Ocaso is the new modern Mexican restaurant that’s opened its doors in Oxford Parks, Johannesburg – in the same space that The Shortmarket Club used to operate. The new spot offers food inspired by the flavours of Mexico, as well as a range of handcrafted cocktails. 

The menu blends classic Mexican staples with contemporary South African influences. Starters include tableside guacamole, a mini taco tasting board, fried mozzarella sticks with chipotle dipping sauce, crispy empanadas and fresh salads and ceviches.  

For mains, signature dishes feature corn ribs dusted in smoked paprika, while Wagyu burgers, panko pork chops, and sharing platters of meat cater to heartier appetites.  

To finish, dessert options include churros dusted with cinnamon sugar, drizzled with chocolate, along with the signature bananas foster. The experience is completed by an extensive tequila and mezcal selection that’s in keeping with the Mexican theme. 

The restaurant’s thoughtfully designed interiors reflect the same intentional approach that was used for the food and drink offering. Heinz Rynners, the executive chairman for Boulder Group, along with Ben Stanger and Luke Dakers of the Monseca Hospitality Group, conceptualised the space to embody golden-hour moments that leave a lasting impression. “It’s a space that transforms with you. You can ease into it or arrive ready to celebrate,” explains Luke.” 

Design elements include a woven wicker-fronted, softly lit bar at the heart of the space, a mandala-inspired motif, oversized bohemian beaded lanterns that hang from layered plaster ceilings to cast patterned shadows, Macramé pillows, textured walls, and an ocean-blue floor – a bespoke colour that was mixed exclusively for Ocaso.  

“The whole room was designed to feel transformative,” says creative lead designer Reinhardt Schmidt from Johannesburg-based Bourne Kreative. “It’s urban, yes, but the minute you walk in, you feel like you’re somewhere else entirely. With Ocaso, the space is the brand.” 

From Monday to Wednesday, the venue offers long lunches, Mezcal tastings and after-work drinks. From Thursday to Sunday, DJs play R’n’B, hip-hop, Afro house and Amapiano beats, creating a relaxed lounge vibe in the evenings. 

Guests can look forward to a second design phase launching this summer to unveil a rooftop deck. Ocaso is open for lunch and dinner from Mondays to Sundays from 12pm to 12am. For more information, visit www.ocaso.co.za.