01.08.2020 My 900th Review woohoo
So let me first start off by saying these are not the best pictures of the food, so it doesn't do it ANY justice. It was cold, we were hungry and the family wanted to eat when it arrived.
We placed a takeaway order for the first time from Jose's Taverna and Oyster Bar as we knew there was a new branch that opened, but the kempton one was alot closer.
They have some amazing deals on, we took the Family Meal 1, which consists of 1.5kg Portuguese Chicken, 16 Queen Prawns, plus a Tiramisu or Portuguese Biscuit cake, and it came with Spanish Rice and Chips all for R359, so it feeds approximately 4 people. We also decided to add Snails and Chicken livers to try.
Firstly the shocker is how it's all packed in a plastic container with a blanket in proper crockery. So you need to take it back the next day or they can collect. Secondly the food was amazing. The snails were the softest we've ever had and the sauce was delicious. The prawns and rice were cooked perfectly. The Chicken was slightly under done but nonetheless it was superb. I didnt eat the livers, but it seemed to go down well. Due to a delay with the prawns we ended up getting and extra dessert. Not realizing we got one of each we were wondering why we tasting different things as we just thought it was decorated differently. In the end we each got a biteful of the desserts which were also lovely. Not too rich and just refreshing end to our meal.
Definitely need to pay them an actual visit and get some decent pics of the food lol.
#TheFoodMusketeer
#TheFoodMusketeerEats
#TFMJosesOysterBar
This is our favorite restaurant. Have been going there for almost 20 years and never been disappointed.
Keep it up Jose, Danial, Fernando ....you guys are like family
One of our favourite places to go to for date night, their prawns are fresh and you know what you are getting everytime! Last time we had a starter of Oysters and Snails which was a great start to the meal. Friendly and quick service. Will keep going back
Have been going here for years and recently returned. They have certainly reasserted their position as one of the best seafood restaurants around. Their prawns are fabulous beyond and would definitely recommend to anyone looking for top quality seafood. The waiters are lovely and the attention to detail is outstanding. The only drawback in my opinion would be the below par dessert menu.
Great restaurant with fresh fish and very good steaks. The owner did a great job in bringing the tasty flavors of the Mediterranean Countries to JOBURG.
I came here with my wife for lunch on the recommendation that their oysters and prawns are very good.
My Oysters came with lemon that seems to be 3weeks old. I asked if they can swop this, where in turn I received a little saucer of store bought packeted lemon juice. After i suggested that I will walk next door to the store to buy fresh lemon if this is how they think food should be served, they eventually brought out a newly bought lemon for us.
The waiter was very helpful and tried to assist, but it seemed that one of the managers was shouting and screaming in the back stating that why would he go buy lemons, if they apparently have “fresh” ones at the back.
For our Mains we order the Prawns. It was excellently cooked, with loads of veggies and sides. Lying in a butter sauce, these bad boys was very tasty. Would definitely recommend!
In summary, our waiter was very attentive. They quickly fixed any issues that might have been in the beginning, and the food was good.
Cannot say I have ever had a bad time at Jose's. Food is always great and staff are always friendly. Love love love. I've had oxtail, kleftico, steaks, fish, their *prawns* (to die for!) And will keep going back for more and more!
Great prawns and calamari! The service can be improved though. Danny and the owners are great at welcoming you but the waitrons let the team down. They need to be more service orientated.
Great seafood and atmosphere. The seafood layout was fabulous. The chicken schnitzel I ordered was a bit overfried and dry. We enjoyed the 1st visit. Will definitely try something else next time around.
Love the steak, the oysters the service .....everything about it
This is what I call a honest restaurant.....good food with affordable prices. The food is always so fresh and my goodness their own customized sauces that can still haunt your mouth when ever you think about it.
Will always recommend it to anyone
Authentic and traditional setting with a homely feel to it! We ordered the prawn special- it was to die for, the sirloin and steak combo and the steak was cooked perfectly but then the last order was the prawns nacional and it was so so salty it was such a disappointment compared to the other dishes.
Very lovely Sunday and nice little outing.
Best prawns in town which has kept us coming back for years, snail starter is also a definite win, good atmosphere with friendly, fast service. Joses will become something you crave for and keep going back to. Kleftiko also worth a try but again the prawns are something everyone needs to experience in their lives.
I can recommend Jose's Tavern and Oyster Bar
to anyone that's looking for something different from the mainstream. The meat dishes are delicious. The stolen meat is something different but in a good way. If you love red meat then this is surely for you
Shontell Van Vollenstee
+3.5
The seafood was good, the place was a little dark but overall not a bad experience. We got a platter for two, was slightly expensive but the portions were okay.
Great seafood and the value for money really fits. Not fancy but very solid.
We where having a seafood platter for two and oysters. Both was great. Service perfect. Drink after dinner by the house - what else do you expect?
Jose's is a homely restaurant which gives off quite a traditional Portuguese vibe. The decorations are quirky and you're greeted by two lovely macaws by the entrance. Their set up in the front seating area is a bit cramped as they put a side table on each table (which is a nice idea, just makes it difficult to get around). Service was a bit slow and inattentive unfortunately.
We had their famous oysters for starters which were fresh and tasty. I also loved that they brought through a small selection of interesting dips with the free bread.
For mains, I ordered the prawn and kingklip combo. I was blown away by the delicious lemon butter sauce, which the food came drowning in. Terribly bad for my cholesterol, but it was worth it. The kingklip was cooked very well and I thoroughly enjoyed the prawns (it might have been mainly the sauce that made the entire dish). For sides I had the salad which was alright but they accidentally bought me chips as well, which was an excellent mistake because the chips were so good! They're spiced and cooked really well. My boyfriend had the chicken schnitzel which wasn't bad, and my grandfather ordered the special fish of the day (I think it was silver fish). The fish was whole and deboned at the table which was a nice touch. We waited a bit longer for the fish but it was soft and tasty, it just had a bit too many bones for my liking. And they bring the table a plate of veg to share which I thought was a nice touch.
We had a lovely evening at Jose's. The atmosphere got very vibey on a Thursday night, and the small little touches here and there just adds to the experience. The food was also excellent, I would highly recommend sticking to the seafood options.
If you're ever Glen Marais and need a good spot for some wholesome food, this would be a good choice for Portuguese. Family environment, good food and great service.
This is and will always be my most favourite place. It is that "death row last meal" kind of place. They have been in the area for many years. Other restaurants can only dream of their success! To Ricardo and team well done for Always the best service and food! Oysters and tequila! Love it.... Live it..... Highly recommended by me!
Good old Jose's. Been here many times. Jose's is like that friend that always lends you his lawnmower. Reliable. Whenever I go to Jose's I know I'm going to get a decent to great meal. The pepper steak is my personal favorite. Prawns are fantastic, lamb is great and they ran a mussel special for a while which was so so good. Please introduce that again . Very nice atmosphere too.
You cannot beat R7.98 for a delicious medium sized oyster and Jose never lets down! The complimentary bread is worth coming for even on its on 😆🤘🏻
Best restaurant in Kempton Park if you are not in the mood for the run of the mill chain restaurants. Had a lovely meal and good service. Super flavourful Cleftico, bobaas Portuguese chicken, tasty rib eye steak. The sangria will knock your socks off. My niece left her handbag there and we got a call from the manager informing us that it was waiting for us at reception. 😄
A very bad start to the evening. I booked several days before hand and when i got there, they doubled booked, stood and wait for more than half an hour. So i recommend you, to just go earlier because clearly booking is not the same definition as other restaurants.
Food wise was very good, prawns were very fresh, better than some coastal restaurants.
So if it wasn't for the initial wait, def a 4.5 or 5.
This was the best find in years. The place is really nice. Great interior, fantastic staff and attentive owners. The food was the best i have had in a long long time and at a really great price. Wine list a bit dated and short but that is the only negative thing to say. Great indoor smoking section as well. We will be back, it may become our weekly date night restaurant!
Great restaurant with a bustling atmosphere and good food to match. The portions are so generous that you often feel too stuffed to have dessert. Joses' is the type of restaurant where you go in for a quick meal and end up spending the entire evening there because you're having such a good time. Special warning to new visitors however: BEWARE OF THE SANGRIA, it has magical properties that make you happy to spend even more time.
Oh, one concern... they could use a new website
Fantasic experience, first the warm welcome by the owner, then the romantic music while we're getting serviced, and then the salivating fooood! We had their devine oysters which happened to be on special, then each of our orders where scrumptious, after the meal we had complimentary liquers from the owner "to settle our tummies". I don't understand the bad reviews at all. But Im definitely coming here again aaand recommending.
The Oysters were some of the best I have had in a long time. The chicken was also very well prepared. The prices are reasonable especially the oysters. I am definitely going back next weekend.
After a few poor experiences in the past (and a rating of 2,5 that I'm busy updating) this place has improved in the food area. From what I had, and the rest of the table had, the food was excellent! I had the Kleftiko which was excellent! So tender and well seasoned, perfect amount of sauce, just overall well done. Still nervous to order seafood here due to the numerous poor experiences with seafood in the past but I may just have the guts to try now after that excellent meal! Hopefully they've turned things around!
The size of the oyster is amazing. R6 for promotion. If u went to the oyster festive before u will find out that it's a real oyster. Service is also good
I don't understand the poor reviews for this place. The restaurant has so much to offer apart from the occasional rumored bad service. We had excellent service, and amazing food, and good music, and a great time. So I'm giving José's 5 stars not only for good measure, but because that's what it deserves.
Been a while since we came here. They have redeemed themselves. Lovely kingklip and prawns. Sirloin yummy tender. Waiter gave excellent service. We will be back. Loved the wood burning fireplace
Had lunch their today; never been before & read very mixed reviews. Great vibe; attentive staff & management. Chicken well cooked & moist - left out our request for peri peri. Prawns gloriously fresh, but drowning in sauce. Will be back, but will modify my order slightly. Could improve on their wine selection.
Jose's has the good habit of giving a free 2nd main courseas well as daily specials, all of which gave us a delightfull meal at a good price. We had tender espetada and a good helping of prawns on delicious butter sauce. The included starter and complimentary liquer went of well
Jose has always been a family favourite. I have not been back for years and they have moved since the last time I was here. Jose's does not disappoint. My dad and I both had the fristo misto. I love the prawn and calamari in the lemon garlic butter source. The prawns were done well and the calamari was perfect.
Jose's has been a staple in my life since the age of 5, since then it has been consistently amazing! Their Oysters and prawns are the best I have ever had! Service is impeccable. Thank you for another unforgettable evening.
When ever you walk in the door here, you are made to feel at home, relaxed and welcome. The food is top class and affordable. A restaurant to take everyone too.
We have been regulars at Jose's since it was in downtown kempton close to Arwyp. Great place with fantastic food and service. Love this place and the new location. This restaurant is a must try!!
Always good great meal full plate with bread while you wait with interesting spreads Good atmosphere the last time a went Friday night, Greek dancing and plate breaking
Tanya Vorster Bezuidenhout
+5
WOW!!! Now this is the place to eat at. Oh my goodness I have never had prawns as good as they make it. Vegetables aren't nice and the rice needs to be spiced but the prawns and steak is so good I'll even have it without any startch or veggies.
I am soooooo impressed! Food and service were great! I will defs go back for more! Really enjoyed the vibe and on top of that... a perfect steak!
The oysters at Jose's are always the freshest. Everything else they cook and I've tried is also very good, be it the chicken schnitzel or the prawns, or the calamari. Absolutely loving the place for the atmosphere, food and the friendly waiters. Parrots at the entrance are also super entertaining.
We enjoyed the lunch in Jose s Taverna. Delicious and fresh oysters and nice white wine. We had the king plate with lobster and it was amazing. Real Portuguese style cooking. Waiters and managers friendly and professional. Also the kid’s menu and meat was good quality. In my opinion the music was a bit too loud, however the place is big and has outside area and two big inside areas, hence the costumer can choose the most convenient place.
This is beautifully appointed haven with Jose's personal touch bringing out the ambience of homely comfort. The service second to non furthermore Jose received us himself and after a fantastic meal he gifted us with a bottle of very good wine. The food was very well prepared and presented fresh seafood. The pricing is very reasonable and I definitely recommend one to visit this establishment
Top notch food, beautifully seasoned and generous portions. Each cooked meal came out fast and hot and seasoned to the max, the flavours are incredible.
Beautiful big, plump and juicy oysters, they were incredible and beautifully fresh served with all the seasonings required to munch them down. This included a small bottle of tequila which anyone knows is a great oyster enhancer. It was an oceanic heaven.
We had an incredible man assisting to serve us. Friendly and efficient and always within in range for us to see.
The music playing gently in the background added to the relaxing environment. It was a lovely lunch outing and will return to try the rest of the items on the menu.
The Billionaires Platter is definitely on my bucket list.
I absolutely love everything about José resturant !
Needed a place that did take away to help me with delicious meal for my dad's birthday. Jose's did not disappoint got everything perfect. Nice and hot. By far the best prawns I've ever had.
Really a gem in Kempton Park. Lovely food and atmosphere. We've been going there for more than 10 years and will definitely keep on visiting. Their seafood is a must have.
Been wanting to explore this restaurant for a while now! Was worth the travel!
Awesome atmosphere - great setting
At first was tad bit rocky - ordered oysters had no green Tabasco *bearing in mind there is a pnp right next to restaurant * waiter said sorry they don't have we suggested they purchase they male manager said "No" we need to use what they have!
Requested the bill wanting to leave back to our side of the world where restaurants actually want the business!
Female manager happen to walk past, wanting to know if all was okay, shared our experience - pleasantly surprised herself walked to pnp got the green Tabasco! Extra star 🌟 for this great service indeed, thank you.
Food was exactly 💯 as all the rumors I had heard.
Oysters - absolutely delicious and fresh that beautiful ocean taste. Right size as well.
Prawns - fresh and cooked to prefection.
Mussels - maybe less fillers in your sauce sauce thick floury and maybe try some spring onion more cream - but said this again Mussels were fresh and very tasty!
Veggies on the sides accompanied these dishes.
Over all a good experience, friendly staff.
Wanting to try the new Edenvale branch ...
Best Prawns in the Country. So Grateful that Jose's is in our neighbourhood. Excellent Food, Great Service. The Staff are so friendly, the service is great. If you feel like seafood, this is the place to go to. Thank you Jose's.
Was there on 2023.05.06. Oysters were awesome as usual. Prawns, erm ja, tasted like it was boiled in milk or cream, needed butter. Good manager vibes and Great service from our waiter. What I didn't like though, where was that nice music you use to play? I felt like a mob boss dining there previously. Last night you played pop music, as if we were listening to the radio. I'll be back, hopefully things improve. regards, Jo
Most amazing food ever!! My folks have been going there for around 40 years, as well as the rest of our family! Seafood is incredible as well as the rest of the menu, service great!! Do yourself a favour you won't be sorry!
Food was delicious, manager and waiter made us feel very welcome.
Sea food was amazing 👏🏼 😋
Some of the best prawns I’ve ever had, and such a cosy interior, service was wonderful, everything so good here.
So let me first start off by saying these are not the best pictures of the food, so it doesn't do it ANY justice. It was cold, we were hungry and the family wanted to eat when it arrived.
We placed a takeaway order for the first time from Jose's Taverna and Oyster Bar as we knew there was a new branch that opened, but the kempton one was alot closer.
They have some amazing deals on, we took the Family Meal 1, which consists of 1.5kg Portuguese Chicken, 16 Queen Prawns, plus a Tiramisu or Portuguese Biscuit cake, and it came with Spanish Rice and Chips all for R359, so it feeds approximately 4 people. We also decided to add Snails and Chicken livers to try.
Firstly the shocker is how it's all packed in a plastic container with a blanket in proper crockery. So you need to take it back the next day or they can collect. Secondly the food was amazing. The snails were the softest we've ever had and the sauce was delicious. The prawns and rice were cooked perfectly. The Chicken was slightly under done but nonetheless it was superb. I didnt eat the livers, but it seemed to go down well. Due to a delay with the prawns we ended up getting and extra dessert. Not realizing we got one of each we were wondering why we tasting different things as we just thought it was decorated differently. In the end we each got a biteful of the desserts which were also lovely. Not too rich and just refreshing end to our meal.
Definitely need to pay them an actual visit and get some decent pics of the food lol.
#TheFoodMusketeer
#TheFoodMusketeerEats
#TFMJosesOysterBar
My gosh the food here is out of this world ! I am not usually fond of fish, but their fish and prawn combo is unbeatable ! I am an expat living and working in Kenya. The first thing I do when I return to Joburg on holiday or business, is to go to Jose's for fish and prawns. It is also the last thing I do before flying back to Kenya. A large part of the great taste is the sauce that they use.
I haven't been to José in a while, so I'm very glad yo report that their food is excellent. We were litteraly greeted by a pair of african grey birds. I said hello to them and they both greeted me back. Too cute for words.
My wife had a seafood mushroom starter (sounds weird, right?) which could easily be a main meal. What a portion! It had 3 huge mushrooms smothered in prawns and mussels. I'm salivating just writing about it again. I took the chorizo on a hot rock. That was really tasty.
We took the prawn special and a chicken special. Both were cooked to perfection. Soft, tender and juicy. Those prawns were not small! They brought the main plates at which point i thought we were done. Nope, next waiter cam with vegetables, followed by another waiter with chips, and so on. Our table, which was just for two, was covered in food. And we ate extremely well.
Usually one doesn't write about the accompaniments but their carrot and onion side was excellent. Crunchy, but cooked through. PERFECT in my book.
We were so stuffed after that we decided to share a tiramisu desert, rather than each have our own. That was really nice. The cream was fresh and the coffee flavours were spot on. The manager made sure we were welcome and that we were happy.
I found the them to be aptly priced for the quality. They will be seeing more of me.
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