Xai Xai

7th St, Melville, Johannesburg, 2072, South Africa
+27 83 584 2955
$$$ Restaurant
(682 Reviews)
Price Range R 200–300

Xai Xai offers a casual yet lively dining experience nestled on 7th Street in Melville, Johannesburg. This restaurant serves up Mozambican-inspired dishes with a strong focus on meat and fish, making it a solid choice for those looking to explore coastal African flavors in a straightforward setting. The atmosphere balances a local neighborhood bar vibe with a restaurant’s heartiness—perfect for unwinding after work or enjoying dinner with friends.

The menu showcases standouts like squid and rice, hearty burgers, and a mix of vegetarian options such as pizza, accommodating varied tastes. Alongside the food, there’s a good selection of beers on tap, including familiar local favorites that help set the tone as a relaxed spot to gather before or after a meal. It’s a place where both steady locals and a diverse crowd come together, reflecting Melville’s eclectic yet approachable social scene.

Guests often appreciate how the venue stays welcoming and functional even during power outages, a practical nod to local realities. The interior leans more on comfort than style but suits the vibe—unpretentious and easy-going, ideal for informal dinners or casual drinks. While the décor might benefit from a refresh, it doesn't detract from what matters most here: the combination of friendly service, filling, flavorful plates, and a steady flow of cold drinks.

The best times to visit are during evenings when groups gather to share Afro-inspired dishes and beers or weekend nights when the energy picks up a notch but remains accessible. Whether you’re popping in for that cheese and bacon burger or settling in for a beef trinchado with friends, Xai Xai fits well as a welcoming spot to socialize without any fuss.

Highlights
Has great beer selection
Serves great cocktails
Popular for
Popular for breakfast
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
What they serve
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves cocktails
Serves coffee
Serves late-night food
Quick bite
Serves small plates
Serves spirits
Serves wine
Best for
Serves breakfast
Serves brunch
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Serves dessert
Has seating
Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Parking
Free of charge street parking

Openings Hours

Checking

Monday

09:00 AM - 02:00 AM

Tuesday

09:00 AM - 02:00 AM

Wednesday

09:00 AM - 02:00 AM

Thursday

09:00 AM - 02:00 AM

Friday

09:00 AM - 02:00 AM

Saturday

09:00 AM - 02:00 AM

Sunday

09:00 AM - 02:00 AM

682 Reviews
Yuve P

29 Nov 2025

Great bar to hang out in Melville. Food was also good, I had a seafood pizza and a slider, both excellent.

Nondalo Mdakane

25 Nov 2025

My fav spot! Delicious pizza and affordable alcohol. Although a decor upgrade is not a bad idea

Vincent Wolff

21 Nov 2025

Excellent place, with a superb variety of different Mozambican dishes. This place functions well even in case of load-shedding and attracts a wide and diverse crowd of locals. The food is mostly focusing on meat and fish and is quite delicious. I highly recommend the beers on tap and the steaks. Great place for dinner!

Patience “Rita” Masoeu

02 Nov 2025

A nice place to unwind after work or a long day, great food and drinks.

Kennedy Harris

23 Oct 2025

Best spot for pizza and a good time in Melville Recommend the beef trinchado!

Jabulile Sibeko

07 Oct 2025

Xai Xai is one of my most favorite spots in Melville Joburg. I've frequented this place for years. If you're looking for chilled, laid back, cosmopolitan Joburg, this is the place They also have my favorite pizza after Pizza e vino

Tony Manavalan

15 Sep 2025

This place is an absolute gem, and it all comes down to the service. From the moment you walk in, you're treated like a regular. The staff here are genuinely fantastic—friendly, attentive without hovering, and just plain awesome. They're the heart of this pub, and they create a wonderfully welcoming and unpretentious atmosphere. It's so refreshing to find a spot that is just a "plain and simple pub" in the best way possible. No frills, no fuss, just a great place to relax. ​On top of the incredible service, the prices are great. You can actually enjoy a few rounds without feeling like you've just paid for a major event. It’s a proper "local" in every sense of the word—comfortable, straightforward, and welcoming. ​My only point of confusion, and the reason I'm not giving it a perfect 5 stars, is the kitchen hours. This pub has such a great late-night vibe, staying open until 1 AM on weekdays and 2 AM on weekends. However, the kitchen closes at 10 PM on weekdays and 11 PM on weekends. ​It's a real head-scratcher why the kitchen packs up so early, especially on the weekend, when the place is still buzzing. We would have loved to grab some late-night food and settled in for longer. It feels like a missed opportunity for them, and it's a bit of a disappointment for customers who are in for the long haul. ​That said, I still highly recommend this place. The service alone is worth the visit. Just make sure you get there and order your food well before 10 PM on weekdays or 11 PM on weekends!

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