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Inside Villa Bianca: A Mediterranean–Sushi Oasis Hidden in Kempton Park

Published

2 months ago

August 14, 2025

Chiraag

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Where old-world charm meets flaming sushi, fine wine, and phenomenal steak

Just off Barbara Road, in a quiet pocket of Croydon, Kempton Park, sits a culinary institution that’s been quietly building a legacy for 25 years. Villa Bianca Mediterranean Cuisine & Sushi Restaurant is not your average neighbourhood spot. It’s a fine dining experience layered with texture, where grilled lamb shanks meet imported salmon sashimi, and Cognac-flambéed steaks are as much theatre as they are a meal.

If you know, you know. If you don’t, you’re about to.

Award-winning wine and unforgettable fire shows

Villa Bianca is proudly owner-run and fiercely passionate about consistency. It shows, both in service and in their globally recognised wine list, which won platinum in the Diners Club International Wine List of the Year awards in 2008, 2009, and again in 2013.

Whether you’re sipping a bold red alongside a slow-roasted Kleftiko lamb shank or pairing crisp white wine with freshly shucked oysters, the experience is meticulously thought out.

But it’s not just about the wine. This is a place where sushi rolls arrive in flames. Their Sushi on Fire™ range includes show-stopping creations like the Golden Flaming Roses or the Famous Fire Roll, flamed tableside for drama and flavour in equal measure.

From Camembert-topped fillet to crocodile carpaccio

Villa Bianca’s new menu is bold, blending Mediterranean comfort food with Japanese precision. Their Fillet on the Bone, flambéed in Cognac at your table, is a local favourite, while their Crocodile Carpaccio adds something truly unique to the Joburg fine-dining scene. And yes, there’s Wagyu. The Wagyu Rib-eye and Wagyu Burger both feature premium marbling and punchy garnishes.

Looking for seafood? Think Tuna Chateau, char-grilled sea bass, or 8 Queen Prawns with lemon butter. Even their poke bowls are elevated, with Scottish salmon and spicy sauces playing centre stage.

Old favourites, like Greek Kleftiko, seafood fettuccine, oxtail pasta, and wood-fired pizzas, remain firmly in place.

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Image 1: Facebook/Villa Bianca

Sushi, but make it theatrical

Sushi is not an afterthought here. It’s an experience. From flame-seared Tiger vs. Dragon rolls to Springbok Roses with Camembert and strawberries, the combinations are daring, localised, and visually striking. You’ll also find biltong battleships, crocodile roses, and Tempura cream cheese sushi topped with popping candy.

And if you just want the classics? Salmon sashimi, tuna maki, fashion sandwiches, and handrolls are all there too.

Perfect for pre-flight dining or a VIP event

Located just 10 minutes from OR Tambo International Airport, Villa Bianca is ideally situated for business travellers, long layovers, and locals alike. The venue offers more than a great meal; it’s also a top choice for private functions, elegant luncheons, and conferencing.

The stylish courtyard cocktail lounge features a fountain and soft lighting, while the VIP private venue and secure parking make it a reliable option for everything from birthday dinners to client hosting.

A restaurant with soul, not just style

What makes Villa Bianca truly stand out is the warmth of its service. This isn’t a revolving-door kitchen. It’s owner-operated, hands-on, and personal. Many of the staff have been there for years, and the attention to detail is unwavering, from how your steak is flambéed to how the sushi is plated.

For those who appreciate consistency, flavour, and a little flair, Villa Bianca is one of Johannesburg’s best-kept culinary secrets.