There’s a familiar name with a bold new chapter on Bryanston’s food scene! The acclaimed modern Mediterranean restaurant, Kolonaki Greek Kouzina opened its second location in May 2025 at Winifred Mandela Precinct (formerly Nicolway). This is the next evolution of a deeply personal culinary journey.
From London to Joburg
Chef Basil Holiasmenos has always taken a unique approach. Basil, a Greek who was born in South Africa and received his education and training in the UK, developed his culinary skills in some of the most exclusive restaurants in London. A new chapter began when he returned to South Africa, one in which his Mediterranean heritage and technical skill clashed in potent, flavourful ways.
When Kolonaki originally debuted in Parkhurst, it immediately distinguished itself in Johannesburg's exclusive eating scene. Kolonaki, which gets its name from the bustling Athenian area, is more than just cuisine. Tradition, friendliness, and an unashamed modern perspective on Greek food are all important. Basil continues to push the limits of concept-led dining with the addition of Modena (fine Italian dining) and The Blockman (steakhouse and butcher) to the expanding family.
Bryanston’s Kolonaki: A New Chapter
Everything that made the Parkhurst space a favourite, has expanded upon in the new one. The 180-seat restaurant has a 30-seat bar, a special private dining area, a carefully chosen wine cellar, a fish exhibit and a stunning open kitchen that serves as the focal point of the theatre and performance area.
Travertine and marble has been reinvented in a contemporary and modern format. A bright, spacious ambiance encourages lengthy, leisurely dinners. Soft arches evoke the ruins of ancient Greece. And flowing natural materials hang from the ceiling. Warm, classic, and subtly opulent, it resembles a Greek island mansion that has been adapted for a Joburg setting.
The Menu: Rooted in Greece
At the heart of Kolonaki is the food. “We’re excited to evolve the menu for this location,” says Basil. “Our DNA remains the same - fresh, flavourful Mediterranean dishes rooted in Greek tradition - but we’ve taken the opportunity to be playful. To take tradition and add a twist. You’ll find dishes here you won’t find anywhere else.”
Highlights include a stunning new cocktail bar experience, dishes created especially for the Bryanston kitchen, and the same dedication to premium imported and local ingredients that made Kolonaki stand out from the start. Reimagined classics meet signature drinks. Modern method is combined with traditional Greek seafood meals. Both the seasoned diner and the inquisitive diner will benefit from this experience.
Why Kolonaki Bryanston Matters
With ideas that strike a mix between skill and creativity and narrative and nostalgia, Kolonaki Bryanston is a sign that Johannesburg's culinary scene is developing. It's also a place to celebrate, whether it's by hosting clients, marking milestones, or just enjoying a glass of Assyrtiko while seeing the chefs at work.
The restaurant has been acknowledged with the Service Excellence Award by SA's Top Restaurants and most recently won the 2024 Luxe Restaurant Awards People's Choice Award, confirming its status as one of the nation's most popular dining locations. Kolonaki's popularity is not simply local hype.
This restaurant caters to patrons who crave more – more flavour, depth, and ambience – and who recognise that great food is about more than just taste.
For More Information
Visit www.kolonakigroup.co.za.
And don't forget to follow them on their social media platforms:
You can find both restaurants at the following details:
Kolonaki Bryanston
- Address: Winifred Mandela Precinct, Bryanston
- Bookings: www.kolonakigroup.co.za or Dineplan
- Email: [email protected]
- Tel: 010 900 5694
Kolonaki Parkhurst
- Address: No18 4th Avenue, corner 9th Street, Parkhurst, Randburg.
- Email: [email protected]
- Tel: 010 900 3319