
Welcome to Aquila: Your Big 5 Summer Escape Just Two Hours from Cape Town
Summer has arrived, and the Karoo is brimming with life. It’s the perfect season to escape the city and discover the Big 5 safari at
Ask the founders of Ribs and Burgers Grillhouse about their ethos, and they will tell you it comes down to one thing: quality you can taste. For this chain, it’s all about authenticity, craftsmanship, and an unwavering commitment to great food.
Visit a Ribs and Burgers restaurant, as we did in Pretoria, and you will see that everything is cooked over flame, just the way we South Africans like it. A chat with the restaurant manager at the Menlyn branch reveals that every ingredient, be it the signature rack of ribs, handcrafted burgers, or premium steaks, is carefully sourced from premium suppliers.
It is also clear that although the name may not suggest it, steaks have become a major focus, with the crowd across the ‘boerewors curtain’ embracing a wider variety of meat on the menu. From juicy cuts to irresistible char, the menu’s focus is clearly more ‘grillhouse’ than ‘fast food’.
Having said that, burgers do remain the soul of the brand, built on brioche and potato buns. These buns deserve a special mention: baked to perfection, soft, golden, and impossible to ignore when you bite into that patty. The thick shakes are another highlight if, like us, you have a soft spot for the sugary side of life. They are the perfect accompaniment to that juicy burger or plate of tender ribs.
It’s also about reinvention at Ribs and Burgers, with December bringing a fresher menu, featuring the arrival of the Smash Burger to the gourmet range on offer. The owners believe this will be more than just another burger; it marks a new chapter in solidifying Ribs and Burgers as SA’s premium burger destination.



The upgraded menu will ensure, as well, that your very finest steak-craving is catered for, be it South African Holstein, Jersey, or even Wagyu, with the chefs promising to bring out the distinct flavour of each profile and cut, with these chefs being specifically trained to showcase the craftsmanship needed to do the new menu justice.
Aside from the great service and welcoming ambience of the location we visited, it becomes apparent that there’s also a keen focus on the people who work, run, and live the brand, day in and day out. After commenting on the service, the manager explained that the company is intentional about putting people first – be it through building strong teams, investing in staff training, or simply creating a culture rooted in consistency and hospitality.
And Pretoria has voted accordingly, with these branches (there’s another at Lintons Corner) winning both Best Burgers in Pretoria, and Best Burger on Uber Eats. The R99 lunch menu has also proved quite popular, with locals enjoying midday value paired with premium offerings. Also, check out the Uber Eats and Mr Delivery apps, you may find some sneaky added-value surprises over the festive season.
“Come hungry, leave happy” is the promise, and we reckon this chain, especially the Menlyn branch, delivers on it.

Summer has arrived, and the Karoo is brimming with life. It’s the perfect season to escape the city and discover the Big 5 safari at

Looking for a vibrant weekend escape that blends fresh produce, mouth-watering food and drink, creative crafts, interactive experiences and endless family-friendly fun? Prison Break Market

Ask the founders of Ribs and Burgers Grillhouse about their ethos, and they will tell you it comes down to one thing: quality you can

Put a finger down if you have caught yourself mindlessly scrolling on social media – long after you promised yourself ‘only five more minutes’ but
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.
Stay up-to-date on the hottest, hippest and most happening things to do in Mzansi!