The Villamoura restaurant in Sandton was a special place growing up. Many of us fondly remember the entrance adorning the driveway at the iconic Sandton Sun Hotel. And if you were a young adult at the time, you might have managed to savour one special Portuguese evening of gastronomy there before it closed its doors years later.
Speaking of, read our review from when we stayed at Sandton Sun & Towers, part of the Jozi Under The Sun campaign.
Visiting Mira, Sandton’s newest 200-seater Portuguese dining destination, felt like a moment of kismet – especially as we had no idea the restaurant occupies the same original venue as Villamoura. Nor did we realise that the owners, Luke Dakers, Ben Stanger and industry stalwart George Sinovich, had Villamoura very much in mind when developing Mira.
With a name meant to evoke reflection, Dakers points out that the site wasn’t simply acquired – it was pursued over three full years. The result is more a testament to preservation than a culmination of glass and marble.
Advertisement
Architectural Elegance with Old-World Charm
The architects seem to have taken the reflection concept quite literally, with mirrored art on arrival setting the tone for the immersive culinary journey ahead. Chatting to the General Manager on the night, he mentions the phrase “old money energy”. The restaurant certainly carries that feeling, albeit with a slightly youthful interpretation of the design philosophy.
This is especially evident in the stunning 1912 Blüthner piano, a gift from Stanger’s mother, which sets the tone for the evening ahead – courtesy of the in-house pianist who keeps the ivories tinkling throughout the night.
With the restaurant enjoying almost secret entry points – one down a long staircase and another through an elusive passageway from the garage – the evening begins with a hint of Gatsby glamour as you meander into Mira. Warm timbers, solid woods, brass, leather and marble finishes are bathed in soft, diffused light.
We also can’t help but mention the sculpted faces featured throughout the space, adding to the old-school elegance. Meanwhile, a bespoke fragrance by Scentology subtly fills the air as your feet leave the final step of the grand entrance staircase.
A visit to Mira begins with deciding when to enjoy the dark, cinematic cocktail lounge. With its curved, white-panelled ceiling and velvet sofas, it perfectly sets the scene for what’s to come – or for an after-dinner nightcap.
You can’t help but begin the evening with a toast, while none other than Fidel Castro looks on approvingly from a glossy photographic perch.
The menu, as expected, draws inspiration from the spicy coastline of Mozambique. Head Chef William Lekoloane explains that the kitchen even employs a master fishmonger to ensure the freshest marine-to-table offerings, with that comforting home-cooked feel forming part of the signature experience.
“We cook like grandma did – nothing too complicated, just wholesome, truly delicious food done incredibly well,” says Sinovich. “Portuguese cuisine is generous, and at Mira, we refine it without losing its heart.”
Another culinary experience to not be missed within Sandton Sun & Towers is the San Restaurant’s Chef table, which we unpack in this review.
Advertisement
Starters That Set the Tone
On the starters front, standout dishes include feta and origanum-stuffed calamari in creamy tomato, as well as the Asas Piri wings – whisky-glazed with honey, chilli and hot sauce.
Those seeking classic Portuguese favourites will enjoy garlic mussels, chicken livers, rissoles, deep-fried squid heads and oysters served with peri-peri, mango chilli or sriracha lime.
We tried a variety of these and can attest to the chef’s ability to strike a delicate balance between Sandton sophistication and homemade comfort. The presentation of each dish feels worthy of the elegant setting.
The flavours may transport your taste buds to Turffontein – famous for its Portuguese cuisine – while the refined presentation gently reminds you that you are firmly in the northern suburbs.
One word of warning: the starters are highly addictive, so a little restraint may be needed if you want to save space for the mains.
Mains Worth the Wait
The main courses beautifully balance refined cuisine with the comforting warmth of Avo’s kitchen table.
Mira brings flavours from Madeira and Lisboa to life through dishes such as the Portuguese classic steak with spiced chouriço sauce, topped with a fried egg. The signature spicy chicken dish is the Xai Xai chicken, while other favourites on the menu include lamb chops, picanha, espetada and generous meat platters – with a proudly local touch of pap and gravy.
Of course, no Portuguese menu would be complete without prawns. The offering here does not disappoint. While the peri-peri queen prawns are a highlight, the menu also caters for more delicate palates with options such as baby kingklip on the bone, Norwegian salmon, grilled calamari, sushi selections and indulgent seafood platters. One of the chef’s personal favourites is the prawn and cashew nut curry served with rice.
Across the mains, succulence is the common thread. Portion sizes are generous enough to ensure an above-average doggy bag – and perhaps a very fancy lunch at your desk the next day.
A Sweet Portuguese Finale
Naturally, we couldn’t leave without sampling the dessert menu.
At heart, Mira is a Portuguese palace for those with a sweet tooth, quietly encouraging guests to indulge their nostalgic cravings. Standout options include malva pudding with crème pâtissière, warm chocolate fondant, sago pudding, and Mira-made ice creams and sorbets.
After all, you only live once, and Mira is certainly about adding a little sweetness to life’s culinary pleasures.
A New Chapter for a Beloved Venue
Mira has transformed memories of the classic Villamoura into something beautifully contemporary. Its décor could rival some of the finest European restaurants, while its modern interpretation of Portuguese cuisine would still earn approval from the most traditional Avo.
The only thing missing, perhaps, is a small dance floor – something many remember from the Villamoura days. With the pianist setting the mood, one can easily imagine a discreet waltz unfolding beside the ivories, should an elegant couple feel inspired when nobody (or perhaps everybody) is watching.
Corner Alice Lane & 5th Street, Sandton, within the Sandton Sun & Towers
Seasonality has become part of everyday dining, particularly in the Cape, where chefs increasingly cook with local harvests front of mind. Recently appointed to lead
Enjoying our content? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter and every Thursday you’ll receive exciting news, reviews and event details from across Mzanzi!
By sharing your email address with us, you consent to Hello Lifestyle Magazine’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You also consent to receive emails from Hello Lifestyle Magazine and our partners regarding news, events, offers and promotions.
Enjoying our content?
Subscribe To Our Weekly Newsletter
Stay up-to-date on the hottest, hippest and most happening things to do in Mzansi!
Hello lifestyle uses cookies to curate specific content that our readers enjoy. By continuing to navigate on our website, we assume you're cool with that. For more information on how we use cookies and how to disable them, please read our Terms and condtitions.
