The trendy Craighall Park area of Johannesburg is home to Besos Restaurant, renowned for its flavorful dishes, vibrant atmosphere, and exceptional service. Besos is a place that delivers quality and experience whether you’re stopping by for brunch or dinner. Featuring insights into the menu, unique events, pricing, ambiance, and much more, we’ll dive deep into what makes Besos a must-visit destination for foodies.
Besos Restaurant
Located at The Woods Shopping Centre, Besos Restaurant offers a chic dining experience in the heart of Craighall Park. This upscale Johannesburg neighborhood, known for its modern urban vibe, provides the perfect setting for the restaurant’s lively yet relaxed atmosphere. Whether you’re looking for a casual bite or a celebratory meal, Besos stands out as a refined yet unpretentious choice.
Address:
The Woods Shopping Centre, 345 Jan Smuts Ave, Craighall Park, Randburg, Johannesburg
Hours of Operation:
Monday to Saturday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Phone:
+27 67 103 0787
Website:
besosxo.com
The Besos Dining Experience: What to Expect
Besos has cultivated a strong following by focusing on fresh, seasonal ingredients and creating a menu that is both approachable and sophisticated. The space is perfect for a variety of occasions, whether you’re meeting friends for a casual lunch or celebrating a special event with a fine meal. The ambiance is warm and contemporary, with a mix of indoor and outdoor seating options, making it a versatile venue year-round.
Ambiance & Setting
Upon entering Besos, you’ll immediately notice the chic and welcoming decor. The interior blends modern design elements with cozy touches—think light wood finishes, sleek barstools, and statement lighting. If you’re lucky enough to grab a seat on the outdoor terrace, you’ll enjoy a relaxed atmosphere that is perfect for people-watching or sipping a cocktail as the evening sun sets.
Service: On-the-Ball & Attentive
One thing that consistently stands out in reviews of Besos is the impeccable service. From the moment you step through the door, the staff make you feel at home, offering knowledgeable recommendations and ensuring that your dining experience is seamless. The servers are friendly, attentive, and quick to address any needs. Whether you’re a regular or a first-time guest, Besos ensures that every visit feels personalized.
The Menu: A Culinary Journey
Fresh, Seasonal, and Flavorful
The menu at Besos is a testament to their dedication to quality and seasonality. It’s curated to deliver a wide range of flavors, from light and zesty starters to hearty mains. Their offerings are diverse, with influences ranging from classic Mediterranean to Latin American dishes.
Starters & Small Plates
Besos is known for its delectable small plates that are perfect for sharing or enjoying as a light meal. Some of the standout options include:
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Prawn and Halloumi Tart: A delicate blend of juicy prawns and savory halloumi, served in a flaky tart shell. It’s an appetizer that strikes the right balance of rich and refreshing.
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Mexican Corn: Sweet, smoky, and tangy, this dish is a crowd-pleaser, ideal for pairing with a chilled drink on a warm afternoon.
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Slivers of Hummus Fillet: A flavorful option for those craving a bit of spice, with tender strips of hummus fillet paired with vibrant garnishes.
Main Dishes: Grills, Pasta, and More
Besos takes pride in its expertly grilled steaks, including a mouth-watering Wagyu offering. The grill section of the menu is complemented by an assortment of pasta dishes, making it easy to find something to suit every taste.
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Grilled Steaks: Besos serves up a collection of perfectly cooked cuts of steak. From tender fillets to robust ribeyes, the steaks are a hit with both meat lovers and newcomers.
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Wagyu Steak: If you’re in the mood for something extra special, the Wagyu steak is a must-try. Known for its rich marbling and flavor, it’s a decadent option for any special occasion.
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Pasta Dishes: For those who prefer pasta, Besos delivers a variety of pasta dishes that blend seasonal ingredients with bold flavors, such as their creamy carbonara or fresh pesto options.
Tacos: A Zesty Delight
One of the restaurant’s unique offerings is its hardshell tacos, which are filled with fragrant and zesty fillings. Whether you opt for grilled chicken, seasoned beef, or seafood, these tacos come bursting with flavor. A perfect choice if you’re looking for something light yet satisfying.
Cocktails & Drinks
No visit to Besos would be complete without sampling their cocktails. The restaurant offers an impressive selection of beverages, including expertly crafted cocktails, wines, and non-alcoholic options. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic cocktail or something more inventive, the bar staff is ready to mix up a drink to suit your mood.
Noche de Chicas: The Ultimate Ladies’ Night
A Night to Remember
Every second Thursday, Besos hosts Noche de Chicas, a signature Ladies’ Night event that adds an extra layer of fun and excitement to your visit. This event is designed to be an evening of indulgence, featuring bottomless drinks, delicious small bites, and an exclusive set menu.
For R550 per person, you can enjoy a selection of starters, mains, and desserts, along with unlimited drinks from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM. The night runs from 6:30 PM to 11:00 PM, making it the perfect way to unwind with friends after a long week. While this event is aimed at women, men are welcome to join in on the fun as well.
Highlights of the Noche de Chicas Experience
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Unlimited Drinks: Sip on unlimited cocktails, wine, or soft drinks between 7:00 PM and 9:00 PM.
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Set Menu: The curated menu features a range of starters, mains, and desserts that showcase Besos’ signature dishes.
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Vibrant Atmosphere: The energy at Besos on Noche de Chicas is unmatched, with great music, delicious food, and an overall lively vibe.
Pricing at Besos
Besos offers a range of dishes at varying price points, allowing you to curate your meal based on your preferences. Below is a breakdown of approximate pricing:
| Item | Price (ZAR) |
|---|---|
| Starters | R80 – R120 |
| Small Plates | R100 – R150 |
| Grilled Steaks | R200 – R350 |
| Pasta Dishes | R130 – R200 |
| Tacos | R80 – R150 |
| Wagyu Steak | R450 – R600 |
| Cocktails | R90 – R150 |
| Noche de Chicas (per person) | R550 (including food & drinks) |
Is It Worth the Price?
Given the quality of food, excellent service, and unique events like Noche de Chicas, Besos offers great value for money, especially if you’re in the mood for a high-quality meal in a lively setting. Whether you’re having a casual meal or attending a special event, you can expect an unforgettable experience.
Pros & Cons of Besos Restaurant
Pros:
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Impeccable Service: Friendly, attentive staff that ensures a seamless dining experience.
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Seasonal Menu: Fresh, seasonal ingredients make for vibrant and flavorful dishes.
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Vibrant Atmosphere: A lively yet relaxed vibe perfect for both casual and special occasions.
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Unique Events: The Noche de Chicas experience adds an extra layer of excitement to your visit.
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Diverse Menu: A wide variety of options to cater to different tastes and dietary preferences.
Cons:
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Pricey: While the quality justifies it, Besos can be on the expensive side, especially for special events like Noche de Chicas.
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Limited Sunday Hours: The restaurant closes earlier on Sundays, which may not suit those who prefer a late-night outing.
FAQs
1. What is the best time to visit Besos?
Besos is great to visit any time, but for a special experience, consider booking for Noche de Chicas, which occurs every second Thursday.
2. Does Besos offer vegetarian options?
Yes! The menu includes several vegetarian options, including fresh salads, pasta dishes, and vegetarian tacos.
3. Is there parking available at Besos?
Yes, there is parking available at The Woods Shopping Centre, making it convenient for diners.
4. Can I book a table in advance?
Yes, it’s highly recommended to make a reservation, especially for busy weekends or events like Noche de Chicas.
5. Is Besos kid-friendly?
While Besos has a relaxed atmosphere, the menu is more geared towards adult tastes. However, children are welcome, especially during earlier hours.
Final Thoughts
Besos Restaurant in Craighall Park is undoubtedly one of Johannesburg’s top dining spots. Whether you’re visiting for a casual meal, celebrating a special occasion, or enjoying the lively atmosphere of Noche de Chicas, this restaurant offers something for everyone. The combination of outstanding service, a diverse menu, and a vibrant ambiance makes Besos a must-visit.
As someone who’s enjoyed countless meals here, I can confidently say Besos is a dining experience that won’t disappoint. From the first bite of their perfectly grilled steak to the last sip of a cocktail, every detail is carefully thought out to ensure you have an unforgettable time.
WakaAbuja has made every effort to ensure that the information in this post was correct at the time of publication. However, we do not assume any liability caused by errors, such as price, cost, time, and location.
