Zioux: Walk on the wild side
The restaurant brings versatility to luxury dining with its menu and cosmopolitan atmosphere
The Marble Group’s freshest marvel Zioux, a luxurious cocktail bar and champagne lounge in Africa’s richest square mile, Sandton, is becoming one of Johannesburg’s most popular playgrounds.
Launched in December, the restaurant strives to allow diners to “break free” from anything that holds them captive. Zioux aims to be a space that inspires you to let out your “wild side”. This is reflected in the restaurant’s interior decor, which fuses various patterns and prints influenced by South African wildlife.
This is re-emphasised by the intriguing artworks — depicting animals posed as humans — which decorate the bar and dining spaces.
These are complemented by the brown, olive-green, black, white and red colour palette of the space. Added to this are touches of gold and white marble surfaces in the bar area.
The space was created by Pretoria interior and architectural company Reddeco, together with Oniroco, an interior design business run by Irene Kyriacou, who recently won the Restaurant and Bar Design Award for best surface interiors in the Middle East and Africa.
One of the restaurant’s most popular offerings is its high tea on Saturdays, starting at 11am and ending at 4pm. It costs R750, excluding drinks. Reservations are a must.
The head chef at Zioux, Besele Moses Moloi, who’s been working at the restaurant since it opened, believes the changes in what is in season throughout the year encourages artistry, originality and exploration within their menus, keeping them versatile.
“We have taken a different approach — our menu is Mexicanperuvian inspired, using amazing local produce.
“The menu is constantly changing, and my team is continuously working on new dishes. Seasonality doesn’t really affect us, it actually keeps us innovative and creative in the sense that we adjust to produce that is available,” says Moloi.
The menu includes dishes such as a lamb or fillet tacos; calamari; sirloin; salmon; coal-roasted, grapefruit beurre blanc and nasturtium tempura leaf served with chipotle mayonnaise.
THE PLACE:
Zioux.
IDEAL FOR: Anyone who enjoys experimenting with a variety of cuisines and is looking for a cosmopolitan fine dining experience.
ORDER THIS: Butter and ginger fried large tiger prawns with red habanero, served with red pepper sauce. This dish, which will set you back R695, is the perfect meal for any seafood lover who doesn’t mind splurging on a special occasion. For a sweet teat, try the chocolate fondant with tonka beans and chocolate paired with spiced, fire-roasted pineapple sorbet.
SIGNATURE BEV: Agua de Me-hee-ko made using blanco Tequila, orgeat, fresh lime and mango juice, horchata, habanero tincture and peach bitters. The drink has almonds and dairy, so it is not ideal for people with lactose intolerance or an allergy to nuts.
YOU’LL LIKE IT IF: If you enjoy a thrilling dining experience, Zioux is for you. It’s the perfect place to experiment with food, drinks, fashion and entertainment.
THE FRIDAY MOOD IS: Adventurous and exclusive. Zioux provides a great atmosphere in which to escape from the hustle and bustle of Joburg, while providing exciting cuisine for any foodie who enjoys a good night out.
SOCIAL MEDIA: @zioux_jhb on Instagram / Zioux on Facebook
LOCATION: The Marc, corner Rivonia and Maude Streets, Sandton.