Flavour Faves

Latin Soul Meets African Roots: Inside Melville’s Artüro

Published

5 hours ago

September 9, 2025

Chiraag

Artüro Johannesburg, tapas bar Melville, tequila cocktails Joburg, Afro Latino cuisine Johannesburg, vibrant restaurant Melville, margaritas Johannesburg, nightlife Melville, Joburg ETC

A Taste of Two Worlds in Melville

Melville has always been Joburg’s bohemian playground, a place where cultures collide and creativity spills onto the pavements. Among its quirky cafés and lively bars sits Artüro, a tapas and tequila bar that has quickly become a local favourite.

Here, the spirit of Latin America meets the soul of Africa. It’s not just a restaurant. It is a celebration of rhythm, flavour, and community, created by founder Tania, who built the space around her travels and childhood memories. The motto “We Serve Joy” is more than a slogan. It’s exactly what the team sets out to deliver every night.

The Food: Bold, Playful, and Perfect for Sharing

Artüro’s menu is a passport to both continents. From Mexican-style birria beef tacos to South African-inspired breakfast plates, the dishes balance authenticity with a local twist.

Highlights include empanadas stuffed with chicken, fiery albóndigas meatballs, and churro pancakes that take breakfast to indulgent heights. The tacos are the true stars: slow-cooked lamb barbacoa, beer-battered fish, or veggie versions with roasted brinjals and avocado crema. For groups, there are boards and platters made for sharing, like the taco wheel with 12 tortillas and multiple fillings.

Desserts lean playful and bold. Pavlova comes with tequila-spiked lemon curd, and chocolate truffles are laced with habanero chillies. Even the waffles arrive with caramel shards for extra drama.

The Drinks: A Shrine to Tequila

If the food is about balance, the drinks are about celebration. Artüro’s bar shines brightest with its range of tequila cocktails and mezcal infusions. The margarita list alone could keep you returning for weeks: pineapple, spicy mango, limoncello, and even jug-sized versions designed for sharing.

Signature drinks like the Champagne Margarita or the Oaxacan Old Fashioned reveal just how much care goes into every pour. For those who prefer something gentler, mocktails like the Virgin Piña Colada or Abstinence on the Beach offer all the fun without the alcohol.

Johannesburg tequila bar, Afro Latino tapas Joburg, Artüro restaurant Melville, tequila cocktails South Africa, best tacos Johannesburg, Melville dining scene, festive bar Joburg, Joburg ETC

Image 1: Uber Eats

The Atmosphere: Melville Energy with Latin Heat

Step through the doors and you’re met with colour, music, and energy. The space is designed for fun nights out, whether you’re celebrating, catching up with friends, or simply curious about Afro-Latino dining.

Social events like Afro-Latin Sundays, where salsa, kizomba, and bachata take over the floor, and Artüro Fridays with DJs or live bands, turn the restaurant into a community hub. Locals love that it offers more than food and drinks. It’s a place to dance, laugh, and make memories.

Why Artüro Matters

In a city filled with restaurants, Artüro stands out for its unapologetic embrace of two cultures that thrive on rhythm and flavour. It’s also a reminder that Joburg is at its best when it mixes influences. The Afro-Latino fusion here feels natural, joyful, and distinctly Melville.

For Joburgers, it offers an escape without leaving the city. For visitors, it’s a taste of the city’s cosmopolitan character. Either way, Artüro is an experience that lingers long after the last margarita glass is empty.