
MAMASAMBA
Experience a vibrant, double-story jungle oasis blending African and Brazilian flavors with signature cocktails and a festive atmosphere.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

MAMASAMBA

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience a vibrant, double-story jungle oasis blending African and Brazilian flavors with signature cocktails and a festive atmosphere.
"The aesthetic is 10 out of 10, both inside and outside!"
Try the Tacos
Highly recommended by reviewers, the tacos are a flavorful small plate option.
Consider Mocktails
Delicious non-alcoholic beverage options are available and highly praised.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
African, Brazilian, Latin American
Price
$$$
Phone
+27 10 110 0313
Address
Cradock Ave, Rosebank, Johannesburg, 2198, South Africa
Website
mamasamba.co.za/Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Immersive Jungle Ambiance
A vibrant, double-story jungle-themed venue with a live-fire kitchen and DJ creating an energetic, festive atmosphere.

Fusion of African & Brazilian Flavors
Experience unique dishes blending African and Brazilian influences, from inventive creations to classic favorites.

Signature Cocktails
Indulge in expertly crafted signature cocktails, with some reviewers noting they are 'dangerously good'.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Try the Tacos
Highly recommended by reviewers, the tacos are a flavorful small plate option.
Consider Mocktails
Delicious non-alcoholic beverage options are available and highly praised.
Explore Big Plates
To form a complete opinion, try the larger 'big plates' in addition to small dishes.
Seek Friendly Staff
Service quality can vary; look for attentive and friendly staff for a better experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
Try the Tacos
Highly recommended by reviewers, the tacos are a flavorful small plate option.
Consider Mocktails
Delicious non-alcoholic beverage options are available and highly praised.
Explore Big Plates
To form a complete opinion, try the larger 'big plates' in addition to small dishes.
Seek Friendly Staff
Service quality can vary; look for attentive and friendly staff for a better experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
MAMASAMBA is celebrated for its stunning jungle-themed ambiance and lively atmosphere, often enhanced by a DJ. While the cocktails and some small plates like tacos receive high praise, opinions on the main dishes are mixed, with some finding them bland or inconsistent, and service can occasionally be a point of concern. Despite varied feedback on food and service, many recommend it for its unique vibe and visually appealing setting, suggesting a return visit to explore more of the menu.
"We visited Mamasamba during restaurant week and I was blown away! The food was exquisite, the service impeccable. The manager constantly came to check up on us and the vibe was so fun! We sat upstairs and there was a live DJ jamming away. The decor is gorgeous and so unique! But the chef deserves a medal, because the different flavours were incredible and I cannot give them a higher recommendation. Thank you for a wonderful evening!"
Sharné Keizer
"Cocktails are very strong! It’s an extremely beautiful restaurant with great vibes good service, the food was okay…I’ve heard a lot of mixed reviews so I wanted to try it out myself. The tacos are highly recommended but everything else was a bit on the bland side. I didn’t have the big plates so I would go back and try those next time before writing this place off"
Thokozani Msimanga
"Loved the mocktails. My favorite was the cucumber one. The restaurant is beautiful from the outside just walking in. I am always ready for a photo, so I appreciate the beautiful interior. The food was just fine, basic. None of the food stood out for me. Some of my friends said the food was good, I guess it depends on each person. Our waiter was awesome."
Nyelex
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
MAMASAMBA boasts a vibrant and lively atmosphere, often described as a jungle oasis with a DJ playing music, making it a festive spot for dining and socializing.
Feedback on food is mixed; while some dishes like tacos and specific mains are praised, others are found to be bland or inconsistent. Many suggest trying different dishes or big plates.
The signature cocktails are a highlight, described as strong and 'dangerously good'. Mocktails are also a highly recommended option.
Service can be variable, with some guests experiencing excellent attention and others noting issues with attentiveness or order accuracy.
Yes, its unique ambiance and celebratory vibe make it a great choice for date nights or nights out with friends, especially for those seeking a 'fancier' experience.
The restaurant features an immersive, double-story jungle theme with lush flora and unique design elements, making it highly photogenic and visually impressive.
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MAMASAMBA offers an escape that feels like an island getaway. This immersive venue spans two beautifully designed floors. On entry, guests are welcomed by a bar that flows into the main Copa dining lounge, complete with views of a live fire kitchen.
11 of the Trendiest Restaurants in Johannesburg
MAMASAMBA is a vibrant and admired restaurant located in Rosebank. Known for its lively and energetic atmosphere, MAMASAMBA offers a unique fusion of African and Brazilian cuisine. The menu is filled with appetizing dishes such as peri-peri chicken, feijoada, and acarajé, which are expertly prepared by the talented chefs and its bar is fully stocked bar to serve delicious signature cocktails and a wide selection of wines.
Best Restaurants in Johannesburg, South Africa (2024)
Located in South Africa, MAMASAMBA is a lively and welcoming restaurant that provides a memorable dining experience. The restaurant has a really special environment that is classically elegant and has a touch of jungle with lots of flora. The menu offers a wide variety of dishes that are all produced with the freshest ingredients and are incredibly delicious, ranging from inventive cuisine to classic favorites.
Joburg Winners 2023 – Dining Out
A myriad different experiences under one roof – that’s Mamasamba!. But, whether you’re watching the live-fire kitchen from the ground floor, sipping cocktails in the supper-club lounge upstairs or sampling ceviche at the counter, the mood is always festive, and a night here is bound to be fun as well as delicious.www.mamasamba.co.za, The Zone, Rosebank, mytable@mamasamba.co.za, 010 110 0313
10 new restaurants on my dining radar
With the Proud Mary team behind it, Mamasamba was destined to be a sure-fire hit. Drawing on Latin-American flavours, expect to find zippy ceviche and asado-style grilled meat, all intended to be washed down with punchy house cocktails.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit