Checking in on Doppio Zero at Mall of Africa: Effortless Med-inspired Dining

Launched in March 2002 in Greenside, Doppio Zero grew from a small bakery and café into a celebrated franchise renowned for its delicious food and inviting atmosphere, especially at its Mall of Africa location.

Dining in Joburg often means planning your evening around it, yet certain restaurants always seem to fit seamlessly into your life, and Doppio Zero Mall of Africa is one of them.

Located in Mall of Africa in Waterfall City, Midrand, it’s the kind of place where you can meet for a filling breakfast, an easy lunch or a hearty dinner with family or friends, and each choice feels effortless.

Doppio Zero Mall of Africa | What's On In Joburg

A dining spot that fits into your day

Situated in one of Joburg’s major shopping destinations, Doppio Zero at Mall of Africa is perfectly designed to accommodate diners at different rhythms during their day, with a scrumptious breakfast menu for a slow dining experience featuring eggs, pastries and filling smoothies, as well as a lunch and dinner menu to help you settle down and unwind.

Speaking of unwinding, a friend and I did just that as, after making our way through Mall of Africa, we settled down for a delicious afternoon meal. The hostess, Portia, whose bubbly energy made us feel like we were meeting an old friend, warmly welcomed us, which is another effortless quality that gives the restaurant its “home is where the plate is” character.

The menu features a blend of Italian and Mediterranean influences alongside café-style classics and even vegan options.

We began our meal with ‘Duo of Tacos’, with the teriyaki beef with slaw and sesame seeds and BBQ pork with Asian slaw as fillings. Both were cooked to perfection and featured a generous serving of slaw, and the beef was almost melting in our mouths. Although we would have preferred more flavouring in the beef, the pork was succulent and appetising.

For our drinks, we both opted for smoothies; she chose the Turmeric Ginger Glow with ginger, pineapple, carrot, banana, lemon, honey, and chia seeds, and I chose the Glo Getter with mango, strawberries, cherries, pineapple, honey, and almond milk. Both were freshly made and rich, but they were also quite heavy, so heavy that we couldn’t finish our mains as we were so full.

Speaking of the mains, I chose the Tuscan Pork Belly, which is slow-roasted pork belly accompanied by butter bean and potato mash, green beans, and Madeira sauce on the side, whilst my friend went with the classic choice of pasta, ordering the Penne Calamari & Chorizo, which features spicy chorizo, calamari, piquant napoletana cream sauce, and fresh basil.

Doppio Zero Dessert | What's On In Joburg

Neither of us was disappointed with our choices. In addition to being incredibly generous with their portions, Doppio Zero in Mall of Africa is committed to making their restaurant feel like home by serving food that is fresh, flavourful, and made with care.

Now, while we were too full to finish our mains, that didn’t deter us from trying out the venue’s dessert options, especially because diners are greeted with a dessert counter by the entrance, filled with enticing and delectable options. As a chocolate lover, I went for the Bar One Chocolate Mousse Cake, and my fellow diner opted for the Peanut Butter Reese Tart, and both satisfied our sweet tooth.

As the afternoon passed and we explored our meals, I noticed how accessible the restaurant’s setting is, in a way that feels wholesome and welcoming, platforming the idea of “home”. Home isn’t necessarily one place, but rather a feeling you get where you find yourself able to relax, order a great meal, settle into a light conversation, and stay a little longer.

Win with Mall of Africa

Not only did Doppio Zero Mall of Africa feed us in a welcoming environment, but by us settling the bill, they also gave us, in a sense, a lovely homecoming gift.

Until the 30th of September, Mall of Africa is running a Spring ‘Dine to Win’ campaign. To enter, diners need to write their name and contact details on the back of their restaurant bill, drop it into the entry box, and they stand a chance to win one of ten R1000 mall gift cards, proving why your next visit to Mall of Africa should come with a delectable dining experience.