Thanks to its all-encompassing menu of everything from sushi to pizza and tapas, Life Grand Café in Hazelwood is just the place for a jovial, social meal with friends, says Alida Ryder.

Food

As is the case with all the Life franchises, the menu is extensive and varied and offers something for every palate. Breakfasts include classics such as eggs Benedict done a few different ways – classic, salmon and green, with wilted spinach and asparagus – for R68-R78 and the lazy breakfast, which is an English-style breakfast with eggs, toast, bacon and mushrooms for R70. If you’re after something lighter, options such as a Mediterranean sandwich, oats with caramelised figs, and the healthy breakfast of a tropical fruit salad with yoghurt or with muesli and coconut (R52-R66) will entice you.

Life Grand Cafe. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

For lunch or dinner, the choices seem endless, ranging from expertly prepared fresh sushi to woodfired-baked pizza, tasty pastas and steaks, ribs or grilled chicken. The Anchovy pizza with alici (fresh anchovies), capers, chilli and parsley, and the hake and chips (both R98) are firm favourites. What stands out, however, is their selection of tapas. Small plates of croquettes, marinated vegetables and feta cheese, patatas bravas, dips and sauces, and the most delicious meatballs make for a jovial, social meal with friends.

Drinks

Look forward to an excellent range of wines, bubbly and French Champagne from a variety of commercial as well as smaller wine farms. They also offer a few organic wines and a good selection of craft beers and cocktails.

Service

Friendly and efficient. It could be more attentive on slower days, but it’s generally good.

Ambience

Maira Koutsoudakis just has a knack for putting together a restaurant, and this one is no different. The interiors are beautiful and remind you of a chic Parisian bistro. Sophisticated, classic and classy are all words that come to mind.

Life Grand Cafe. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

And…

Life Grand Café is a lovely spot for Friday afternoon drinks to wash down the delicious tapas.

Eat Out reviewers dine anonymously and pay for their meals. Read more about our editorial policy here.

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