Mabu Restaurant Midrand: A Smoky, Swanky Disaster So, let's talk about Mabu. It's like they tried to create a high-end, intimate dining experience, but accidentally opened a smokehouse next to it. They charge the prices of Marble without delivering on food quality or ambience.
Ambience: 3/10 Imagine trying to have a romantic dinner at a table designed for a family reunion, while the kitchen staff is having a bonfire behind you. Not exactly ideal. Plus, the smoke was so thick, I felt like I'd just finished a round of hot yoga.
Service: 8/10 The service was surprisingly good, considering the chaos. Our waiter was always on top of things, and the food came out relatively quickly.
Food: 5/10 Starters: The Korean BBQ lollipops were overpriced and flavorless. The meat was dry and tough, and the sauce was bland and uninspired. 3/10
Mains: The brisket was a hit, but the pork noodles were a total miss. FORNO BRAISED BRISKE - 8/10 The brisket was cooked to perfection, falling apart with every bite. The flavors were rich and satisfying.
Squid Ink Pork Noodles - 2/10 However, the pork noodles were a disaster. The noodles were overcooked and mushy, and the squid ink sauce was overpowering. It was like eating a bowl of black pasta with a few pieces of pork thrown in.
Desserts: - 8/10 The desserts were the saving grace. Sweet, delicious, and a much-needed break from the smoke. The chocolate fudge crumble was rich and decadent, with a gooey center and a crispy exterior. The salted caramel ice cream was the only let down - being too salty to complement to the sweetness of the dish correctly.
Value for Money: 2/10 For R720, I expected a lot more. Two out of three main courses were a complete disappointment.
Overall: 3/10 Mabu is a smoke-filled, overpriced mess. For the price of Marble I expect Marble standard of food. This was below Mama Roku at twice the price. If you're looking for a memorable dining experience, I suggest...
Read moreWhile the Waterfall precinct might feel overpopulated overall, stepping into an establishment such as Mabu, gives one the illusion of being frozen in time in some faraway place.
A great deal of effort was made in creating the perfect and stylish ambience for this venue: the furniture and interiors were carefully selected, the layout and placement of everything was rather perfect. We visited the establishment in February, and back then, the private mezzanine area was still being set up. It’d be interesting to see whether that part is complete now and whether it can be booked out for private events.
The menu is different and, if you have an adventurous palette and generally love food, you’ll enjoy exploring all the options on offer here. The waitrons mentioned that the menu is seasonal; therefore, make sure to scatter your visuals to this establishment so that you can sample EVERYTHING on offer. I’m a simpleton when it comes to food hence these options overwhelmed me. I thoroughly appreciated the drinks on offer.
Bookings are recommended for this place. It does get full and if you have a large party, it’d be best to book well ahead of time. As busy as Mabu can get, the acoustics must be superb as it never feels too loud, as though you’re at a concert or football match. All patrons can civilly enjoy the establishment together.
I marvelled at the decor; I really appreciated. It lends so well to the ambience, making the entire experience...
Read moreOur experience at this exquisite restaurant was truly divine. Every aspect, from the exceptional staff to the delectable food and stunning ambiance, was meticulously crafted to create a breathtaking atmosphere. A standout highlight was our waiter, Andries, whose outstanding service far exceeded our expectations. His attentiveness and dedication ensured that we were smiling throughout the entire evening, making us feel like royalty.
The culinary journey was equally impressive, with each dish, from starters to desserts, showcasing flavors that delighted our taste buds. Every bite was a testament to the chef's skill and creativity. The ambiance complemented the meal perfectly, creating a harmonious experience that left a lasting impression. Mabu restaurant ensured that we will have lasting memories of each aspect we experienced.
The drive to get there was well worth it and we'd gladly make the trip again. We wholeheartedly recommend this restaurant to anyone seeking an exceptional dining experience. We would honestly rate it 10/10, a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts and those seeking outstanding service and visual experience. Thank you once again to Andries who made our...
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