Delta Central – a visitor's guide

74 Hillcrest Avenue, Randburg , Rosebank & The Parks +27 83 257 8469 10 Apr 2024

Blairgowrie's vibrant Delta Central restaurant and shopping complex. Photo: Supplied.

You'll be all smiles too at Mr Pants Wine Bar. Photo: Delta Central.

Heavenly pastries are the order of the day at De La Creme at Delta Central. Photo: Delta Central.

The vibrant Delta Central complex opened in Blairgowrie in 2020 and has since transformed an entire block on Conrad Drive, making it a type of high street experience we love. The people who designed it and refurbished the nearby buildings spoke of it as an equivalent to Sea Point's promenade when we first met and we can see why. On a sunny weekend, the crowds flock here, and there is always a morning buzz at this space. Just sans the sea.

Delta Central has continued to welcome new restaurants and shops into its fold since its launch. With its location near Delta Park's entrance along the Braamfontein Spruit, it's become a watering hole for walkers, cyclists, families, and residents. The building was designed with the park in mind and its breezy architecture is adorned with plants. This makes it a great destination whether you are after a meal, on an afternoon grocery run, have an ice-cream craving, or want to meet up for post-work drinks.

Delta Central shares a parking lot that gives you direct access to the park. And there you'll find the enterprising and delightful Abedi, who has guarded this car park for nearly 10 years and is greeted with much familiarity by regulars. This was one of the first places in Joburg where we met a car guard who offers several payment solutions so you don't drive off without leaving a tip for his important work – from Zapper and Snapscan. Abedi also offers a car washing service.

Abedi - car guard at Delta Park. Johannesburg in Your Pocket. — Meet Abedi, your car guard at Delta Central. Photo: Johannesburg in Your Pocket.

There's also so much more than meets the eye at this complex, with a secret courtyard housing even more restaurants behind the main strip. Take the time to explore Delta Central and the adjoining buildings and you might just discover your new neighbourhood favourite.

Head to Delta Central for a post-walk coffee or meal; there's much to explore. Photo: Delta Central. — Delta Central extends along Conrad Drive, making a post-walk coffee or meal a must. Photo: Delta Central.

Since it's cosmos season in Joburg, there's all the more reason to take a stroll at Delta Park and unwind at Delta Central afterwards. Capture the pink and white beauties in bloom and enter our 2024 #CosmosInYourPocket photo competition. Our competition this year is supported by the lovely people at Delta Central.

Bird's Bagels

A Bird's bagel is the perfect weekend morning pick-me-up. Photo: Delta Central.

This micro-bakery has a pop-up at Mr Pants Wine Bar on Sat and Sun from 08:00 – 12:00. Made traditionally, Bird's Bagels are hand-shaped and proofed for 48 hours, then freshly boiled and baked each morning. Whether you choose a plain, poppy seed, or zingy za'atar bagel, fillings include a classic BLT, trout and all the trimmings, almond butter, and creamed honey.

Circular Club

New to Delta Central, this boutique store sells gently worn designer and non-designer women's clothing. Circular Club is the permanent retail outlet of Swap Movement, a clothing swap event series where your unwanted garments are somebody else's wardrobe treasure – and vice versa.

Coalition Pizza

**Coalition's** pizza is impossible to resist. Photo: Delta Central.

Coalition's chewy pizzas are made according to authentic Neapolitan methods. The small branch that was located at Delta Central has now moved into a house facing the park and next to the parking lot. With plenty of indoor and outdoor seating this a great spot to while away time. And with the pizza menu changing seasonally, you'll get to discover new combinations and favourites often. A classic margarita never fails, or try the maxini with white anchovies and caramelised red onions. This branch of Coalition has a unique breakfast offering on weekends for the post-run and cycle crowds; you'll also find cycling racks for your bike. Head there from 08:00 for hearty baked eggs with bolognese sauce and a Bloody Mary. Or simply order coffee out on the deck and bring your bagel to-go from Bird's across the road – they're all friends in this neighbourhood.

De La Creme

The same bakery and café you know and love from Melville's 7th Avenue has a home at Delta Central too. A Joburg institution, De La Creme is a sure stop for heavenly croissants and other sweet treats, or start your day here with a hummus toastie or eggs benedict. From salads to pastas, their lunch menu is wholesome and varied.

Fresh Earth

This café, deli, and health store is your one-stop-shop if you're looking to eat delicious, yet healthy food. The Fresh Earth menu includes burgers, wraps, sandwiches, and salads, with a focus on vegan and gluten-free options. Get your groceries at their deli and be sure to grab one of their freshly baked breads or pastries on the way out. With good coffee, free Wi-Fi, and a large, covered deck space, Fresh Earth is also a great option if you're looking for a semi-outdoor office for the day.

Grub Club

One of two restaurants in the somewhat secret courtyard behind the main strip of restaurants at Delta Central, the entrance to Grub Club lies between night spot Hush Money and De La Creme. Their menu is small and friendly, serving up sticky chicken wings, cheese steak sarmies, and deep-fried mac and cheese. On Sat nights, R50 gets you entrance to an outdoor movie screening from 20:00.

Hush Money

When your day out turns into a party, there's Hush Money, an offshoot of A Streetbar Named Desire in Parkwood. The new bar on the block is great if you’re looking for fresh drinks and live events to strike up a lively mood.

KiffKak

This tongue-in-cheek chain store celebrates local South African culture with printed and embroidered T-shirts, hats, tote bags, enamel cups, and even babygrows.

Mad Giant Taproom

There's a regularly changing collection of seasonal beers at Mad Giant. Photo: Delta Central. — There's a regularly changing collection of seasonal beers at **Mad Giant**. Photo: Delta Central.

Mad Giant brings together science and an immense love of beer with the brand’s co-founder, Eben Uys, being a chemical engineer. The label started in Freereirasdorp in the City Centre and their beers are dry-hopped, which results in a high-quality beer packed with a memorable aroma and flavour. Stop by for a rotating seasonal selection to be enjoyed with their delightfully greasy fries.

Mazi Eatery

Opening in Apr 2024, Mazi Eatery brings fresh Mediterranean-inspired fare to Blairgowrie. From the team behind the long-running Pappas On the Square, we're excited to try them out.

Motherland Coffee

You can't miss Motherland across the road from Delta Central's main strip, your go-to for speciality-grade African single-origin and blended coffees, and a selection of café eats.

Mr Pants Wine Bar

Mr Pants is a petite wine bar founded by Shayne Holt, who local wine lovers might remember as the founder of the now-closed and much-missed Thief Wine Bar in Parkmore, Sandton. And when it comes to fine wines, Holt is always hunting for the next great South African bottle to stock behind the bar. While it may be small, this wine bar is a must for anyone who takes their grapes just a little seriously.

Namak

Being off the beaten track – sharing the same cosy courtyard as Grub Club, Namak is a quieter spot to settle in for a meal at Delta Central. Namak's menu of North Indian cuisine is nothing if not comprehensive. Standouts include butter chicken, kadhai lamb, and dal makhani. With butter naan on the side, you can't go wrong.

Olive & Co Studios

Previously known as Desidera Tattoo, Olive & Co Studios adopted a pit bull terrier who became their namesake (and who you may be lucky enough to meet on your visit). From traditional to contemporary, all styles are welcome in this space where a team of young, professional artists are ready to make your inked dreams a reality. If it's your first tattoo or you'd like design advice, pop in for a free consult.

Paul's Homemade Ice-Cream

Paul's Homemade Ice-Cream needs no introduction and its range of classics and interesting rotation of flavours has quickly made it a favourite for Joburgers. Not only on hot summer days. Get a sugar cone for true bliss and if you're taking your dog for a walk at Delta Park, you can treat them to one of Paul's Dog Stix or Pupcakes.

Salute Salon

Rounding out the offering at Delta Central, the light-filled Salute Salon is where to go to refresh your locks. If it's a cut and style, colour correction, Brazilian blowout or balayage you're after, Salute's lovely team can help.

Vinyl Junkie

Founded in 2014 by ex-music industry stalwart Benjy Mudie, Vinyl Junkie is a throwback to the iconic record stores of the '70s and '80s. The laid-back atmosphere invites you to browse their huge range of new and pre-loved records, CDs, books, and artwork at your leisure, likely finding a gem you simply wont want to leave without.