For foodies like us, it is hard to pinpoint your favorite restaurant. When it comes to Pedro’s Original Fishmonger Illovo, I think we can safely say this is one of our favorite restaurants… in the world!
I realize that’s an extreme statement. This is, however, not an exaggeration! Here’s why:
Why we love Fishmonger Illovo
Our favorite Fishmonger is located in Illovo, Sandton – which is in Johannesburg. While Johannesburg is nice, Cape Town is where most people love to go – we included. However, we travel to Johannesburg so that we can go to the Fishmonger Illovo.
We book flights, accommodation, and excursions in Johannesburg around our visits to Fishmonger. For example, if we plan to go to the Johannesburg Zoo, it will be scheduled to ensure that we will not get stuck in traffic on our way to Fishmonger.
An unspoken rule has developed in our family – we don’t eat much before going to the Fishmonger. I realize that seems a bit glutton but really, the food is amazing and why waste the limited space in your tummy on other foods.
This is a white tablecloth establishment. In other words, it’s fancy but still a family-friendly restaurant.
The wait staff is well trained and knowledgeable about specials, wines, etc. They are constantly there when you need them and they clean up between meals. You have need for nothing.
They have a nice variety of meals to choose from, and even the kids menus offer great options. The children also get lucky packets to keep them entertained while they wait for food.
The food is always fresh and delicious. I personally don’t understand how it can be possible since Johannesburg is not on the coast, but they have never disappointed us. I credit this to the same management. The restaurant has had the same manager since I started going there in 2001.
Even the bread rolls are delicious. Their bread rolls are served as a complimentary dish before the food comes. I try to resist them (in an attempt to save space in my belly,) but I always fail. It’s okay though – they’re always fresh and crispy.
For a European or American budget, their prices are great! We eat like kings and queens for a fraction of the cost.
The restaurant is located at the Thrupps Centre in Illovo, Sandton. Their address (for your GPS) is 204 Oxford Rd, Sandton, 2196.
We have never made a reservation because we go early enough. (Truth be told, we try to get there when they open for the evening. We’ve got hungry kids… and we’re hungry too!)
To make a reservation, call them at: 011 268 0068/7
Obviously, the menu below is subject to change. However, it has virtually stayed the same since the time we’ve been visiting.
If you are in Johannesburg, aka Joburg, do stop by. Schedule enough time so that you can go at least two times!
Just A Sidenote
I know of another Fishmonger in the Rosebank mall – which is actually a very short drive away. We’ve not been there so I cannot offer a comment on it. Our feeling is that we have very few meals in South Africa. We literally plan all our meals to ensure that we eat at all our favorite restaurants. Our restaurant itinerary is so packed that there really is no room for stragglers.
I hope you do not see this as our unwillingness to try new things. Rather, please see it as a testament to the great foods and restaurants that we are unwilling to miss.
Weeks before our trips, I literally have bad dreams about getting home (from South Africa) and realizing that we forgot to eat at Ocean Basket or Primi Piatti, for example.