There’s something about La Boqueria in Parktown North that immediately draws you in—maybe it’s the moody lighting, the mix of industrial chic and Latin charm, or the buzz of people settling in for a good time. We arrived just after sunset, the kind of evening where the air hangs heavy with promise and a great meal feels less like an option and more like a necessity. Tucked along 3rd Avenue, this bustling spot feels like it belongs in the backstreets of Barcelona, yet it hums with Joburg character through and through.
We kicked things off with a round of starters that set the tone for the night—bold flavours, careful textures, and just the right amount of indulgence. The crumbed Cajun chicken wings were first to land on the table, and they came out hot and glossy, roasted rather than fried, drenched in a sticky honey chipotle sauce. The heat builds slowly, mellowed by a touch of sweetness and lifted with toasted sesame seeds that add a subtle crunch. They disappeared faster than we care to admit.
Next came the confit duck arancini—rolled in bomba rice, crumbed, and deep-fried to golden perfection. Each bite offered a comforting crunch that gave way to rich, tender duck inside. The charred onion aioli brought a smoky depth that lingered beautifully, while the beet sprouts added a touch of freshness, rounding off a dish that felt both indulgent and well-balanced.
But the standout from the starters, hands down, was the mojo pulled pork taco. It’s everything a taco should be—juicy, messy, and layered with flavour. The pork, slow-cooked in rum and orange, hits with a citrusy sweetness and then kicks you with just enough chilli to wake up your palate. Add to that the crunch of cucumber, those sharp Spanish pickled onions, the honey soya aioli, and the peanut praline, and it becomes a dish that’s impossible to define with just one bite. It’s sweet, spicy, tangy, and rich, all wrapped into a soft tortilla. A proper flavour bomb. And just when we thought we were done with starters, the Spanish meatballs arrived—beefy, spiced with cumin and paprika, and perfectly crumbed. They’re served in a warm, sweet onion sauce that adds a lovely richness without overwhelming the meat.
We couldn’t resist trying both signature cocktails. The Lady Jane was light and refreshing, with just enough zing from the granadilla to lift the cold brewed English breakfast tea. There’s a nostalgic comfort in the addition of Stoney that makes it unmistakably South African. A little mint garnish made it feel elegant without being fussy. On the other end of the spectrum, the Sol de Verano was all summer and celebration. The Amarula Gin brings creamy depth, balanced by floral elderflower liqueur, and the peach and raspberry flavours give it a fruity lift. It’s the kind of cocktail that makes you linger between sips, just to enjoy how it changes as the ice melts and the soda lifts it all.
By the time the mains hit the table, we were fully invested. The coal-grilled rump picanha was a thing of beauty—sliced thick, perfectly charred on the outside, juicy on the inside. The chimichurri added brightness, the salsa asado gave it that rich smoky kick, and the rosemary-roasted baby potatoes were crushed just enough to soak up all that flavour. The olive relish was a clever touch, bringing a salty hit that made the dish sing. It’s a meat lover’s dream, no doubt.
We also tried the buttermilk fried chicken, and it was everything comfort food should be. Crisp, golden and juicy, it arrived piled high with hand-cut potato chips that were rustic and hearty. The smokey aioli was the perfect dipper, and the buttered greens gave us just enough justification to feel like we were eating something healthy. It’s the kind of dish that satisfies in a way only proper, no-shortcuts fried chicken can.
Then came the pulled lamb enchilada—meltingly tender lamb, seasoned with rosemary and garlic, wrapped in a soft tortilla, and smothered in a homemade enchilada sauce. Finished in the woodfired oven and topped with gooey mozzarella, it came out bubbling and blistered, with roasted red peppers peeking through the sauce. The flavours were deep, warming, and generous. It’s the dish you order when you want to feel properly taken care of.
Just when we were thinking about skipping dessert, we spotted the brownie truffle being carried past our table—and suddenly, there was no question. Rolled in pistachio nuts, served with both salted caramel ice cream and vanilla gelato, and topped with whipped cream, blueberries, and caramel sauce—it was indulgent, playful, and absolutely worth it. The textures were as satisfying as the flavours, with the crunch of the nuts balancing out the soft, rich brownie.
We also tried the dulce chocolate panna cotta, and while it might’ve been the quieter of the two desserts, it held its own. The base was velvety and not too sweet, and the berry compote added a necessary tang. The candied oranges were a clever addition—unexpected and full of citrusy zip—and the scoop of vanilla ice cream tied it all together. It’s the sort of dessert you eat slowly, enjoying how all the flavours build with each spoonful.
Dining at La Boqueria felt like stepping into a storybook of flavour. Every dish had personality, every drink had a narrative, and every bite brought something new to the table. It’s the kind of place where meals become memories, and where food is given the space to be adventurous without ever being pretentious. Whether you’re in Joburg for a quick visit or live just around the corner, this spot is worth settling in for. We’ll be back—hungry and curious for more.