Mozambican eatery with a prohibition bar

Seafood, grills and spice galore at this spot just off Bree

Last updated: Tuesday, 25 April 2023

Travel back in time to a hidden bar that feels like a 1920’s secret speakeasy. Zama Restaurant & Prohibition Bar also has a Mozambican-inspired menu, with seafood and grills galore.

STEP INTO A SECRET BAR  

Zama is colourful and inviting. Umbrellas in bright blues, reds and yellows hang from the ceiling and large woven lights catch your eye as you enter. 

It’s a two-storey building with a bright and airy feel. Sit downstairs amidst the action (the prohibition bar is there), or settle into a blue velvet booth upstairs and enjoy watching the bustle below. 

The interior is bright and welcoming. Image: Zama Restaurant and Prohibition Bar

Look out for the prohibition bar hidden in the corner. With dim lighting and stone walls, it has a completely different feel to the rest of the restaurant. The low wooden ceiling and concrete floors make it feel like an underground speakeasy. 

The prohibition bar is dark and moody, and feels like a speakeasy. Image: Zama Restaurant and Prohibition Bar

TRY THE HOMEMADE PREGO ROLL (IT’S SPICY) 

Mozambican means plenty of grills, seafood and spice on the menu. The classic chicken prego roll is a must-try; so are the prawn rissoles (half-moon breaded pastry stuffed with spicy prawn). 

The cocktail list is extensive. You’ll find the classics, as well as some signature cocktails like Strawberry Negroni (with muddled strawberries) or a Devils Margarita (like a regular margarita, but topped off with red wine). 

Clams, prawn, kingklip, calamari, sardines… a seafood-lover’s paradise. Image: Zama Restaurant and Prohibition Bar

Zama also has lunch specials from 12pm to 4pm, Monday to Friday. Order a prego chicken or beef roll (R130), beer-battered hake (R130) or fresh kingklip (R230) and get a free glass of wine or 330ml beer. 

The home-baked prego roll is marinated and hot pan fried with a splash of wine. Image: Zama Restaurant and Prohibition Bar

HOW TO FIND IT   

Zama Restaurant and Prohibition Bar is located in Heritage Square (in case you don’t know it, it’s in the same building as Jerry’s, just off Bree Street). You can make a booking on Dineplan. 

Try the oven-roasted and brandy-flambéd chorizo. Image: Zama Restaurant and Prohibition Bar

VISIT THE HIDDEN BAR 

Zama Restaurant & Prohibition Bar is open: Monday to Thursday, 12pm - 11pm; Friday - Saturday, 11am - 11pm

Find it: 100 Shortmarket St | Cape Town

Price range: Starters from R55; Mains from R185

Book: via Dineplan
Contact on: 021 745 6654, @zamacapetown

Subscribe to our newsletter to find out more about Zama. 

By Julia Rowley

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Visit Cargo to get an Old Fashioned or a whiskey sour.

Discover Bree Street with our guide.

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