It wouldn’t be Rosebank if there wasn’t a new eatery popping up around the block. As a foodie, it’s one of my favourite areas to explore, and now I can add OBSCURA to the list— a cocktail bar and eatery that’s turned the act of enjoying a meal with friends into a premium experience.
Obscura: Rosebank’s Newest Destination for Gourmet Cocktails & Cuisine
OBSCURA may have officially opened a few weeks back, but I had yet to experience the new eatery. That said, as I passed through Rosebank, I could easily tell from afar that the newest addition to the area was brining something different to the Rosebank dining scene,
“Our focus is premium across the board—premium cocktails, premium food offerings and premium experiences.” — George Hunter, Obscura co-owner
My suspicious, and George Hunter’s words, were proven correct once I stepped through the doors of OBSCURA. With its décor featuring simple colourful graffiti, quintessential art pieces, and interesting ceiling features, OBSCURA creates an ambience that is both sophisticated and refined, with a touch of grandiosity—sans the pretentiousness.
As much as I enjoy a good meal, it’s hard to tantalize my taste buds if the environment is anything but inviting, and that’s exactly how OBSCURA sets itself apart from other food joints in Johannesburg.
“We want you to feel appreciated as soon as you step in” says Hunter, “We’re welcoming friends into the establishment and by feeling the love and generosity, people end up having an incredible experience.”
Okay, but what about the food?
“What excites me the most about the dinning scene in Rosebank is how it’s all integrated in a central block… It’s trendy, and easily accessible with approachable options.” — Thabo Phake, OBSCURA Executive Chef
As great as a restaurant’s energy may be, it means nothing if the food isn’t up to par.
Thankfully, with Thabo Phake leading the kitchen, OBSCURA does everything but fail when it comes to the food. With Rosebank being a strong culinary hub, it can be hard to keep up with other food spots. Yet, Phake’s approach is all about authenticity and respecting patron’s palettes,
“I think staying true to my roots and food philosophy is important, but so appealing to the market” he says, “As such, I always try to resonate with the masses whilst staying authentic to my food philosophy.”
And while a restaurant’s ambience may not tickle your palette, it may influence the foods that do. OBSCURA’s menu options are centred around tapa-style plating, and this is something that Phake keeps in mind when preparing dishes. For instance, how they portion the dishes is integral to the atmosphere, “This can mean portioning it into small bites that promote sharing and conversations on the table.”
Taste testing
The food menu is designed to be flexible and evolves every so often, ensuring that each visit brings a new and delightful gastronomic adventure.
So, what’s been my favourite meal from the menu? I definitely have to give a special mention to the burger sliders that featured a juicy and succulent patty, nestled between a pair of perfectly toasted buns. Yet, that wasn’t the stand-out for me. In fact, it was actually a vegetable. Admittedly, I’m not a fan of broccoli, yet the Broccoli Dish offered at OBSUCRA is one of the best dishes I’ve had this year, and Phake doesn’t seem surprised,
“I think each Patron should try the Broccoli Dish. It’s a dish that resonates to culture, the textures, flavours and it being the bestseller, but a vegetarian dish is something to look forward to.” – Thabo Phake
From cocktails to mocktails
OBSUCRA is more than just its delectable food menu as a classic cocktail bar rests at the heart of it. At OBSCURA is where traditional cocktails are given a contemporary twist for all to indulge in. Now, I don’t indulge in alcohol, so I can’t tell you much about the cocktails, which include cute names like Monkey Sour and Soul Candi, but I can provide a peek into their mocktail offerings.
I had the opportunity to try both the Mexican Sweetheart and Don’t Forget Me drinks. While they weren’t the best mocktails I’ve had, I do appreciate how the restautant has created actual mocktail offerings, as opposed to just asking the bartender to make a non-alcoholic version of a standard drink. In doing so, OBSUCRA proves that they’ve made a conscious effort to cater to every different type of patron,
“At OBSCURA we pride ourselves on creating the best hospitality experience for all our patrons, making them feel like guests in our home rather than customers. Our team goes the extra mile to ensure that every ‘guest’ receives impeccable service in an intimate and welcoming environment,” explains Hunter.
Discover Rosebank with Obscura
The brainchild of three industry titans: entertainment and hospitality mogul Ricardo da Costa, legendary hospitality and bar guru George Hunter, and leading businessman Leren Govender, OBSCURA is the result of their combined expertise and passion for exceptional service. It’s resulted in a venue that promises to redefine the Rosebank social scene.
The restaurant is open from Tuesday to Sunday, 12 midday to midnight, and can currently comfortably accommodate up to 100 guests, providing an intimate yet lively setting for patrons.
“OBSCURA invites guests to view hospitality from a different perspective to fully experience the essence of the destination. The more you look, the more you will discover, much like peering through a keyhole. We are here to host you.” – George Hunter
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