Timbuktu Cafe

Such lovely staff and their juices are to die for! My friend and I popped in here after a long day of shopping and it was such a joy to speak to the owner who told us all about his restaurant and how it worked. He made us a special recipe juice and then invited us to sit down and have a little rest. Such a wonderful vibe there and the food he gave us was also delicious! Will definitely be visiting again.

After years of walking past Timbuktu, I decided to try out this Obz gem with a close friend. Firstly, I was pleased to see some bits of Amharic at the restaurant. Also, there was 70s jazz playing in the background. Timbuktu feels like you’re visiting an older relative: there’s eccentric bits of furniture and a huge bar inside, but the ambience is genuinely heart warming. Oh, yes, the restaurant does not have a liquor license! However, you’re welcome to bring your own bottle of wine or champers at zero corkage. (My friend accidentally brought a bottle of gin! Also, make a reservation beforehand the restaurant is always packed in the evening. <br/ <br/ My friend and I decided to order a meat platter and a vegetable platter apparently, it serves four people, but we were famished! The food took about 20 minutes and my word, it was worth the wait. Ethiopian food (which is vegan friendly is traditionally served on injera it’s gluten free and made out of teff flour also, you eat with your hands. The meat platter was absolutely DIVINE we couldn’t stop raving about how delicious and well seasoned it was. Also, the vegetable dishes were fantastic and reasonably priced. Although there’s only one waiter, he’s really friendly and attentive to customer requests. (Most importantly, Timbuktu has free WiFi! Overall, Timbuktu is a wonderful experience and I’m hooked on Ethiopian food!

Such a gem of a restaurant that few know about <br/ <br/ So authentic! You don’t even feel like you’re in a restaurant- you feel like you’re a guest in a home the food is absolutely incredible and extremely well priced for the quality and amount of food that ya get <br/ <br/ The music and atmosphere is incredibly quaint and the staff are genuine and attentive. <br/ <br/ Order the lamb tibs- you’ll never forget it! Make sure to wash your hands (and also bring your own alcohol, as they don’t serve any)

Honestly, the best Ethiopian place I've been to in both Cape Town and Joburg. The atmosphere is cosy (with an amazing music playlist), the service is excellent, the food is full of flavour and you'll definitely get your money's worth. Rich in quality and quantity. I would highly recommend.

I’ve passed this spot a few times but never stopped for a meal. That changed and I’m glad I visited. This place can best be described as an experience. <br/ <br/ The inside has Madame Zingara vibes with the mix of eclectic items. Once you sit down and settle you notice the 70’s Jazz music playing in the background making for and interesting mix. <br/ <br/ I had no idea what to order to be honest so I started with a pot of tea and was directed to a half and half plate for two that was a mix of veggies and beef. The food was an interesting affair as I’ve never eaten with my hands. You are encouraged to eat your way towards the center of the plate. One thing is for sure you won’t leave hungry I felt kinda bad leaving so much behind but I honestly ate myself last full tank. The flavors where basic but interesting and definitely something new for me. I liked the bread it has a sour dough note to it. <br/ <br/ Come for a visit bring your own bottle of something something and feel like you have left the country for a bit. <br/