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Welcome to Sakhumzi Restaurant

We're not just a restaurant; we're a proudly South African family-owned spot with three beautiful homes!

Our doors are wide open to everyone who loves lekker food and a vibe that makes you feel like family.

We dish up authentic African cuisine made straight from the heart, celebrating the flavours and stories that truly bring people together. Whether you're a local, a visitor from across Mzansi, or joining us from overseas, come through!

You're home here.


About Us

Celebrating heritage, culture, and the spirit of ubuntu at the heart of Vilakazi Street.

Sakhumzi Heritage

Heritage & Sakhumzi’s Origin

In 2001, Sakhumzi formalised the shebeen into a restaurant. The house was converted, but the original doors, walls, and flooring were kept — preserving that authentic, lived-in feel that tells the story of Soweto’s resilience.

Years later, this old home is still buzzing. People come from across Mzansi and the world to experience true township flavour and ubuntu in one of Vilakazi Street’s most iconic spots.

And best of all? That deep-rooted tree is still standing strong — right where our story began.

Our Philosophy & Culture

At Sakhumzi, food is more than just a meal — it’s a celebration of community, togetherness, and heritage. Every dish we serve carries the warmth of home and the stories of our people.

We believe in ubuntu — “I am because we are.” From our kitchen team to our guests, everyone who walks through our doors becomes part of our family.

Whether you’re enjoying a traditional plate or simply soaking up the vibe, you’re experiencing a piece of Soweto’s living culture — served with love and soul.

Sakhumzi Culture

Our Locations

Sakhumzi Vilakazi: Where it all began.

Zoo Lake Johannesburg

This is where it all began. Sakhumzi Vilakazi started in 2001, providing a home-away-from-home feeling. Where every customer is referred to as Champs, short for Champion. The restaurant is situated on Vilakazi Street, the heart of South African history. It is famous for its legendary African cuisine buffet, which is worth R270pp for 2 hours starting from 11:00- 21:00.

Zoo Lake Baked Goods

We are happy to host your event

We have hosted many events; we'd like to host yours, too. Come through, the place where we serve both a vibe and food. Whether you're planning a quiet family meal or hosting a major event like a bridal shower, a birthday celebration, a farewell, or a company function, we've got the space and the vibe for you.


Zoo Lake Johannesburg

Weekends Vibes

Every weekend, we have a DJ on the decks serving vibes. Even with music, you can still catch up with a Champ you are dining with, the volume is just right.

You deserve to unwind and feed your soul.

Contact Us


We are excited to welcome you to the Sakhumzi family right here at Soweto Vilakazi!

Phefeni: For the young at heart.

Phefeni Restaurant

The Sakhumzi Phefeni Branch aims to deliver a customer experience worthy of its name and reputation. The restaurant offers a variety of menu items, including main meals and baked goods/desserts, and caters to large bookings or functions. Buffets here are strictly bookings-based, from R270 for adults.

Phefeni Events

We are happy to host your event

Come through, the place where we serve both an experience and food. Whether you're planning a quiet family meal or hosting a major event like a bridal shower, a big birthday celebration, a farewell, or a company function, we've got the space and the vibe for you.


From time to time, we host unforgettable parties that'll keep you coming back for more!

Follow us on social media to stay in the loop we can't wait to see you at the next one!

Baked Goods

We bake up a storm

We offer a wide variety of freshly baked goods and also create customised cakes and treats made just for you.

Come taste the magic while it's still warm! Digital Menu coming soon…

Contact Us


We are excited to welcome you to the Sakhumzi family right here at Phefeni!

Sakhumzi Zoo Lake at Parkview, Joburg: Bringing the flavour to the city's green spaces.

Zoo Lake Johannesburg

Sakhumzi Restaurant, in a partnership with Joburg City Parks & Zoo (JCPZ), has celebrated the official grand opening of our brand's additional home at Zoo Lake, the Head Office of all Sakhumzi Branches, which also encompasses a training facility.

Our visionary leader, Sakhumzi Maqubela, and City Parks have joined forces to transform this park eatery into a vibrant new destination, marking a massive milestone for growth and future developments.

The legendary buffet is available from 11:00 am to 21:00pm for R350, drinks are not included. Strictly booking-based, minimum of 5 per group.

Looking for a burst of flavour

Come through and experience the lekker, tranquil setting that's perfect for any occasion. Whether you're planning a quiet family meal or hosting a major event like a bridal shower, a birthday celebration, a wedding, a farewell, a concert, or a company function, we've got the space and the atmosphere for you.

Zoo Lake Events
Zoo Lake Baked Goods

There's something new in the oven!

We've added a fresh twist to our offering, a variety of mouth-watering baked goods that'll have you coming back for more.

Come taste the magic while it's still warm!

Digital Menu coming soon…

We also offer a spit braai

Enjoy the full experience with our spit braai service, available upon request.

Spit Braai
Training Academy

Training Academy

Looking for a training venue? We've got the perfect space for your company. Book your spot today!

Contact Us


We are excited to welcome you to the Sakhumzi family right here at Zoo Lake!

BOOKINGS AT SAKHUMZI

Sakhumzi Bookings

Celebrate at Sakhumzi Restaurant

Plan your next unforgettable event at Sakhumzi Restaurant, where good food meets great vibes. Whether it’s a baby shower, birthday, anniversary, or corporate function — we’ve got the perfect space for every occasion.

Enjoy live entertainment, warm hospitality, and a true Soweto experience at the heart of Vilakazi Street. Let us make your special day extra memorable with delicious cuisine and lively energy all around.

For birthdays, baby showers, bridal parties, and corporate bookings, kindly reach out to us on 011 536 1379 or dine@sakhumzi.co.za 🙂

What Our Customers Say

Your feedback matters. Leave us a Google review and help us refine the Sakhumzi experience for every guest.

“I am very pleased with the service we received, the staff (waiter Lebo) was very efficient and helpful. She's so polite and shows respect at all times. We ate from the buffet, pity I didn't take pictures but the food was very tasty and fresh. I will definitely come again”

Masana Maluleke

★★★★★

“We hosted our Women’s event with 30 guests at the restaurant. The beautifully decorated tables and attentive staff made it special. The quiet atmosphere gave us the space to ourselves. The buffet was delicious, with the exception of the mogodu dish.”

Ntombi Kholwane

★★★★★

““She likes us” “was the top-tier comment my kids made. The waitress, Lebo, really knows her job. I'll definitely recommend this place to my family and friends - I'm already a loyal customer. Excellent service today, great staff you have there!”

Thenjiwe Mswane

★★★★★

“I got to the place when they closed I wanted to get food for my family they asked the kitchen to please dish up what an amazing experience I appreciate the they value their customers.”

William Kekana

★★★★★

“A very beautiful place and atmosphere... I can visit Sakhumzi again.”

Buyi Buyisile

★★★★★

“Beautiful setup on Sundays. Malamohodu and Tlhakwana was too delish Clean bathrooms. But fix the toilet seats that are doing jika Manila, Ska tetshegisa ka Machina. But otherwise, THEE BEST!!!*chefskiss*”

Keleabetswe Motong

★★★★★

“It was a beautiful set for my brothers surprise party. Thank you for hosting us with your excellent service.”

Buhle Mhlongo

★★★★★

“Perfect for enjoying the sun go down over Soweto. Epic view!”

Olivia La Grange

★★★★★

CONTACT US


Sakhumzi Soweto:

6980 Vilakazi Street
Orlando West
Soweto, 1804

062 106 5118 WhatsApp

dine@sakhumzi.co.za

Sakhumzi Phefeni:

Cnr Pela Road & Ndlovu Road, Dube
Soweto, 1804

(072) 210 9423

phefeni@sakhumzi.co.za

Sakhumzi Zoo Lake:

1 Prince of Wales Drive, Parkview
Johannesburg, 1804

(010) 085 1889

zoolake@sakhumzi.co.za

Table Bookings:

Contact our stores directly for booking enquiries, events, menus and information you may require.