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A Taste of the Med, with Joburg Flair: Why Piatto at Mall of the South Hits the Sweet Spot

Published

3 months ago

June 4, 2025

Chiraag

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Where Mediterranean soul food meets local heart – here’s why Piatto Mall of the South has the South buzzing.

If you’ve lived in Johannesburg long enough, you know that good food isn’t just a luxury – it’s a lifestyle. And while the city is full of gems, there’s something quietly magnetic about Piatto at Mall of the South. Nestled in the sleek and ever-growing southern suburbs, this Mediterranean restaurant isn’t just feeding patrons – it’s becoming a local tradition.

Also read: Hudsons Burger Joint Parkhurst: Jozi’s Favourite Spot for Legendary Burgers

The vibe: casual class with a Joburg edge

The first thing you notice when you walk into Piatto is that it’s welcoming without trying too hard. Think: crisp white tablecloths, warm lighting, the clink of glasses, and that unmistakable aroma of garlic and lemon drifting from the kitchen.

Set within the stylish Mall of the South – a retail hub that’s turned Aspen Hills into a destination rather than a detour – Piatto holds its own among fashion boutiques and lifestyle stores. But while the mall pulses with Joburg energy, Piatto provides a slower, more indulgent rhythm.

It’s the kind of place where families gather for Sunday lunch, couples lean in over glasses of wine, and colleagues debrief the work week over chargrilled calamari.

What’s on the plate? Comfort with a cosmopolitan twist

At its core, Piatto is proudly Mediterranean – inspired by Italian, Greek, Portuguese, and even a touch of Middle Eastern cuisine. But don’t expect fine dining pretension. The menu is broad and hearty, designed to please both adventurous palates and comfort-food seekers.

Fan favourites include their legendary seafood platters, loaded with prawns, mussels, and calamari – fresh, flame-grilled, and perfect for sharing. Their signature steaks and ribs cater to the Joburg appetite for generous portions, while their creamy pastas and crispy pizzas hit all the right nostalgic notes.

And let’s not forget dessert. If you leave without trying the baklava or the melt-in-your-mouth crème brûlée, you’ve missed out on a finale worth writing home about.

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Image 1: Facebook/Piatto Restaurant & Grill

Service that makes you stay a little longer

One thing that sets Piatto apart from the glut of generic mall eateries is the hospitality. The staff know their regulars, they make spot-on recommendations, and they serve with the kind of attentiveness that’s become rare in big-city dining.

On social media, diners consistently praise the warm atmosphere and reliable service. “Feels like a second home,” one regular commented on Facebook. “You always leave full – belly and heart,” wrote another on Instagram.

The Piatto legacy – and what makes this branch special

For those unfamiliar, Piatto isn’t a newcomer to the South African dining scene. With locations around the country, it’s built a reputation over the years for quality Mediterranean fare at accessible prices.

But the Mall of the South branch feels personal – likely because of its mix of loyal locals, the stylish suburban setting, and a menu that continues to evolve without abandoning its roots.

This isn’t just a restaurant that serves food – it’s one that reflects the community around it.

Come for the food, stay for the feel

In a city where dining often comes with a side of hype, Piatto keeps things refreshingly real. It’s consistent, heartfelt, and genuinely enjoyable – whether you’re popping in for a quick business lunch or celebrating a milestone with the whole family.

So the next time you’re south of the city and craving something familiar yet flavourful, Piatto at Mall of the South should be at the top of your list.

Looking for a spot that balances flavour, comfort, and that unmistakable Joburg soul?
Book a table at Piatto Mall of the South – and bring your appetite.