Joburg’s dining scene is heating up with the anticipated reopening of Épicure, the celebrated Pan-African restaurant from chef Coco Reinarhz. After a pandemic-induced break, the Burundian chef is ready to share his new vision at the restaurant’s new home at One Rosebank. 

“COVID taught me to take time, to travel, and to return with stories,” says Coco. “Now I’m ready to share them – on every plate. We’ve found a new home for Épicure, and with it, a renewed purpose. This is not just a restaurant – it’s a place where Africa speaks through food. We all eat together because we are together.” 

The reimagined Épicure embraces the deeply rooted African tradition of communal dining, abandoning conventional course structures in favour of small and large sharing plates. Coco’s extensive travels through 41 African countries have shaped an exciting menu that celebrates the continent’s culinary diversity. The standout offering is the signature “News of Africa” menu – a culinary journey spanning the North, East, West and South of Africa, with each dish sharing “good news” from across the continent. The experience begins with a Central African welcome drink, paying homage to Coco’s roots. 

The restaurant’s design philosophy matches its food approach: sophisticated African elegance without clichés. “This is Africa redefined. No clichés, bright beads and drums, but subtle, Afro-chic nods to a modern continent and civilisation,” he says. 

The space will accommodate 75 guests indoors and 100 on the outdoor terrace, plus there are two private dining rooms that can host 20 guests each. There’s even a semi-permanent cigar lounge for added luxe!  

 

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The offering will include weekend breakfasts and daily lunches and dinners, as well as “A Tour of Africa in 54 Minutes” business-lunch concept, which will pay tribute to Africa’s 54 nations while fitting into the modern executive’s lunch hour. 

With his journey from Kinshasa to Belgium and back to Joburg, Coco’s return marks an exciting new chapter for Pan-African dining in the City of Gold.  

Bookings will open from mid-June and can be made online.