Sluurpy > Restaurants in Johannesburg > Teta Mari

Review Teta Mari - Johannesburg

David Smythe
An early breakfast at this hidden gem. The menu is refreshingly different for the run of the mill breakfast spots. A blend of Middle Eastern and European flavours. The waiter made us comfortable and has a great k owl edge of his products. Coffee was strong and perfectly brewed. The prices on the menu at first glance appear on the upper side but all doubt is gone when the food arrived. Beautifully prepared and generous portions
Madaleine Dick
Had such a lovely experience this morning, so glad we were way too early for the Eyetek appointment. The early cuppa and unplanned delicious cake (😊) I have to confess, was absolutely delish. Waiters and owner/s are all round hospitable and welcoming. Thank you to you all 💕
Aviva
Amazing Middle Eastern food and great vegetarian options. We loved the deconstructed falafel shawarma!
ian nettleton
I like cheesecake and generally with cream as they mostly come a little dry. The cheesecake here was exceptional. Moist and creamy. Really was perfect with the cappuccino I had. The staff were also super. I'll be back
Mas Tyali
Combination of different tastes from the Middle East and Eastern Europe. Great for catching up with old friends and family. Tip: Try their delicious chocolate cake
Dominic Ribeiro
Good value for money. The food was delicious, service perfect and ambience great.
Natalie Anne Anderson
Simply delicious, well presented and flavorful food - a must to try. Friendly and professional staff
Ivan Levinrad
We had the delicious hot dogs, tasted great just like the good old days. The potato salad side was also superb. Highly recommended
Carel Scheepers
Mediterranean and eastern love on a plate. From cheesecake to olives. A Joburg gem!
Mike Judin
My favorite spot for great coffee and excellent service👍
Akhia Andersson
Extensive menu, offering really interesting dishes. Have never had a bad meal here and am often surprised. Their chicken schnitzel salad, for example, is delicious, fresh and filling. Love the outside seating area and decor. The staff are super friendly, and whether it's a business meeting, a cafe work spot, a lunch with friends or a tasty takeaway you're looking for - I'm sure Teta Mari will be able to help you out.
Lutho Gwanya
This place was so amazing. The food tasted as great as it looked. The vibe is really a chilled one. I would definitely recommend for people who wanted to take their families out for an afternoon meal.
Gary Fouche
Very friendly staff Helpful with meal choice Food delicious
Graham Johnson
Absolutely loved our breakfast here. I have passed it by for years.. so glad we went in today.
Michael Rea
My absolute MOST favorite restaurant in Joburg!!! When I'm home, I try to stick to a Sunday afternoon ritual of taking the Sunday Times to read (and Sudoku) while enjoying my favorite meal of all: Quinoa and Chicken Salad. Absolutely amazing!!! The only problem is that they make the best chocolate cake that tempts me more than a hot chick on a lonely night!
Mart7na
Great mediterranean food, beautifully arranged. If you like shawarma or traditional Jewish food, this is the place to come. There is also secure parking right in front; very convenient. Their recent price hike, however, has cost them a star. R40 for a can of coke is really pushing it.
Pedro Rodrigues
Delightful venue. Great friendly, efficient staff. Such a peaceful, quiet atmosphere even though it was busy.
Freddie le Pine-Williams
Good lunch spot, pleasant service, great steak sandwich! Recommend it to any group and duet wanting a relaxed, tasty time out tucked away behind the illovo shopping centre. Thumbs up all around.
Brenda Tod
A really great find just down the road. The owner was so friendly and her real latkes are the best! Will be returning to try other dishes for sure
Meiran Hemo
If I could I give five Michelin stars to this restaurant ! The food is great! Excellent service! amazing place! Recommends!!!!
Tammy Sham Sadie
Thank you! The food was so delicious!!!! I definitely recommend this restaurant!!
Jackie Budler
Dianne is so friendly and service orientated. Best "home-made" type food in Joburg!!
Bianca Candace Mudaly
Delicious food and good service from Thato. Will definitely be back
Garth James
Always great food and the best strawberry milkshakes in the city. Great service too!
Valencia Marasela
the food was so delicious,lovely restaurant and relaxing
Kerry Nash
Absolutely delicious quality food. I love Teta Mari
Cindy Inacio
Arrived at 2:40pm for a quick bite. As we walked in, told the waiter we knew the restaurant was closing at 4pm but wanted to grab a quick bite to eat - even knew what we wanted to order. Got told to sit outside as they wanted to start packing up inside. A few minutes later, we were told that there wasn’t much time left as they were going to start closing up soon. <br/><br/>Disappointing to have staff discourage us to stay for a quick meal before your closing time
Dean Jared Sacher
a nice place but needs to touch up on a lot of things <br/>
A Foodie Travels
Serving Middle Eastern,American food is Teta Mari in Illovo .I had a chicken laffa here for brunch ,it was really filling .The hummus is delicious and how hummus should be made which is silky,osft and not grainy .Meal was delicious overall .
Anthea Chittenden
An interesting menu of different cuisines, mainly American, Middle Eastern (a theme we stuck to) and Mediterranean. Sitting inside as to enjoy their air con on a roasting summer day (review based on a December visit). Ingredients were fresh but was disappointed with the bread as hard and tasteless. Tucking into a deconstructed Shawarma, with a wide range of fillings to choose from, Lamb, Turkey, Felafel and more. The Hummus Im Basar is filled with tender fillet cubes and delish. A recommendation was their famous cheesecake, so moreish we ordered extra takeaways. Service was good. Washrooms are in the centre so expect a short walk. Convenient parking.
Jakki Bousfield
My absolute favorite place for a quick lunch. My partner and I have been here multiple times and always get the same thing - the hot dog! Tasty sausage, crispy bun and onions and the tangy sweet mustard - absolutely delicious! The side potato salad holds it's own and its not far fetched to suggest that I could eat a giant bowl of it. (Its also served with a portion of coleslaw but coleslaw doesnt excite me as much)<br/><br/>The atmosphere is very relaxed and service does err on the side of iffy when they're busy however the quality of the food is never compromised.<br/><br/>Will continue coming back for my fix!<br/><br/>
Scott
Shocking hostess - won’t be back! Even the poor waitress embarrassed by her boss. Asked to leave as our order of R145-00 didn’t allow us to finish a quick business meeting. Wish I was joking 😂😂😂
Kev0's Food Adventures!
2019 Update<br/>I ordered two Brisket on Rye sandwiches as a takeaway, when I was collecting I enquired where the sides of cole slaw and salad was, only to be told that they do not give the sides with take away orders. I still had to pay full price for this - R210 and this was not mentioned when I placed the order on the phone prior to collecting. Not cool, will not be seeing me again, it is a shame as the food was good.<br/>____________________________________________________________________________________________<br/> Definitely a hidden gem, I had no idea the Illovo Centre had so many restaurants tucked away inside. <br/><br/>We had a quick deli style lunch.Some Latka starters to share, for mains the brisket on rye was recommended and it did not disappoint! I had a double size portion, which was stacked with brisket, cucumber, tomato, lettuce and tangy mustard sauce, it came with potato salad and coleslaw as sides. Loaded with stacks of brisket, it was extremely tender and tasty.<br/><br/>The owner gave us a slice of carrot cake on the house to share ( Everyone was too full to even think of ordering their own) the cake was moist and the frosting nice and light.<br/><br/>The services was fast and friendly. Will definitely be going back for more brisket!
Louise
I love this place! The food is always fresh and flavorful. The serving sizes are HUGE way more than I can ever finish. I went with two friends they both had salads which were huge and I had the Schwarma on a plate which I needed help from the other two to finish. Everything was delicious
Marc Schmidt
I ordered an Uber Eats delivery from them today. Needed a quick lunch from not one of my usual restaurants. <br/><br/>My Famous Hotdog arrived in my “takeaway food nemesis”, a white non descriptive plastic bag, with writing in pen on it. Not in attractive branded thoughtful packaging. Eish!!<br/>Accompanying my hotdog was an unexpected potato & coleslaw salad. It was a pleasant surprise and a pleasant side dish. <br/>The hotdog was nice and the roll was great. Brown and tasty and fresh. The sausage nothing special, just another hotdog sausage. The sauces were great. <br/><br/>There are a few other restaurants around me offering hotdogs for lunch. Quick & easy. I’d rate this one my second best option out of these.
Sally Gallagher
Teta Mari was a great find for me some two weeks ago - never knew it existed up that driveway at Illovo Square.  Food is fantastic!!  Middle Eastern - Real American, both amazingly tasty and generous helpings too!  General items aplenty for the more conservative diner.  It was Saturday morning and there was a real hustle and bustle on the go - people coming and going, from the very young to the rather elderly (such as my companion and myself!) - so ambience was super!! Also FANTASTICALLY CLEAN and shining.  Owner and Staff are great people and manage to chat to all their patrons. One feels at home but, best of all, their food could not be faulted - outstandingly good in fact.  I have since had orders  of their very special beef on rye for an office meeting - beautifully prepared and presented on platters and all partaking said it was the best they'd ever had.  I've recommended it to many  people but they already knew of it and rave about it.  Do give it a try!  I shall be going back for sure.  Sally Gallagher
Nobuhle
Most amazing wrap/Laffa!! Had the chicken the first time, went back a 2nd time and ordered the lamb and chicken😋,didn’t disappoint. Quite pricey but well worth the satisfaction. Looking forward to trying the rest of the menu.
Ryan The-Logo
Nice, clean little place but ridiculously overpriced. <br/>The wait staff was prompt and courteous. <br/>Food was nice but not anything special. <br/>Coffee was excellent though.
Buhle Sibanyoni
This is a cute little cafe. I had a Ceaser salad, it was really fresh and tasty. They serve pastries and cakes as well which I unfortunately didn’t get to try but they looked yummy. Worth a try if you’re in the area.
Karel Janse Van Rensburg
Service terribly unfriendly, staff enjoying own breakfast more important than bringing the bill or checking on drinks. No child in the world will enjoy footlong, attempt to serve it grownup not successful. Need very specific taste expectation to enjoy. Breakfast, croissant etc very good but let’s be honest breakfast is tough to get wrong. Not a great experience considering the cost.
Martin Sox
I really enjoyed the food and ambience at this place. Service was excellent too. Had the build it yourself shawarma. It was really good, and also the reason that I know eat gherkins. Definitely worth a try!
Mpho Makwana
Food tastes great but service very poor! Waiters & Waitresses need service orientation they generally seem not to enjoy working here! Otherwise good hangout
Palesa Molingoane
Came to Teta Mari looking for a slice of cheesecake after reading that theirs is one of the best in Johannesburg. The service was prompt and friendly. Decided to order a kofta special alongside my cheesecake and both were quite delicious. That cheesecake definitely belongs in that 'best in Joburg' list. Overall, a worthwhile trip.
Junior
A very cute place hidden in the back routes of Illovo. The decoration is amazing and the service is pretty good.<br/><br/>Their portions are really big. I had a beef burger and go to taste a Kofta place. The food is really delicious and the cheesecake is definitely on of the best I've ever had Definitely see myself coming here for lunch more often
Saltnsas
Yummy authentic middle eastern food. Service was good and pricing average. Shakshuka was good. Cheesecake delicious. Think latke and shwarmas. Turkey shwarma on a plate is fantastic.
Lethabo Modise
Made a reservation for 10 but wasn't ready when we arrived after confirming earlier in the week. Food is good and service was below average. Waiter didn't check on us frequently, which was needed because of the number of people we were
Bridget Meyer
Cute little cafe situated off Harries Road and overlooking Illovo Square parking lot. Menu comprises mostly of sandwiches, rolls and shawarmas with middle eastern spices and flavours. I'd recommend Teta Mari for breakfast and can highly recommend their Lamb Shawarmas on a Plate for lunch. It's lovely sitting outside under the umbrellas but be sure to book in advance as they can get very busy. They also have a deli and offering catering services for those who wish to bring the middle east home.
Base Morekure
The best chocolate cake and schwarmas in town!! Service is great, the staff is super friendly and not shy to offer wine 😁 one of my favourite lunch spots
Estelle Snyman
I used Teta Mari for a function of mine. The food was amazing. Service was top class and the food was great tasting.Thank you to the team who made me look great!
Chennay Jordaan
Enjoyed a delicious shawarma in pita here - tried both the lamb and the chicken, and both were very good. The pita bread was delectably fresh and the fillings were loaded with flavour - juicy, tender pieces of seasoned meat topped with garlicky hummus, crispy shredded cabbage and freshly chopped vegetables and herbs, dressed in extra virgin olive oil. The pita is also stuffed to the brim- making it a very generous portion of food. Highly recommended.
Kazaya Jalim
Still the best Shawarma in Jozi! Freshest Humus, Tachina and delish meat always cooked perfectly! Love this place...never a disappointing meal, must try for all Israeli food lovers.
Maria Mallick
The best shwarma's in town, loved the deconstructed lamb shwarma. Unfortunately wasn't a big fan of the fish cakes. However chocolate cake to end things of was divine.
Melissa Marengo
fantastic food and gorgeous atmosphere! great tasting Israeli food, authentic with a modern twist. The meat is of exceptional quality and not fatty at all, love this place for delicious lunch or much needed catch up coffee with a friend
Sapir
I'm a professional baker and I know good food and this is good food.<br/>I haven't had a bad experience here. The waiters are attentive and already know my name - Thato has definitely "Got it".<br/>Some of my favourites, I say some because I love them all, are Reubens special piles high with brisket and sauerkraut. Mmmmm<br/>Israeli breakfast is fantastic with eggs, tuna, labaneh(like a cream cheese but better) and olives.<br/>Schwarma is amazing. Beautifully spiced overflowing with humus and salad.<br/>The barista is awesome and always makes me a strong coffee.<br/>And now the cakes: OH MY GOD... the chocolate cake makes me weak at the knees, it's so good it is a sin. The cheesecake is amazing there is ALWAYS space for dessert!!!
Meiran
When I saw the episode of man finds food on Teta Mari I knew I had to eat here. I WAS BLOWN AWAY.<br/><br/>As an Israeli, who knows Israeli food, Teta Mari definitely knows their way around the kitchen! The best Israeli food in the whole of South Africa. From the Hummus Im Basar with amazing zhug to their Shawarma to the falafel, I am home away from home here.<br/><br/>When I had my engagement party - there was only one place. The owners went out of their way to accommodate us - kosher options, vegans and vegetarians included. The catering was magnificent and the setting was beautiful.<br/><br/>It has become my favourite breakfast & lunch hangout, already planning to start my day tomorrow with a delicious breakfast - shakshuka:-) <br/><br/>HIGHLY RECOMMENDED<br/><br/><br/>
Nadir Olgacay
Operated by 2 ladies from Israel , expected to be great but their shawarma is bad and expensive , burger noting to write hoem about , definitely not Israel.<br/><br/>Fried Potatoes is good so is falafel, kosher so get a lot of attention, if it's wasn't for Jewish friend would not consider it
Healthy Heart
Delicious salmon with a crisp and fresh salad. Nothing better on a hot summers day. <br/>Healthy tip: ditch the salad dressing for balsamic and olive oil
Sam
Visited this pretty little restaurant for lunch. We tried the hake & salmon fish cakes for R145. I thought it expensive as it's a combination of hake, salmon and potato whereas as Tasha's is priced at R125. It was over fried and lack seasoning & taste.<br/><br/>Probably the best thing to order on the menu is the deconstructed schwarma. I opted for the haloumi one. This is enough food for two people, but they should increase the amount of pitas served with it. The ingredients were fresh & good quality. I would have preferred the haloumi to not be drenched in so much oil.<br/><br/>They had a few cakes on offer and also sell freshly baked bread. Service was slow as the restaurant was very understaffed. Overall it's a lovely place to visit for lunch.
Mike Rundle
I travel from Bryanston to this restaurant often,  it is worth it! The food is delicious, the service is great and prices are reasonable - this is a find!  The owners personal touch goes a long way.
Clayman
Had an absolutely delicious Rueben-style sandwich from Tera Mari. Ordered through Ubereats and I'm quite chuffed at the quality! Will order again soon!
Natalie Lazaris
Deliciousness all around, that is all I can say. Perfect place for lunch during the week or on a large you Saturday. The homemade Hummous is worth the visit alone.
Cldbwoah
Nice setting, nice food but be careful they do not have a wine list with the price and they overcharge you: a DMZ Sauvignon blanc 2015 selling at Makro (their supplier as confirmed by the owner) at less than 90R they charge 280R!!!<br/>
Ashley
Tucked away behind Illovo Square, this little deli restaurant serves up delicious middle Eastern food and great coffee.<br/>The Shawarmas were great and very fresh.<br/>However the service was a disappointment due to the unfriendly and disinterested nature it was delivered in. <br/><br/>Visit if: You are in the mood for a shawarma in a sunny casual setting (outdoor seating available)
Fareeah
What an amazing little place! I came across Teta Mari while browsing the Hidden Gems collection on Zomato for a cute Sunday brunch with girlfriends spot. Some of the girls were fasting (not eating meat) so the wide variety of veg options on the menu sold it for me. As it was raining, I called ahead to book a table inside; lucky I did as the restaurant filled up very quickly. The food was nothing short of amazing. Everyone loved what they had. I had the deconstructed lamb pita  which was fresh and delicious. <br/><br/>The freshly squeezed apple juice with mint and ginger is a must (especially for mornings after the night before :)). We were celebrating two of the girls' birthdays and they gave us two slices of cake on the house. Possibly the best chocolate and cheese cake I've ever had!  The owners/managers and waiters were also very warm and friendly. I can't wait to bring everyone I know here!
Klee Barris
Tucked away at the back of the Illovo Square shopping centre, you will find cute Teta Mari.<br/><br/>Sitting on their deck soaking the winter sunshine we ordered light meals. The menu is cleverly portioned into different cuisines, from the Middle East to America.<br/><br/>Opting for something light I ordered the Quinoa salad (R 65). It is fresh with good crispy texture. It could've used a little more flavour with the addition of a herb like mint. Another goodie is the Smoked Salmon Salad (R 98).<br/><br/>For a something traditionally satisfying The Reuben (R 123), under the Americas is great. The meat is cured beautifully served with a complimentary mustard. Although the slaw and potato salad sides were somewhat bland. <br/><br/>Most disappointing was the surly, bordering on rude service. I am not sure I'll be going back to sit in. Thankfully they have a takeaway menu. <br/><br/><br/>
Your Taste Buds
Oh I love eating at this little hidden deli. @tetamari by illovo. <br/>The food was awesome. I love eating the Reuben's special #brisket on rye. <br/>The #felafel salad is also a winner. <br/>The burger was good - a little too saucy by good. <br/>I didn't eat the cheesecake this time but it's also yummy. <br/><br/>They not opened for Dinner (I think but I think its a breakfast and lunch spot)<br/><br/>The service was good this time. Some times its a little slow BUT no issue this time and waiter was great.<br/><br/>#illhavewhatdimitrihas #yourtastebuds #reviewnotsponsored
Moira
One of our favourite "destination" restaurants when the craving for delicious middle eastern food hits. The lamb schwarma on a plate is heavenly. The brinjal chips and pickled chilli's are addictive. Cheesecake is NY baked and amazing. Good atmosphere, good service. Come hungry as portions are enormous.
Lauren Leigh
I LOVE LOVE LOVE Teta Mari. I highly recommend the fish cakes - they are honestly the best I have had in my life. Have them with the Israeli salad.
Neetu Sinha
Ok nothing great. Waiter cud be informative and happy at breakfast. Shaksuka sauce is an overdose. It was too hot 4 bfast. Disappointed..ok
Preetika.jasmath
Had a lovely lunch with my girlfriends on Saturday. The deconstructed pita was amazing. Had one with Falafels and it was delicious. Would've have like a little more tahini. But simple good, fresh,<br/>Food. Stuffed for days...
Tiffany
Had a lovely lunch with a few of my friends today. The service was amazing and the food was really nice. Didn't realise how busy the restaurant actually was until we were leaving. Great spot- worth trying out if you're in Illovo!
Sugar & Spice
Love this place! True gem! Great atmosphere, food is fresh and well presented, service is good and the cakes are simply to die for! Great spot for lunch!
Mr T-Bone
A very pleasant venue to indulge on excellent food. Great care and attention to detail is applied to what becomes well cooked and well presented food. The brisket on rye is superb and the deconstructed falafel is well presented and very yummy. To finish off, you must have their decadent cakes which are to die for ! Hats off to the great coffee maker.
Irfaan
Hidden at the back of Illovo square on the street side corner you will find this cute spot. Arrived just prior to closing time on Sat afternoon. Restaurant has a nice and relaxed feeling. Setting is ok with a view of a rather quiet street and the parking lot. Food was good. Found the falafel a bit dry, dipping sauce made up for it. Sandwiches are hearty with no skimping on the fillings. Meals are beautifully presented. Service is great.
Jenna Monteith
I definitely enjoyed the experience of this restaurant: bustling and friendly in atmosphere with stylish, tasteful decor. Unfortunately my chicken burger was not great, the meat tasting a bit plastic-like. My friend ordered a chicken pita (she is allergic to the world currently) so she did order it without the pita. She raved about her meal, so perhaps mine was just a dud. Their cakes lool amazing so perhaps next time I will give that a try.
Julia Louise Domanski
My first time at this charming restaurant and I wish I'd come sooner! <br/>There were so many things I wanted to try on the menu but I eventually settled on the deconstructed chicken schwarma on a plate. The chicken was moist and beautifully flavoured and the accompanying salads were fresh and tasty. <br/>My friend didn't particularly enjoy her burger but she said the chips were divine.<br/>I love the decor and the hands-on attitude of the owner / manageress.<br/>Our waiter seemed to forget us when we wanted to pay but she took charge and helped us.<br/>I'll definitely be back!
Nishela Ramgoolam
Teta Mari is a great lunch spot. A true gem. Lovely atmosphere.  Food style is Mediterranean / NY deli. Mouth-watering deconstructed shawarmas, falafels and brisket on rye.
Claire Wiggill
Met a friend for lunch at Teta Mari recently. It's a great little spot to meet for lunch. Nice decor and fresh food and drinks. The menu is slightly limited. We both opted for the chicken sandwich on rye bread, seemed a bit pricey at R85 but when it came it was huge! Only manage half and had the other half for lunch the next day! The fresh juices are great! Worth a visit.
Liron Gilhar
My wife and I found this little café after being referred to it by some friends. Boy are we glad we went!My wife is a vegetarian and found a number of things to choose from - which is always a BIG plus for a vegetarian when dining out. She settled on the falafel burger and it was amazing! I chose the Hummus im Basaar and loved all the little condiments and flavours that it came with. Really, really scrumptious! We also really appreciated the presentation of all the food we ordered. You can see that the owners really care about their establishment and are passionate about great food!We'll be back many times to sample the other dishes on offer!!
Lee G
Oh yes. This is it, this is MY place. 5 days a week, this is home. The ambiance, the Coffee and the FOOD. I am magically transported from illovo to Tel Aviv. Shakshuka, poached eggs in a spicy tomato sauce sprinkled with herbs and feta. Hummus im basar takes me back to down town Haifa, warm pita accompanies a massive bowl of hummus topped with tender beef. The israeli breakfast a combination of all the favorites, labneh (a thick creamy cheese), tuna with peppers, chopped salad and all the pickles you need. Then there is the American deli - ruebens special on rye is undeniably the best sandwich I have ever eaten. The hot dog to end all hot dogs. Their Chicken soup is a soul warming and hearty. like spinach to Popeye. The middle eastern burger is a garlic and herb infused miracle covered in their Marie rose sauce and comes with a side of curly fries. Right that's enough typing, I'm going home for lunch.
Caitlin Hanck
Had an awesome lunch here on Friday! My chocolate milkshake was to die for! I ate a very tasty rump prego roll. It was a proper rump steak in a fresh Portuguese roll with a yummy not too spicy prego sauce! My friend also had the chicken breast sandwich which he said was also most delicious. Our waiter was so friendly and attentive. The restaurant had a nice buzz and I really enjoyed my meal here! Will definitely be back!
Michael Cloete
There's nothing quite like a generous and delicious cappuccino to lift your spirits. <br/><br/>Teta Mari surprised me with one of the most tasty coffee's I've ever tasted. While I waited for my friends to join me for lunch, I enjoyed this coffee while listening to a great selection of music in this little cafe. I hardly looked at my phone I enjoyed it so much. <br/><br/>In terms of food, I enjoyed a fresh chicken breast sandwich on ciabatta which was finished off with a very tangy mustard sauce. My friends both had a rump Prego. All meals were healthy portions and the chocolate milkshakes (which I tasted) were of a high quality. <br/><br/>The cafe has a great atmosphere and is a perfect little spot to break away from work for lunch. Service was impeccable.<br/> <br/>Highly recommended.
Sharima Bramannan
I went to Teta Mari based on a review I read about there awesome burgers. And they were awesome...fresh ingredients combined to make a favourful burger patty and the buns were freshly baked. This place has a nice ambience too.
BT
Having valiantly and constantly failed in my search for seriously good Middle Eastern Cuisine in JHB, I was extremely stoked to have found Teta Mari- what a gem. Quaint, little Middle Eastern Cafe delivering big and bold flavours. Without a doubt the best glorified hot dog I have had. Will continue to return and return.
Ria Fraser @CityFlavours
This cute little cafe is beautifully decorated and the service is excellent. I couldn't decide what to get as so many things looked yummy. Ended up sharing the lamb scwharma and the brisket on ciabatta. The eggs were perfectly soft for the other people on the table. Both dishes were delicious, will definitely be back!
Inge Nefdt
I found the prices to be rather high for what you were getting. For my brothers salad he spent R115 and mine was a schnitzel salad which I found rather dry and tasteless. This could disappointment due to my level of hunger so I'm looking forward to my next visit to try the schwarma.
Byron Goldberg
Cute little restaurant by M&A in Illovo. Nice Middle Eastern dishes.<br/>Recommended is the perrogen. They are like little mince pies. Very nice as a starter. The coffee is also great!
Christine Clark
A great casual place with good quality food. Fabulous hotdogs and prego rolls to keep the kids happy, as well a delicious food for the parents. Carrot cake is glorious!
Manavalan Tony
Really great shwarma both lamb & turkey. Service is great. Great experience all around. One of the best place for a diverse menu from middle eastern cuisine.
Sivan Weinberg
Teta Mari- a little gem in the heart of Illovo. The menu is simple yet has something to offer for everyone. I have been to Teta Mari on numerous occasions and have tried quite a few of the menu items. The service is always good, even if they are busy- you will get attended to. So far, the lamb shawarma is my best and my husband decided that Teta Mari is his favorite lunch spot based purely on their hot brisket on rye. From their chicken soup to their sloppy joe- Teta Mari offers a nostalgic, New York Jewish style deli experience in the heart of Joburg- for those of us who can't pop over to the big apple every time we want a little slice of home.
Kev
Seems like a nice Sunday family place. We had the shawarma on a plate(both falafel and halloumi ). All the items were really fresh and tasty. The Humus was a tad oily but hey it's a Mediterranean place and they served it up traditional.
Julia Kaleta
Popped into this charming restaurant for lunch, it was so nice to sit outside in the summer weather! I had the open shawarma chicken pita and my colleague had a turkey sandwhich - the portion sizes are incredibly generous whilst the taste is absolutely mouth-watering! Everything is fresh and delectable, will definitely be coming back to try out more of the menu.
Lauren Van Zyl
Flavours of the Middle East and America served in a relaxed, family-run eatery, Teta Mari in Illovo is the place for delicious, fuss-free food, best enjoyed with friends over a bottle of wine and ended off with a slice of their apple cake.  . Situated at the back of the small Illovo Square shopping centre, this restaurant is buzzing almost every day of the week. From people popping in for a quick workday bite to friends tucking into a leisurely lunch or breakfast, there is something for everyone at Teta Mari.
Pearl Shongwe
Enjoyed a scrumptious lunch at Teta Mari, and was lucky enough to spend a few mins with Sandy and her beautiful daughter. I really love intimate spaces With a good ambience and I never compromise on service. I'm glad to say that this family owned business got it all right! If you're in Illovo please pop in and try it out! <br/><br/>This place was the highlight of my day and I'm so pleased I tried it! Looking forward to spending many long lunches with friends this spring/summer 😋😋
Nicoletta Maraschin
Had a really lovely meal here and great service! We had not booked for lunch, and it was a Sunday, but they still made a plan to accommodate us. Had a delicious prego roll, meat cooked perfectly! Only thing is they need paraplegic parking by the restaurant, saw an old couple arrive and they weren't allowed to park by the restaurant, and the old man could barely walk! Otherwise the restaurant is great :)
Aliaksandra
The first and most important thing that needs to be said about Teta Mari is that they have THE BEST CHEESECAKE in Jo-burg. It is hands down the most delicious thing ever!. Now that that’s out of the way, Teta Mari is a wonderful breakfast and lunch deli located in Illovo Square on Oxford st. Owned by two jewish ladies, Teta Mari offers wonderful Israeli/jewish food. They even offer an option of Kosher meat in their dishes.
Noni Demetriou
Delicious food the deconstructed schwarma was amazing! Good service, friendly with yummy food to top. Little hidden gem that I highly recommend for Linch.
Duncan Clark
Simple but fantastic menu! This is not fine dining, but doesn't attempt to be. This is good wholesome food served in small restaurant with great character and atmosphere. The ruben sandwich is the best ive had out of New York city...
David Leibowitz
Teta Mari is a great lunch spot tucked away from the hustle of Rosebank and Sandton. On a sunny day, grab one of the outside tables if you can get a seat. The beef burger and sloppy joe are must haves! Attentive management and great cheesecake enhance the overall experience.
JR
The food is fantastic, however I (and others I know) have received food poisoning on three different occasions. Clearly there's something amiss on the hygiene standards.
Jian Reis
With it's great big Reuben sandwiches and delightful decor, Teta Mari is evocative of New York diners, Sunday lunches with friends, and good times. The menu is provocatively fusion in style, with smatterings of Middle-Eastern cuisine, mediterranean options, traditional Jewish fare and big-city American influences. It's a wonderfully light, airy and delicious place to tuck into a falafel or tackle a pastrami sandwich. <br/><br/>Highly recommended.
Meg Pascoe
What a lovely find for a lazy Sunday lunch. The menu is extensive and covers some Mediterranean and Jewish favourites. The hotdog was lovely, potato salad well seasoned and atmosphere great. Their cheesecake is OUT OF THIS WORLD. Service was lacking a bit, could've been more attentive. Definitely going back for the schwarmas - they look delicious!
Leigh Dermick
Eaten at this little hidden gem on a few occasions and it is consistently good. The menu has a middle eastern flavour and v authentic and tasty.  Portions are huge!<br/><br/>The staff can be a little slow at times, but it's only when the place is really busy. Def give it a bash!!
Merelda
Great cafe with delicious middle-eastern cuisines.<br/><br/>We went to Teta Mari on a lovely Sunday afternoon, it's not in the busiest part of the Illovo but not difficult to find at all. We weren't too hungry so decided to share a Roast Beef sandwich and a lemon cheese cake. The roast beef sandwich was flavourful and they were generous with the beef. I love both the coleslaw and potato salad for sides. The lemon cheese cake was quite rich, we almost couldn't finish it between the two of us. The table next to us had a huge selection of different foods on platters to share, and they looked Amazing. I'm definitely coming back to try those!<br/><br/>I didn't test out their wifi, but I could imagine it being a nice and quiet location during the week to be used as a mobile office. One thing that was interesting was that we were the only table without a child (Sunday = family day?), so it was a little noisy with bursts of screams and cries occasionally. <br/><br/>Bottomline: I'd love to come back for the platters!<br/><br/>Pros: nice food, great location and great vibe<br/>Cons: it's a little pricey for breakfast/lunch<br/>
Ariane Frydman
I decided to finally take my dad to Teta Mari for Father's Day and I must say that it was a lovely experience! I had a chicken breast sandwich with their homemade sauce on rye which was scrumptious and filling, not forgetting about the potato salad and coleslaw as a side. The only thing that took me a back a little bit was a the price of a glass of freshly squeezed juice. 50R? Personally for me that is a little over priced, but this little hidden gem did not disappoint.
SoBe
The restaurant has nice decor. It is a cosy place. Clean and polite staff. Food is good but I would not say that it was the best that I've had. Considering the high prices charged I would have thought it would be more than average.
Mmule
The location makes for a nice, cosy setting which lends itself best to a brunch or lunch. they offer various deli specific treats from Israel. Shwarmas are fresh with lovely tender meats. the fillet steak simply melts in one's mouth. Enjoyable if you like middle-eastern flavours and light meals.
Stacy
A sweet and wonderful little Israeli restaurant tucked away behind Illovo Square. Went for breakfast which was delicious and didn't disappoint. However a chocolate croissant was ordered which was on the small side and not particularly tasty. Waitress was attentive. Good value for money. Definitely worth a visit.
Steenkamp.jaco
Good food but wine is expensive. Consistently delicious schwarmas and cakes. Lovely atmosphere and friendly helpful honest waiters. An absolute winner for lunch. <br/>
Grant Gardner
What an excellent find! Without a doubt the best falafel, hummus and tahini I've ever had... Can't wait to go back! Try a cinnamon bun too ;-)
CaraLee
This Israeli inspired restaurant is the a lovely little spot that is hidden away at the back of Illovo Square. I had heard good things about their breakfasts and was not disappointed. Both my date and I ordered the Shakshuka with extra feta and it was the best Shakshuka I have ever had. The tomato sauce was rich and the poached eggs were poached perfectly. It came with a freshly baked mini loaf, which was delicious. The service was quick, good, and friendly. Someone at another table ordered the Falafel plate which I have to return for- it looked amazing! Only downside was that the cappuccino was not great.
Alison Milton
My partner and I just recently tried this restaurant for breakfast. My dish of poached eggs in a chili/coriander tomato sauce was delicious as was my partner's land of milk and honey - a variation on the traditional French toast. However the indifferent service was disappointing. Maybe because it was Mother's Day that they felt overwhelmed?
Gerald Jacob
The service at this restaurant was good, friendly staff who paid attention as to what I felt like eating. I ordered the shawarma on plate, was a large meal with all the trimmings. Absolutely delicious meal, with an home made spice used on the meat. I couldn't finish the entire meal and asked for a take away. The owner rushed over to check if everything was ok with my meal. Now this is great service. I will definitely be coming back to try more items on this tempting menu.
Mike Rosholt
I cannot attest to the atmosphere as it was 11am on a Monday. I am busy dying of man flu and my powers of observation are somewhat limited, as I focus all my energy on avoiding a cruel, early demise. <br/><br/>Battling death does require sustenance though and whilst appetite is hardly even an afterthought in such cases, I had been told about the chicken soup from Teta Mari.<br/><br/>The rich, golden tonic that was given unto me, might as well have been lovingly and literally wrung from chickens of the gods. By the Jewish Boba I never had. <br/><br/>Even with tastebuds and sensing smell at about 6%,I have never tasted a chicken soup as deeply delicious or as soothing as this. Throw in the moistest, schmaltziest Matzo ball (God I hope that's how it's supposed to taste!) and my cold doesn't stand a chance. Kapow!
Mike Fisher
Excellent Israeli and Jewish food. Well presented, great service, great vibe for a weekend lunch. Definitely will return.
Alexkattan93
The greatest Israeli food around! The Hummis im Basar is fantastic. Love the service and the atmosphere is amazing. What a great experience at Teta Mari <br/>
Marina Loubser
Great food, great service, best way to start a Saturday! Highly recommended the shakshuka breakfast as an alternative , but the traditional English breakfast is also excellent. For healthier option try the yoghurt and granola with delicious fruit salad, beautifully presented.
Stephanie Martinis
Meal: Lunch. What a fun find! Vibey enthusiastic service and beautifully presented Middle Eastern and American deli type fare. My Kouftekas were artfully arranged on a board full of delicious accompaniments ( and the hummus was delicious). My companion's quinoa salad was also a hit.
Travis
The food is delicious. I had the on brisket on rye and loved it!! Even the side coleslaw and potato salad is full of flavour. Be warned though, it is hard to find a seat on a Sunday afternoon.
Daniel Bernic
Truly a hidden gem, many favorites here, top three - the tuna salad from the deli fridge, traditional breakfast (Best in jhb) or the peri-peri fillet and chips.<br/>
Alexis Assimacopoulos
I love Teta Mari- in an area inundated with foodie places and good restaurants, this is really the most impressive. It reminds me a lot of Raphael Nadal- it has tremendous talent and confidence, but doesn't try to be flashy and keeps it smooth and simple. This is a wonderful example of great quality and "keep it simple" coming together! A must visit place in Joburg
Becca Millard
Had a delicious breakfast at Teta Mari yesterday for a friend's 17th birthday. It was almost impossible to choose what to have as the menu is full of amazing sounding things! I will definitely be visiting Teta Mari again soon.
Bianca
This is a beautiful restaurant based on Israeli food that is packed with flavours. This is not your predictable shuvama thats for sure. It doesn't feel like the typical eat out restaurant but has a warm and comforting ambience. It is situated in Illovo and almost feels like a hidden gem. There prices are slightly above average but their portions make sure you will never leave hungry. The quality of the food is also a cut above the rest and every item on the menu is sure to impress.<br/><br/>They offer a wide variety of Israeli foods which include shuvamas, falafels, Israeli dips and pitas - you get the picture. I loved the falafel burger which was rather large and difficult to eat but I loved every bite. It came with hummus, tomato, onion and cucumber salad, and yummy eggplant chips on top. All in all it was a great experience and will definitely be returning.
Roxy Bruinenberg
What a cute little restaurant to go to, the service was impeccable and the food was outstanding, not only did it taste amazing it was presented beautifully as well. Their falafel quinoa salad was delicious and their brinjal chips are to die for, their carrot cake slices are massive and have tons of cream cheese icing on it, which I don't mind one bit! Not badly priced,the atmosphere was nice and chilled. Will definitely go back again.
Natalie Katz
Teta Mari is such a gorgeous Israeli restaurant tucked away in Illovo square. The food is memorising, the vibe is laid back and the service is excellent. They are a bit pricey but you are paying for quality. <br/><br/>I really like their menu. They offer everything from shuwarmas, falafel boards, sloppy Joes, typical Israeli breakfasts and much more. My friends rave about the falafel burgers, so of course I had to try one, it was delicious; a bit hard to eat, I ended up ditching the roll and eating the amazing patty. My friend ordered the falafel board, it looked and tasted delicious, they put so much effort into their presentation and the ingredients are fresh and tasty. <br/><br/>PS: the brinjal chips are to die for!
Philip The Foodie
This has to be one of the best local restaurants in the area. These guys pack flavour into every bite. The meatballs are a taste sensation with presentation to match. Deli sandwiches are also delicious. Last time I was there I had food envy - hot dogs (yes) at the next table. Service is proficient and friendly. An Illovo gem.
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