Sometimes the nicest little places are tucked into the most unassuming spaces. In the case of Junipa’s, it’s a small unglamorous shopping center in Bryanston called Hobart Square, which also features a supermarket, pet grooming salon, and florist.
The food and atmosphere belie the surroundings. The rustic-chic dining room spills out onto an outdoor patio replete with wrought-iron tables, antique wine racks, and chairs upholstered with hessian burlap sacks. Part bistro and part coffee shop, Junipas’ menu ranges from light dishes such as sandwiches, salads and pizzas, to more substantial pasta, meat and even sushi plates. Home-made breads and artisanal ingredients are prominent throughout the menu, with the restaurant priding itself on its freshly baked bread, farm-to-table vegetables, and coffee that’s roasted in-house.
My mozzarella, tomato and pesto sandwich was served on a croissant so large and fluffy that I had to eat it with a knife and fork – no way I could have put it in my mouth intact with my hands. It was served with a side of home-made crisps, which were just the right combination of light and crunchy. And my companion’s fish and chips were delectable – though the potato wedges were a bit over-cooked.
The wine list is extensive, and on the menu main courses are paired with suggested wines. In fact, many seem to come here just to sip wine and cocktails on the terrace while listening to live music during brunch, or to indulge in one of the many gourmet coffee drinks and smoothies. Live music is also offered on various weekend nights when the weather permits.
Junipa’s has a pleasant, relaxed, and upscale atmosphere – but it does not put on airs at all. Staff were warm and polite without fail, and children are welcome – even encouraged. There were at least a half-dozen well-behaved children dining while I was there, and there is even a section of the menu catering to the younger set.
Expert Review
Sometimes the nicest little places are tucked into the most unassuming spaces. In the case of Junipa's, it's a small...
Sometimes the nicest little places are tucked into the most unassuming spaces. In the case of Junipa’s, it’s a small unglamorous shopping center in Bryanston called Hobart Square, which also features a supermarket, pet grooming salon, and florist.
The food and atmosphere belie the surroundings. The rustic-chic dining room spills out onto an outdoor patio replete with wrought-iron tables, antique wine racks, and chairs upholstered with hessian burlap sacks. Part bistro and part coffee shop, Junipas’ menu ranges from light dishes such as sandwiches, salads and pizzas, to more substantial pasta, meat and even sushi plates. Home-made breads and artisanal ingredients are prominent throughout the menu, with the restaurant priding itself on its freshly baked bread, farm-to-table vegetables, and coffee that’s roasted in-house.
My mozzarella, tomato and pesto sandwich was served on a croissant so large and fluffy that I had to eat it with a knife and fork – no way I could have put it in my mouth intact with my hands. It was served with a side of home-made crisps, which were just the right combination of light and crunchy. And my companion’s fish and chips were delectable – though the potato wedges were a bit over-cooked.
The wine list is extensive, and on the menu main courses are paired with suggested wines. In fact, many seem to come here just to sip wine and cocktails on the terrace while listening to live music during brunch, or to indulge in one of the many gourmet coffee drinks and smoothies. Live music is also offered on various weekend nights when the weather permits.
Junipa’s has a pleasant, relaxed, and upscale atmosphere – but it does not put on airs at all. Staff were warm and polite without fail, and children are welcome – even encouraged. There were at least a half-dozen well-behaved children dining while I was there, and there is even a section of the menu catering to the younger set.