EL&N London - Mall of Africa — Restaurant in Gauteng

Visited this restaurant twice. The first time I stood in the line for 1.5 hours but I felt it was worth it and understood the hype of the restaurant being new so I didn’t mind. I ordered the Truffle Cheese Pasta and Spicy Mixed Meat pizza. The pasta was one of the best pastas I’ve ever eaten from a restaurant. It was so creamy and flavourful. Couldn’t stop thinking about it! The pizza was delicious as well. For drinks I ordered the Ombré Passion Fruit and the Butterfly Pea Flower mocktails. The mocktails are super overpriced and you get like 3 sips and you’re done because it’s more ice and just looks pretty but it didn’t even taste out of this world for the price it costs. The service was really slow, had to keep trying to flag down waiters and they’d still forget what was asked. I understand it was super busy but a restaurant chain of this magnitude should be able to cope with such a crazy opening week so it’s not an excuse. Tried two of the Dulce de lèche, saffron and pistachio, they were delicious.

Tried going back today for a second time and wow I was disappointed. The pasta that I was thinking about all week and went back for just fell flat. It was tasteless and had no salt at all. It tasted like eating boiled pasta and milk. I did mention this to 3 of the waiters who said they’d let the chef know. The one waiter said it’s because the kitchen rotates chefs but this shouldn’t be an excuse and there should be a standard regardless of the chef. I had tried ordering the Matcha Rose Iced Latte, the waiter said he’d check if it was in stock. Ended up serving me something I didn’t order and had to take it back. So I tried the Chemex Raspberry Mojito, to be honest it’s not bad but not unique for price. Service again was slow. Sat down and was not helped for awhile even after asking staff to call me a waiter.

I love the atmosphere and it’s decorated stunningly however the food and drinks don’t match up to this nor to the price. Don’t really think I’d be back anytime soon...

Stepping into this enchanting little haven was like entering a whimsical wonderland of all things pink. The vibrant ambiance, adorned with twinkling lights and an enticing display of baked goods, immediately set the tone for a delightful experience. The meticulous attention to detail, right down to the charming pink cups and plates, added an authentic touch that resonated with the overall aesthetic.

The playful atmosphere, coupled with the delectable treats on display, made this place an absolute gem. I found myself immersed in the cozy yet vibrant vibe, appreciating the effort put into creating such a visually appealing space. The eclectic mix of baked goods, each tempting in its own right, showcased a dedication to quality and creativity.

What struck me most was the seamless blend of aesthetics and functionality. The place not only exuded charm but also provided a comfortable setting to savor every moment. The cheerful ambiance created a perfect backdrop for indulging in treats and, of course, capturing Instagram-worthy moments.

Even the smallest elements, like the carefully chosen pink color scheme, added to the overall allure. It was evident that the establishment went beyond being just a cafe; it was an immersive experience. The attention to detail was not only visual but extended to the culinary offerings, which were as delightful to the taste buds as they were to the eyes.

As I soaked in the unique atmosphere, I couldn't help but appreciate the thoughtfulness that went into curating such a delightful space. This place is not just a spot for a quick bite; it's a destination that invites patrons to linger, enjoy, and, inevitably, return. For anyone seeking a blend of aesthetic charm, delectable treats, and an inviting ambiance, this hidden gem is undoubtedly worth multiple visits....

I have always enjoyed the food and atmosphere at this establishment, which is why I was disappointed by a recent food safety concern that needs to be addressed seriously.

During my visit on 26 July 2025, we ordered a mixed berry cake slice. Upon consuming it, we discovered a piece of plastic partially baked into the cake. I immediately brought this to the manager's attention. He was apologetic and offered to remove the cake from the bill, which I appreciated. I also specifically requested that the contaminated cake be removed from the cake display area to prevent further risk to other customers.

However, after running an errand nearby, I walked past the establishment again and noticed that the same cake was still on display and available for sale. This raised serious concerns regarding food safety practices, hygiene, and the business's commitment to customer health.

This incident constitutes a clear breach of South African food safety regulations, particularly:

Regulation R638 under the Foodstuffs, Cosmetics and Disinfectants Act (Act 54 of 1972), which mandates that food must be safe for human consumption and free from physical contaminants.

Clause 9(1)(b) of R638, which requires that food premises and equipment be kept in a hygienic condition and that any food suspected to be unsafe is immediately removed from sale.

Clause 10(1)(c), which addresses the handling and disposal of unsafe or contaminated food products.

Selling a cake known to contain foreign material such as plastic poses a serious health risk and undermines public trust. I urge the management to review and improve their food safety and quality control processes immediately, and to ensure staff are adequately trained on compliance with the applicable regulations.

Customer safety must always be a...