The Fat Mermaid
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+27 10 065 2610+ Add websiteImprove this listing
Hours
Sun
7:30 am - 5:00 pm
Mon
7:30 am - 4:30 pm
Tue
7:30 am - 4:30 pm
Wed
7:30 am - 5:30 pm
Thu
7:30 am - 5:30 pm
Fri
7:30 am - 10:00 pm
Sat
7:30 am - 10:00 pm
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
3.5
Details
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CUISINES
Mediterranean, Greek
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
features
Does this restaurant serve Bar / Pub food?
Details
CUISINES
Mediterranean, Greek
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
FEATURES
Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Table Service
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3.5
20 reviews
Excellent
10
Very good
3
Average
2
Poor
1
Terrible
4
MaddyZA
South Africa69 contributions
Nov 2019 • none
Been here a few times and it is great for small children seeing that it has a pool etc. I do find their food and drinks rather expensive and portions came without any sides. My kids were still hungry after they ate! According to the waiter it has to be paid for separately. Not normally the case in most SA restaurants. Children swimming are being charged for at R 25 per child which I think is fair. Nice little escape in the heart of Jhb.
Written 16 December 2019
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.
XPLORING
Johannesburg529 contributions
Nov 2019 • family
Very good venue for families with kids. They have a pool that everyone is welcome to use at a small fee. Lovely setup. Great Greek food . Only service could be better. If you go there really hungry you will be disappointed with the slow service. Reservations are recommended .
Written 24 November 2019
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.
1959Hennie
Pretoria88 contributions
Feb 2019 • none
This is really like sitting on an island somewhere in the ocean.Very good service and music playing,kids swimming.
Written 3 February 2019
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.
Emma
1 contribution
Jan 2020 • none
After enjoying a lovely lunch here with friends a few weeks back, I chose this venue for a booking of approx 6/7 tables for a farewell. I had been discussing face to face and via email finer details of the booking. After no response to one email I sent them FB message where Anthea responded and then told me I had to pay R150pp and then my guests will still have to pay for their drinks and food. I told her I am not wanting the whole venue and there would be a load of space for more clients therefore more money. She refused and spoke terribly to me and proceeded to basically tell me I was lying when I informed her of what her staff had discussed with me regarding her liquor license, I have witness to this conversation! The treatment I received from Anthea was very disappointing and I don't recommend anyone to support this establishment as its clearly a hobby and there is no proper customer care!!
Written 7 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.
Michelle
Greater Johannesburg1 contribution
Feb 2020 • none
Let me start by saying every time I've been to the fat mermaid the food has been really good. The atmosphere is very casual with kids playing and swimming in the pool. The scenery is relaxing and has a definitely island holiday feel to it.
Had it not been for the terrible service I would have given it a 5 rating, however due to popularity they are extremely understaffed when it comes to waiters and the runners that are there to support and clear glasses and plates stand around not sure knowing what they supposed to be doing. Something that had to be a once in a lifetime memory for my son turned out to be a traumatic experience for me as I was running around clearing plates, getting water jugs from the bar for my guests as I wanted it to be a pleasant memory for all. Every one who attended unfortunately left with a negative comment towards the non existent assistance they received. I understand now why they have a clause for a non waiver 10% on the bill if more than a certain amount of guests cause they know no one will tip with such shocking service.
Written 18 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.
Precious M
6 contributions
May 2022 • friends
Firstly the SERVICE is amazing and the stuff are super friendly and kind which made staying there fun. Secondly the place gives of greece vibes lol cool and the food taste scrumptious. The Cocktails were my favourite
Written 1 May 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.
Sadye D
Edenvale37 contributions
Jan 2020 • none
I have a divine tuna salad, my partner had mince and egg on cabiatta, and our friends had regular breakfasts.
Generous helpings and really nice.
No steps into the pool, feels like you are at the sea's water edge. Making use of the pool is charged for.
Friendly staff and good food, what more can you ask for?
Written 5 January 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.
Dee & Excellent : MarriageMinisters
Kempton Park354 contributions
Oct 2024 • family
Blue sparkling pool,light fresh shared platter and drinks. The vibe was cool and fun and the kids enjoyed themselves. The staff was always present and helpful.
Written 21 November 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.
Seaside585622
Miami Beach22 contributions
Jan 2021 • business
A hidden gem !! Most delicious homemade food !! Service excellent. A home away from home . The. Most authentic Greek food in South Africa . The rooms are out of this world .
Written 29 January 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.
FellowTraveler822388
Gauteng3 contributions
Jan 2020 • friends
Beautiful setting with a cozy feel to it! Kids can swim while you enjoy a cocktail from the bar! Food is really good as well! Definitely will be back!
Written 3 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.
Seaside585622
Miami Beach22 contributions
Jan 2020 • family
Beautiful setting relaxing authentic Greek fresh food . Great service , beautiful rooms .Portion sizes are for the hungry 😋
Written 30 January 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.
LeighanneZA
Johannesburg170 contributions
Oct 2019 • none
Found the tables grubby but the food is good with large portions. It was very busy when we were there for lunch. They were hosting a small 21st , a kitchen tea and two other large tables. The 21st people brought 4 hubbly bubbly units and proceeded to gas everyone out. The smoking area is basically next to the “non” smoking area.
Written 31 October 2019
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.
Holidayprofi
5 contributions
Jan 2019 • family
Quite tricky to locate and only open during the day, the Fat Mermaid is a good lunch venue. The food is freshly cooked, Greek in influence and based on our experience very tasty. There is a fairly large play area for children and a pool for customer use although on the day we visited nobody was using that facility. The seating is principally outdoors with covered areas to offer shade. It felt a very local establishment.
Written 3 February 2019
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.
saint444
Alberton239 contributions
Feb 2019 • friends
Went for a friend’s birthday party breakfast. We were about 17 people. The food was average as the portions and quality/display of the food were average but not cheap. The waitress was friendly but there was quite a wait for the food, eventhough we had been told we need to be done by a certain time as they had other functions later. There were also some mistakes with the order...in some cases we received the toast first and then after that the food. Others had their food served but not the toast ...but not the toast. The decor is a lovely Greek style and the venue is attractive. We did not sit outside but there are tables outside which looked inviting. Overall, not a bad experience but there is room for improvement. Other downside is lack of parking on the premises, but there was a security guard for the cars outside.
Written 2 February 2019
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.
B&P
1 contribution
Jan 2019 • friends
Booked for a table of 5. The place is beautiful and everybody had good comments of the decor and outside vibe. Then it came to us ordering drinks, on the wine list, only one Sauvignon Blanc wine. Ordered it and was told that they DON'T have, then was told they have another wine at a cost of R220 which as not on the "Wine List". Asked if we could go buy our own wine and pay corkage, first was told yes (R40) then a lady waiter came and told us that no corkage is allowed and could not buy our own wine unless it is "Vintage" what a joke. If you had proper wine and had stock of wine then you can say "Vintage" wines are allowed. I paid for the cocktails we had and left to go somewhere else that had a proper wine list and had wine and prices on the menu. Will i go back.. Don't think so and i will also tell all my friend about my experience and the way i was spoken to by a waitress.
Written 20 January 2019
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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