Review The Ant Cafe - Melville

Awesome service, awesome food, awesome music. Very nice vibe inside, great decor. Good for large groups. We booked a table for 12 and got the whole outside area.

Quaint restaurant with a fireplace in the front room for the cold nights. There is another back room and an outside courtyard for the smokers. I recommend the pizza. It was delicious.

Cosy restaurant with great pizza! Nice fireplace and interesting decor. Gem in Melville!

For pizza I give it a 10/10. It's got good fresh toppings, it's got a lovely thin and crispy (but not too crispy) base. For staff I would say they could be a bit more attentive but that they still have great service. And as for the vibe - it's rustic and beautiful and has been around forever, but I wish they would put a little bit more lights out in their courtyard as it is very dark in there to set the mood, but sometimes too dark isn't really that great.

Loved the spring bok. Cool atmosphere however service was very slow and they were not that busy.

The food here is always fantastic, the menu is diverse and they have several vegetarian options. The pizzas are special, and considered by many as the best in the area. The ambiance is also great, especially the courtyard around the back. The prices are fair and the portion sises are generous. The beverages are on the expensive side though, with beers costing upwards of R28 each (330ml). As such I would only go to enjoy the great food but never to have casual drinks. Service is typically of a superior standard, although on our last visit, our waiter dropped the ball a few times (forgot cutlery, no sugar with coffee / tea, brought the bill without us requesting it as they where closing shortly at 10pm). Overall, all my experiences with the Ant Cafe have been pleasant.

Love this place! Great wood fired pizza! My favourite is their biltong pizza.

Service was excellent and the food is sublime. I love their pizzas especially (they have very thin bases and delicious toppings). The space is very funky and had great atmosphere. Definitely a favourite.

The pizza is 100% best I have had in JHB.

Personally.. the BEST pizza in Gauteng. Thin crust with interesting toppings that goes perfectly with a glass of their house wine or a black label beer. Be sure to always catch a local actor chilling with his/her crowd. Only in Melville. Great playlist and good service. Definitely worth a try. 🖤

The decoration is very diffetent but interesting none the less. The pizza's are pretty good. Thin crispy bases with decent portion of toppings. The pricing is slightly expensive for a pizza i feel. The service was ok, it took about 20-25mins to make 2 pizzas

I adore the Ant cafe and have for years. The food ( pizza, platters and Gorgonzola gnocchi in particular, ) is always great but sometimes they dont have what you want to drink (such a small thing.) Service there is always with a smile and its more the charm of old Melville still alive here that always makes you feel welcome and at home. Great small outside section that fills up fast so get in early. Prices have gone up of late and that really is a sign if the times more than anything else. The Ant has outlasted most of what is in Melville for a reason. Would totally recommend them.

Still the best Italian spot on 7th Street Melville. Very romantic and rustic. But the food is what I love the most. Try the Italian pizza and you won't regret.

A real Melville institution, with outstanding thin base pizza. Service is friendly and usually pretty efficient, but the menus seriously be to be reprinted - the font is way too small to read in the low light.

One night my Mum, my sister and myself were strolling down the streets of Mellville discussing on which restaurant we should go to. Soon we spotted this place called the "Ant Cafe" and since we never been there we could might as well try it out. As we settled down to see what was in the menu i couldn't help but stand up and immerse myself in the decor of this place. Posters of old Hollywood Westerns, 1920's bottles and Brands,stickers, candles, safari animal skulls, it was like as if "Pink Floyd" went through a retro phase and everything they had planned for "The Wall" was put on the wall. It kind of felt like being in a dream, as you analyse each object more bizarre things pop up around the items before it , but what is left unanalyzed is just hidden deep within the shadows of this place. After returning to the table and waiting many minutes the food finally arrived. We ordered a two pizzas one vegetarian, one venison and we shared among us as a light meal. I grabbed a slice of venison and took my first bite and it was the most palatable slice i have ever tasted, The flavors enveloped my mouth and did on outstay there welcome like other pizzas i have tasted in the past and when i tried the vegetarian it acted as a palate cleanser for the pizza before it and rather balanced each other out quite nicely. And after the meal we left quite satisfied. As a whole if you are around Mellville i recommend visiting this place, especially at at night to have a more atmospheric experience, the staff are quite friendly and helpful, the pricing is not too bad, so if you plan on going on a date you will not end being empty.

Ant Cafe was quirky and fun with absolutely delicious food. The chicken livers were perfect and the pizza showed me why they have such a great reputation. Loved it!

An amazing expience! Awesome place, food was tasty and well prepared. Great service and friendly too. A great central point in Melville to truly enjoy and experience this town. A must visit for anyone.

They simply make the best pizza and pasta in the whole Melville, every time we go there i struggle to make up my mind in between choosing a pizza or a pasta usually I want both hehe

Best pizza with the best service! Great value for a chill weekday meal with no hassle and service with a smile!

Great atmosphere, great service, best pizza in Melville

Lovely romantic pizza spot. The decor is eclectic and the lowlit atmosphere is cosy. Pizza is definitely your best option on the menu, the gnocchi is passable but not excellent. Be prepared for longer waits on busy weekend nights, as the place can fill up and is sometimes understaffed.

The service is a little slow and could use some work but the staff is very friendly.<br/>The atmosphere is great and the pizza is good as well as affordable.<br/>

So I have seen some rave reviews about Ant Cafe. This is such a quaint little spot and the staff are super friendly and they know the locals. So I am not gonna give a review about their vibe because that seems awesome.<br/><br/>I phoned in and placed my order for some pizza. No delivery option.....no worries I’ll drive and collect. It should take about 20-25 min....awesome I’ll give you 30.<br/><br/>Arrive and was greeted by the 2 amazing ladies. Pizza isn’t quite ready yet, would you like to have a drink while you wait. Sure no worries.<br/><br/>So give or take another 10 minutes my pizza arrive.....drive home, call the kids.....open the boxes. <br/><br/>Margarita - looks nice, nice touch on the whole basil.<br/>Hawaiian - mushrooms look a bit “old” just that dark look to them<br/>B.A.F - same thing with the mushrooms <br/><br/>Now my pizza - Mexicano (insert Meh meme here), if I wanted mince only I would have ordered mince. It was bland, not even the slightest hint of chilli. Seasoning was bland and tasteless. To say the least, underwhelming.<br/><br/>Basically......my previous pizza spot has come up trumps again. Sorry Ant, but you had a bit of a off day.

Nice little spot in Melville with good pizza, awesome Gluwein and an added atmosphere thanks to the fireplaces going in the different rooms to keep the cold at bay.<br/>Service was rather slow though from the waitress' side and it's some of the more expensive pizzas that I've ever eaten.

Ultimately a place for food, Ant Cafe lags in this category. On one occassion I had the creamy ham and mushroom fettuccine. It was tasty enough but a bit dry. An added spoonful of pasta water would have transformed the dish. Very mediocre.<br/>On another occasion I had the Godfather pizza, with salami, avo, onion as toppings. This was also dry. If served with a side of chili oil (not the little bowl of chillis in a splash of oil, but something with a bigger oil to chili ratio) it would have made a big difference. The pizza base, while wonderfully crispy at the start, turned hard and chewy as the pizza cooled. Exorbitant prices for strictly functional food. No one will go ‘Mmmm, yum,” in here.<br/>Service is strictly utilitarian, but brisk. The three stars are for the most wonderful, cozy atmosphere, and fireplaces are always neat.

There is a reason the ant has been around for so many years. The thin crust pizza is amazing. It’s the place you always promise you will have the leftovers for breakfast and then boom a whole pizza falls into your mouth and you can’t remember how. Thin crispy well formed pizza dough with a range of fresh toppings. YUMMO !<br/>

Ok, WOW! Firstly the decor is...interesting. Very old school feel to it. If it's your first time here like it was for me, you might miss the place. The entrance reminded me of an antic store instead of a restaurant. Even the music was great...classic rock. I stayed at the front of the restaurant to eat, but when I went to the bathroom I got to see it was way more spacious than I expected. The front part of the restaurant makes it seem small. <br/><br/>Now for the food. I ordered a pizza (feta, avo, olive and salami). It was delicious! I'll definitely be going back, maybe this time for a night out with friends. The waiter was also nice.

This is a cool spot to grab a slice with your mates after Hell’s Kitchen!<br/><br/>I love their quirky decor and the dimly lit atmosphere. It’s very romantic.<br/><br/>The pizza is good. Definitely go with the biltong pizza it’s spectacularly good.

Great for romantic dates, or dinner with friends. Fantastic food, I really enjoyed the vibes and the music wasn't played too loud. Really friendly staff and they do take reservations. Definitely give it a shot.

Probably my favourite in Melville. Great staff, great food. The menu might not be too large, but what they serve they do properly. Impressed every time I visit them.

Good and friendly service. Great place to chill out and relax especially in the courtyard. The wine list is a bit depleted but barman was very accommodating.

All the points awarded to Antz are solely for the vibe. <br/><br/>The food is actually some of the worst I’ve had in a while. The gnocchi was sticky and tasteless. The pizza was mediocre at best. And good luck trying to find anything to drink that isn’t cheap wine or the-most-common beers and sodas. I asked for cream soda and they didn’t even have that. <br/><br/>The food isn’t expensive but it’s certainly not cheap enough that horrendous fare becomes tolerable. <br/><br/>The waitstaff are inattentive and spent most of their time chatting to each other. When the quality of gnocchi was brought to their attention and sent back almost untouched, no attempt was made to suggest that it be removed from the bill. It felt like being served by a bunch of people who had no training. <br/><br/>My guess is that, with a few minor tweaks, Antz could be epic because the vibe is so chilled and the location so good, but i won’t voluntarily return that’s for certain.

I had an all around good experience at Ant Café. I'm quite pedantic when it comes to Pasta as I've found that something so simple can be done wrong in so many ways. I had such a lovely flavour explosion and perfectly cooked pasta that I had to be generous with my rating. Service was good which enhanced my experience. Good service makes good food taste even better. I'll certainly be back again soon.

A great place to relax and enjoy a great tasting pizza! Their staff are friendly, always coming to check on us and making sure we are alright. Our waiter had a great sense of humor with is a plus. The food was tasteful, light and had a great crunch to its base. Their decor and setting allows for a relaxing and cozy lunch/dinner time! Their prices are reasonable and fair for their great taste and setting! Easily the best pizza I’ve eaten.

Great restaurant. The pizzas were amazing - we had the Pollo and the Bacon, avo and feta. The staff were really friendly and accommodating - we didn't want onions on our pizza and they allowed us to swap it for something else, rather than just leaving it out. The waiters were also very non-obtrusive. The interior of the restaurant has a great ambience. Perfect for a relaxed, romantic dinner.

Any Cafe is such a cosy restaurant, I love it. Normally have pizza and a glass of wine when I'm there. The service is proper and the pizza is always good. This place is a treat for when yoy dine alone or with a friend.

Amazing pasta - exactly what I've been craving. Competent, helpful and friendly staff. I just hope the owner's obnoxious ex girlfriend isn't there next time. Her half drunken rambling almost put me off my food.

Really good place to go for pizza. Very homey vibe and unique decor from across the ages. Feels like the Ant has been there for 60 years. <br/><br/>The serving staff are really friendly. Had the Republiek Pizza recently and really loved the unique combinations of toppings. A all the way.

Really lovely food, staff are a bit full of themselves and made me feel a little bit uncomfortable because of their rudeness but great interior and lovely cosy vibe! Would go again.

Quirky interior and delicious pizza! Crusts are paper thin, with various toppings available to meet all tastes. The focaccia salads are really good, and they weren't shy on the avo which was a pleasant surprise.

Ant Cafe is my favorite 'Hidden Gem' in JHB. It's packed with interesting and quirky little objects and becomes so enchanting at night...dark, candlelit passages and rooms that seem to twist and turn. I love sitting out in the courtyard when the weather's good, but you need to book in advance for these tables.<br/><br/>Their pizza's are great, but I love ordering the focaccia salad as you get the best of both - a healthy salad packed with yummy ingredients and a thin, crispy focaccia on the side. I order the Republiek salad or pizza every time and have never been disappointed.

Good thin base pizza that will leave you wanting more.  It is however, hard to sit down at Ant Cafe over a weekend because of how busy it gets. It would also be much better if the storefront was more visible and if beggars never harassed you on your way back to the car.  Otherwise it is a great atmosphere, a great vibe and great food.

The best pizza in SA 🙏😍<br/>The idea of a pizza with such a flat base is like a dream 😍<br/>Ant Cafe makes it possible and you'll definitely love the atmosphere...

Oh man! I really love this place never mind that their service is slow. The young beautiful waiters are so charmingly haughty, the decor so quirky; the other customers so interesting looking. So last night, we find ourselves here (after walking out of another place where there was just NO service, charming or otherwise!). Pizzas are a real indulgence for me so I was really looking forward to it. These are normally worth breaking the diet for: crisp, extra-thin bases and great toppings. But last night I was sorely disappointed. My pizza was SOOO salty. Yes. Granted. I chose salty toppings - capers, anchovies.... but Sam's was also disappointing. His chicken topping was rubbery - unlike the last time he tried it. Don't let me put you off though. Maybe you'll have better luck and catch the chef on a good night!

Wonderfully rustic and cozy. This is the kind of restaurant where you put away your phones and spend time with the people you're with. Gourmet food, focusing on simple yet inviting flavors and sensations. The Thin Crust of their pizza's was wonderfully paired with fresh and tasty toppings. Their Milkshakes were simple but authentic and very satisfying.<br/><br/>Will be visiting again soon.

I love Ant in Melville. The decor is amazing, and I always spot something new in some corner. Their pizzas are super tasty and service is quick. Space is limited.

I feel like Ant cafe is one of those places that has a reputation that precedes it. I had heard so many great things about this place, that what I got in reality was a little underwhelming. The food and drinks are okay. But service was pretty slow. The highlight has to be their quirky decor, and nice outdoors space.

Finally got the chance to go to Ant Cafe. This place is special, loads of old school trinkets all over the place. Pizzas are great, beautiful thin base with basic toppings that just work.

What a nice little spot. The atmosphere is great with a "get away from the city" feeling. With very little waiters (we only saw two) the service could be improved, but considering that - they did not do a bad job at all. <br/><br/>We tried their Vegetarian pizza and Pollo pizza, and enjoyed it thoroughly. It's a little pricy but worth it. The base is nice and crispy and the toppings are fresh.  Would love to try more dishes from the menu.<br/><br/>We visited on a quiet night but I am sure it is a must visit when it's busier as well. I would definitely go back.

Ant Cafe wins the award for Most Eclectic Restaurant in Melville. Great music is always playing, strange things on the walls, and a great outdoor patio area in the back make it a great place for all occasions. I like taking and meeting visiting friends from out of town there for dinner and drinks - although the music is great, it is quiet enough to have a conversation!

This is the cutest little gem in Melville - hands down. Completely arb decor and strange little rooms to sit in (indoor and outdoor) with such a wicked vibe! Awesome people run the place and the pizza is amazing. I absolutely the place for its charm and uniqueness. If you haven't been, you have to try it out!!

Ant Cafe is a stunning little spot with a great vibe and delicious food. I can only speak for their pasta, but it is some of the best pasta in JHB, and if it's a reflection of their quality at large, I'm sure the rest of the food is great too. The staff are friendly and efficient, and this spot is definitely worth a try.

After having to wait a while for a table to free up (our fault as we hadn't booked), the wait was well worth it! The ambiance was so delightful, sitting in a cellar type room with an intimate atmosphere, and I enjoyed tucking into the most delicious avo and chorizo pasta. Service might be a bit slow for some, but it's really the sort of place you don't want constant appearances from the waiters so that you can wind down and relax with a glass of wine. I will definitely make this my go to Italian restaurant in the future. Dolls & Dan

Ant, ant, ant. The atmosphere is sometimes good and sometimes not so good. The gnocchi I had the first time left me very disappointed but went one more time after and the pizzas are good as well as the range of pastas.

This place is vintage...the decor, the bar...you actually want to take a few hours and check out every piece of art on the wall...<br/><br/>Although we only had drinks, the food did look delicious...<br/><br/>The Barman is awesome, great attraction tolaugh with and speak to

Ant cafe represents a white horse in the desert. This absolute hidden gem of a pizzeria has been able to survive the large (and consistent) transition occurring around it during the past decade (or two). <br/><br/>By all accounts, this place does not fit it. With its wayward decor and 'enjoy it or leave' wide variety of music (also don't ask for them to turn it down either). All of this is complimented by great staff, and simple, thin based pizzas served on wooden trays. <br/><br/>Everything about this place (including their platters) is also about a simple, uncomplicated experience. It forces you to concentrate on the things in life that really matter, namely, the people you are with, your drink of choice, and simple, high quality, ingredients.<br/><br/>The outside area that was developed a few years ago perfectly compliments the restaurant, it also allows you to enjoys the great Melville outdoors. <br/><br/>In terms of the food, order a pizza. While they all are great, I generally levitate to the simpler ones. Their salads are also delicious and sharing a salad and pizza is never a bad way to go. <br/><br/>This has to be one of the older restaurants left in Melville. Having survived so many different times all contributes to a fantastic, relaxed dinner experience. Definitely one of my favourite places in the area.

This joint was really busy the day I decided to visit it. The interior is so different and comforting, it has an authentic bohemian feel to it. The food the restaurant serves up is not bad at all. The pizza I chose was very nice however I feel as if instead of serving the basil up whole they should have cut it up as it become difficult to eat

This little hole in the wall cafe has been in Melville forever. I love its rustic over stuffed charm. The food is good, very homely and unpretentious. I usually order their Spag Bol which is hearty and always hits the spot. The service is relaxed which suits the ambience of the entire little place.

Phoned to reserve a table and was told they are fully booked - only to arrive to an empty restaurant eventually. The starter( carne platter) was something I could have made myself in 2 minutes, and the wine selection was not great. Eventually left and had a main course elsewhere. Will not be back.

I absolutely love the pizza at Ant. It is so incredibly thin and crispy, you can't go wrong. You're greeted by warm and tantalizing aroma's when you walk in, and although the front room only has a few tables, there are more in the back. The service is good and the wine list compromises of what they have on their shelf - so it's always changing but they have some goodies. <br/><br/>Most recently, we had a very friendly waitress. Two of the pizzas we ordered had some variations from what was on the menu but they both came as is on the menu which was annoying. This was the kitchens fault as the waitress did enter the changes into the machine. In the end, everyone enjoyed their pizza's. They don't have much in terms of dessert. <br/><br/>Overall, Ant is a great choice for some incredibly thin and crispy pizza. Hopefully the kitchen works on their glitches and the staff remain as friendly. Would love to try their gnocchi in the future.

Love the super-chilled, down to earth, rustic vibe of this cosy little pub. A little something for everyone on the menu and all yummy, great music and LOVE the look!

The pizzas are amazing. The seating is a bit crappy because it fills up really early. But the food was great considering I am not a big lover of pizzas. Definitely going again.

Ant cafe is a rustic restaurant with good Italian food. The design and atmosphere of the place is great and it's one of my favourite places to go.<br/>We had a big group so we booked a table in the outside area. We ordered a assortment of pizzas and pastas. The pollo and Italian pizzas are delicous and I was so hungry that I forgot to take an pictures before I ate lol so please don't judge this great restaurant by the pictures of the food that I have taken.

Such an interesting cafe, I just loved it! I would describe the decor as cluttered randomness but it completely works at Ant Cafe giving a quirky feel which works well in Melville. The menu is basically salad, pasta or pizza- and the pizza did not disappoint! Service was a bit slow at times luckily the relaxed atmosphere counteracted any frustration the service might have caused.

The Ant Cafe is a little gem hidden in old Melville. The restaurant itself is homey and the staff make you feel welcome. You can be in and out in an hour with no need for booking, if its just two of you. Larger groups may Need to book. Anisha H Correia

By far one of our favorite joints to visit . Highly recommend the avo and chourico pasta 😍. It's always packed so make sure you make a reservation .

A very nice and cozy restaurant in Melville. Great vibe and most importantly great pizzas. It's a must try. I often go there with friends for beer and pizza. Keep up the good work!!!

The Ant Cafe is an old timer in Melville with a casual but cosy vibe. Great for a drink, a pizza or nightcap. My date and I thought the staff were quite engaging as we found ourselves receiving praise from the waitress for splitting the bill.

Interesting place. Been here at least 5 times and I can't get used to the interior decor. Dark. Bit dingy. Some call it quirky, but I guess it's not my vibe. Amazing pizza but not the nicest waiters. They could be nicer to patrons. Nice place to disappear to if you want to go to Melville without 'being in' Melville.

One of my favourite cafes in Melville. I think theirs is the Best Pizza in Jozi. Really, really cool decor and art. Staff could be friendlier to patrons though.

Gorgeous rustic and retro, supper trendy vibe Food amazing service excellent. Well worth the drive. Price fantastic! Will definitely be back. -Greek Lady nougat

Very chilled vibe and extremely attentive service without being over the top in your face. One of my new favourite hangout spots. Their chorizo pasta is to die for and their signature pizza is what dreams are made of. Definitely worth a try.

Perfect for winter. Small resturant with wood burning fire placese all over. It just got something. Menu is intreasting and the pizza is a must. Go and be ant!

So I went to this place yesterday and I must say. The vibe is so cool. Reminds me of some kind of American pub. The artwork on the walls, the secret garden. Too cool!! Only thumbs down is that they don't have cocktails:(

What a cool place! I loved the outdoor seating. Very bohemian and relaxing. The food was nothing special. Not very tasty really, but I'll definitely be back for the ambiance.

Great place to go! Went there with big expectations and they were met! Pizzas were out of this world. Shared a four seasons and a republiek. Divine. Service could be improved - we were a bigger group and had to ask to get attention, but other than that an awesome night out!

Definately one of my favourite restuarants in Jozi. I really love to hate this place and I keep going back because the pizza is perfect everytime. The pizza base is so thin and is always layered with the freshest ingredients. They have such great wines and its always a battle to choose which one to pair with your meal (coz they are all really great wines). The only thing that lets this place down is the service. This Saturday evening, they only had 2 waiters and the place was full. We had to wait extra long for everything. Ultimately, noboby makes pizza the way they do and even with the shoddy service, I will still be going back.

This is a gem, the pizzas are fantastic and the service is excellent. And playing the coolest music. Come chill and enjoy this unique experience.

We were so excited to come here again as we've been before and our experience was faultless in terms of the food. <br/>Coming back we were greeted with open hostility at the door. It took us five minutes to be seated and there were open unreserved tables everywhere. <br/>Having finally been seated, we waited 10 minutes for a waiter to come see to us.<br/>Finally when we decided to confront a passing waiter and ask for service, he spoke to another waitress and swore about us and made us feel very uncomfortable. <br/>We waited another five minutes and still no service so we decided to leave.<br/>There is no excuse to treat customers in such a hostile manner, totally unprovoked. <br/>Will not be back.

Foodie stop #6 Melville seems to be the place to go when you want to try something new. In here you are surrounded by the glow of flickering candles and the sound of the fireplace, creating a cosy and warm ambiance. The food was really great, and the meal of the night was the 'Republiek Pizza'- if you love all things South African you will love this Biltong Pizza.

Bad service, cheap wine and decor that relies entirely on prestick. This is all totally redeemed by great coffee, good music, fantastic pizzas and decor that relies entirely on prestick. One of my favorite spots in Joburg.

What a great place to go! Very nice pizzas! Very nice food. The staff are friendly and efficient and can cater for bigger groups (as they did last year August for my brother's birthday).<br/>The restaurant is warm and has a rustic feel to it! The decor is awesome and there is a great for smokers or relaxes outside towards the back of the restaurant.<br/>The only issue is that one is stuck in a small venue upfront or constantly behind people if one stands. However, that is just an indication on how busy and fantastic this restaurant is. Only wish it were bigger!

The Ant has been one of my favourite places to go, from a romantic evening to a quick catch up - that ends hours later. Their meat platter is amazing. Would love it if they brought back their "special chicken" dish as it was simple but a sure winner every time. We have had some great wine, dodgy wine and ancient wine but never bad wine at the Ant. The vibe might not ve everyone's cup of tea but for those of us who love it. It will always be s place to return to.

There is an outside garden. Go check it out. It feels like a little bit Sicily, but without the Sicilians. Pizza is amongst the best in jhb (there is alwsys someone isn't there), wine is randomly chosen from a wall. Fire etc. Bliss.

This place is a total dump . It looks unsanitary to begin with and then there's a roaming cat in the restaurant which is my absolute worst. The pizzas are also so thin that the toppings broke the base.

IF YOU haven’t been down to Melville for a while, this is a good time to go. <br/><br/>The Ant Cafe is a charming, unpretentious cafe and pizzeria situated in Melville. Characterful decor, with no space left uncovered by memorabilia and items of curiosity, it has the feel of a moodily lit den. The first room is small and slim so that fills up rapidly, while a courtyard at the back must be lovely on summer evenings.<br/><br/>As far as food is concerned I would say by far the best pizzas in Joburg, you can try any pizzas from the small menu they have. The Chorizo pasta is also good. Decicious and yummy!! Long list of amazing wine along with other types of beers and liqueur.<br/><br/>Music is beautiful and so is the coffee or desert.<br/>Not so heavy on your pocket, this place accepts only cash and no cards.<br/>Service is a bit slow here, but its didn't bother me much as i had all the time in world on a Sunday afternoon when I was here, also the place is interesting enough to spend some time.<br/><br/>Overall The Ant Café is a place you pop to when you have a great friend to catch up with, or a date to impress without spending much money.

I have always heard about Ant Cafe in Melville, but it wasn't till one of my friends decided to have a catch up and meeting there, that I actually got to experience the place. As you walk in, you immediately realize how attentive the staff are.<br/><br/>They also have a great wine selection. Their salads are healthy (minus the bread or focaccia), and their super thin crust pizza is the best.<br/><br/>Definitely worth a visit - a nice place to sit and have a great conversation with some old school music like Pulp's Common People, with some candles that create a rustic romantic scene.

Definitely the first place I think of to cure my pizza craving (which usually happens on a Monday evening when I'm deciding between going for my Yoga class and living my best life). <br/><br/>Absolutely obsessed with the lamb pizza which I have with a half mint, half chutney sauce and a generous portion of fresh chili and Parmesan as well as a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon.<br/><br/>The restaurant also has a very unique look and feel with interesting art pieces which you can ogle over while the incredible smokey smell from the wood fire oven burns away in the background.<br/><br/>Customer service is always great. The waitrons have the perfect balance of friendliness and efficiency. You should definitely give this place a try (if you can find it ;) )

Ant is my go to place in melville if I am in doubt of any other options. <br/>My boyfriend and I often pop in for a pizza and couple of beers on a week day afternoon. <br/><br/>The pizzas are not the best in joburg, but they arent the worst. Im just happy to get the add ons of oil, vinegar, garlic and chilli. It is a pity the variety of the menu is not alot, mostly just pizzas. and the odd thing here and there but the ingredients are repetitive. <br/><br/>What I really enjoy is a table in the courtyard. I think we go purely for this. Kitch art, sun and stone flooring just makes for the perfect out door vibe. We sit for about 2 hours here and never leave unhappy. <br/><br/>The second thing I really love about Ants, is their staff. Enough said, they are always smiling.

Good everyday place for a vi-by meal served by willing staff. I had the lovely thin based Italian Pizza. Others had pasta (tending to be overcooked) and one platter each of the meat and the vegetable options both looked good and the respective diners enjoyed their offerings. All in all a pleasant evening with reasonable food and wine .

I can enjoy an ant cafe pizza if I'm in the area, I have found their pasta a tad over cooked on more than one occasion, and the only other ingredient in the gnocchi is zucchini which can get boring. The pizza is good, and the vibe there is very nice. Just another average take on Italian food in my opinion. They use the freshest ingredients, which always helps. many of my mates would disagree with me completely so try it for yourself.

I absolutely love this quaint little café. I've been there quite a few times with my boyfriend as it really makes from a romantic setting. The decor is really interesting and quirky and there's always something interesting to have a look at.<br/><br/>The food there is always delicious. I love restaurants that keep it simiple and do it well. The pizzas there are absolutely fantastic. They don't use a tomato base but load the pizzas full of delicious toppings. Not to mention the prices are very reasonable. Definitely worth going there for date night!

One of our top 5 pizza restaurants in joburg... Their thin crispy bases never disappoint. However, when ordering a take-away a while ago I made the mistake of opting for a pasta instead (alfredo) The pasta was well overcooked, and a few bites in i noticed that something just didnt taste right... Hubby confirmed that the ham had a off-putting smell. Needless to say, a few hours later I was sick as a dog and unfortunately will not return to ant cafe again. <br/>-----------------------------<br/>I've changed my previous review of 2.5 to a 1. Feeling absolutely disgusted at the level of service we received tonight. When I phoned them to tell them that I wasn't happy with our take away order they hung up on us TWICE! Then we also discovered that the mushrooms on the pizza we're so disgustingly smelly that my husband couldn't eat his! <br/>Don't know why we made the mistake of going back. <br/>Gross. 2nd time this has happened.

I've been twice, and really enjoyed my meal! First time I had a pizza, and it was good. Not too greasy, not too cheesy. Just the right amount of ingredients. Recently I had their gnocchi dish, and it was soooo delicious! I'll be back. I love the deco on the walls inside, and really love the courtyard in the back. It's not a fancy place, the service could be better, but it's not terrible either. A nice place to go on a date actually, very intimate and cosy.

Second time at Ant last week and I have to say it was completely disappointing. Raved about it to friends, but the experience was dreadful. We waited 35 minutes to only be served drinks and not even have our meal orders taken. The drinks which I might add came to the table completely flat and from which they could only offer coke, lemonade and grapetiser. The service was terrible - the waitress was rude, it was just an unpleasant evening. Needless to say after those 35 minutes we payed and left. That payment including the 15% gratuity charge they had the audacity to charge. Can't say we'll be back in a hurry.

A friend of mine and myself popped in to Ant Cafe last night for a quick bite after a long day.. I had the chorizo and avo pasta, and my friend had the roast beef and mushroom pasta - both were absolutely incredible! Their house wine was also great and the waitresses (there were only 2 of them) we're friendly, attentive and knowledgeable. I didn't for a second feel like there were only two of them, so shout out to those ladies! All in all, phenomenal (like 'wow') food, great wine and exceptional service. 5/5 indeed!

Great off the beaten track kinda place. With its own character. Friendly service. With a simple no nonsense menu. The simplicity of the experience is whats really great.

Made my first trip to Ant Cafe tonight. Absolutely brilliant. Was quite busy but the staff had no qualms about organising us a table. Had the lamb, mushroom and avo pizza, which was simply amazing - one of the best I've ever had. The chicken livers were brilliant as well. Will definitely be back.

I was introduced to this place by a close friend, she told me I'll never have an experience like it before. The decor is unique and the story behind the establishment is unique. They make the best pizza ever

Pretty disappointed with my visit. Went for dinner with three of my friends of which one of us are Halaal and I am vegetarian - because it is not Halaal restaurant we all decided to eat strictly vegetarian for our friend's sake. We asked the waitress if she will assure our meals are vegetarian and that it is very important. She said she would. We were sharing a few dishes and when our pasta arrived we all had some. The restaurant is extremely badly lit and to our horror we discovered that our waitress brought us the wrong pasta with meat in. For me as a vegetarian of 8 years this was quite disgusting and obviously horrifying to my Halaal friend. The waitress simply brushed it off and gave us the pasta on the house. I honestly think this is very unprofessional and disrespectful. I get that mistakes happen but this is quite unacceptable as your carelessness really can affect other people on a bigger scale than you think. Giving the pasta on the house also makes no difference as R40 does not change it or undo it. Will not be back.

Been here many times and they still surprise me with the weird and wonderful flavours they offer. The menu is small but packed full of flavour and combinations.

What a vibe! Lovely space and wonderful food. Limited drinks selection and did have a waiter forget my order and then bring mains before starters. But in general this is a romantic spot for the whimsical Italian in you.

Ant Cafe, with its quirky interiors is one of those places that has fascinated me every time I have visited; I have actually sat there for hours on occasions and always found something new to look at. The Ant Cafe never disappoints and has become one of the places that I love to pop into for a quick pizza and glass of wine after work whenever I can. Incredible value-for-money, quirky ambiance and tasty pizzas! I have tried every pizza on the menu and still can't pick a favorite, but if I had to recommend one: the lamb, avocado and mozzarella is definitely one to try.                                     - - - - - - - - - - - 20 April 2015 update: Sadly last night when I visited, I found shards of bone (or cartilage in my lamb pizza) which I mentioned to the kitchen staff. I then put the bone shards to one side and continued eating with caution... But then on top of that, the friends that I was having dinner with, on receiving the bill, had to call the waiter back to rectify our bill as he had accidentally added an extra R80 to it (R20 per pizza extra). A little disappointing for a local that I love!

About as comfortable and unpretentious as it gets. A real hidden gem.<br/><br/>I've been here a few times, and sampled a variety of dishes. What sticks out is the deliciously genuine pizzas, and the platters. One gets the feeling that both are made by real people, with real ingredients, rather than by machines or people in lab coats. Any Cafe drips authenticity and genuineness.<br/><br/>For me, Ant Cafe is best enjoyed on a rainy evening with friends and a bottle of red wine. A place to relax and enjoy the candle-lit dinner.

I was very pleasantly surprised by Ant. Yes, it's rustic. No, I wouldn't call it grungy. The service was great, the staff actually interacted with us which was welcomed. The pizzas were great and very tasty and the overall feel of the restaurant was comfortable and the music was brilliant!

Nothing beats Ant cafe in the Melville area. The vibe is awesome! You walk in the there isn't an inch of wall that has not been covered by some type of vintage sign/art or weird object. The service is always great and the people who work there a friendly. The pizza is some of the best I've ever had and once you go there you'll quickly under stand why it's one of the longest lasting restaurants in Melville

The Ant has been around for so long, it's practically an institution. It's always busy, the service is always terrible, and the decor never changes. If you like your pizza places dingy, smoky and perennially bohemian, you're going to struggle to find anywhere more to your liking than The Ant.<br/><br/>For the rest of us, who have long since lost the desire to sit somewhere grungy just for the sake of grunginess, The Ant can still claim to make a decent slice of pizza. In fact, more than just decent - thin crust with good toppings make for a pizza that many aficionados rightly rave about it. The rest of the dishes are somewhat hit or miss - I have it on good authority that the gnocchi is phenomenal, but I found the Bolognaise rather uninspiring.<br/><br/>Unfortunately, The Ant is almost always busy and understaffed, a combination that makes for service so bad, it's practically comical. That's not a problem if your goal is to sit and discuss the merits of Communism over a bottle of house red wine all night, and you have all the time in the world, but if you're expecting to be looked after by attentive wait staff, The Ant is probably not the place for you. <br/><br/>Come relaxed with no expectations other than to enjoy the very good pizza and you won't be disappointed.

Great weather. Fantastic decor. Staff a bit overwhelmed when it gets busy once it calms down Ant cafe is a really awesome venue. Pizzas go down well after a crazy long day

Awesome little gem in Melville. The vibe is great with all it's bohemian flair. The pizza was delicious! I couldn't get enough! The hostess could have been a bit more friendly and welcome.. Otherwise it was a great experience.

Esoteric and special. This is just one of those hidden gems that make you feel you are in another city on another continent! The food is good. Book early. I also seem to remember that they do not take credit card machines, so have cash on you.

Eclectic spot in Mellville with the odd chance of running into some Isidingo actors:) Love the vibe and peppermint crisp tart with macchiato. I'll be back!

Yum yum yum!!! Tried this place out after finding it under the 'hidden gems' category and it didn't disappoint! We started off with a veggie tappas platter (with the addition of salami) and it was delicious! Some mozzarella, salami, cucumber, tomatoes, olives, mushrooms, pesto, sundried tomato and fresh bread made a fantastic way to start the meal. The pizza was just as good as mentioned on previous reviews. A lovely thin base with generous and tasty toppings! in addition our waitor was really friendly and did a great job making our first visit really enjoyable. My only (very small) criticism would be the quality and variety of the wine selection...but that definitely isn't a make or break for me!

Such a great vibe and amazing pizza!

The Ant is one of my favourite places, and so I write this reluctantly as I don't want to be giving up Jo'burg's best-kept secret. The pizza, though, is the best this side of Italy, with the thinnest thinnest crusts. The menu is limited but most people go there for the pizza anyway. Stunning in winter by the fire and with a glass of gluhwein. The fact that one needs a booking weekdays is illustrative of just how good this Melville-gem is.

I must admit that I am very biased when it comes to any place situated in Melville. The neighbourhood takes me back to the days when I lived without responsibility, free-thinking and absorbing the different cultures and attitudes that this part of Jozi provides. In a way I have never grown up, my heart still longing to the days of independence, rebellion and living life from day to day. Walking down 7th Avenue is like walking back in time, to late-night parties at Ratz and Sunday afternoon happy hour at Sixes. If you walk past these establishments you will find Ant Cafe, like a hidden gem in true Melville style, rebellious to the core, independent and yet conforming to the landscape which is the Melville I remember: Dark, Arty, Grunge - Indie - Old Skool - Mash-up and slightly dodge. <br/><br/>The restaurant itself is set in true 7th Avenue fashion, small shop window, long and deep corridors and a kitchen somewhere in the middle. You will struggle to find much natural light in the day and if busy, you will find it hard to walk past people. The decor shouts rebellion. The menu says that you should not ask to change the music - another reminder of the independent rebellion. There is lots of art on the walls, the chairs and table are unique and there are lots of unique touches which makes this place stand out. We sat outside on the street and could absorb all the unique people walking by. <br/><br/>The service was good but we did go at a quiet time of the day. So I can't judge how the service will be when the place is packed. <br/><br/>In terms of food, we had some pizza! The menu offers the basic pizzas which you will find on most menus. We had the Pollo and the Four Seasons pizzas. The pizza was thin as a pizza can get and served on nice wooden blocks. The Pollo was really good, nice flavours and everything combined well. The Four Seasons didn't come together and I felt it was quite bland. The pizzas were served with accompanying chili, garlic and Parmesan. The chili looked like it came out of a bottle and wasn't nice. I would have preferred fresh green chilies in olive oil which might have made the Four Seasons pizza come alive. Overall I am slightly more than 50/50 on the pizza as the Pollo was really good. <br/><br/>Overall I felt that Ant Cafe had a unique charm which was true to most places in Melville and made my trip to Melville memorable. The pizza was good, depending on what you order. If you are lucky, you might walk away with a slight nostalgia, maybe from Ant Cafe, maybe from Melville in general. If you are looking for a place to have a good experience, I don't think Ant Cafe will disappoint.

What a treat to have a pizza that is wafer thin and lightly coated with delicious toppings. The unpretentious ambitious is a breath of fresh air...still here after all this time and change, I will be back

Ant Cafe is a vibey bohemian cafe that really is a 'must do'. Their food is delicious and the atmosphere is great. Be sure to take cash as they do not have card facilities. The only downside is that it gets very cramped and hot but otherwise FABULOUS place :-)

Theres no place like the ant cafe. Its really chilled and laid back. One of the better pizzas in joburg...just wish the portions were a bit larger but its a great place.

Ant Cafe is great! <br/>Be sure to book ahead, as the place gets extremely busy. <br/>The decor is very cool and interesting, and in the evenings the whole place is illuminated only by candle light.<br/>The pizzas here are outstanding!! The prices are very decent too. <br/>We had the Bacon, Ave & Feta and the Mexicana. Both were great - had the right amount of toppings & cheese. The crust was perfectly thin and crispy. <br/><br/>But make sure you bring cash, as they do not accept credit cards (there are ATMs in the road that you can run too as well).<br/><br/>For more reviews, check out: http://lexieats.tk/

Great food ! Great staff ! Great ambiance ! Loved it every time we've been. Never disappoints . I definitely recommend the chicken liver pasta as a main. Only thing I'm not fond about is that you can't pay by debit card , one has to pay by means of cash. But definitely such a fantastic place to have amazing food and memorable time with friends and family.

Probably my favorite place to have a solid pizza in jhb. The ambience, the vibe, the laid back and relaxed atmosphere in the heart of the big city is epic. Excellent for a bite with mates, taking someone out or just a coffee. Very affordable and well worth the buck you pay. On busy nights (almost every night), service can be a tad sluggish m

Awesome atmosphere. Great food. - really a good place to try out if you've never been. Especially love the thin base pizzas. And the outdoor tables.

It's great to meet friends in a street side restaurant rather than a shopping mall. Ant Cafe has the attitude and decor to match a non-compliance to mainstream Italian restaurants.<br/><br/>The Republiek salad starter will get you going! Focaccia with a green salad and biltong on top. All the pizzas are great, the house wine is fine to drink...just add some friends and your guaranteed a great night out!

The Ant is a little Bohemian cafe in the heart of Melville. The interesting (and delicious) menu is complimented by the rustic, authentic decor. The Ant offers a special on Mondays where you pay R50 for any pizza on the menu (The Republiek is a sure winner!). other than that, you can enjoy a selection of pastas or a foccacia salad (definitely worth a try!). be sure to make a reservation (076 476 5671).

No matter when you decide to go to this charming restaurant in Melville, you need to have a reservation. We went very early on Wednesday night and it was already packed! Awesome! The ambiance was excellent as always, it just feels so "right" in that place, it invites people to have good conversations, it is intimate and cozy, just cute.<br/><br/>We tried the bacon, avo and feta cheese pizza this time, but we switched the bacon for chicken. We had 2 of those, too good! Yummy ❤ <br/><br/>The service was friendly and the price incredible, as always. I became a usual of this place, their pizza is one of the best in town, no doubt about it!<br/><br/>Thumbs up to Ant Cafe, good job guys!<br/><br/><br/>----- 24 Jun, 2013 -----<br/><br/>I love the vibe of this place ❤<br/><br/>If you are looking forward to having an intimate event, this is the place to go! I like how the tables are not so big, the lights are candles and the distribution of then place, very cozy place!<br/><br/>The price is more than fear and the service was fast and efficent, but they were not the most friendly people. <br/><br/>Anyways this is nothing to stop you to try this place, we were told they have one of the best pizzas in town and I have to say they really do have awesome pizzas. Thin, crisp and well topped pizzas ❤ I recommend you to try one of the platters, they are very tasty and abundant, the ideal starter.<br/><br/>I am a pizza lover, so I am pretty sure I am going back to Ant Cafe ;)

I'm going to go out on a limb here and say best pizza in town. If you like crispy, super thin crust pizza with generous toppings, look no more. Ant Cafe, snuggled on the main street of downtown Melville is definitely a must for any pizza lover. The veg and meat platters are also a must, but be careful, portions are huge, do save room for pizza! A reservation is highly recommended, even on a Tuesday night, the place gets packed. The inside is very cozy, an intimate setting but not too romantic. In the spring / summer, a beautiful interior terrace is the best place to be! Service depends on the night, we've experienced it all :-) Credit cards not accepted!

What an amazing place- from young hipsters to the older generation enjoying life together. Love all the memorabilia all over the walls. Like a museum. But one you'll never forget for being so eclectic and darnright cool

Delicious super thin based pizza's loaded with tasty toppings. A must try for pizza lovers. Service so so.... and area a bit dodge, but a gem in the rough. I will def be back with the beau.

Best pizza !! Best prices !! My favourite restaurant in Johannesburg. The pizza bases are thin and crispy. Try a salad pizza. You cant go wrong.

Great setting and awesome vibe. Just the right place for a relaxing evening! Best pizza's and pastas in town. Service is excellent!

Ant is another Melville institution and gem. I love that it has a very mellow and chill vibe about it, if feels very Cape Town. The inside section looks small and dingy but it's actually very cozy. Weather permitting there's a bigger outside section where you can sit and chill and take in the interesting artwork and posters on the walls. <br/>Their pizzas are thin based with generous toppings and best of all, affordable. They serve their pizzas on wooden boards - which I have to admit, the first time I was somewhat concerned about the hygiene of it all, but then I realized it's not different to my chopping board at home. <br/>Service is adequate, but lends itself to be chilled, so put yourself into the mindset of relaxing and some slow dining.<br/>Ant has stood the test of time by sticking to its roots, not trying to be a fad - attracting the loyal customer rather than the fly by night one. I think once you've been there, you'll be scheduling your next visit.

A good friend of mine raved about your pasta for over a year! The one with basil and tomatoes. Said he's had it over 500 times and can't get enough of it! So I came all the way from Polokwane for it! For sure what a fantastic dish! I was most impressed. The atmosphere too was welcoming, as well as romantic. Would definately come back again! All the best!

Ant makes a great date restaurant. It's dark, with candles, but it's not fancy or pretentious. It's quiet enough to have a good conversation, but there are always other people around and music for the moments-in-between. <br/><br/>I've also gone with a family group to Ant, as well as out with colleagues for a rollicking time. The restaurant seems to adjust itself to meet many needs. It's collegiate and therefore comfortable, but better than a pub.<br/><br/>The pizza is delicious and made just right. I've also tried their pesto pasta, which is almost as good.

Great bohemian vibe. Most amazing thin base pizzas

Whenever I visit Ant, I always have the thought of "Bohemian" in my mind. Ant is an institution in Melville and has outlived many, many restaurants. As a result, it's gained this homely yet quirky feel. It laid back and oh so pretty. <br/><br/>Walking in, you kinda know you're in Melville. The vibe is mellow, a vibe that's confirmed with the beautiful music from the 60s and 70s that croon through the crevices of this restaurant. Up front is quite vibrant whereas out back, it's much quieter. Go there in summer and you can sit outside. Don't try sitting outside in winter! The decor is just oh so pretty. Take some time to study the walls. It really is just amazing.<br/><br/>Ant is renowned for its wafer thin pizzas that taste fantastic. The pizzas are simple with just a few toppings - just the way pizzas are supposed to be made. Go with an empty stomach and the pizza is sufficient for one. The pizzas do take quite a while to be made so don't go TOO hungry. There is a special on all pizzas on Monday so maybe go then. The vibe on Monday is also quite awesome. They have a great wine selection but I suggest enquiring about the price before you purchase it just to make sure you don't end up with a nasty surprise on the bill.<br/><br/>Ant is different but pleasantly so. Definitely something you need to try in Jozi.<br/><br/>http://findingjozi.co.za/what-is-bohemian-a-trip-to-ant-cafe/