Daniele R (Beautiful Mistakes)
Always good.even if you pop in for a drink or grab a takeaway. The staff are absolutely cool. Food is yummy and if there is sports, you can watch in one section, which is great, leaving the other sections to socialize.
Gareth stewart
Great service, friendly locals, definitely the best place in Melville to make new friends if you're a tourist or new in town. Great people, food, and prices. Music is always good, and if you need to watch a game that's not on one of the screens, they'll generally put it on one for you.
Tiisetso Hub
Super dope average Joe's pub in Melville. The atmosphere and staff are good.
Vincent Wolff
Excellent place, with a superb variety of different Mozambican dishes. This place functions well even in case of load-shedding and attracts a wide and diverse crowd of locals. The food is mostly focusing on meat and fish and is quite delicious. I highly recommend the beers on tap and the steaks. Great place for dinner!
SEAN MCBRIDE
Very cool bar. Staff were really friendly and welcoming. Need to try the food next time as the pizzas looked amazing.
Nondalo M
My fav spot! Delicious pizza and affordable alcohol. Although a decor upgrade is not a bad idea
kerapetse mokoma
Great pizza and pasta and the bar is a great place to meet new people😀👌
Yuve P
Great bar to hang out in Melville. Food was also good, I had a seafood pizza and a slider, both excellent.
Jabulile Sibeko
Xai Xai is one of my most favorite spots in Melville Joburg. I've frequented this place for years. If you're looking for chilled, laid back, cosmopolitan Joburg, this is the place
They also have my favorite pizza after Pizza e vino 🍷
Kutlwano Mohoto
Good specials on drinks and good food.. Friendly staff too
thabo lephoto
Dope place, the manager has a terrible attitude, but the place is very nice
Kennedy Harris
Best spot for pizza and a good time in Melville 🍕🔥❤️
Recommend the beef trinchado!
Donovan Briant
Just stopped for a refreshing drink on a hot day
Jonathan Allen
Always a great place to go for sundowners, a beer, a snack or a meal. It's been a fan favourite for more than 20 years. Staff are always friendly and accommodating. You haven't experienced Melville until you've been to Xai Xai. Only drawback is the constant smoke hanging over the place. But, that's old school for you.
Neil Scholes
Good place good friendly service... tables couches or a bar to choose from. Occasional live music. Always something going on and usually open till late.
Mpumelelo Malumo
My favourite place in Melville by far!
I was first attracted to their low drink prices. Once they sucked me in I was left stunned by their incredible food!
The atmosphere is always just the way you want it. Their extensive sports coverage means that a destination for weekend drinks is always an easy choice to make.
The staff are so cool! Vibrant and with speedy service. They are also aware of the crime in the area (it's Joburg, crime is everywhere!) and always make sure that you are being responsible in order not to loose any valuables.
I choose Xai Xai every single time. And I will keep on doing the same.
pearl thembi
I've always loved xai xai but my last experience was terrible ,we ordered sea food pizza and the meat was off to a point where my boyfriend was vomiting we tried to alert the waiter but he was ignorant I'm not one to Complain but please make sure the sea food is always fresh
Lucky Oliphant
I have being going to Xai Xai for almost 17 years both as Melville and outside resident. The vibe, Food and melville local ambiance alway great...It's my wife's favorite place recently as she loves Xai Xai Prawn platter...never a dull moment...staff is great and food amazing.
Jahn Beukes
Xai Xai undoubtedly has the best vibe in Melville: absolutely unpretentious, really good food and drinks at honest prices, awesome staff and the most laid back, eclectic, open, chat about anything and then laugh your head off crowd of regulars. It's very likely that you'll arrive for breakfast and stay all day (and night!)
Best spot in Jo'burg by a long distance.
Riaan Jacobs
I live & work in Melville, but at Xai Xai I can sit and sketch, have the BEST pizza & cold beer!!! Love the crowd, nobody is snooty here. Try theit fish &veggies it's my new fave lunch dish in Melville!!!! The staff are amazing friendly and they make you feel like you are family!!!
Opati Aswani
My wife and I are on our honeymoon here in Jozi, last evening we had a change to visit 7th street on Melville, Xai Xai was our place of welcome. We enjoyed their different kind of Pizza. The gentleman serving us was really kind and always at hand.
Nomasonto Cele
I enjoy their Long Island cocktail and their meat platter I'm out of words. My husband also loves their Brandy special
C-leigh Mazungu Omuhle Phephu
Service here is always slow and dreadful...I always get my order late and when im super hungry...This really needs to be changed and racial colour should stop being first preference to customers.
Karien Van Schoor
It has been way too long. You are reminding me how much I love the place and all of you hanging out there. See you soon!!
Christopher Maitin
The best restaurant/bar ever. My office. I love it
Kirsten Manuel
Havent been there in a while however, th potato skins have always been my favourite.
Lucky Kunene
Lugar spectacular, ar fresco levei os meus amigos da India para juntos passarmos um dia, atendimento super bom, todos gostamos. Estao de parabens
Morten Sortodden
Nice and relaxed atmosphere. Good food and good drinks. Like to come back.
Clint Hill
No fuss good wholesome Mozambican inspired dishes in the heart of Melville, you can't go wrong here, on the patio share drinks and conversations while people watching...
Jade van de Sandt
My Home........More love love for this place than anyone can imagine!!!!!
HungryDiner2.0
I was hungry for prawns and they delivered. The sauce had to be the best part of the meal I wish they served a slice of bread to dip into the sauce and enjoy it a little bit longer.<br/><br/>Had the chorizo for a starter and it was diced up to little pieces which dried it up. Which it was served as a whole I always enjoy it when served that way.
Cole
I was wrongfully charged by a waiter for misunderstadning our initial order we had gotten there and had to pay the balance as a matter of compromising with the resturant
Thandeka
I love the pizza, its so delicious, the chilli sauce is to die for, the ambience is amazing, the staff very friendly, will definitely go back,<br/>
Ro
One of the best pizzas I have had in my life! The vibe and people are pretty great and would definitely keep going there just to try everything on their menu!!! ✊🏼
Thato
This spot is a great hangout. If you're craving a good burger (just like I was) then I'd suggest trying the place out. The food was quite affordable and I was pleased with their potion size.
Jaylene Ramalatso
Amazing pizza 😍😍😍😍😍😍 best pizza I’ve ever had especially with the special chili sauce, I’ve gone here more than 5 times. And I’m never disappointed. Xai Xai pizza, prawn pizza is the best! <br/>And their cocktails are very potent and cheap the Long Island
Ray Dee
My favourite pizza joint. I usually get it take-away. I’m never disappointed. The best are The Godfather, Porra and vegetarian. I haven’t tried anything else on the menu.
Motjatji Sebola
I absolutely love this spot. The pizzas are amazing, my favourite is Godfather. The pizza bursts with flavour. The ladies are always pleasant, and the service is good.
Shakeerah Abrahams
This place has become a fav just to chill out at on a sunny day.. been here at night but didn't really enjoy it much.. seemed a bit too dark and loud or maybe I'm just old LOL! But great during the day. <br/><br/>We go here mainly for their finger snacks, the pizza cheese balls are so tasty 😋 <br/><br/>The vibe is great and the prices are just too too reasonable.. you can eat and drink and not knock the wallet much.<br/><br/>They will definitely see more of me during the summer days 😎
Mpho Albertina Nocanda
O.m.w the burgers at Xai Xai are the best and it's very affordable 😊 I would recommend the place to any foodie! It's really the best place hey
Olivia Clunie
If youre in joburg and looking for bayside , almost the shore style Portugese prawns, Xai Xai is the closest to the ocean. Theyre menu is jam packed with flavour , if its not enough heat or spice for you, theyre side chilli sauce will challenge your pallate in all the right ways. From Trinchado, home baked portugese rolls to tge best peri peri chicken and pizza in town.
Santana De Melo
Besides their awkward service from waitrons that barely speak English this place is impeccable. <br/>Creamy trinchado, huge helpings of ribs and chicken as well as a starter platter to die for! <br/>Interior and service not up to scratch but would definitely recommend their food.
Steve Marais
This might come as a surprise, but this unassuming gem makes damn good pizza. I'm not so sure about anything else on the menu, but the pizzas were amazing. Service was fair and friendly and the decor is nothing to write home about. Great informal pizza & beer spot.
Karen Brink
Had some pizza slices from their pizza express next door, and it was amazing! Freshly made, cheesy and filled with toppings. Friendly staff as well.<br/>The blue cheese slice is to die for.<br/>
Tyron Ferreira
Popped in for a quick lunch while driving through Melville and had possibly the best prawns I've ever eaten. We had the platter for two, which was 1kg prawns with a foccacia and Greek salad. Very decently priced and the prawns were amazing. Also came with a tasty chilli sauce and washed down with a proper Caiparinha. Heading back soon.
Graham Watkins
Good service but terrible food. I ordered the chicken curry which was supposed to be Mozambique style but all they'd done was overcook the chicken in a microwave and throw a bland and sickly sauce from a jar on top. I had 2 mouthfuls and sent it back. Avoid the food but a nice ambience.
Chante Daries
Good place to take mates and get a bite to eat. They have some really yummy things on the menu. Go there from time to time and everytime it's been a good experience.
Dominic Klaic
If you are looking for a good, chilled out vibe, with a group of friends, great food and drinks, Xai Xai is the place to head to when in Melville. <br/><br/>Incredible friendly staff, a wide variety of delicious food. <br/><br/>Definitely on my list of recommendations <br/><br/>PS: Karaoke night every Monday!
Xolani Sxosh Cele
Worth a visit Everytime when in the area...you won't be disappointed...a perfect setting for the area and makes you feel right at home, everyone knows everyone by name...
PulyBeast
After a very long day shooting with MTV, we headed to Melville for lunch and found Xai Xai, a very casual place, but very busy spot on the weekends, I guess that is why some of our orders were mixed up, we were a very large group.<br/><br/>I ordered the Gourmet Burger: Cheese, mushroom & bacon topped with onion rings. Being a lover of avo, I asked them to add avocado on my burger.<br/><br/>The service was pretty slow but I can’t fault them on the quality of their food, the burger was tasty and delicious.<br/><br/>@Kay_Giiegh said: The avo was fresh, they had the right amount of onion on, the patty gave the whole burger a distinct taste.
Carla15
I recently tried Xai Xai for the first time when I went to a friend's birthday party. I was really surprised by the delicious food that we were served. It is a very busy spot over weekends, the staff were friendly and the menu has an incredibly big variety of dishes. I can definitely recommend Xai Xai for a nice meal and a drink on a night out in Melville.
Hang T
Very nice casual place for dinner. Monday nights are a bit dead but they do try to liven it up with very nice live music. However, they do need to make sure they distinguish their smoking and non-smoking sections clearer. Their latte is a bit bland. The Portuguese custard cake wasn't fresh, the crust was very chewy and hard to break, not a typical phyllo dough crust. The pasta trinchado was great however and the staff very nice.
Arne Swanepoel
My go to meet up place when in Melvile. This is an incredibly chilled and relaxed restaurant. The food has never disappointed me and the service is always pleasant. I have yet to have a meal here that I did not like. Their prices are reasonable and the food does not take very long.
Jeanette Raletooane
Such a great experience. Fantastic WiFi connection so great to have a late meeting and ease into dinner. It is not a formal environment but yet you would still be taken seriously. The service was great and the food tasted like that of my Mozambique Portuguese friends Moms cooking. Fresh garlic, chilly and a secret mild red pepper sauce that is just addictive....I wanted to buy some and take it home.<br/><br/>So the place is not fancy, the food is very simple but authentic with an old school type familiar flavours that reminds you of home. Now what makes it my WINNER is that there is consistency in the simplicity of the food and I know because I have gone a few times, had the exact same Items that tasted the same in different times of the day and my expectations were met each time!!! So molto obrigado Xai Xai. Delicioso alimentos & oitimo hospitalidade...my Portuguese is very rusty so hope i didnt butcher that one :-)
Fareed
It was my second time at Xai Xai (Shy Shy and not Zai Zai or Kai Kai like I thought). Look, I only eat halaal meat so the menu is limited to seafood and pizza. Having said that, the seafood pizza and their fish and chips is really good. The squid heads, perfect! The place is owned by the same owners of Nuno's and it has the same menu. The difference is in the vibe; Xai Xai reminds me of a pub in Birmingham bit better food. It's pretty chilled with a nice crowd. The waiters know the menu and they friendly.
Solange Gaião Palermo
As a porra chicken is my staple diet and Xai Xai delivers on succulent and tasty chicken! Consistent every time with good food and good service!
Allegro Dinkwanyane
The food here is really yummy. At first glance at the restaurant and their menu you'd never guess that they could deliver such tasty food at affordable prices. I was however disappointed with their decor and level of tidiness.
Lee Madeley
All the great and good of our 70's liberal blossoming pop in there occasionally... And not the irritating Wits kind. The staff are practically family. Have the half chicken, it's what nandos used to make before they started cooking pidgeons.
Suraj
Xai xai is a place which envied in me Mozambican cuisine. Since it is a Portuguese styled and tasted restaurant I love eating the signature snails. The snails tossed in garlic and thick cream sauce comes with peri peri sauce along with bread and green chilli marinated in vinegar. The starters on the menu are good, like chicken liver but this is repeated cliché of dominating taste(s) that can be found in other dishes on the menu. On the other hand I was disappointed with the peri peri half chicken, it comes with chips. Both quality was disappointing. Felt like eating a rubber or chewing gum lacking juicy tender. Coming back to Mozambican experience. I had tasted the snails in xai xai before visiting Mozambique, so I kept on looking for xai xai type food in Mozambique and I couldn't get one. Xai xai blends the taste in its unique form but atypical.
Carla Nel
We've only ordered take-aways from Xai-Xai so I cant really comment on the service or atmosphere... But their food is absolutely delicious! Hubby LOVES the trinchado and I would recommend the chicken curry any day! Oh and their portions are huge, so we have lunch covered for the next day... BONUS!
Rebone Mofulatsi
Xai-Xai has really dropped the ball of late. I used to love this place. The main meals I used to go there for are terrible. The chicken lacks flavour, the pork ribs are overdone and aren't as tasty, and the chips... Lord, the chips... I think they need a new fryer cause the chips are burnt, every time. :( The decor is also quite bad. I understand that they are going for that old cafe feel, but sagging, cushion-less chairs don't cut it. I'd also recommended that you sit outside if you decide to come here. The inside is stuffy and smells like gas.<br/><br/>My review 5 months ago:<br/><br/>I absolutely looove this place! So much so that I'm often not very keen on trying out new places to eat when I'm in Melville - in case they aren't as good as Xai Xai. The ribs and chicken meal is by faaar my absolute favourite! And the chips? Myyyyy gaaaawd! They serve traditional "slap chips" that go perfectly with just salt and vinegar; none of that thin, crunchy stuff they sell you in most places. My only wish is that they served freshly squeezed orange juice. Other than that, they are doing great!
Duncan Khomeliwa Nthulane
Friendly staff, lovely music, the cocktails are questionable but the gourmet burger to die for! They kept the whole 'small canteen in Mozambique' look complete with gaming slots at the back for those feeling lucky ;-)
Atlegang Mosimanekgosi
On new years eve this was one of the establishments that were still open on 7th street. <br/><br/>The waiter was friendly but it took too long to get our drinks, they don't give out water with a jug. <br/><br/>We waited a good 40 minutes for our food. I was very dissapointed with this because we were very hungry. Our waitress was very hard to find. Pizza was good, I have had better though in other establishments. <br/><br/>not sure if i will be going back.
Charles Visser
The food is there to feed the local population. It is average Portuguese fare. It's why locals go there on a regular basis. Good value for money, but there is so much more to it than that as you will see on google if you search for my link that I may not publish here. It is called 'My South Africa' and much of it take place in the Xai Xai.
Blue-genie
Whenever in Melville and looking for somewhere to grab dinner, I tend to stick to my tried and tested places, and this is one of them. This establishment is named after a resort in Mozambique and I love the casual arty vibe of Xai Xai. Their staff are friendly, and very efficient and dining here becomes an evening of meeting new people, drinking Katemas (Coke and red wine) and having a good laugh with some great music playing in the background. <br/><br/>Food is pizza/pasta, light meals and favorites from Mozambique. Order a number of things and share as you take in the ambiance and do some celebrity spotting. Well, local soap opera stars and musicians, that is.
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