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Hours
Sun
11:30 - 20:30
Mon
11:30 - 22:00
Tue
11:30 - 22:00
Wed
11:30 - 22:00
Thu
11:30 - 22:00
Fri
11:30 - 22:00
Sat
11:30 - 22:00
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Ratings and reviews
4.0
Travellers' Choice 2024
RATINGS
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Food and ambience
Greek, Mediterranean, European, Grill, Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options
Can a vegetarian person get a good meal at this restaurant?
Details
About
For more than two decades, Pappas has been dishing out Mediterranean taste sensations and memorable dining experiences. Pappas has been in the family since the 80s and is now run by the second generation of restaurateurs.We are conveniently situated in the heart of Sandton on Nelson Mandela Square, a hop, skip and jump away from the Sandton Gautrain station. Our extensive menu consists of delicious Mediterranean fare combined with traditional Greek tastes and flavours that will take you on a culinary journey fit for royalty. All our meals are homemade daily to ensure the freshness and quality you deserve and expect. We look forward to welcoming you and your guests to Pappas so you may enjoy every generosity our restaurant and experienced staff have to offer.
PRICE RANGE
R 91.00 – R 363.00
CUISINES
Mediterranean, European, Greek, Grill
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, After-hours
FEATURES
Takeout, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Parking Available, Validated Parking, Television, Highchairs Available, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Mastercard, Visa, Digital Payments, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service
Contribute
4.0
666 reviews
Excellent
278
Very good
279
Average
70
Poor
25
Terrible
14
pill_wen
Johannesburg18 contributions
Mar 2023 • business
I recently had a work team lunch at Pappa's. The relaxed setting, atmosphere and lovely panoramic view of Nelson Mandela Square were perfect for a break from the office. I ordered a 300g fillet steak, fried halloumi strips, hand cut chips, and a lemon and mint crush. When I order steak, I always request it be well done without any sign of pink but still juicy; this fillet was unfortunately on the dry side and still pink in the centre. The halloumi was just slightly overdone and had a rubbery texture. That said, the tzatziki was the best I have tasted, so good I asked for it to be takeaway so I could indulge at home. The chips were good, the lemon crush was perfect and refreshing. So the main meal could have been really great with slight adjustments. Innocent the waiter was a gem though, attentive, personable and he gave a brief rundown of certain menu elements which I always find the cherry on top of any waiter's service.
Written 30 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sarah C
Gloucester895 contributions
Feb 2020 • none
Dinner on a Sunday evening. The covered deck was very noisy due to a (birthday?) party but that can happen anywhere. Food (preceded by free pita and dips) and service were very good, definitely recommendable on both counts. Kleftiko was outstanding. Not totally convinced by the authenticity of some of the dishes, but that does not take anything away from the quality. At 9pm a belly dancer (is that really Greek?) appeared and a lot of plates were smashed: a fun few minutes' entertainment! Prices are probably about par for the location, although I'm not sure why they should charge 50% more than our 4* hotel nearby for a tap beer.
Written 10 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SantiagoT
182 contributions
Sept 2022 • business
Not bad but the sauce was not helpful. I choose this restaurant because I was specially interested in eat fish or seafood. I order calamari on pita but the spicy mayo was terrible for my taste. I strongly prefer calamary tube just with garlic and/ or lemmon. The side I choosed was creamy spinachs and thanks to the side and to the Belgian beer I could survive... always best option in Jo’burg are meat dishes but not everyday so once or twice per week at less you must go for calamari, kingklip or prawns. In any case the restaurant is pretty confortable and well situated, waiters very kind and free wifi is also provided.
Written 9 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
takalaniJmoleya
Voin Pervyy20 contributions
Dec 2022 • couples
Good vibe BUT......
Good food and service But was served lamb instead of goat. Please in future make sure your chef knows the difference between goat meat and lamb.
Written 11 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Darcon
London264 contributions
Feb 2023 • couples
When we first arrived in Sandton looking for a good restaurant to dime at many people recommended this restaurant. So we went and went disappoined!
Tasty food, great service, friendly waiters. So good we went multiple times!
Written 10 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ba8ydriver
United Kingdom223 contributions
Mar 2020 • couples
Food was good service not the best as we had a doddery old waiter. What spoilt the evening was the rip off price of a 750cl bottle sparkling water. Be warned the price is not on the menu so if you just ask for sparkling water as we did they charge 55 rand - a rip off - also check the bill as they over charged for our pepper sauce the price of which was on the menu.
Written 3 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
innocent v
5 contributions
May 2024 • family
Stepping into Pappas on the Square is like being transported to a Mediterranean paradise right in the heart of Sandton. For over two decades, this family-run gem has been serving up culinary masterpieces that tantalize the palate and warm the heart1.
The ambiance is a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity, with a lovely panoramic view of Nelson Mandela Square that adds to the dining experience. Whether it’s a casual lunch or a special dinner, the setting is perfect for any occasion.
The service at Pappas is second to none. The staff are not just employees; they are ambassadors of hospitality, ensuring that every guest feels welcomed and valued. Their attention to detail and genuine care are evident from the moment you are greeted at the door.
Now, let’s talk about the food. Oh, the food! Each dish is a testament to the rich flavors and fresh ingredients that define Mediterranean cuisine. The Kleftiko is outstanding, and the sushi—a surprising delight in a Mediterranean restaurant—is simply divine1. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are plentiful, catering to all dietary needs without compromising on taste.
Written 29 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lisa N
Sorrento41 contributions
Aug 2024 • couples
Papas was a lively and fun place to have a meal with excellent food and entertainment on Fridays and Saturdays. They had a belly dancer and the owner broke plates and yelled “opa”! They encourage the visitors to dance with the lead belly dancer. Try the maze sampler plate, it was delicious!
Written 23 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Panos T
Greater Johannesburg4 contributions
Feb 2020 • friends
I have visited Pappas on many occasions, and I can honestly say that I have never had a bad experience. The food is of top quality and very tasty, the people are welcoming and service is excellent. There wine selection is absolutely awesome. Definitely one of my favourite restaurants.
Written 5 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Princessetami
Sandton466 contributions
Dec 2022 • couples
I am not usually a fan of Nelson Mandela Square. I find it generally overrated and overpriced. Husband and I were doing Christmas shopping at Sandton City and felt like a proper lunch. What a great choice! Will definitely be back! I had Prince prawns which were moist and succulent. Husband had a yiro, so generous. We also highly recommend the squashed potatoes! They were delicious!
Written 18 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sheri C
Salt Lake City4 contributions
Jan 2024 • family
The staff were wonderful - they were all so great that we hugged each of them as we left! The food was really good, cooked to perfection and so very flavorful! Highly recommend Pappas. Had we not been leaving Johannesburg, we would have gone back for more of their stellar hospitality and yummy food.
Written 26 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Valie
Klerksdorp8 contributions
Dec 2021 • friends
Average food @ steep prices. The food was not bad at all but nothing spectacular. Four of us had from steak to chicken to lamb and a veg dish.
Staff were attentive and helpfull.
Drinks prices, including soft drinks & beer, was nothing more than a ripoff.
First visit in 2 years, very doubtfull that we will return.
Written 26 December 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sunilt1960
Abu Dhabi1805 contributions
Jun 2023 • couples
Good restaurant for a casual night out. We went in the night, and it was a busy place. However we could get a place without any booking. I think it would better in the day time. The Sirloin and Calamari were very tasty along with Apple gin Mojito and Long Island
Written 7 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Neil Franklin
Centurion706 contributions
Mar 2022 • family
Excellent meal, drinks and all round experience at Pappas. Restaurant has a great view over Nelson Mandela Square which improves the experience even more. We had five of the meze platters and I had the calamari wrap. All of the food was great.
Written 27 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michael B
Newtown20 contributions
Jun 2022 • couples
We had a free night during our Tauck South Africa tour. It was a busy night at the restaurant, which is well-located near the entrance to the enormous Mandela Square Mall. Despite the crowds, service was friendly and quick. The menu is fantastic. I'm from NYC, and have been to many Greek restaurants, but this was, by far, the best! Too bad it's a 16-hour flight from home.
Written 23 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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