Beyond the Chopsticks: KOI Menlyn Maine Is Redefining Pretoria’s Fine Dining Scene

Refined sushi, rooftop sunsets, and modern Asian elegance meet in the capital

There’s something quietly confident about KOI Menlyn Maine. Tucked into the luxury precinct of Pretoria’s Central Square, it doesn’t need to shout to be noticed. It speaks in flavour. In texture. In stillness between chopsticks. And in that unmistakable clink of a cocktail glass against a backdrop of curated calm.

This is not your regular Friday-night sushi run. KOI is an experience, and if you know, you know.

Also read: The Kitchen of Oz: Smash Burgers, Brisket and Big Flavour in Emmarentia

Asian cuisine with a Jozi–Pretoria flair

At KOI Menlyn Maine, expect an interplay of tradition and innovation. The menu speaks fluent Asia but with a cosmopolitan accent. Think dim sum bursting with prawn or duck, fire-grilled wagyu beef, spicy ramen bowls, and some of the finest sushi arrangements in Gauteng.

The KOI Sensation platter is a feast of their house specialities, while firecracker roses and seared tuna tataki elevate the sushi game from casual to ceremonial. And if you’re craving something warm and rich, the miso-glazed beef ribs or Thai coconut curries won’t let you down.

Everything here feels intentional, from the soy reduction on a lamb riblet to the perfect chill on their signature cocktails.

16th by KOI: Rooftop romance above the city

Just a few floors above the restaurant sits 16th by KOI, its elegant rooftop sibling perched atop The Capital Trilogy. It’s not just the view that draws you in, although that uninterrupted skyline over Waterkloof Glen is worth a pause. It’s the sense that you’ve arrived somewhere special.

Here, dishes take on a slightly more elevated twist. You’ll find grilled linefish with herb gremolata, wagyu spring rolls, mushroom beef fillet with truffle purée, and some of the best sliders in the city. The drinks menu follows suit: Aperol spritzes, passion fruit fizz, and whisky sours that match the sunset’s mood.

This is where Pretoria’s power lunches turn into dinner dates and milestone celebrations. The kind of place that feels like a secret, even when it’s fully booked.

Image 1: Facebook/16th by KOI

No detail too small

What sets KOI apart is its insistence on quality, not just in the food, but in the rhythm of service, the balance of textures, and the atmosphere. There’s no overdone frill here. Just elegance, restraint, and a devotion to letting flavours speak for themselves.

Whether you’re sipping jasmine tea on a quiet afternoon or sharing soft-shell crab bao under mood lighting, the feeling is the same: KOI invites you to pause, to indulge, and to appreciate the quiet luxury of doing things well.

Pretoria’s answer to sophisticated simplicity

In a city where new openings often chase trends, KOI plays a longer game. It isn’t just about fusion or fire; it’s about finesse. And that’s what keeps diners coming back. That sense that you’ve tasted something thoughtful. Something earned.

Whether you’re a regular ordering your favourite poke bowl or visiting for a special occasion on the 16th floor, KOI Menlyn Maine delivers more than just a meal. It delivers a mood.

Also read: Cilantros Johannesburg: A Luxe Feast for the Senses in Nelson Mandela Square

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Source: KOI Restaurant | Menlyn Maine

Featured Image: Facebook/KOI Restaurants