Pretoria's dining scene has welcomed a vibrant new addition. Nestled within Menlyn Park Shopping Centre, Amazon is a Brazilian- and Latin-inspired restaurant, cocktail bar and entertainment destination that effortlessly transitions from leisurely brunches and celebratory lunches to date nights, cocktails and late-night gatherings.
Designed by Monseca Hospitality Group – the team behind concepts including Greenhouse Sandton, The Shortmarket Club x Greenhouse, Ocaso and Monseca's Mexican – Amazon is their most ambitious project to date. Seating approximately 400 guests, the venue combines bold South American flavours, Japanese-inspired sushi, handcrafted cocktails and lush, design-led interiors to create a dining experience unlike anything else currently found in Pretoria.
From the moment guests arrive, Amazon sets the tone for an escape from the ordinary. Verde marble, warm brass accents, glowing onyx bars, abundant greenery and a spacious cabana deck overlooking a fountain come together to create a space that feels equally suited to morning mimosas, long lunches with friends, birthday celebrations and evenings that stretch into the early hours.
A Restaurant Designed For Every Occasion
Amazon was designed to be more than just a restaurant. Whether you're meeting friends for brunch, celebrating a birthday, hosting a baby shower, enjoying date night or simply lingering over cocktails, the space adapts effortlessly throughout the day. Weekends are expected to centre around lively brunches, shared plates and flowing bubbly, while the spacious cabana deck overlooking a fountain provides a relaxed setting for long lunches and sundowners. As evening approaches, the atmosphere shifts, with DJs, handcrafted cocktails and a buzzing energy transforming Amazon into one of Pretoria's newest after-dark destinations.
Brazilian Flavours Meet Japanese Precision
Chef Siya Mlaba, whose 15 years of culinary experience span London, New York and Mexico, has helped shape a menu that celebrates Brazilian and South American flavours while incorporating Japanese influences. The menu celebrates the bold flavours of Brazil and South America, while incorporating Japanese influences through an extensive sushi selection. One of Amazon's signature touches is its complimentary pão de queijo, warm Brazilian cheese rolls baked fresh daily and served to every table from lunch onwards. Starters range from Beef Carpaccio with chimichurri mayo and parmesan shavings to Crispy Squid served with avo salsa and charred corn, roasted Bone Marrow with grilled bread, Panko Prawns glazed in tamarind turmeric and slow-cooked Lamb Riblets finished over an open flame.
Seafood lovers can explore the Raw Bar, where Sea Bass Ceviche cured in citrus leche de tigre sits alongside Tuna Laqueado with passionfruit, pineapple salsa and sesame.
For mains, premium meats take centre stage. The hardwood-fired Picanha, finished with burnt sage butter and smoked salt, is among the menu highlights, alongside Grilled Sea Bass, Queen Prawns charred over open flame, smoky Peri-Peri Chicken and premium cuts served with comforting sides such as creamy mash, coconut rice and crispy baby potatoes. The sushi offering includes Salmon and Tuna Rainbow Rolls, Crispy Rice Deluxe topped with salmon or tuna, and Wagyu Table-Side Flambé Nigiri finished with oscietra caviar and truffle mayo.
Brunch Worth Making Plans For
Brunch is set to become one of Amazon's defining offerings. Guests can tuck into the generously portioned Amazon Breakfast Board loaded with bacon, halloumi, smashed avo, homemade baked beans and eggs cooked to order, while lighter options include Eggs Benedict with smoked salmon, Breakfast Burritos, Smoked Salmon Toast and house-made granola topped with tropical fruit and macadamias. Those with a sweet tooth can round off their meal with warm Churros served alongside dulce de leche and dark chocolate sauce, grilled pineapple drizzled with rum caramel or Pavê, a traditional Brazilian layered dessert featuring espresso-soaked biscuits and dulce de leche cream.
Tropical Cocktails & Late-Night Energy
The drinks menu embraces tropical flavours, premium spirits and playful presentation. Signature cocktails include the Amazon Caipirinha made with premium cachaça and hibiscus syrup, the fruity Toucan, smoky Tropic Thunder, Pineapple Express and creamy Brazilian Lemonade. Complementing the cocktails is an extensive wine list, premium Champagnes and Cap Classiques, making Amazon just as suitable for celebratory dinners as it is for relaxed brunches.
Ready To Escape To The Jungle?
Whether you're planning a leisurely brunch, celebrating a special occasion, catching up with friends over cocktails or looking for a new date night destination, Amazon Menlyn offers a dining experience that feels unlike anything else currently found in Pretoria.
For bookings, menus and more information, visit www.amazonmenlyn.co.za.
