Parents and friends of those with kids, looking for a more boutique and boujee dining option, will be flocking to JoyJozi, which opens in greater Sandton this week.

• JoyJozi is a one-of-a-kind family playground and experiential venue designed for children…and their parents.
• Expect a kids library, tree house, mini splash park, amphitheatre and so much more, to keep kids entertained for hours.
• The space matches all the things kids would want to explore with all that parents need, including coffee, cocktails, and a decadent menu with quality dishes.
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Gone are the days of fish finger dominated dishes, mundane family restaurant visits, and luncheons your friends without kids would run for the hills for. With a fresh approach to a restaurant destination that both covers children, and their adults needs, JoyJozi has married the best of play and cuisine to bring a fancy family restaurant to life.

The Sandton Times headed to the heart of Rosebank, to explore the thatch roof house with a signature twisty children’s slide descending from the second floor and discover all that JoyJozi hopes to serve up. Arriving at the new venue, a large iron gate guarded by security personnel indicates that the safety of all who play beyond the perimeter wall of JoyJozi is considered and a bit of paperwork at reception reinforces the importance placed on creating a fun, yet safe environment, monitored by camera’s all-over, all-the-time. Even the bathroom facilities are regulated for parents’ peace of mind.

A melting pot for the imaginations of Brad Cilliers, Colin Levin and Chef Luke Dale Roberts, JoyJozi brings together the best of gastronomy, play and ambiance into one boutique destination, parents seeking an upmarket ‘play date’ will love.

PlayOn Founder and free play fanatic, Colin Levin, has been actively involved since the start of the project, and is the mastermind behind the state-of-the-art play equipment that exists within the JoyJozi grounds.

The best feedback I can get as a playmaker is watching kids experiment on the equipment. My idea is to consistently update the space as global play trends filter through.

// PlayOn Founder, Colin Levin

All equipment has been tastefully integrated into the expansive gardens under the direction of renowned South African landscaper, J.P Watson. On offer is an action court, tree house, bicycle track, mini splash park and a dedicated space for toddlers adjacent to the JoyJozi vegetable garden.

Creative crafts will be available, and for book lovers, there’s a well-stocked reading room overlooking the garden.

At the end of the garden, you’ll find a 70-seater amphitheatre and stage. Here, children (and their adults) will be able to watch, join, and even perform their own shows in a beautiful, serene setting. JoyJozi has also partnered with the National Children’s Theater and Story Cafe to deliver enriching, memorable experiences.

The final pillar of the establishment is culinary virtuoso, Luke Dale Roberts, who has developed JoyJozi’s menu and has mobilised his top chefs and restaurant staff to launch this project.

JoyJozi brings food to the entertainment and the entertainment to the food! This menu takes us back to the basics in the best possible way. There needs to be enough simplicity to appeal to a child, with enough complexity to know it’s extraordinary.

// Chef Luke Dale Roberts

JoyJozi’s menu is a fusion of playful combinations and standard classics that appeal to the younger and the more adventurous eater. Luke’s focus for this venture is extraordinary every-day eating with health and sustainability as the building blocks of each menu item.

This menu is a perfect balance; creating opportunities for families to connect while children learn the most important skill of all – how to play!

// Chef Luke Dale Roberts

JoyJozi is located a stone throw away from the Radisson RED Johannesburg in Rosebank at 51 Eastwood Road, Dunkeld and is available for birthdays and functions. There is a R60 cover charge per child up to the age of 13 years old, and child minders are on-site to facilitate play and look after the little ones.

JoyJozi opens Wednesday to Friday, 11am – 9pm and Saturday, Sunday & Public Holidays, 9am – 9pm. To book at JoyJozi, email: reservations@joyjozi.co.za, WhatsApp +27-79-179-7362 or call +27-11-393-1005. Limited parking is available at JoyJozi and additional parking can be found at Oxford Parks.

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