Sluurpy > Restaurants in Randburg > Brian Lara Rum Eatery

Review Brian Lara Rum Eatery - Randburg

Matthew Krausey
We had cocktails and beer and lunch. The service was good. Food and drink were cheap & excellent & helpings were generous. The Pina Colada cocktails were the best we have ever had.
Mayanga Sithole
The most delicious cocktails, friendly staff, and great experience. A great place to hang out and have a good time with friends or on a date. Rave reviews about the food too. A definite place to have on your roster of places to frequent.
Georgia Mccallum-Brown
Went for a family birthday. Service was phenomenal, two for one drinks special sublime and a great time was had by all.
Anita Jack
This is the first time I've been to this Eatery. It was a great experience from the moment we walked in to the time we left. The hostess and the bartenders were helpful, friendly, and super efficient. The cocktails and the food were delicious. The decor was very interesting too. I enjoyed everything about this place, especially the super awesome vibe!
Refentse Masekela
If you are looking for a cool, laid back place with good food....this is it!!! The cocktails are delicious, the service is amazing and the vibe is perfect for brunch and lunch dates with your friends or family.
Tanika Swart
Love the vibe at this place. So laid back and relaxing. Really great drinks and really great food!! This is one of our local favourites!
Corne Cordier
Great little restaurant. Food was delicious. Cocktails were fantastic. Ideal place for lunch with friends and family.
JP Borman
What would Linden be without Brian Lara. What an institution. Well priced good food. Great service. Appetising cocktail specials. Be sure to Uber there and back, or walk if you are close enough. If you want a break from the bling of Sandton or the Parks, this is a welcome change of scenery and vibe.
Erica K
This has become my favourite local haunt. Management & my guyz behind the bar make me feel like I’ve arrived home. The moods of Brian Lara, like the aesthetics, are varied. From packed & vibey to chilled & low key. The food is great. (You’ve got to try the jalapeño poppers at least once🙌🔥Yoh! The Long Island iced tea knocks you into a next level mood & for some unknown reason, their tequila is nicer than anywhere else. Can’t wait for my next pit stop here.
Kirsty
A rum eatery with a vibe. My girls and I decided to try a new place to have girls catch up session. Our waiter was nice and friendly although a little clumsy. Bar service was quite slow, took a little longer than usual to receive our drinks but the wait was worth the thirst. I am a Old Fashion girl and theirs gets a 5/5 from me. The food was AMAZING, I had a medium rare rump steak and it was cooked to perfection, my girls enjoyed their food just as much. All in all it's a great affordable place to try on a Sunday afternoon or as a dinner and pre drinks place.
Anita Powell
We had a wonderful Sunday lunch here with our 2-year-old daughter, who, glutton that she is, gobbled up the jerk chicken, the fish cakes and the corn fritters (and made a play for my virgin mojito). We should have ordered way more, and will next time. NB: Our toddler has a pretty high spice tolerance and so do we -- the jerk chicken is right at the perfect level of spice and flavor for us. But it's probably not for all kids. Kudos to the staff for being so chill and friendly and squeezing us in, and to the chef for surprising us with a bottle of his homemade jerk sauce after we complimented the chicken. I can smell it as I type -- I put it right to work and am making pulled jerk pork, which I plan to stuff into homemade tamales, which I'll top with a gooseberry-vanilla salsa. We'll be back soon with our crew for that suckling pig. Speaking of, I forgot to ask -- how many people does it serve? Not counting our toddler, who can probably put the whole thing away by herself.
Rene' Naidoo
A great stop for a get together with friends where you can enjoy great food, awesome drinks and a wide array of patrons with a cool vibe. Sit outside on the patio or stand around the communal table or mosey on inside to the bar or tables. Let's not forget the lush green living wall of plants and great service. Brian Lara Rum Eatery has style from the rope lights to the lantern-like lights, the greenery and the simple yet comfortable seating...they've made it all work beautifully together. Ah! Those moorish free starter biscuits with salsa...yum yum. Looking for a stylish watering hole...look no further.!
Claudia Lynn Sharbel-Fahry
Incredible food. Reasonably priced and the best staff in town. Thank you for making my evening one to remember. Will definitely be back!
Linda Metcalfe Alberts
What a fab place marcel the co owner is a young lad who really knows his stuff! Service excellent , ambiance amazing, food delicious and the rum is everything Carribean ! Will be definitely going back there !
Irisha Sheik
Awesome vibe, friendly waiters and yummy food! Loved the long island ice tea and the steak!
Lauren van Eeden
We had a wonderful time, food was great, I had the seafood curry - amazing! Daniel, our waiter, was incredible and attentive and we really enjoyed his personality and laughter 💚
Iris Anderson
Love the way this place is set up, kinda makes me feel like on holiday at a tropical place especially think the wall of plants looks cool .Menu is short and awsome and the foods ingredents are fresh and well made.The staff are super friendly and helpfull. i definatly will be coming back with a awsome group of party ready friends.
Andrew St. James
Loved everything about this place - the decor is spectacularly authentic. The food is wholesome, generous and inexpensive. Cocktails to die for. Service with a smile. What's not to like about this place? Look forward to returning soon :-)
Lana Kagan Sack
Nice decor. Felt very authentic and quirky. Good vibe. Very young crowd. Food was good and tasty. No deserts?But seriously nothing that warrants rave reviews and im not dying to go back.
Lisa Lili Nerlich
Stunning, funky place with a great vibe! Great friendly and attentive service combined with delicious food and good tunes! A little island living in linden �
Melany Naidoo
This place has such delicious Food..friendly staff and Excellent Vibe.Cocktails Divine
Cobus Taljaard
Absolutely fantastic!!! We had a wonderful evening! The combination of ribs, rum and exceptional music will surely tend to your Caribbean needs!!!!
Mariaan Knox
Such a great place.... excellent and very friendly service.... loved the atmosphere! Delishes food!
Lisa Pi
Absolutely love this restaurant, one of my favourites in JHB!<br/>Service is friendly and fun but still professional. The space is intimate and lively. I found the music to be too loud and we strugfled to hear one another sometimes, but i am not a fan at all of overly loud places. The food was delicious, the menu offers enough variety for all tastes and dietery requirements. We all enjoyed our food.<br/>
Aisha Moolla
We arrived on a Saturday night without a reservation. The place was packed but we were placed at the bar to wait. The manager (I assume) checked on us regularly and kept us updated on an available table. He also gave us each a free drink. Once we were seated, we were served immediately. The food tasted great and it was great value for money. The aesthetic of the restaurant is insane (definitely come prepared for a whole photo shoot). I can't wait to go back!
Braam Grové
Awesome night out. Service and food excellent. Great vibe.
Enya Elizabeth Vogl
Recently, we went for lunch at Brian Lara Rum Eatery for a Sunday funday with some friends and what a treat it was! <br/><br/>Sunday is the buy one get one free on cocktails (works out to R80 for 2 cocktails). I had the Mai Tai (pictured below), they also have a wonderful gin and cucumber mojito. <br/><br/>As for food, I had the mussels (a tad spicy for my take). Others had the fish burger (they raved!) and the jerk chicken burger, which they’re known for. The spicy chips were phenomenal and a hit all round.<br/><br/>There were 5 of us and when we split the bill (everyone had 2 cocktails and food), it came to R235 with tip. Service was great, especially considering they were busy!<br/><br/>A lovely Sunday funday in deed and definitely a recommendation for those looking for a relaxed vibey start to their week!
Richard Black
Super Vibe, Great Service, Good Food and cocktails to die for.<br/>Had an early dinner midweek (booking essential) got busy after 19:00.<br/>We had the rum punch cocktail bit pricy but well worth it, amazing.<br/>The food is great, tasty and resonable. Fish Cakes are a must for a bite and anything with Jerk Spice is even better.<br/>Service was great, easy going, friendly and fast.<br/>We will be back with friends and family in tow.
Zandisile Nhlapo
It was my first time here. I had been restaurant hopping trying to figure what to eat, what made me come in & sit down was Lilian’s (I think she the manager) friendly, warm & welcoming demeanor. The virgin pina colada served in pineapple skins made me feel like I’d teleported to Jamaica. Food: the Salt & Pepper Squid was flavorful & fresh, it was very tasty. Thank you for the good expensive, I definitely will be come back. 😋
Cassandra Erdis
Such an amazing place! The vibe is amazing, the food is delicious and the cocktails are unreal. Definitely a must! The staff are extremely friendly and accommodating
Philip Goosen
I was surprised by this awesome joint. The decor fits it with the overall theme, and the moment you step through the doors, you feel relaxed and welcome.<br/><br/>The fried tortilla chips and salsa that they provide as a snack hits the spot immediately, the salsa is a perfect combination of sweet and spicy which just wets the appetite.<br/><br/>Next we ordered the fish cakes and mussels. The fish cakes is stuffed with fish so its real value for money, the mussels cooked to perfection, the broth and corn bread that accompanied it hits all the right notes. All and all, aces in books
Michaela Kupsamy
Brian Lara Rum Eatery is a relaxed and has a great vibe. The decor is perfect and the drinks and food was even better to my surprise. They have a cool special (which I think is valid for the whole weekend) on buy one cocktail and get the exact one for free! I will definitely be back here.
Christy Lee Edmunds
Service was amazing, the staff are so friendly. Food was good but the drinks were even better. We went on a Saturday afternoon and it was buy one cocktail get one free. We really had a great time
Lynne Simons
Enjoyed the mussels and portion sizes are big. Homemade bread was also really good. Cocktails were enjoyable. Atmosphere very similar to the Cool Runnings in Melville of old.
Hettie Potgieter
Wow! We walked in and felt the true jamaican vibe....was absolutely refresing and awesome.<br/><br/>Loved the pina colada, beautifully served in a pineapple...best pina colada I have ever drank...and the serving in a pineapple felt asif you were at an island or even jamaica.<br/><br/>We had the seafood curry...it was devine!<br/><br/>Will definetly go back.
BlagJones
Pleasantly Surprised<br/>Most of the reviews, mostly positive, mention the atmosphere and ambience. These were spot on - this is a lovely joint. <br/>My surprise is because I took my family (one tween, one teen) to the place and it was a joy.<br/>Food, service and the generally feel good vibe we loved.<br/>
Shannon Correia
Perfect for a relaxed, fun day out & about. I enjoyed the decor and the cocktails! The music is really good too. I enjoyed it so much I returned that same week.
Liezel
We celebrated my daughter’s 18th birthday here and the staff was amazing. The food was superb, the vibe was casual and they were just all together accommodating and helpful. Plus, the hostess personally sang ‘Happy Birthday’ to her. Well done Brian Lara!!
Chiara Louis
Soooo fezzy!!! Love coming here with friends to get into the mood before a night on the town (if you make it out after all the cocktails). Vibey atmosphere, good service and tasty Caribbean- style food.
Lee Thandi
Absolutely fantastic vibe, complimented by delicious food. Only let down was the slow service, given the small space and how packed it was. Overall, it as a great experience with friends and would certainly return.
BD Erasmus
What a gem of a place..!! I had big expectations of Brian Lara....and they did not disappoint!! First of all..the vibe.. chilled Caribbean feel with reggae jamming in the background and the buzz of people having a good time! Loved it! The food was on point..I had the fried fish, probably the best fish and chips I ever had. The BBQ burger also good!! The cocktails were exceptional with the Dark n Stormy going down a treat!<br/>Only thing...on a hot day, a bit of a fan would have dan wonders for the whole shop..<br/>But I love Brian Lara.. the people of Linden are fortunate!
Leandivanzyl
I absolutely love the vibe of Brian Lara. The first time I went there, we were welcomed with Tequila shots. The next time we got there without a booking, and we were asked if we would like to wait at the Bar, which wasn't a problem at all, because then you were able to see the Barmen in action. It wasn't even 5 minutes, and they were able to assist us with a table. They make you feel welcome right from the start.
Shay
Absolutely love this place but was so disappointed this last time that I was there as the staff were all outside drinking and smoking, no one told us about the cocktail specials that finish at 5 until it was 5:15... service was so poor and waiters had a no care attitude 🙁
Sean William
Linden is definitely the place to be over a weekend! When you’re that side of JHB!<br/><br/>I personally think out of all the restaurants/local hangouts, Brian Lara is the best... they have the best service/prices/drinks/location/vibe etc.<br/><br/>Gonna try all the cocktails systematically 🙌🏼
Timaya Thomson
I heard people raving about Brian Lara, but had to try it out for myself. And honestly .. I have nothing bad to say !! Loved the vibe and the restaurant setup, the service was great, loved the cocktails and the food .. the food was amazing !!
Motjatji Sebola
Went in for the pina colada served in a pineapple. Most tables were reserved but they were kind enough to let us sit until the time the table was reserved for.<br/>Service: The service is great, our waitress was very pleasant and attentive.<br/>Food: The food not only smelt amazing but did tickle the taste buds... Love the calamari tubes and squid! The drinks were great, I particularly love how they're generous with the alcohol.<br/>Ambience: I love the music and how it's not just one genre. The deco is simple and makes one feel welcome.<br/><br/>I will be visiting again!
Kev0&#039;s Food Adventures!
The menu is very limited but really enjoyed the ribs and spicy chips. A friend had the chicken which was a little bit dry. Nice selection of drinks though. Service is friendly but slow. The venue has a cosy chilled vibe to it, only annoying thing is people smoking outside blocking the entrance to the restaurant.
Alta Laubscher
Loved the Jamaican, bohemian vibe. We had mussels, fried fish, jerky chicken and a few sides (rice with beans, chips and salsa) The chicken was amazing (spicy and flavourful) but unfortunately the mussels tasted a bit old and flakey. The sides were tasty, something different than the usual. Brian Lara is great for a night out with friends.
Kudzai Maeresa
Nice little place.....gets very busy on a Friday have a booking. Ended up having our dinner by the bar which turned out to be an experience on it's own as we got to see the passionate bar men make the cocktails. Food was also quite decent. Will try it again just for a cocktail and drink afternoon.
Danielle Botha
This hangout is fantastic. The decor is fantastic, the food is divine and the cocktails are delicious (and strong). The storefront is inviting, and the entire restaurant is so well curated and funky. It's evidently been constructed with love. The two-for-one cocktail special ends at 5 the afternoon and is definitely worth it!<br/><br/>The service here is fantastic. The waiters are attentive and the manager is present but not intrusive. The mussel pot here is absolutely delicious, as well as the corn fritters and the fish cakes. I had some serious food envy for some other dishes being brought out, so I'll just have to go again!<br/><br/>All in all, Brian Lara is doing it so right. The menu is small enough to allow the chefs to perfectly prepare each one, yet large enough to still provide a variety of delicious and interesting dishes. Bravo, Brian Lara Rum Eatery!
Danielle Skinner
Great vibes, perfect for a Friday/Saturday drink and visit with friends. They also have a happy hour which is worth it. Food is good, I think they make all their dishes spicey though.
Andrew Spinks
Good consistent food, don't underestimate the spice of Jamaica! Great strong cocktails! The ribs and jerk chicken burgers are the best! Service was good
Camilla
The pina coladas alone will have you coming back for more! Such an amazing place - great vibe, super friendly staff, delicious food and drinks! The food is also totally unique with flavours that really aren’t easily found elsewhere. Definitely my new favourite restaurant.
AJ
Oh my gosh, where do I begin. The lil snacks of deep fried pizza dough are amazing! The ribs are soooo yummy. The chicken burger in my opinion is way to hot on the spicy scale. The mussels are heavenly and the corn fritters are delicious. Awesome vibe and decor. It's definitely a must try.
Kamohelo Mbatha
Their ribs are probably Top 2 in Joburg. And I’m a rib lover so trust me 😉 of late they haven’t been delicious feeling more like a boil then baste vibe. But on a good day they’re legit. Jerk chicken also delivers. Haven’t had much else so good luck. But I’ve never walked away without wanting to return. Make of that what you will 😆
Reneilwe Letlonkane
Coming to you live from food heaven, I died last week at Brian Lara. It’s an unassuming little place , boasting nothing but good food and drinks . Oh and fabulous staff. <br/><br/>You don’t get to heaven by playing small so we went large and had the chicken, mussels, rice and beans , steak, bread, squid and calamari and drinks and that’s about it! 😂😂 <br/><br/>The two for one cocktail special was welcomed and probably put the final nail in the coffin. <br/><br/>
Yinlaifa Cocodia
Excellent vibe. Excellent food. Excellent service. We were treated well. You made my graduation extra especial<br/>Thank you. We will be back soon.
Aidan
I finally managed to get a table at Brian Laras and I now know why it is so popular. The venue is quirky, the service was great and the cocktails were delicious. Most importantly the food was very good and full of flavour. The crispy starter things they put on the table are addictive. The jerk chicken has a bit of heat but it was enjoyable. I would eat here again
Akie Chhabra
Firstly who invented those things that they leave at the table as a starter; SO good! If you’re avoiding carbs then rather move your chair to another table. <br/><br/>Secondly, the food! Absolutely amazing; we pretty much ordered everything on the menu as we were a big group. I enjoyed the jerk chicken with a side of Spicy Rice (made traditionally with the Kidney Beans and the West Indian Heat). My friends Seafood Curry looked on point too and the Cornbread seemed to be a big hit at the table. <br/><br/>Just one thing; I just feel that there can be more items on that menu. If I look at Brian Lara’s menu; I just feel that there is room for one or two more items that could really revolutionize the place. <br/><br/>Hopefully the menu will go through a Winter revamp of sorts!
Bathabile Ponu
After being introduced to Caribbean food in the UK on holiday, I came back and searched for something in Joburg. Their menu is limited and the food was average and did not have the authentic taste. I was a bit disappointed.... definitely not for foodies!
Robyn Hoffe
Excellent service amidst the chaos of a Friday evening. We arrived at 9.30, were given a table and asked to order quick. Nibbles on the table and food arrived quickly. Salt and pepper squid was delicious as were the spicy chips. A friend had the lentil vegetarian curry which was incredibly hot. All in all an excellent evening out.
Kgosi Mothokoa
The Food is amazing, the pricing is decent. Definitely going back. Make sure to order the jerk chicken aswell, which is top class. Keep up the good work
Alexia Phirippides
Disqsapointed in the food and customer service wasn't that good. It's expensive to what you get and definitely staff can be more friendly.....
Kristlee
This is one my favourite places ever! I love the whole look and feel, it’s so vibey and lovely and I feel tropical :’) the small menu is perfect, as everything on the menu is specialized that way and is simply delicious! I love the salt and pepper calamari. Cocktails are also fabulous and I love the pineapple and chips starter you get too :’)
Lizelle Brink
We had a super time at Brian Lara! The cocktails are amazing. Food-wise we ordered the Jerk Chicken, Squid, Ribs and a side order of Coleslaw. Absolutely delicious! Such a great vibe to!
Ling
Seafood Curry, Jerk Chicken and Calamari flavors were on point and cooked to perfection. A perfect place to have dinner with a group of friends, service was impeccable as the waitress was attentive constantly despite the busyness. A simple menu with limited options, but executed well. Would recommend to anyone looking for a simple dinner with a great vibe. Be sure to make a reservation in advance!
Anthea Chittenden
Best cocktails in town! Flavors from far off Jamaica brought right to your table and what a taste experience it is. An eclectic crowd and very popular spot, booking is advised for anytime when visiting. A limited menu, but don’t be fooled, somehow there is lots to choose from, we went with a smorgasbord of dishes, the crab curry (sooooo delish) and various vegetarian dishes had us rolling out the door with takeaways in hand, albeit this was also due to guzzling down some mighty fine (strong) Dark&Stormy’s and addictive Pina Colada’s 🍹 This venue makes for a festive party environment at night and chilled beach vibes during the day. Staff are amazing.
Michelle Bellingan
Love the decor, love the ambience, love the cocktails, love the smaller focused menu and awesome dishes on offer with something different always thrown in the mix i.e. the creamer leaks are to die for!
Jay Cowie
An absolutely delicious array of Caribbean style cuisine. An Uber simple menu with varied flavors. Recommended to order a few dishes and try as many as possible! The jerk chicken and the seafood curry are an absolute must.
Jessica123
Celebrated my birthday last year here. Absolutely loved the atmosphere great service and the best strawberry daiquiri. Will definitely be going back!<br/>
Danae Horsler
Decor is arty/hipster, eclectic and fun. Calamari was amazing! Fresh, flavourful and tender with a yummy dipping sauce. Try the Mojitos and whiskey sour. Sinead was an excellent waitress for our table of 20 - organised the bill so well as respective groups left throughout the evening.
Mike
Something different, something spicy, something quirky and such a Lekker place to spend a few hours. Great lunch and oh, did I say spicy, lekker spicy though.
Lourens Petzer
For those who haven't been to Brian Lara Rum Eatery, they have some wonderful dishes. The restaurant's atmosphere amazing. Do yourself a favor and visit them today.
Riëtte Roos Petzer
Excellent food. Excellent service. Excellent everything. We had a birthday lunch at Brian Lara, best vibe, wonderful people, and did I mention the food 👌🏼 <br/><br/>
Sandile Shangase
The food 😭😭😭😍😍😍😍😍😍🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩😩😩😩😩😩😩, tooo much good and not enough stomach. This has to be my favorite restaurant by far in JHB , the service is amazing and the cocktails 🍹 taste like the very first time with every sip 🤐. Did I mention the FOOD!!!!!!!!😭😭😭😭? The food reminds me of a legendary innings by a legendary batsman against England 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾 *401, go do your research.
Vinodhan Selvarajalu
Finally got to try out this curiously named place in Linden (I wonder if the cricketing legend is aware of it?). Though the vibe is great and concept very cool, I think the rum (etc) must be the real star (not being much of an aficionado there I can't really comment (the rum cake for dessert WAS yum) - because the food was ever so slightly underwhelming. I longed to sample fabulous authentic jerk chicken and though it was good...it isn't the best I've had. And its not for the faint hearted either-the significant peppery-clovey heat still lingering on my tongue an hour later. I recommend a visit though, especially if you're into a Caribbean vibe and cocktails with an interesting crowd. Will be back to sample a few more items on the venue...and get more of that rum cake... Simple but yum indeed.
Phumisibeko1
The ambience is great! The look and feel of the restaurant makes you not want to leave. It’s cozy and comfortable. However, the jerk chicken could have been better, there was not much flavour in the chicken marinate. The ribs were perfect and fell right off the bone. The spicy chips were tasty too. I was disappointed with the fact that they no longer serve the watermelon and feta salad. Overall experience was OKAY.
Sesh
This spot has that chilled island vibe. It seemed to a popular spot as well.<br/><br/>The menu is limited. It is a rum eatery so I did expect more on the drink cocktails selection, there was no signature listing just the usuals. They serve a nice pineapple salsa with some fried dough complimentary which was good. We tried the jerk chicken and calamari. The chicken was dried out and seemed pre cooked and rebasted with sauce on serving. The jerk spicing was not to my taste and overpowering. The calamari was good though as it lightly spiced.<br/><br/>Strange that the mojito was not made with crushed ice but had ice cubes. A little shooter of pina colada and strawberry daiquiri was nice.
Meagan Whitehorn
I have been dying to try Brian Lara Rum Eatery for the longest time. Such a unique and welcoming space. Always buzzing with activity and a real vibe about it. I had the Jerk Chicken which had such an unusual and unique flavour. The sides of chips and fritters were ok but nothing unique. The Banana Daiquiri was a hit with the hubby as was the Salt and Pepper Squid.
Suzanne Strydom
Funky, fun, vibey. Such a great atmosphere! LOVE the decor. Feels like a tropical (not in a bad way) kitsch holiday! Food also quite good...not blow-your-mind amazing, but 80% there. Feels like a place to come back to!
Kyle
We had a great lunch at Brian Lara. Its really something different and lots of fun. We had real authentic Jerk chicken, rum bbq ribs and fish cakes and all the food was really top notch. Its also a great place for a few drinks and cocktails.
Bronwyn Melson
Just fun. <br/>Great cocktails (the long island ice tea packs a punch!). Simple, easy menu, which I always appreciate when eating out. Excellent service. Super vibey. <br/>Make a reservation as they are almost always fully booked
Gary Greenberg
This restaurant is a great addition to the Linden area which has a very chilled ambiance. There is very short, and to the point, menu with a good variety of meals for veg and non veg customers. I would recommend booking a table in order to guarantee a seating. You will be seated with some tasty snacks with a pineapple salsa once seated. The "goofy" well trained staff here give have a very personal and friendly touch when interacting with you. <br/><br/>The vegetarian beetroot burger that I had was extremely tasty, fresh and a good portion. I would highly recommend trying the creamed leeks which is an unusual side that can be ordered which is not available at any other restaurant that I have visited as of yet in Joburg. The spiced chips are a great fresh portion, broadly cut and very crispy.<br/><br/>Unfortunately, there was no space on this visit for dessert, so I will have try that next time. A big thumbs up to this restaurant. It is a worth while visiting and I will be back again in the near future.
Sonia Pereira
Super yummy!!! Had the fish cakes, jerk chicken and the squid with some sides. ALL of it was delicious so was the frozen Margarita. Portion sizes a perfect to share so you can try as many things as you want on the menu. Soooo good 😊
Mari Labuschagne
So nice when you go to a restaurant that is set on customer satisfaction. Great vibe, cocktail were good, nice wholesome food. These peeps really go the extra mile, definitely worth the hype.
Ken McDade
<br/>I was, am a great fan of Brian Lara, the cricketer (for the uninitiated) but this review should not be seen as being biased for that reason: this place is simply the best, even for three old codgers who visited there today. Yes, the music was loud for us, more because we are all probably more hard of hearing than we realize, but in every other respect, Brian Lara, the restaurant, does not fail to impress. At our superb waitron’s suggestion, we had a platter of several dishes to share: steak, done to perfection, chicken, Caribbean style, corn fritters and seafood. Sounds like a crazy combo, I know, but what a treat! Our waitron, who was superb, must have liked us because she threw in two delicious beverages, which livened up the lunch, and we had a great coffee each too. The total bill, with tip, came to exactly R150 each, just like Zomato says. Great value for money, yummy food, terrific ambience...an all rounder of note. Oh, and did I mention, our waitron was superb.
Francois Marais Van Zyl
The place to be at the moment in the heart of Linden.<br/>Great vibe and jamaican food.<br/>Nice cocktails too.<br/>Try the pina colada in a fresh pineapple.
Bhakti
Wonderful service and excellent food. I had the vegetarian beetroot burger with the spiced chips. I was a bit sceptical when ordering it, but it really exceeded all my expectations. It was delicious, the vegan mayo complimented it perfectly. The staff are all friendly, the decor looks great and a very nice vibe altogether.
Hestia Brown
What a wonderful place to be. Cocktails were really good and we were given lots of lovely snacks. We didn't order any food, however the couple next to us had burgers that looked as good as they tasted - according to them. We'll definitely be back
Ted De Boer
Booking is a must, but service at the bar is impeccable whilst you wait for a table. We decided to rather stick at the bar and have our lunch there instead. True to the Caribbean theme it is always cosy, welcoming and full good vibes. The Jerk chicken is a must, so are the ribs. Cocktails are top of the line.
Lewis Lehmann
Despite messing up our booking, our experience at Brian Lara was very pleasant. We arrived to be told that our table had been given away as we were late. This was however an error on their part for which they were apologetic and arranged a table for us regardless.<br/><br/>Our waiter was attentive and knowledgeable. Service was excellent. What the menu lacks in variety it more than makes up for in quality. Between the 4 of us we were all delighted with our meals. <br/><br/>The vibe is festive. The music is loud but this isn't a quaint fine dining restaurant so this was to be expected. <br/><br/>The crowd was older than expected for the area it's situated in. 30s to 40s. Mixed bag. Everyone is friendly.<br/><br/>Will definitely be going back. If you're looking for a vibey night out with excellent food, great cocktails and friendly staff I highly recommend Brian Lara. But be sure to book.
Lisa Steyn
Based on three experiences I'd certainly recommend Brian Lara - if you can get a table that is. Seemingly simple food, but with some explosive flavor, a nice variety of drinks and a good dash of pizzazz all make for a memorable dining experience. Be warned, the popularity of this venue means it's quite noisy.
Jeanine Hartog
Great cocktails and theme. But don't go there without a table booking. They only accommodate for larger tables. Waited over an hour to get a table. Ended up leaving.
Tam
What a shocker<br/>Shocking service <br/>Was such an awful afternoon, waitress didn’t bother to check on us, dessert option wasn’t available, and they served our salad after we finished our food <br/>All round a big fat disappointment
Livashnee David
Excellent quirky restaurant. You have to make a reservation it fills up quickly. The rum cake has alot of alcohol in it. Love the seafood curry, wish it was a bigger portion. The crab curry that's on the Zomato menu isn't available any longer. Food is served in old fashioned mix matched dishes. Staff are very attentive to your needs and clear up the tables quickly. I didn't take alot of pics because the food kept me busy. The pina colada comes in a pineapple. They had a bunch of green banana's against the bar. Once it ripens it will be used in banana pudding. Desserts seem seasonal. Ask the waiter what's for dessert as menu options are not readily available except for the ice cream<br/><br/>I ordered the following:<br/>Seafood curry<br/>Steak<br/>Fish cakes<br/>Ribs<br/>Chicken<br/>2salads<br/>Chips (not so great)<br/>Cake<br/>Ice cream<br/><br/><br/>
Adrian Ziller
Delicious. Amazing decor. Brilliant staff. Trendy clientele. Small menu, but great food. As eclectic as the country it hails from. A quirky worthwhile place to visit.
Björn Luciano Salsone
Excellent afternoon with friends! Totally recommend this place. Truly the best cocktails and ribs in Johannesburg and makes Linden just that one step more amazing! (Licks his lips for more ribs).
MelC
Great service, atmosphere and drinks. In terms of the food, nothing really stood out, not a bad effort though. Reasonably priced. Will most likely return.
ALLY
Have been wanting to eat at this casual but extremely vibey spot for a while now. And last week I ended up going twice! <br/><br/>I love the decor (think pineapples everywhere!) and music that really gives the space a Caribbean feel. The service is very friendly (we were treated to free shots and cocktail tasters throughout our dinners),@ and it's a festive place to hang around and grab something to eat along with cracker cocktails (think more pineapples used to serve your pina colada). <br/><br/>The food wasn't the best I've ever had (on both occasions) but not terrible in any way. I had the beetroot veggie burger with vegan mayo and a side of coleslaw which was slightly disappointing flavor wise but other people around the table loved their choices so maybe I just made the wrong one!! On my second trip I had the salt and pepper squid which was nice tasting, just not a very big portion size, along with the corn salsa I ordered as a side. All in all I would definitely come back to try something else from the menu and have another of their delicious cocktails.
Tsepiso Mbali
I went to Brian Lara with friends on Friday afternoon. It has a very cool islandy atmosphere. It seemed very busy. Most of the tables were reserved, but we were allowed to talk a reserved table for two hours before the people arrived. When we were seated we received a complimentary bowl or something. Seemed like chips or something of that nature, it came with a pineapple salsa (I think). It tasted different, not a taste that I liked. I found that the menu was very limited. I just ordered a burger and it wasn’t the best or the worst. I think it is more for cocktails and the vibe because most of the people there didn’t order food. I noticed that some drinks even came in pineapple ‘shells’ which really made the island theme more realistic. It is a very nice place for groups. I’d love to come back with friends for the cocktails
Kholiswa Mqina
Very lovely spot in Linden! Super chilled vibe and a lovely place to come on a Friday afternoon for drinks and a meal. I was surprised by the seemingly limited menu (because of the small options), but I was quick to choose my meal and was not disappointed. I opted for the rump, which is served sliced. I had it with a side of the warm corn salsa. Both were absolutely divine and I was far from disappointed. I definitely see myself coming here again soon!
Riona Arjoon
We had drinks here last Friday and can't wait to return. The decor is really cool and makes you feel chilled after a long week. You do need to make a booking because we did see people get allocated to a waiting list. The food menu looks great. Cocktails were delicious. I loved mine served in a pineapple! The music made me feel happy and we had excellent service.
Natalie De Canha
Popped in for a quick cocktail and look how snazzy it came out 😍 really cool vibe but exceeeeessively cramped with people which is not a fun time, especially while standing at the bar. Overall I'd like to come back for some food, with a sit down booking ☝🏻
Lara Meyer
My new favourite spot in JHB!<br/>The eclectic decor paired with great music, makes it a vibey spot for a birthday get together or even a fun dinner for two. <br/>The menu is small but has a little something for everyone. My recommendation would be to get a few things and share amongst each other. Portions are perfect for this and everything is prepared in a way that makes sharing easy. <br/><br/>
Jeandé Elizabeth Lück
The menu is simple which is kind of great but hopefully they change it up every now and then. I've tried a few dishes which were all great! Vibey atmosphere. Love the decor! Definitely Instagramable
Emma Prior
The food was okay but not worth the price, I've never left a restaurant so quickly before. I made a booking for the smoking section in advance. When I arrived, apparently the table was given to the friends of the waitress. We paid way too much for an average experience.
Joash Narainsamy
Right off the mark, you're hit by the cool kitschness of the Caribbean accoutrements. The pineapple motif is fabulously overstated! Brian Lara Rum Eatery is one part bar one part eatery, we were there for the eatery part.<br/><br/>Their food is bold and flavourful. Welcome snacks on the table were curled strips of short pastry fried and dusted in a subtle but ridiculously moreish spice. They're served with a pineapple salsa, and depending on which side of the pineapple spectrum you fall on, you'll either love it or hate it. <br/><br/>I've never had jerk chicken before so I don't know what it should taste like, but this was delish! Spicy notes of chilli and cloves hit your senses and linger on your lips. None of their dishes come with sides, so I chose to pair my jerk with fritters. The fritters were good, a tad too floury, but they came with a chunky salsa that made up for the cakiness.<br/><br/>My partner had the seafood curry brimming with prawns and cod (just a little overcooked). The curry though was creamy with a hint of Indian and Thai flavours that married well together.<br/><br/>A friend had an epic looking beef burger, don't know what it tasted like, but if it tasted as good as it looked, it'd be a winner!<br/><br/>The cocktails at Brian Lara pack a punch, the free rum shots were a great touch too. All in all, fun was had! Service is excellent and the vibe is great.
Zuziwe Magi
So I'm making an effort to explore more areas in Joburg and 1 of those suggested to me was Linden. I had Brian Lara on my wishlist and a perfect time to go was when I had to organise a friend's birthday dinner/drinks. I'm not a heavy rum drinker but that Dark & Stormy cocktail... Yaaaaaasssss!!!! Jerk chicken was good but not really "jerk" in the traditional Caribbean sense that I've had before but still damn tasty. Sides were yummy. On a food perspective I would give a 3.5 but the vibe, cocktails and decor bumped it up to a 4.0 😁. Definitely a place to go see and will definitely go back again. Just wish they could not play the same audio/CD over & over not matter how good the jams were. Either way, a must for those who like places that give more than the norm.
The Great Diner
Fun, funky decor. Food was very average, Tried the salt and pepper squid, jerk chicken and the bbq ribs. Jerk chicken wasn't spicy at all. The ribs were lukewarm. Nothing to write home about, really.<br/>Very very noisy, and this was early daytime. People screaming at each other across the table, not a metre away.
Jane VB
I really love the vibe of this little place. A very simple menu which for me, an indecisive diner, is easy to choose from. The waiting staff are great, and cocktails yummy - especially the pina colada, served in a pineapple. Try the ribs or the salt and pepper squid.
Danieljake
One of the few Caribbean restaurants in Joburg that's really doing it right in terms of their setup<br/><br/>From the moment you walk in you're immediately drawn to the vibrant and creative decor. <br/><br/>I had a half Piña Coloda half strawberry daiquiri and my friends had straight Pina Colodas, which were served in fresh pineapples!<br/><br/>From the food perspective, it's slightly disappointing coming here as a vegetarian, as there isn't much available<br/><br/>I only had some sweet corn fritters to eat, which weren't particularly flavourful themselves but the interesting dipping sauce made them worth ordering.<br/><br/>The service was slick and our waitress was very friendly and we had a lovely time overall. <br/><br/>Would certainly come back if more vegetarian options were made available. <br/><br/><br/><br/>
Nicolene Van Der Merwe
Generous and beautifully presented cocktails! Great bar staff. The island style music and picture perfect decor makes for a very chill vacation vibe. Will come back often!
LiMari Louw
Loved the food and vibe. Would like to see more variety on the menu. Not so much to choose from, but the food that we did order, tasted wonderful.
Lorene Du Plessis
We celebrated my boyfriend's birthday at Brian Lara Rum Eatery on 28 June. We have been wanting to go for FOREVER but for some reason have just never gotten round to it...<br/>We were not disappointed! <br/>The decor blew us away! The chilled but chic island vibes creates a very relaxing atmosphere, and we loved that it's so funky!<br/>Our pina coladas were served in emptied out pinapples... which I thought was cool but unnecessary (they are a bit prickly and difficult to hold). We both had the rump steak (picture below); I had mine with corn frittata's and him with spiced chips; both the steak and the sides were divine! Our other guests had the chicken burger and the seafood curry which were very yummy! <br/>My only criticism is that our waiter forgot one person's order... And we had all almost eaten our meals a quarter of the way when his food came. But our waiter and the manager both apologized, and we got random shots made with leftover cocktail mix, on the house... :) <br/>All in all we had a great evening and we will definitely be back!!
Sumendra Narismulu
All I can say is wow! Heard great things about this place and finally got a chance to try it. <br/>We were lucky enough to quickly get a table in a Saturday night even though it was quite busy. The service was amazingly quick and friendly. Love the small menu. <br/>The Rump steak was done to perfection, the ribs really tasty and such a huge portion, the seafood curry was really flavorful however I think could have done with a bit more seafood as opposed to gravy. Cocktails were great. This has got to be one of my new favorites and beats most places in parkhurst. Can't wait to go back
Adriel
Very popular Jamaican eatery in Linden. The first thing I liked about this restaurant is the look. It's vibrant and fun and definitely adds to the atmosphere. The service was also exceptional and the food was great. We had a combination of the jerk chicken, BBQ ribs and the rump steak. All were tasty, but the rump was definitely my personal favorite. The only thing I can fault the place on is that the smoking section was not closed off to the rest of the restaurant as the door to the smoking section was never closed.
Kelsy Moodley
Very cool spot. The menu is limited but what they make they make really well. The jerk chicken is awesome. I was a bit disappointed that they did away with the crab curry which I was looking forwards to trying. The dark and stormy cocktail is great and all the sides are generous and tasty.
Carole Craggs
We had an amazing lunch here. The food was absolutely scrumptious, we were a large table and I think we may have tried everything on the menu. The free pre meal crispy snack things were out of this world morish plus we were given free rum. The manager and waiter were attentive and friendly and gave lots of recommendations and to top it all off the bill was surprisingly small. We'll be back.
Akira Wing
Finally got around to trying out Brian Lara, and I was totally impressed with the vibe. The decor is funky and it's an awesome place to hang out for a few drinks. Their Piña Colada was delicious, but serving it in an actual pineapple means that you get a much smaller amount, and for R60 I would have preferred a glass full. <br/><br/>• Jerk Chicken Burger: I was a bit let down by my burger... it was very average and I didn't really taste any of the Jerk flavour. <br/><br/>The free wonton chips were a nice touch, and while my meal was a bit disappointing I wouldn't mind heading back there for drinks some time.
Sidney Robson
What a great evening. Very busy so you would need to book. Have to try the Miami vice shooter. Oyster shots and the ribs. But trust me everything is delicious.
Tilen Chetty
Quaint unpretentious spot. Fairly small menu but the food is good with some unusual side options on offer. Tried the steak, it was tender and very flavorful.
Danica Robyn Ellis
Awesome vibe, even better food! Our service today was unbelievably fast considering the restaurant was packed! Highly recommend the Strawberry Dacquiri - not your average!
Steph Schwartz
Tonight my boyfriend Greg Cohen and I decided we needed a change of scenery for dinner. We decided on The Brian Lara Rum Eatery and it was well worth it. On arrival we received the complimentary chip things (not sure what to call them) and a delicious fresh salsa. I have to admit once we had finished the chips, I finished the salsa with my fingers.<br/><br/>We each ordered a cocktail, he had the mojito and I had the strawberry daiquiri. It was the best daiquiri I've ever had. It tasted of fresh strawberries rather than the fake taste of strawberry syrup.<br/><br/>To start we shared the jerk chicken which was one of the best chicken dishes we've had and the dipping sauce that it accompanies it, is drinkable it's so good.<br/><br/>We both had the ribs as a main and they fell off the bone. So tender that a regular knife could cut them apart.<br/><br/>The decor is unique and it has a really great vibe. We will be back.<br/><br/>
Lwandile Simelane
Had a great time here, not a big menu limited options. Cocktails are good and the vibe is loud. Waiter was a hoot and always available but not intslrusive. The ribs were way too big, which is good.
Trevor
Heard a lot about Brian Lara eatery in Linden.<br/>Arrived and we were due to seated in a ' smoking ' section which in reality is part of the main restaurant. Thought this is not permissible under by-laws ?!<br/>Anyway the manager found another table for us so no need for hissy fit but still.....<br/>A very vibey place with great ambience. Not Sandton style but uber cool. If you are allergic to high noise levels- beware.<br/>Limited menu with equally limited wine list but then I suppose the cocktails should have been the order of the day!<br/>We tried the mojito and dark n stormy. All rum based and delicious.<br/>Our choices were BBQ ribs corn sides, seafood curry and vegetarian burger 😜<br/>Food was good. Desserts were fried banana and ice cream.<br/>Was wildly popular but I do think it's patronized for cocktails and vibe rather than the food.<br/>Service was adequate ( Did learn that there is something called a ' Linden ' accent ??!!<br/>
Jenni From The Block
We had a very festive evening at Brian Lara. <br/><br/>The waiter was always around but not intrusive , had great recommendations and a sense of humour!<br/><br/>We started with a round of cocktails, the Old Fashioned was fantastic and definitely recommended, and lots more to choose from.<br/><br/>A few of us at our table of 8 decided to order different meals and share, it's not a huge menu, so a good way to try most of it. The winner for me was the jerk chicken, perfect flavours. The salt and pepper calamari and fish cakes were a bit bland to my taste, but the seafood curry was fab. The ribs and burgers, ordered by others at the table were apparently a hit.<br/><br/>There's no real desert menu, but the whipped up a rum coffee with coconut milk which round things off perfectly.<br/><br/>Great night out for a group of friends and definitely recommend.
The Food Musketeer
21.05.2017 Flipping Awesome. A last minute catchup brought us to this eatery. WOW I probably had the best ribs in a very long time. The menu is quite limited in terms of food offerings, cocktails and desserts hence they didn't score a 5. Although my ribs were damn amazing and just fell off the bone they didn't arrive warm on my plate. The Jerk chicken, Coleslaw and Fries were all delicious too. <br/><br/>Our service was great, think our waiter was JJ. Loved the decor and the vibe and the colourful and happiness that exudes. Sadly they only had ice cream for dessert so my friend and I went elsewhere. <br/><br/>But for some fabulous finger licking Ribs definitely go here.
Sachin Ram-Asary
Had a great time here! Cocktails are good and the ambience is excellent. The limited menu works in their favour as the food is simple but well-made. Got a few trays of shots on the house - unexpected but most welcome. Will definitely go back.
Krinisha Kara
Such a great vibe, I don't even feel like I'm in a city! Love the cocktails because they are all based with Rum yum yum! The food is fresh and light. Would love some live entertainment of sorts. Can't wait to go back!
Ieatjozi
"If you like Pina Coladas…” then this is where you should be! The best damn Pina Coladas I have ever tasted is at this tropical eatery, served in a big hollow pineapple. We are in love with this restaurant’s fresh, Palm Springs-like, vintage Tropicana atmosphere. The best part is that the drinks and well-executed, focused menu all fits into this Caribbean theme. Who doesn’t like a themed place?!<br/><br/>From the 37 items on the menu (which includes the wine list), we tried 9 items: my favourite, Salt and Pepper Squid, Jerk Chicken, Fish cakes; And side dishes corn, sweetcorn frittatas and spiced chips. The legendary Pina Colada, Dark and Stormy and slush-puppy like Strawberry Daiquiri are the drinks we enjoyed. There is no craft beer here, but plenty of RUM, and related drinks.<br/><br/>I have to compliment Brian Lara Rum Eatery on their concise menu. We are already suffering from decision fatigue, and I thank you for making the food choices easy. We can’t wait to try the other 28 menu items.<br/> <br/>Table bookings are often full with local friend groups. So book ahead, have a birthday or family lunch under the leafy walls, neon lights and vintage lampshades, and come try the impressive rum BBQ basted rack of ribs.
Dessislava Ivanova
Vibey cosy trendy - it is everything you want from a place. We had few dates there, the service was great, the food was for the soul. The place was really full, they never turned us back.
Pepler La Cock
A well deserved 5 out of 5! This was soooo good I just love this restaurant! I just had my best Pina Colada and the Rumb steak was sooo good with amaizing pepper sauce.... i just wished they had dessert I can only imagine how life changing it would have been😊 see you soon!
Jacques Wentzel
Finally got around to coming here. Has a really nice vibe and decor. Feels all Caribbean and stuff.<br/><br/>Really enjoyed the bread starter thingies with salsa. We ended up ordering the jerk chicken, steak, calamari and frittatas and sharing it among ourselves. All of it was good but the frittatas were definitely the winner among the lot. As for the cocktails, they're pretty huge and they're not shy on the spirits which is a positive for me. <br/><br/>I'm definitely going back to try the ribs next time. <br/><br/>
Caitlin
Ok, so this poor rating is purely based on service, given that we weren't given the chance to try the food. My boyfriend made a booking here for my birthday (a Thursday night)- given, he did make it that week, but the hostess assured him on the phone that they could fit us in no problem. When we arrived, we were lead to our table...which was, firstly, outside (in the freezing cold, with no heaters), and secondly, in the smoking section (neither of us smoke). Not only was it cold, and uncomfortably smokey, there was also no atmosphere-not the vibe you want on your birthday or any day for that matter! When we told the hostess all this she said she would see what she could do, and then proceeded to not get back to us. Eventually our waiter called the manager who couldn't make a plan because they were fully booked, and apparently because we had booked late, it was our problem. Surely you warn someone when they phone to book a few days in advance that there are only tables outside in the smoking section?! Needless to say we left and went to Great Eastern Food Bar (which was sensational). Terrible attitude to your excited new customers-not impressed.
Angela Kavallieratos
Dropped in for lunch, super friendly staff, super tasty food. Great cocktails with a very laid back but enjoyable atmosphere. Not an extensive menu, but all the food was fresh and wholesome. Great experience! Will be back
Gramo
I can see why almost everyone that comments on this place loves it <br/><br/>After week and week of planning on going with my wife we made the trek to Linden and on arrival the place made me smile from the ski's on the wall to<br/>The old boat in the ceiling we knew we were in for something quite special <br/><br/>Service: the girl that took care of us was properly<br/>On the ball, the drinks were just about done and she would table side to see if we wanted a refill. From ordering of food to arrival of food she was always around.<br/><br/>Food: well, well for the last few weeks drooling over knowing they had jerk chicken to finally ordering it i must say it was better than what I expected, so I ordered that and the fish cakes while my wife ordered the cheese burger (which was Massive) and the corn cakes <br/>Each and even dish was outstanding.<br/><br/>The restaurant has a limited menu which I enjoyed, the ambience was super and cocktails were outstanding <br/><br/>I really suggests everyone tries<br/>This place at least once, me...well we going back<br/>There Friday and will be Ubering 🤕<br/><br/>Well done team BLRE
Boitumelo Masihleho
Had a farewell lunch there for a colleague and it was really such a fun time!<br/><br/>The decor creates such a nice, hipster-like atmosphere. I had to take a bathroom selfie because it was just that beautiful (bright flamingo pink walls that I love) and super clean.<br/><br/>They welcomed us with chip-like puffy snacks with a salsa, and brought water to the table, which is such a nice touch.  Still no clue what those snacks actually wee but they were super yummy.<br/><br/>I had their fishcakes, which I thought could have been more but extremely tasty. Their fries and ribs are so amazing. I don't often have ribs but these ones were too good to pass up. Cocktails were great and we were given complimentary rum shots which really packed a punch. Definitely a place to come back to and make memories with friend.
Charl Cockcroft
Honestly my favorite restaurant right now. The vibe is so chilled, it feels like you could walk out onto the Caribbean beach. <br/><br/>The service is great and the ribs are delicious.<br/><br/>Be sure to try their cocktails. They have a pina colada combined with a strawberry dacquiri that is great. <br/><br/>Great fun to be had here!
Jolene
I was absolutely blown away by this little gem! I've been wanting to go here since they opened, and finally made a Saturday lunchtime booking.<br/><br/>From the start everything was amazing. The decor actually creates such a nice vibe, whereas most hipster places just feel odd to me at times.<br/><br/>They welcomed us with chip-like puffy snacks with a salsa, and brought water to the table, which is such a nice touch. We were later told the chip puffs were actually just leftover pizza dough with spices on.<br/><br/>The service was amazing and our waitress (I didn't catch her name, but she had purple hair) was super sweet and accommodating. We mentioned my friend was lactose intolerant earlier, and she remembered when she made suggestions and even brought vegan mayo without us asking.<br/><br/>The cocktails are actually so big for the price, so I could only manage one mojito, which was the best one ever!!! Then I had the jerk chicken burger with spiced chips, and everything was amazing! Having a limited menu is great when you make the few items on your menu to perfection.<br/><br/>Will definitely come back soon!<br/>
Zimkita Sidumo
The rum cocktails are yummy and definitely not shy! I love the tropical decor and careless but caring vibe of the place.<br/><br/>The service is good and the food is yum
Shelley Bell
Brian Lara is currently number one on Joburgs trend list. It's definitely great for a drink: cool decor and bustling vibe. The food is mostly pub style, comfort foods which my friends loved but is not my kind of food. There are not many vegetarian options. Fantastic, fun place though!
Bonitawillemse
Loved the look of the restaurant! The waiters at the bar are super friendly and helpful! For drinks we had a pina colada, strawberry daiquiri and dark & stormy and for lunch Squid, Fish cakes, Sweetcorn frittatas and amazing spices chips!!! Will definitely go back for a party!
Aloma Allen
What an evening. Perhaps when we saw what appeared to be a very limited menu we did not expect much but how wrong we were. The service was unbelievably good and the food was basic but very ,very good and reasonably priced to boot. There is a great selection of rum available and we were fortunate enough to be able to sample a few before common sense prevailed. If you are looking to surprise your friends/visitors take them to Brian Lara Rum Eatery and they will remain friends for life! Unless you are going for just the food ( in which case you will not be disappointed ) I do suggest that using Uber may be a prudent option. unless you have a designated driver. PS this is not a sponsored add.
Stacey Faber
Brian Lara is a hidden gem!! Tucked away in Linden, this is a must try!! Menu has limited options which means that all items are superb! You know for a fact that you will get your monies worth. Awesome vibe, decor has this vintage island vibe feel to it! Try it! Margaritas are orgasmic!!
Mabelami
Another gem has located itself in the heart of Linden. The Rum Eatery on many people's lips (and bellys) provides a vibey atmosphere, delicious food and a drinks menu to keep you going back for more. <br/>We were not very hungry so were tempted by starters only. We had the Salt & Pepper Squid and Fish Cakes and were all cooked and flavored very well. The portions work perfectly to order one of each and share amongst the table. The message is clear - eat social, drink social and be social. <br/>
Thando Valery Moyo
This place is such a treat. The decor is absolutely amazing, feels like you're in a tropical, sea-town bar 🌴 The vibe was lovely, great place for birthdays and catch-ups with a soft reggae soundtrack. <br/><br/>I had the Beef Burger served in small tin pans. It was well-flavored. I think the rum gave it a tangy taste which I loved. Tbh the presentation is a little boring but it's all made up for in the taste! <br/><br/>Also loved the mojitos, not as sweet as usual but it works!
Ashley
A little slice of island life in the middle Jozi. We went in the afternoon and it was packed with a laid back vibe. Menu is small with as many cocktail as food options.<br/><br/>The steak was great value and the jerk chicken was tasty and a sufficient portion size for one.<br/><br/>Overall it's a cool place to hang out, have a few cocktails with friends and share a couple of plates. You'll probably be inspired to start planning a holiday.
Kevin Barrie Levy
Jamaica in the heart of Linden - the minute you walk into this quaint restaurant you are transported to Jamaica - decor is very 80s and music is spot on for the vibe! Menu is small with limited options...but each one sounds delicious! I had the Jerk Chicken which was very tasty and cooked to perfection - my partner had the fish cakes...the Feta and Melon salad is fresh and delicious (very big portion) and the sweetcorn frittata were yummy too! The cocktails were refreshing and very delicious indeed! Give this a try and you won't be disappointed!
Doug Evans
Brian Lara is kickass awesome! Great food, fantastic cocktails and the staff were friendly and helpful. I will be back to try more off the menu :D
FoodloverJHB
Finally got a table at Brian Lara! I went with high expectations and I was not disappointed. <br/><br/>The absolute horrifically kitsch decor takes you to an island far far away! It fits perfectly. Their menu has very few options and i love it! I had the jerk chicken, as did several other people at our table. Some other dishes ordered were burger and calamari. <br/><br/>Every single dish was amazing and thoroughly enjoyed by everyone. We had the melon and feta salad and the sweet corn frittatas which were both enjoyable. <br/><br/>We consumed so many cocktails, but loved the cuba libre !!! Yumm <br/><br/>Cannot wait to be back! The place is such a breath of fresh air ! <br/><br/>(I forgot to take more pics)
Regan Erasmus
We went there last night after hearing loads about the place. It was very vibey and cool. But was generally disappointed with the food except the ribs they were great. We had the seafood curry which for R135 had one crab claw with no meat, 4 pieces of calamari and 4 prawns it should have been a starter and should have cost R55. We also had salt and pepper squid, and the jerk chicken which was also tasty but tiny portion. We left and went to the jolly rodger for a pizza we were all still hungry. I hate feeling ripped off for food and dont think we'll be back.
Yvette Guerra
Brian Lara Rum Eatery Linden: 5⭐️ for awesomeness. My husband and I walked in on Saturday at lunch time. We were told that they're fully booked all day. We batted our eyelids and said that we needed to be out by 1:30pm ( it was around 12ish). The hostess checked the bookings- told us she had a booking at 2 and we could have that table. That's already a positive. Food- delicious. Drinks- frozen margarita, fantastic. Service- excellent. Staff- friendly and accommodating. I love how the menu is small because I'm one of those prosper who can never decide and just generally pick something random coz I feel pressured. We're definitely going back sometime, with a booking and some fun friends.
Emily Pun
Really great place for drinks but not so much on the food. <br/><br/>We ordered the jerk chicken, veggie burger, fries, creamed leeks and fish cakes. The best thing out of the meal was the fries, but everything besides that was bland and VERY DRY. Veggie burger was just a substitute for a proper burger, rather than putting effort into understanding vegetarian food (perhaps just don't serve it at all if it's not gonna be good). <br/><br/>Would recommend for drinks but don't expect much if you're not ordering your standard bar food like fries.
Clinton Milne
Decor and the look and feel is amazing, really well done, kitch trendy and unique. Lots of rum to choose from, food menu small but very good. Will definitely be back. Great to see revival in Linden.
Lerissa
We used the Brian Lara Rum Club as the location for our video shoot. The place is amazing. Just in its name it encompasses two of my favourite things...cricket and rum. Lovely ambience and delicious food.
Gabriella Maxine Abrahams
I cannot recommend this place enough. The atmosphere, drinks and food are out of this world. The jerk chicken a must, the corn frittatas a treat and the cocktails strong. The meal as a whole was really well made Caribbean food. <br/><br/>If you are looking for a casual night filled with great food with a lively atmosphere this is the place for you.
John Taylor
Absolutely awesome. A lot of fun. The mojito is incredibly good. Food is filling and allows for good conversation. A great night out. Well worth the visit.
Natalie Jackson
Very cool decor, service is a bit slow but suitable for the vibe they have going I guess. Food took long but was very tasty none the less. Coffee and foam needs work. Good experience. I would come back :)
Reema Vather
Excellent vibe for drinks and light meals with friends. Sweet corn frittatas were light and fluffy accompanied with an oh so flavorful chutney to dip. Fish cakes were ok and jerk chicken was good. Excellent service despite the busy-ness and just the best decor and music and vibe! I didn't enjoy the pina colada taste however the pineapple that it was served in was cool. I stuck to Mojitos which was average.
Lediile Thabitha Mphelo
My friend brought me here for my birthday, absolutely loved it. The ribs there are the best I have ever tasted. Definitely recommend this place to others.
Molecules And Macaroons
This rum eatery is all about having fun - relaxed and vibrant, its the perfect place to go on a weeknight if the weekend feels too far away. It's loud, colourful and filled with bits and bobs that look like they belong to someone's trendy grandmother.<br/><br/>The food is sweet and spicy which is exactly what you'd expect from Jamaican cuisine. Highlights include the jerk chicken, salt and pepper calamari and the seafood curry. The coconut curry sauce is probably the best I've ever had. With regards to the sides, I would recommend the melon and feta salad and the spicy chips which you can dip into the various sauces that are served alongside the mains.<br/><br/>The downsides? The cocktails could have been better balanced, tasting a bit synthetic with alcohol rather than refreshing and light. The portion sizes amongst the different proteins also varied significantly.<br/><br/>That being said, you'll leave dinner full of food and smiles, certain to return.
Joao Ferreira
Great environment! Simple great food! We even thought the sea was just down the road! What a pleasure to have Linden as an option for Thursday nights out! PS: good fish cakes!
Mmule
So i have BEEN nagging my boyfriend to bring me here and finally on a random Saturday night he caved in! <br/><br/>Linden is buzzing at the moment and Brian Lara just brings everything together. If you close your eyes for a moment you might actually think your in Cape Town! I think it's a great Friday after work drinks spot. <br/><br/>I'm not sure about the food it didn't blow me away, I preferred the ambience more than anything.
Www.getinmybelly.co.za
I have heard many good things about the relatively new and extremely popular Brian Lara Rum Eatery. Brian Lara is a Caribbean restaurant and bar based in Linden, Johannesburg. And yes, it’s true you need to book in advance to get a table over the weekend. After a short wait, I managed to get a table for lunch on a Sunday afternoon. Brian Lara’s menu is concise and filled with authentic Caribbean meals such as jerk chicken, salt and pepper squid, crab curry and of course cocktails. I was served little crunchy chip like bites as an appetiser. These chip like bites were served with a sweet fresh tomato salsa and they were delicious! For starters I ordered the sweetcorn fritters which were served with a spicy relish. Loved these sweetcorn fritters! For my main I ordered the barbeque basted beef rack of ribs. This was a generous 800g serving; I would know because I can eat ;-) The meat was soft and peeled off of the bone with ease. Really great quality and great tasting ribs. I also tried some of the crab curry. This was a mild yellow coconut curry served with rice. It was really well presented. This dish even came with genuine crab crackers so you really feel like you’re eating in the Bahamas. The curry was well flavoured and really tasty. I caught a glance of a drink at the table next to me and had to order the same. It was a pina colada served in an actual pineapple! A really good pina colada at that; definitely made me feel like I was holidaying on a beach island.
Chante Daries
Ahhhhh was such an experience. I love the vibe and the decor gives it this tropical feel. The drinks are amazing. The fact that the pina colada comes in an actual pineapple blew my mind! The ribs are delicious as well.
Bairon ביירון מקארתי Mccarthy
Went here on a Friday, it was fully booked but they made a plan & i got a seat for an hour or two. The drinks were great, the decor sets a great holiday vibe, foliage up the wall, Caribbean decor with quaint wood & bamboo finishings. Modern & quite varied crowd pulls in but despite the crowd it stays relativley quiet. I think what impressed me most was the service, the waitress was extremely well trained & everything flowed smoothly & quickly. DEFINATLEY book in advance else great for a quick drink! Will come again for a proper sit down soon!
Jacky&Lisa
We visited Brian Lara Rum Eatery on a Friday sometime between lunch and dinner. They were fully booked but the host made a plan and soon we were seated.<br/>The decor creates a Caribbean beachside setting with the outside deck area, the palm trees by the entrance, the quirky lampshades, and multi coloured light bulbs draped from the ceiling. The slow, yet upbeat music provided a chilled vibe for the restaurant.<br/>For drinks we had a passion fruit and lemonade and a frozen margarita. Both were extremely refreshing.<br/>We ordered the beef burger and the fish burger along with a plate of chips. The beef burger was flavourful and the patty was well cooked. It was served with a monkey-gland-like sauce with a slight kick. A slight downside was that the cheese was still unmelted. The fish burger was quite light and tasty. The fish was well fried, flaky, and packed with flavour. It was served with a slightly sweet and tangy sauce. The chips were well fried and the seasoning was amazing. The service was good and efficient. The food is tasty and very well priced. This is a perfect location for chilled drinks and food with friends.
Saltnsas
This very quirky and colourful spot in Linden just two shops away from the whippet. Their decor is fantastic, from the plant wall to the art deco lampshades to the giant ice cream sign in the bathroom. Their menu is simple and short. A few great options which you can pair with sides like rice and beans, corn, spicy chips, melon and feta salad etc. The best of the day for me had to be the Jerk Chicken, Calamari and the Crab Curry (if your keen for licking your fingers). Awesome frozen cocktails, shooters in tiny mason jars. Pretty much an awesome spot. Service was good but I've had better. They were very busy so be sure to make a booking. Parking is limited outside on the street.
Frederick Edward Muller
Best ribs in Johannesburg! Great vibe too. Kitchen did fail to prepare one of my friend's meal though... They would have scored a 5 otherwise.
Thinus
Awesome new restaurant in Linden.<br/>Impossible to fault anything: great vibe, great food, excellent service.<br/>We will be back again & again
Louise Perold
We came and chilled at the bar, great cocktails, good wine by the glass, awesome service, great atmosphere. Had the spicy chips and melon and feta salad to snack on - both delicious. Definitely will be back to try more.
Tanya
Had the best experience at Brian Lara Rum Eatery for dinner. The service from the minute I made the booking over the phone was superb.<br/><br/>Went for an early dinner on a Wednesday evening and the place was already vibing.<br/><br/>It's where kitch meets cool, ceramics meet neon, old lamp shades with tassels meet cool mosaic tiles and where chilled vibes make for one memorable experience. There is nothing about this little gem that I didn't like.<br/><br/>The service was simply wow, attentive, informative and authentic. It was like you went to an old friends place for dinner.<br/><br/>We started with the salt and pepper squid. Delicious and done to perfection.<br/><br/>We went on to order the rump steak with spiced chips and the crab curry with the recommended beans and rice side. On ordering the gentleman advised that the crab is whole and can be quite messy as you have to fight with the crab claws for the meat. I dont mind looking like a savage in public so i didnt mind but reccomened that they rustle up a seafood combo that included some muscles and prawns with crab claws and so I agreed.<br/><br/>There was not one thing of the items we ordered that was not delicious, packed with flavour, presented with pride and simply mouth watering.<br/><br/>I would go back just for that steak and spiced chips. The sauce it's served with... omg! Just delicious.<br/><br/>The drinks served in either pineapple cups or short floral ones add to the decor and vibe. They are cute, relaxed and just so damn cool!<br/><br/>We were given small shots of their famous Miami Vice cocktails on the house - a cool combination of pinacolada and strawberry daiquiri - so so good I ordered a large and it didn't dissapoint.<br/><br/>Some might say the 1 page menu is limited. I think they are sticking to what they are good at and are making sure they deliver each with perfection. Quality vs quantity and there is is still something for everyone.<br/><br/>Whether you go for drinks after work or on the weekend or for a meal you will not regret it. It's a must try Jozi experience. A little rum, great food with awesome people and u can't go wrong. It's just so damn cool!<br/><br/>I
Rotondwa Sadiki
Had the jerk chicken and ribs, both were absolutely to die for. The Ribs fall off the bone. The staff are friendly and you get complementary drinks. Has a very laid back vibe. Cool for a lil get together with friends. If you want a table I'd advise you make a reservation.
Michael Morton
Best ribs in JHB!!! <br/><br/>Been wanting to try this spot out since it opened, and it did not disappoint! Has such a great vibe, looks awesome, service is great and the ribs were out of this world! (Serving so big, we didn't have space to try anything else on the menu). So will have to be back.. and soonish!!! <br/><br/>Great addition to Linden, and the food scene in JHB as a whole! Winner!
Kristy
We were helped by an Irish lady who was 10/10 service! We were walk in's and the place was fully booked. She found us a table and personally served us and brought us complimentary shooters! Don't experience service like that often in this country. <br/>To Brian Lara: I believe you are lucky to have staff like this and it's been a pleasure dining at your establishment. Thanks for a great evening! !
KarmaZebra
Brain Lara...Jamaican me Crazy! Good Crazy! Happy!<br/><br/>A cool (Sunday afternoon) run brought us down to dis easy eatery for some bickle & rum and with the whistling tune of Robert McFerrin's "Don't worry, be happy" playing in the background, we couldn't help but feel the Sunday Blues be washed away 🌊 🍹🌴<br/><br/>The Parasols🏖, Palmtrees🌴 and Pineapples 🍍 left us pleased as punch and the staff were just as warm as the atmosphere and vibe!<br/><br/>Another visit to try out the Caribbean curries is certainly on the cards!
Thato
Let this 3,5 not fool you, this is a vibey Caribbean joint. The decor with green flowers and ski's on the walls makes it quite a hipster and cool spot. We had not made a reservation but where accommodated. We had the ribs, which were good. I had some virgin cocktails and 0% Becks beer. The service was friendly and good. I look forward to trying more meals. I will go back!
Natalie Lazaris
So if you've watched a lot of movies, when you step into Brian Lara, you feel like your at some motel resturant in the states. The miss match of decor, neon lights and funky glasses, this place is classically clichéd. How fun to experience an evening of good music and enjoyable ambiance and let's not forget that the food is just delicious. With only a few things on the menu, you must know that whatever you order is going to be great. Dinner and a party on a Saturday night, yes please.
Corledevilliers
Went there for our Lovely Lazy Ladies Lunch on a rainy Thursday. Great cocktails and holiday vibe. Takes away the January blues. Menu was interesting but sadly we could not order most food because there was a power outage in Linden. We had salads and the manager even got us biltong from across the street. Can't wait to go back for more Pina Coladas and delicious food.
Brielle Cainer
A bucket list choice you need to try. Meals, service, all 5 start. Linden needed this new addition! Please keep up the standard you've set<br/>Wishing you your success
Nthabiseng Chaane
What a fun place to have some drinks and snacks. I found myself there on a very rainy Saturday but you couldn't tell with the vibe in the restaurant. The snacks were had were well portioned and full of flavor. It does get a little loud so not a great place for conversations.
Julia Kaleta
Awesome new restaurant, you literally feel like your sitting in a vibey eatery in Cuba! We were a massive table of 16 people, and the waiter didn't miss a beat! The menu is small, but you don't really need more as it ranges from fried calamari, to watermelon and feta salad, burgers and ribs (all delicious). The rum based cocktails though are the highlight of the menu. You must try the margarita, Miami vice or the pinacolado (served in a pineapple 🍍) can't wait to come back
Nicholas Eagle Flyer Amoretti
Rad little bar/eatery! <br/>Small but really good menu. Loads of cocktails, had the old fashioned, very tasty, had to have another. <br/>The ribs were the best, best ribs I've had in JHB, sticky and they fell off the bone! <br/>Definitely be back for more of those ribs!
Tally Leach
Love the decor and overall feel here. The menu is very limited. I had the vegetarian burger which I enjoyed but it was a bit bland. The ribs looked amazing and were an enormous portion size.
Sharima Bramannan
Popped in here for a quick drink before dinner. Although very busy, we were given a table when I said it was just for a quick drink. I luv'd the set up and ambience...nice island music and the decor also suits the vibe....it's just missing the view of the beach 😉 <br/>I started with an old fashioned which I didn't enjoy...was very strong. I then asked for a pina colada after seeing that they are served in a pineapple, and was more Instagram-worthy 📸<br/>The menu is limited but they did serve us complementary bites. And we got free shooters which was a mixed of the strawberry daiquiri and pina colada...nice touch 👌🏽<br/>
Zak Niemann
What a great place and great vibe ! This place has the best ribs that i have ever had ! Highly recommended for people who want to have good! Thanks boys 🍻
James Elstob
Great short menu, awesome cocktails and decent service. Was just disappointed that they had run out of Jerk chicken...... Can't wait to come back to try the chicken.
Varushka Padayachi
Went to Brian Lara Rum Eatery for lunch and I'd give it a 5/5! 👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽 The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, the service is tops and the food is divine! I had the jerk chicken with a side of rice and beans, at R70 for a half chicken and R25 for the side I think it's fantastic value for money. The chicken was perfectly spiced and very tender but I especially loved the rice and beans with its hit of comforting coconut milk it was so moreish I could have eaten it plain.  I also had a dark and stormy cocktail which was both delicious and potent. I have to commend these guys on having the confidence to have limited menu that's done extremely well. So many new restaurants have a three page menu of mediocre dishes, just to satisfy the masses. I think it's much better to keep it simple and authentic but excel at what you're doing, which Brian Lara Rum Eatery certainly has. <br/>I especially love the attention to detail in the restaurant, from the serving bowls to the water jug, to the decor, I truly felt transported to a Caribbean island. In fact the buckets of rain outside only added to the mood and we were very well taken care of with our complimentary shots 😉 Will most definitely be going back. I think trend-wise Caribbean is set to become the new Mexican.
Karen Venter
Love the vibe of the new addition to our neighbourhood. Beef ribs is to die for and the complimentary strawberry daiquiri/pina colada shots are amazing! Definitely a must try!
Yolanda Venter
Wow! Wow! Wow!!!! That's what I have to say about Brian Lara Eatery 😋😋 from the word go, the service, welcome shooters & snacks were out of this world. Fish cakes are to die for!! The squid is absolutely amazing, not even mentioning the rump steak!!!! The ribs fall of the bone, absolutely yummy 😋 my personal favorite o😖is always home made chips which in this case, is truly exceptional !! Only criticism we can give is that the corn cakes needed more corn. To me it was a flapjack with added corn, really not wow. The melon & feta salad is sooo good, definitely a favorite of mine!! <br/>My absolute overall special of the day is the awesome vibe accompanied by the miami Vice shooter, I can live on those!! A big thank you to staff & management for a joyous festive season😘😘
Uraysha Ramrachia
While still in its early days, I already love this place! Just what jozi needed- a carribbean feel place to chill out and drink some pina colada! And what pina coladas they were!! Icy, creamy, drowning in alcohol, served in pineapples so you could scrape down some pineapple from the sides as you drink... omg... I'm still dreaming of it! A great touch to give out free shooters and chips and pineapple salsa upon arrival as well! We had the mushroom burger and the watermelon and feta salad- simple and delicious! Great service 😊👍
Jarrod Michael-Sylar Prinsloo-Bluth
This place is amazing! The menus selection is a bit limited but the food is incredible!! The cocktails are just as great! There has always been a great vibe every time I have been. The staff are welcoming and are always eager to help you navigate the delicious cocktails. If you are a first time visitor to this restaurant you must try the ribs!
Lauras World
Caribbean-inspired Brian Lara Rum Eatery is the new kid on the block in Linden, and this quirky bar was opened by the same team behind Great Dane in Braamfontein.<br/><br/>I noticed two things as I walked in this past weekend:<br/>1. They place a lot of emphasis on pineapple (which happens to be the only thing that I am allergic to). <br/>2. They serve a lot of rum (of which I am a huge fan). <br/><br/>I have to be honest in that I was also on the lookout for some Reggae Reggae sauce (which is a favorite), but I couldn't find any on this particular visit. I am hoping to find it in the future in this establishment as it would really make my year. <br/><br/>The place was packed and the heat was almost unbearable around lunch time, unfortunately (as only one fan was actually on), but what colorful, beautiful interiors and once we had an ice cold cocktail in hand, we didn't mind as much. Think colorful antique lampshades, wooden boats hanging from the ceiling and old skis pinned to the walls with lots of funky neon lighting. <br/><br/>Caribbean food has always been a favorite of mine and incorporates so many different fusions of African, Creole, Cajun, Amerindian, European, Portuguese, Spanish, East Indian/South Asian and Javanese/Indonesian cuisine to name a few. Thats a LOT of flavor! <br/><br/>Onto Brian Lara's menu offering, which is small but looks tasty:<br/>1. Jerk chicken with honey-ginger dipping sauce<br/>2. Fish cakes<br/>3. Salt & pepper squid<br/>4. BBQ rum-basted ribs<br/>5. Crab curry (which I am dying to try when the weather is a little cooler than this ridiculous heat)<br/>and then their burger range: chicken, fish or veggie. <br/><br/>The service was a bit wobbly and slow as with most newly opened restaurants I guess.. To start, I ordered a Bloody Mary and as I always like a little extra Tabasco asked the waiter immediately if he could bring me some to which he replied "There isn't any" and walked back to the bar. Unfortunately, we could actually see Tabasco on the other tables so I got up, walked to the bar myself and the barman kindly assisted with the Tabasco. It just shows a lack of care and often I really notice (and appreciate) when waiters take a minute to go the extra mile. <br/><br/>*Recommendation: The strawberry daiquiri is delicious and I cannot wait to return in colder weather to try both the jerk chicken and the crab curry. Watch this space!<br/> <br/><br/>For more, find me on Instagram, Facebook & Twitter: LaurasWorldza
Nicole Kruger
The vibe is so awesome along with the amazing creative decor.<br/>We were a large table with so many order variations.<br/>The burgers were big and tasty. The corn fritters were a hit as well as the calamari. The drinks menu was short but good selections from fruit juices to great champagnes.<br/>The service was a tad slow and the waiters were not really attentive to our table. It was incredibly hot inside the restaurant, with no aircons and a few scattered fans which didn't do anything for the circulation. Everyone spent most the evening outside to cool off.<br/>This restaurant is perfect for a quick light meal and drinks.
Nesen Moodley
This place hit me for a six. The few items on the menu are done perfectly to have bowled me over. I did not run out off good service and a great West Indian atmosphere.
Thalia Brummer
Thoroughly enjoyed this little piece of heaven! My boyfriend and I walked in and were greeted by an energetic lady asking if we had a reservation, as they were fully booked, but she offered to seat us at the bar. <br/>We were more than happy to sit at the bar as we only planned to have a drink or two. The resturaunt is scented with the most divine jamaican beach/ citrus scent. I saw a ginger candle in the ladies but I doubt it was Just the candle. Free Miami vice shooters and pineapple salsa and crispy chips served at the bar from our friendly bartender. The cocktails were divine! Best frozen Margarita ever! They pretty generous with the amount of liqour in a cocktail. The food that passed us looked fresh and smelt divine. Quite a small menu however it's got everything everyone loves. I highly recommend this little eatery. I will most definetly come here as often as possible
Rudi
Lovely vibe. A bit noisy for lunch. Food not bad. Presentation a bit pretentious albeit "retro". <br/>In dire need of aircon. Service non-existant. If you're lucky you'll get a waiter's attention. <br/>Not as great as everybody said.
LuluFromJozi
Something different for Linden with palm trees and all. But as any kuierplek its suuuuper loud and noisy and screaming a little to hear your fellow guests speak, is common practice. Menu is small, which is lovely as you dont spend half an hour reading through endless options. Food is fresh. Waiters are friendly but some dont know the menu well and then you order a dish with abit of mystery, not convinced that the deep fried shrimp will arrive unbattered or without crumbs. And when it arrives the mystery is solved! (And instincts confirmed...) it is crumbed. <br/>Great for Friday afternoons for drinks and a snack but wont dinner here.
Genna Hansen
Was there with a massive table of 30 people for our Xmas lunch and it was out of this world! The vibe, decor and staff were incredible! We had the ribs, steak, squid, fish cakes, sweetcorn fritters, mealies and spicy chips! Everything was amazing delicious and perfectly cooked. This will definitely become a firm favorite
Jastine
Awesome AWESOME staff and management. Good food and good vibe. Little cocktail shots are a real treat and pina colada makes a great dessert!
Karen Neethling
What an awesome surprise !! The vibe is amazing , the cocktails are fantastic! The ribs OMG out of this world!!!! We had such a great time at this spot last nite, will most definitely be back and taking some friends with us! Well Done guys, I hope you spend many a happy years in Linden.
@bjornsalsone: On - Instagram & Twitter & Vivino & SnapChat
This place is off the charts epic! After a rather challenging day, this is exactly what I needed with my mates. The vibe, decor, food, did I mention the food? The ribs were so good I forgot to take a pic & I just dug in. The cocktails are amazing and there is one thing: they always bringing drinks to the table. Such a great vibe, definitely one for the books & now creating every excuse to go back! 😊 PS pls Uber, it's so much fun you won't want to leave & will naturally drink more! #welldone #thankyou
Taskeen Moolla
I loved the hospitality at Brian Lara- even on a very busy Saturday afternoon. Good food- the spiced chips are a big winner- and lovely staff, both the hostess and waitrons. A surprising and super cool extra touch are the "on the house" treats, including drinks and little snacks. Looking forward to returning!
Kate Chmela-Jones
Had an absolutely fantastic lunch at Brian Lara this afternoon. Super vibe, fun decor and great attention to detail (where else would you get yummy complementary snacks and drinks?) makes this the place to go in Joburg this summer. Oh, and the food was delicious! Will definitely be back soon.
Nina Formanek
Cocktails 10/10 <br/>Salt & Pepper squid 10/10<br/>Vibe 10/10 <br/>🌴🌴🌴 <br/>This place is decent. Their piña colada & mojito is sooooooo good. Brian Lara is certainly worth a try 🍍🍍🍍🍒
Zané Möhr
We absolutely love Brian Lara eatery! I simply love the 70’s classy (but in a ironic way not so much), beach bar theme. It’s not often that you find a place you can have a good meal at, while still having a viby atmosphere – Brain Lara offers both. They create a real sense of hospitality with small snacks and drinks, and great laid back music that fits the theme. <br/>The cocktails are amazing; I’m proud to say I’ve tried them all and they are smashing. Their wine selection could use a bit of work, there is only bad wines on offer. <br/>We’ve been there a couple of times for dinner, and between me and my boyfriend we’ve had everything on the menu – For the most part I can say that many of the options was of its kind close to be best I’ve had, the rest of the menu is fantastic to. <br/>I could go on and on about how much we love Brian Lara, and how fantastic the food is, and how great the hosts are etc etc. But I suggest you book and go see for yourself, you won’t be sorry.
Jo Burger
Packed, flavour of the month vibe. Cocktails were great and the food was good, I had the calamari and the sweet corn side. Expensive overall but probably would not be if you are not drinking cocktails. Service slow, but the place was packed.
Candistripe
Where summer should be spent in Jozi. Cocktails are killer!!! Love the bloody Mary's! Interior well executed taking the Caribbean vibe with a twist of Art Deco.<br/>Like a Florida beach scene :)<br/>Love the menu is concise and if focused!<br/>The ribs oh wow! <br/>Only thing is the sides are quite small which was said<br/>That we could share them. Hard to do the sharing there. <br/>Oh more feta on the melon salad pleaaaaassse ;) <br/>Love the hospitality- on the house goodies!<br/>Worth the weeekend spend.
Chris De Beer
Definitely the flavour of the the moment , its been a while since I walked into a place and every table was reserved , well done so far . I can see why they busy , ppl love freebies , we got watermelon , chips and shooters for free ,not bad for the customer ,maybe not so gud for the venue ,only time will tell . The venue is a Jamaican feel with a small menu . The choices on the menu does cater for everybody . We tried the jerk chicken which was well cooked . Not sure about the jerk sauce , I expected it to have a chilli kick to it but it was a bit sweet . Wll go back to try the rest of the menu .
Kyla Meyerson
What a place!!! <br/>JHB is lacking in having a vibey restaurant that caters for lots of drinking, great food and a really good time but this place is definitely filling the gap. This restaurant is not only a place to go for some tasty food but also to meet people and have a good time. <br/><br/>Upon arrival, we were greeted with complimentary watermelon and other snacks. The food is different, fun and delicious.<br/><br/>Throughout the night , we were offered complimentary shooters. I'd recommend Ubering here. <br/><br/>I will definitely be back and OFTEN!
Palesa Molingoane
Do you like to drink? Do you like to eat good food while you drink? Do you like to be served by great waiters who call themselves Harry Potter? Then Brian Lara Rum Eatery is the place for you....<br/><br/>The vibe was great considering its a Wednesday night in Linden. The decor reminds me of what would be a small Eatery in a Caribbean island somewhere and the front staff is very friendly.<br/><br/>We had the the squid, ribs, jerk chicken and rump steak and all were absolutely delicious. The rump steak came out to the table a little cold but it was quickly rectified and came with complimentary tequila shots (definitely the place to go if you like to drink)<br/><br/>In conclusion, Brian Lara Rum Eatery is the perfect place to go for a pre-dinner and drink before a night out or for a fun random weekday night (booking is advised).
Nondumiso Nondu Petlele
Love love love this place. The 1st time I went for lunch and came back later for drinks. Management is super friendly and the food is delicious. We had the Jerk chicken, ribs, fish cakes and spicy chips. Loved everything. Oh and if you order the ribs, share.
Will Becker
Great vibe with amazing food! This rum eatery will leave you longing for more ribs and crab curry. Ask for the off-menu Miami Vice cocktail if you want a taste of paradise.
Bridget Meyer
Had such a lovely time at Brian Lara last night. As we walked in, we immediately felt transported to a Caribbean island - where decor is a mix of kitch-quirky. Bar stools were adorned in pineapple fabric, vintage fans were dotted around , banana leaf trees added a tropical feel and low string-lighting made for a soft, relaxed atmosphere.<br/><br/>The menu is small, but the food good. I would far rather have a small selection of dishes made well than a huge menu with mediocre food, and this is where Brian Lara hits the spot. Their Jerk Chicken is delicious (the brown sauce that comes with it is addictive), the Salt + Pepper Squid equally tasty and the Melon + Feta salad is the perfect, fresh, accompaniment. I have to go back soon for their Ribs and Crab Curry.<br/><br/>We loved our cocktails too - Pina Colada served in a fresh pineapple, Mojito was delicious and the Strawberry Daiquiri absolutely heavenly. They also treat guests with little mini cocktails in the cutest pineapple shot glasses.<br/><br/>All in all, a really great experience. But you must book as far in advance as possible as they are super busy.
Elmari
Good lay out and funky decor. Compact menu, hearty food and rum infused cocktails, although limited choice. Sadly no rum menu, would be great to have examples from around the world. Music too loud, had to ask several times to have it turned down to have convo with our table.
Sajiv Issuree
Absolutely amazing vibe and amazing food! Tried the jerk chicken and melon salad both very tasty dishes. The cocktails are amazing. Tried the Miami vice and wow it was so amazing. Over great experience.
Leigh Hofmeyr
The best thing that happened to Linden since I don't know when! Also the only place with a mixed crowd of people from all over Joburg, not the usual white as omo linden crowd. And I can't recommend the food and cocktails enough! I have been 3 times since opening and plan to be a regular!
Alfredo Beef Breakfast Burger Burgers Cakes Calamares Calamari Chicken Wings Chili Curry Donuts Duck Eggs Benedict Fish Fish & Chips Focaccia French Toast Gelato Hake Ice Cream Juice & Smoothies Lamb Lamb chops Mussels Nachos Oyster Pasta Pesto Pork Prawns Ribs Salad Salmon Sandwiches Schnitzel Seafood Platters Snails Suckling Pig Tiramisu Toasts Tuna Waffle Wings
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