The iconic Pigalle restaurant in Sandton, a beloved institution renowned for its Mediterranean and seafood fusion cuisine, is reopening under new ownership with a brand-new look and a fully halal certification.

• Now called Pigalle by Villamoura, the restaurant will relaunch on 1 November 2024 with an exciting new offering, marking a significant milestone in its storied legacy.
• Pigalle by Villamoura is not only embracing a halal focus but also adding contemporary elements that elevate the dining experience, such as a sushi bar, mocktail lounge, and shisha area.
• The goal is to balance the restaurant’s rich heritage with modern, diverse offerings that appeal to both loyal patrons and new guests alike.
• Visit www.sandtontimes.co.za for more stories.

In an era where the restaurant industry is evolving rapidly to meet diverse dietary preferences, Pigalle by Villamoura stands out as one of the few upscale halal dining experiences in Sandton.

Behind this transformation is Javed Ghani, a businessman based in Dubai, who brings his expertise and passion for South African culture and cuisine to one of Johannesburg’s most famous dining destinations. Javed, known for his success in South African-themed businesses worldwide, aims to revitalize Pigalle while staying true to its roots.

The choice to make Pigalle halal-certified stems from Javed’s background and experiences in Dubai, where fine-dining restaurants are often alcohol-free and cater to a wide audience, including families and professionals who appreciate upscale, non-alcoholic venues. This halal transformation makes Pigalle by Villamoura one of the few fine-dining establishments in Johannesburg that offers a high-quality, alcohol-free experience, proving that upscale dining doesn’t have to revolve around alcohol to thrive.

The menu at Pigalle by Villamoura will retain classic Pigalle dishes such as the famed Pigalle prawns, alongside Mediterranean-inspired seafood platters, and carefully crafted steaks. However, new additions like a sushi bar, which promises a modern twist on Japanese flavours, and Dubai-inspired items such as chicken chili prawns, will add flair and diversity to the dining experience.

The era of a new Pigalle by Villamoura is upon us with specific attention towards the magnificent food and the individual flavours. We’re working towards upholding the standard and immaculate quality that Pigalle has always offered but with a more elevated experience.

// Owner of Pigalle by Villamoura, Javed Ghani

Javed brings a wealth of experience from his Dubai-based ventures to Pigalle by Villamoura. As the founder of several successful South African-themed brands in the UAE, including Hyperama (a grocery chain), Hyperama Diner (an eatery with over 250 authentic South African dishes), and Lekker Meat Shop (a meat processing and biltong business), Javed is no stranger to the complexities of the food and beverage industry. His businesses cater primarily to South African expats abroad, making familiar flavours and products available globally. With branches across the UAE, Canada, and an upcoming launch in London, Javed’s brands are on a mission to bring South African culture to every corner of the world.

In Sandton, Javed saw an opportunity to expand the his brands—a venture that will launch its flagship location in Dubai next month—by merging Villamoura with Pigalle’s rich heritage.

It’s like the groceries; my business is called Hyperama. The Villamoura brand originally belonged to the founder of Pigalle, who sold it many years ago. After the listed company that purchased it closed, I managed to acquire the Villamoura IP, which allowed me to create the Villamoura brand with Pigalle.

// Owner of Pigalle by Villamoura, Javed Ghani

The blend of Pigalle’s reputation with the Villamoura name aims to evoke a sense of nostalgia while drawing in guests with a new experience. The interior of Pigalle by Villamoura has been slightly updated to include a more extensive menu, a vast mocktail selection, and an elegant shisha lounge. These additions make Pigalle by Villamoura an inviting space for guests to relax in a refined atmosphere, enjoying fresh mocktails alongside classic Mediterranean dishes and the new sushi offerings. The dining experience is set to be a vibrant mix of traditional Pigalle favourites and new Dubai-inspired flavours.

The absence of alcohol has not deterred Javed, who believes the upscale halal dining market in Sandton is ripe with potential.

There’s always been this myth that a fine dining restaurant will never survive in South Africa without alcohol. People don’t drive far anymore; people who drink often prefer short distances. So they’re not necessarily coming to Sandton for alcohol.

// Owner of Pigalle by Villamoura, Javed Ghani

But with changing attitudes around drinking and driving, he sees more people preferring to dine close to home without having to worry about alcohol.

The grand reopening of Pigalle by Villamoura on 1 November 2024 kicked off with over 2’000 reservations booked for the weekend. Among the guests were popular Dubai film stars, adding a touch of international glamour to the festivities. Javed, excited for the reopening, has already seen overwhelming interest from the local community.

In addition to preserving the restaurant’s core staff and original chefs, Javed has retained all of Pigalle’s traditional dishes, with the exception of pork, which has been removed in alignment with the restaurant’s halal certification. This commitment to continuity ensures that regular patrons can still enjoy the Pigalle dishes they know and love while exploring new flavours in the updated menu.

For Javed, Pigalle by Villamoura represents a unique blend of tradition and innovation, a restaurant that celebrates Pigalle’s rich past while embracing a modern, inclusive vision for the future. By catering to both long-time customers and new visitors seeking a luxurious yet alcohol-free dining experience, Javed is confident that Pigalle by Villamoura will continue to be a cornerstone of Sandton’s dining scene.

As Sandton’s food landscape continues to evolve, Pigalle by Villamoura stands as a testament to the city’s ability to innovate while honouring its legacy. With this reopening, Pigalle by Villamoura is set to reintroduce itself not just as a dining destination, but as a vibrant cultural experience that celebrates both local and international flavours in the heart of Sandton.

Stand a chance to WIN with The Sandton Times.

Advertise on The Sandton Times today!

Head back to The Sandton Times Home Page for more stories.