“Some 10 restaurants, coffee shops, cafés and fast food outlets, comprising about 3,300m2, will be added to the Melrose Arch mix on completion of Melrose Arch Shopping next year,” says Mark Uhlmann, Sales Manager for Melrose Arch Development Company.

A stroll around Melrose Arch highlights the choice that already exists for foodies: Cocoa Diva, Crepe & Latte, Europa & Europa Express, Giovannis, Lulu, Mark Gold Coffee Shop, March (in the Melrose Arch hotel), Moyo, Ocean Basket, Orient, Primi Forum, JB’s Corner, The Meat Company, The Venue and Winesense.

Amongst the new dining venues which will be introduced to the landmark mixed-used precinct are two fabulous destinations for savvy city palates, Mangiare and Tashas.

Authentic, robust and hearty home-cooked fare, based on traditional Italian cuisine, will soon be available from the new Mangiare restaurant at Melrose Arch. "We celebrate the pleasure of good food and wine and have given authentic Italian faire a very distinctive unique and contemporary edge,” says co-owner Stuart Bond.
 
Mangiare will occupy stylish urban and unconventional 540m2 premises with an atmosphere that is both sophisticated and elegant, but in no way pretentious.

Created by the dynamic team behind the success of the Allora Ristorante Classico brand Mangiare will be run as a hands-on establishment with the owners involved in every aspect of the business. “Commitment, pride, passion and honesty are our core values,” says Stuart.

An added attraction is the restaurant’s in-store wine cellar, a real focal point for patrons. “Our wine service is informal but highly professional and our qualified staff will be happy to find the best match for the food on your plate,” adds Bond.

True international coffee culture will be represented at Tashas, a new-generation coffee shop that promises patrons a fresh spin on the coffee shop experience. “I want to give something new in the way people perceive coffee shops. It’s just not enough to sell coffees and sandwiches,” says owner Natasha Sideris. “We pride ourselves on each cup of coffee we prepare, which is a perfect blend of pleasure, aroma and taste.”

Tashas offers discerning patrons a range of indulgences: from refreshing fruit granitas, to exotic salads and sophisticated pasta dishes. “We have something mouth-watering for everyone, from breakfast to tramezzinis to pasta and omelettes,” she adds. The key, she adds, is to still charge coffee shop prices.

In addition to these fabulous food stores, Melrose Arch Shopping will also include retailers Woolworths, Uzzi, Young Designers Emporium, Identity, @Home, Due South, Sport Scene, Foschini, American Swiss, Markhams, Truworths and Truworths Man.

“The exciting retailers and retail concepts which are seeking premises at Melrose Arch Shopping will introduce top-notch, innovative and unique concepts to the retail mix in Johannesburg and provide a singular, vibrant shopping experience for the discerning shopper,” concludes Uhlmann.