Katzy’s is legendary in Jo’burg. I was once taken on a date there early on in my Jo’burg stint, and was convinced that all restaurants in Jo’burg were similar. Such luxury, such indulgence, such elegance. When my next date was held at a Chinese restaurant that was closed that night by a health inspector, I realised I peaked too soon.
The Setting
Think 1920’s opulence and many leather bound books. We’re talking cigars, beautifully cut glasses full of expensive smelling brandy. A jazz band that the Rat Pack would be proud of plays five nights a week, and thanks to their professionally built stage, latest sound and audiovisual equipment, you could potentially jump on stage, belt out a few chords and you wouldn’t sound too bad. Heads up though, they don’t like it when you do that, no matter how much you try and convince them you’re this generations Ella Fitzgerald.
The Food
At an establishment of such size with a live band, you could almost forgive them for slacking on the food percentage of the restaurant pie chart. They haven’t. Their food is consistently delicious, perfectly-served making you feel like you’re one of the only tables that really mean something to them.
Their starters mainly originate from the sea: calamari, mussels, oysters, scampi but I went for the black mushrooms. Anything cooked in port is my friend and I went in search of the chef to give him a culinary high five.
Their main menu is extensive so give one of the many waitrons a holler and they’ll narrow it down for you. Rumour had it that their burgers were off the chart, and as someone who listens to rumours, I placed an order. My basted beef burger (a nice R54.00) with mushroom sauce (19.95) with a side dish of creamed spinach (R28.95 – really!?) was incredible.
Price Range
At an establishment such as Katzy’s it’s not the food that’s going to give you a financial hangover, it’s the drinks. Not that they’re overpriced, but when you’re lounging on leather, puffing on a cigar, a beer just doesn’t seem to have the right effect. Enjoy those cognacs, I certainly did.
Perfect for:
A laid back weekday evening, if you’re looking to sink back into some fine leather and admire Michael Buble types. And when the week is edging towards to the weekend, loosen those ties, sip on a bourbon or cognac and then lose the plot on the dance floor Mafia style.
Katsy’s was reviewed by Baglett. Read her tea-snortingly funny blog here.