Brews & Bites
CowFish: The Jozi Eatery Serving Sushi, Steaks, and Big Flavour in One Stylish Space
Choosing a place to eat in Johannesburg can be an Olympic sport. One friend wants sushi, another has been dreaming about ribs all week, someone else insists on a proper burger, and of course, there is always that one person who will only show up if there is a good cocktail menu. CowFish has stepped into that chaos with a calm confidence and a simple promise. Everyone at the table will be happy.
The brand has built a loyal following in South Africa for exactly this reason. It blends American roadhouse comfort, Japanese precision, and the relaxed energy of contemporary Jozi dining. All of it is wrapped inside a sleek Art Deco setting that nods to old-school glamour without feeling intimidating. Think warm lighting, glossy accents, and the kind of modern polish that still feels like you can kick back and laugh without worrying about the cutlery.
A Restaurant That Understands the Jozi Mood
CowFish may serve a mix of cuisines, yet nothing on the menu feels random. The concept is grounded in a simple idea. Contrasting cravings can coexist beautifully. This approach resonates with local diners who often look for restaurants that can handle everything from a quick family meal to a first date you secretly hope becomes something more.
The atmosphere is one of the brand’s biggest selling points. CowFish has deliberately crafted a space that looks stylish enough for a celebration while still giving off that open, relaxed energy Joburgers appreciate. It is the kind of place where friends meet after work, where parents treat the kids on weekends, and where couples find themselves ordering dessert even when they insisted they would not.
Handmade Burgers That Keep Their Street Cred
Forget flat, generic patties. CowFish builds its burgers from scratch using select cuts of beef that are seasoned and grilled to medium perfection unless you request otherwise. They arrive on toasted buns with toppings that range from simple to unapologetically indulgent.
Highlights from the menu include the Full House with Gouda, bacon, mustard, and a fried egg; the fiery Mantears layered with jalapeno mayo and house chilli, and the Navy Marine, where grilled Sriracha prawns sit proudly on a beef patty. For something rich and earthy, the Saucy Truffle Shroom brings together cheese sauce and a truffle mushroom mix. Even the vegetarian Savage Garden, made from a chickpea falafel-style patty, tastes like it belongs on the same podium as the beef crowd.
All burgers are served with fries because at CowFish, that is simply nonnegotiable.
Sushi for Every Kind of Craving
While many restaurants offer sushi as an add-on, CowFish treats it with the respect it deserves. The selection is large, fresh, and imaginative. You will find everything from classic sashimi and nigiri to rolls layered with spicy mayo, seared salmon, teriyaki glaze, and delicate gold dust.
Popular favourites include the Green Dragon with its spicy salmon base, the Double Crunch crowned with tempura flakes, and the Pink Cadillac with seared tuna and paprika mayo. For indecisive diners, the platters are a lifeline, offering everything from salmon-focused combos to mixed collections of roses, grenades, and tacos.
Whether you are a purist or someone who enjoys a bit of theatre on your plate, the sushi menu covers it all.
Flame-Grilled Steaks and Seafood Worth the Hype
Grilling at CowFish is an art form. The steaks are carefully aged, basted in Asian-style sauces, and cooked with clear attention to tenderness. Signature choices include the Fillet Mignon, the 600g Tomahawk, and the Chilli Teriyaki Beef Fillet topped with a glossy mixture of chilli and teriyaki.
For seafood lovers, CowFish makes good on its name. Diners can choose from prawns grilled to perfection, kingklip seasoned with the brand’s secret spice, salmon glazed with teriyaki, or a full platter for two stacked with prawns, calamari, and fish. Portions are generous, and the flavours are clean, comforting, and bold.
Image 1: Facebook/Cowfish South Africa
Cocktails That Feel Like a Mini Holiday
Jozi loves a good cocktail, and CowFish treats its bar menu like a headline act. The drinks list ranges from classics like a Cosmopolitan or Pina Colada to modern creations built with watermelon syrup, grapefruit fizz, blood orange, or elderflower. Mojitos come in several fruity variations, and the G and T selection gives regular gin nights a creative twist.
The Espresso Martini is especially popular on social media thanks to its creamy mix of espresso, cream, Amarula, and Kahlua. It is the kind of sweet kick that ends a long day perfectly.
Desserts That Deserve Their Own Fanbase
CowFish finishes strong with desserts that lean into comfort. The Viral Dubai Brownie arrives warm under a layer of pistachio cream and kataifi pastry. The Asian Apple Pie is tucked inside delicate pastry sheets. The Chocolate Meltdown has that dramatic molten centre everyone secretly hopes for.
Why Joburgers Keep Coming Back
CowFish has mastered something that most South African restaurants struggle to balance. It offers variety without losing identity, style without stiffness, and flavour without fuss. Locals love it because it feels reliable yet exciting, familiar yet adventurous. Families appreciate the wide menu, couples love the atmosphere, and friends adore the cocktails.
It has become one of those places Joburgers mention when someone says, “I am craving something, but I do not know what.”
CowFish replies. Try everything.
Also read: Grub Worx: Soweto’s Self-Made Burger Spot on the Move
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Source: cow-fish.co.za
Featured Image: Facebook/Cowfish South Africa
