree is the kind of place that makes Johannesburg feel like home again.