Old Ducky French Cafe — Restaurant in Gauteng

Our evening at Old Ducky, was serendipity! We were meant to be home in Cape Town already, but due to one of our family members taking ill at the airport on the Fri and being rushed to hospital, we ended up having to stay. I don’t know Jozi at all and tried googling to find somewhere to eat on the Sat eve. Pineslopes shopping center seemed to offer the most choice, so off we went hoping for the best.

Well the best is exactly what we got! Attracted by the sparkling lights, vibey atmosphere, we arrived at the door of (initially undecided between the two), a Greek restaurant called Nikoe, where we were greeted by the most lovely and accommodating lady (owner?). She informed us that Nikoe was fully booked, but proceeded to find us place in Old Ducky, which I believe she also owned (correct me if I’m wrong) and told us we could order from either menu. This we duly did, I went for pulled lamb soufflaki, while my husband chose beef fillet stronganoff. My MIL had lobster bisque, which she hasn’t stopped raving about. She said she was going to let us taste it, but she got carried away and ate the lot!😂. This is a woman who never finishes anything on her plate. Husband said stroganoff was great and I loved my soufflaki too. All of this in the most wonderful setting with fabulous (and hilarious) staff. My hospitalised father in law was extremely jealous and on explaining to the cardiologist how he’d missed out, the doc asked the name of the restaurant, and then immediately said it was his favourite restaurant and that he goes there often himself. If I’m ever to return to the area, I will most definitely return to the Old Ducky, for the food and the wonderful people. Thanks for turning an anxious weekend into a special ,precious and positive memory. You guys rock!...

This elegant little restaurant is neatly tucked in at the Pineslopes shopping centre just behind Monte Casino and was a pleasant surprise! The dining is modern with just the right touch of classic French café vibes meeting every day eating that's Not on a budget. The menu is quite exciting without being to complex and long. Even if Steak Tartare is not your cup of tea watching the chefs prepare it at the table is an awesome treat. Some of the usual classic options are available for the conservative palate but still have a French twist and these are accompanied by some slightly more daring dishes. Should the Duck pie not be your scene, anything you order will be prepared well and taste absolutely delicious. The house was full and a cheerful atmosphere was felt. We did not feel rushed and the wine and Strawberry Daiquiris were just what we needed. It's a good idea to go the traditional route here and order a starter and a main course. The mains are not quite generous enough for the hungry folks but make up for it with taste and will certainly be enough for those who are not big eaters. If you are daring and adventurous and want to sample the best of the menu rather order several starters at once and have a little bit...

The Old Ducky has become my go-to place. Perfection every time, regardless whether it's breakfast, brunch, lunch or supper. Excellent food, polished and friendly service and the place itself is always so vibey. The best spot to hit the Northern Suburbs in years! Below - my old review.

This breakfast-lunch-supper nook is the best place to hit the Joburg restaurant scene in years. It's a fresh, different, welcoming, cosy, vibey, foodie paradise. Service is personal, professional and friendly under the perfectionist hawkeye of owner Marina Appelbaum. The staff wear egg-yolk yellow aprons and berets which, set off against the bright white of their shirts, contribute to the sunny, cheery feel of the place. There are indoor and outdoor seating options - and (bonus) if you sit outside you don't have to look over a parking lot, unlike at other Joburg alfresco spots. Since it opened just before Christmas, I've been three times for breakfast, at least once for lunch and three times for supper. My plan is to go through the entire menu before Easter. In 22 years living in Joburg, this is only the second restaurant which feels like a proper regular spot. I love sharing the place with friends, neighbours...