Decor
1 / 10

The Living Room Maboneng Johannesburg

4.4
·1k reviews·Johannesburg, South Africa

A lush, plant-filled rooftop cafe in Maboneng, Johannesburg, offering healthy meze, cocktails, and vibrant city views.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekend afternoons

Live DJs and vibrant energy

CrowdHigh
Loading map...
Decor

The Living Room Maboneng Johannesburg

Best Time

Weekend afternoons

Live DJs and vibrant energy

CrowdHigh
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A lush, plant-filled rooftop cafe in Maboneng, Johannesburg, offering healthy meze, cocktails, and vibrant city views.

4.4
(1k reviews)

"A green oasis in the heart of Johannesburg, offering great food, drinks, and vibes with a DJ on the decks."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Rooftop Views Galore

Capture stunning cityscapes, especially at sunset. Bring your camera for memorable shots!

🌿 Embrace the Greenery

The venue is famous for its abundant plants. It's a unique urban jungle experience.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Rooftop Garden Oasis

Rooftop Garden Oasis

Maboneng Precinct

A lush, plant-filled sanctuary offering a unique escape with stunning city views. Perfect for photos and relaxation.

Instagram+1
Vibrant Weekend Atmosphere

Vibrant Weekend Atmosphere

Main Change Building, 5th Floor

Experience local DJs spinning tunes, creating a lively ambiance ideal for socializing and enjoying the Maboneng vibe.

InstagramReddit
Modern Pan-African Menu

Modern Pan-African Menu

Cafe Area

Savor healthy meze, sharing plates, and creative cocktails with a unique Pan-African twist. Vegan options available.

Reddit
Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Green Oasis

Discover The Living Room, a unique rooftop cafe in Maboneng, Johannesburg, known for its lush greenery and vibrant atmosphere. It's a perfect spot for relaxed meze and cocktails with city views. Instagram

Timing is Key for Vibes

Visit on weekends for live DJs and a buzzing atmosphere, or consider weekdays for a more relaxed experience. Sunset can get warm, but umbrellas are available. InstagramReddit

Best Times

When
Weekend afternoons
Why
Live DJs and vibrant energy
Crowd
High
When
Sunset
Why
Golden hour city views
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday evenings
Why
Relaxed atmosphere
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Walking around Johannesburg CBD,South Africa #jozi #walkingtour #joburg #johannesburg #southafrica @cityofjoburg
@thetownwalk
27.4K likes • 857.6K views

🎯 Rooftop Views Galore

Capture stunning cityscapes, especially at sunset. Bring your camera for memorable shots! InstagramReddit

🌿 Embrace the Greenery

The venue is famous for its abundant plants. It's a unique urban jungle experience. InstagramReddit

📍 @NH Johannesburg Sandton has a poolside lunch offering on the last Sunday of every month. The views , food and live saxophonist were such a 10/10 #thingstodoinjoburg #familyfriendly #nhjohannesburgsandton
@_thandomashiyane
20.2K likes • 227.3K views
Living Room | Jozi experience ✨ Eco Urban Venue ~ incredible lush gardens creating a super vibey spot 🪴 Open to the public most weekends with local DJs performing Venue available for private and corporate functions ✨ 📍20 Kruger Street 5th Floor Main Change Building Maboneng Precinct Johannesburg #livingroom #jozi #jozicentral #maboneng #011 #foodie #localfoodie #jozivibes #southafrica #sa ...
girlandcomeetsthingstodo
299 likes • 16.3K views

🎶 Weekend DJ Sets

Enjoy local DJs on weekends for a lively, music-filled atmosphere. InstagramReddit

🚗 Parking Challenges

Parking can be tricky in Maboneng; consider ride-sharing or arriving early. Reddit

Ever wondered what a wedding looks like at Living Room? Today we are featuring the wedding of @diandrahaupt and @yakumoscow ☺️🌸 📸 @okay_deer #weddingvenue #rooftopvenue #sareels #johannesburg #urbanvenue #weddingideas #weddinginspiration #weddingphotography #greenery #livingwalls #maboneng #weddingdress #rooftopviews #jozivibes #weddingdecor #weddingstylist #weddingplanner #greenweddingshoes #...
livingroom.jozi
52 likes • 3.2K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Rooftop Views Galore

Capture stunning cityscapes, especially at sunset. Bring your camera for memorable shots! InstagramReddit

🌿 Embrace the Greenery

The venue is famous for its abundant plants. It's a unique urban jungle experience. InstagramReddit

🎶 Weekend DJ Sets

Enjoy local DJs on weekends for a lively, music-filled atmosphere. InstagramReddit

🚗 Parking Challenges

Parking can be tricky in Maboneng; consider ride-sharing or arriving early. Reddit

☀️ Sunset Heat

It can get warm at sunset, but handheld umbrellas are provided for comfort. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.4
(1k reviews)

Reviews Summary

The Living Room is widely praised as a unique rooftop oasis in Johannesburg's Maboneng Precinct, offering a vibrant atmosphere with lush greenery, great city views, and a lively weekend vibe thanks to local DJs. Reviewers highlight the delicious, healthy Pan-African inspired food and creative cocktails, noting the reasonable prices and friendly service. While parking can be a challenge and it can get warm at sunset, the overall experience is highly recommended for its unique ambiance and enjoyable offerings.

"It’s such a lovely spot — a reminder of how beautiful Joburg is, and how stunning downtown could be if well maintained."

Gabriella Bartlet

"After we were stranded in a completely wrong rooftop bar - which we quickly left before the bad vibe did us any permanent damage - we ended up here. Jackpot. Berlin minimal tech house in the air, a green oasis instead of a concrete jungle, plus a view of Johannesburg that almost makes you forget that we're not in Cape Town. The prices were a dream. The service was friendly, fast and without a hipster attitude. DJing here is definitely just as much fun as coming here as a music lover."

Tilman Benecke

"If I could rate with 0 I would do that.

We had our company year end function there and all was pre-organised and communicated - but it was a disaster!

Our welcome drink was put on the bar counter 1.5 hours after all guests arrived. The food was not enough (and not even on time!) - it was a total of 44 plates for more than 60 people - so people had to share plates. The bathrooms were disgusting - still dirty from the night before, no light, no soap nothing - and we started from 11H00 onwards - so more than enough time to prepare for an event. The promised Mic that we needed for a speech went missing and luckily the DJ made it work with what they had (almost nothing! although the promises were different).

It was a disaster and I would stay away from them! They didn't understand the lack of service they had."

Kerstin Bahnmueller

What People Like

Lush rooftop garden
Stunning city views
Vibrant weekend atmosphere

What People Dislike

Parking can be difficult
Can get hot at sunset

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Living Room is located on the 5th Floor of the Main Change Building at 20 Kruger Street in the Maboneng Precinct, Johannesburg. It's accessible by car, but parking can be challenging. Many visitors opt for ride-sharing services like Uber or Bolt for convenience. InstagramReddit

Maboneng has undergone significant urban regeneration. While generally safe, it's always advisable to be aware of your surroundings, especially after dark. Stick to well-lit areas and consider using ride-sharing services. TikTok

Ride-sharing apps like Uber and Bolt are highly recommended for getting to and around Maboneng, offering a safe and convenient way to navigate the city. TikTok

Yes, walking is a great way to explore the Maboneng Precinct and discover its unique art, shops, and cafes. However, always stay aware of your surroundings. TikTok

While there isn't direct heavy rail access, some bus routes may pass through or near the Maboneng Precinct. Ride-sharing remains the most popular and practical option for most visitors. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The Living Room is generally open to the public, especially on weekends, and does not typically require advance ticket purchase for entry as a cafe or bar. However, for private events or specific themed nights, booking might be necessary. Instagram

The Living Room is most active and open to the public on weekends, often featuring DJs. Specific opening hours can vary, so it's best to check their social media or website for the most up-to-date information. Instagram

Typically, there is no entrance fee to access The Living Room as a patron. You pay for food and drinks consumed. Reddit

Yes, The Living Room is available for private and corporate functions, including weddings and parties. Inquire directly with the venue for booking details. Instagram+1

As a venue serving alcohol, it's generally expected that patrons are of legal drinking age. Specific policies may vary. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The Living Room offers a modern Pan-African menu featuring healthy meze, sharing plates, and salads. They also have a selection of creative cocktails and smoothies. Reddit

Yes, the menu is accommodating to dietary needs, with vegan options available and modifications often possible to suit vegetarian preferences. Reddit

Reviewers mention that the prices are considered a 'dream' and very reasonable, especially for the quality and experience offered. Reddit

Yes, they serve delicious cappuccinos, often with attractive designs on top. Reddit

Absolutely! The menu is designed around meze and sharing plates, making it ideal for groups and a relaxed dining experience. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The Living Room is incredibly photogenic with its lush greenery, unique rooftop setting, and city views, making it a popular spot for photoshoots and capturing memorable moments. InstagramReddit

Golden hour, just before sunset, offers beautiful lighting for cityscapes. However, the vibrant greenery is stunning at any time of day. Instagram

The venue is often used for photoshoots, including weddings and lifestyle content. Its unique aesthetic makes it a sought-after location. Instagram+1

Generally, personal photography is welcomed. For professional or commercial shoots, it's advisable to inquire with the venue beforehand. Instagram

Expect shots of the urban jungle, panoramic city views, creative food and drink presentations, and vibrant social scenes. InstagramReddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Living Room can be a unique outing for families, especially during weekend afternoons when the atmosphere is lively but not overly rowdy. The abundance of plants might captivate younger visitors, and the sharing plates can be a fun way for everyone to try different foods. Reddit

Consider visiting earlier in the afternoon to enjoy the space before it potentially gets busier or more adult-focused later in the evening. While not a dedicated playground, the open rooftop space offers a different environment for kids to experience. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

The Living Room is praised for its reasonable prices, especially considering the unique rooftop experience and the quality of food and drinks. Reviewers have described the prices as a 'dream,' making it an accessible option for those looking for value. Reddit

Opting for sharing plates and enjoying the vibrant atmosphere with a few well-chosen drinks can be a cost-effective way to experience the Maboneng Precinct and enjoy a memorable evening without breaking the bank. Reddit

📸 Instagrammers & Photographers

This venue is a photographer's paradise! The lush greenery, combined with the stunning city views, especially during golden hour, provides endless opportunities for breathtaking shots. InstagramReddit

Don't miss capturing the unique rooftop aesthetic, the artfully presented food and drinks, and the vibrant weekend DJ sets. It’s a perfect spot to create visually appealing content for social media. Instagram+1

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Maboneng Precinct Experience

The Living Room is nestled within the Maboneng Precinct, a vibrant urban regeneration project in Johannesburg's CBD. Once a neglected industrial area, Maboneng has been transformed into a hub of creativity, culture, and community. It's known for its street art, independent boutiques, galleries, and unique eateries, offering a glimpse into Johannesburg's evolving urban landscape. TikTokInstagram

Exploring Maboneng is an adventure in itself. Wander through its streets to discover murals, pop-up shops, and the general buzz of a city coming alive. The precinct aims to foster a live-work-play environment, attracting artists, entrepreneurs, and residents who appreciate its dynamic atmosphere. TikTok

Visiting The Living Room is often a highlight of a Maboneng exploration. Its rooftop location provides a unique perspective on the precinct and the wider city, offering a tranquil escape amidst the urban energy. Instagram

Rooftop Ambiance and Views

What sets The Living Room apart is its stunning rooftop setting. It's described as a 'green oasis' and an 'Amazon living room,' filled with an abundance of plants that create a lush, natural escape from the concrete jungle. This unique botanical theme is a major draw for visitors seeking a serene and visually appealing environment. InstagramReddit+1

The panoramic views of Johannesburg from the rooftop are another significant attraction. Reviewers often compare the vistas to those of Cape Town, highlighting the beauty of the cityscape, especially during sunset. This makes it an ideal spot for sundowners and enjoying the city's transformation. InstagramReddit

During weekends, the atmosphere is amplified by local DJs, adding a lively soundtrack to the experience. This blend of natural beauty, urban views, and music creates a memorable and engaging ambiance that many visitors rave about. InstagramReddit

Culinary Delights and Drinks

The Living Room's menu is a celebration of modern Pan-African cuisine, focusing on healthy and flavorful dishes. They are particularly known for their meze and sharing plates, encouraging a communal dining experience. This approach aligns with the relaxed and social vibe of the venue. Reddit

Dishes like hummus are highlighted as delicious and unique, and the menu is noted for its accommodating nature, with vegan options readily available and modifications possible for other dietary needs. This inclusivity makes it a welcoming spot for a diverse range of diners. Reddit

Beyond the food, the cocktails are a significant part of the experience, often featuring creative twists inspired by the Pan-African theme. Even simple drinks like cappuccinos are noted for their quality and presentation, adding to the overall enjoyment of the visit. Reddit