
The Living Room Maboneng Johannesburg
A lush, plant-filled rooftop cafe in Maboneng, Johannesburg, offering healthy meze, cocktails, and vibrant city views.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Live DJs and vibrant energy

The Living Room Maboneng Johannesburg
Best Time
Live DJs and vibrant energy

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A lush, plant-filled rooftop cafe in Maboneng, Johannesburg, offering healthy meze, cocktails, and vibrant city views.
"A green oasis in the heart of Johannesburg, offering great food, drinks, and vibes with a DJ on the decks."

🎯 Rooftop Views Galore
Capture stunning cityscapes, especially at sunset. Bring your camera for memorable shots!
🌿 Embrace the Greenery
The venue is famous for its abundant plants. It's a unique urban jungle experience.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Rooftop Garden Oasis
Maboneng Precinct
A lush, plant-filled sanctuary offering a unique escape with stunning city views. Perfect for photos and relaxation.

Vibrant Weekend Atmosphere
Main Change Building, 5th Floor
Experience local DJs spinning tunes, creating a lively ambiance ideal for socializing and enjoying the Maboneng vibe.

Modern Pan-African Menu
Cafe Area
Savor healthy meze, sharing plates, and creative cocktails with a unique Pan-African twist. Vegan options available.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Green Oasis
Timing is Key for Vibes
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Rooftop Views Galore
Capture stunning cityscapes, especially at sunset. Bring your camera for memorable shots!
🌿 Embrace the Greenery
The venue is famous for its abundant plants. It's a unique urban jungle experience.
🎶 Weekend DJ Sets
Enjoy local DJs on weekends for a lively, music-filled atmosphere.
🚗 Parking Challenges
Parking can be tricky in Maboneng; consider ride-sharing or arriving early.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Rooftop Views Galore
Capture stunning cityscapes, especially at sunset. Bring your camera for memorable shots!
🌿 Embrace the Greenery
The venue is famous for its abundant plants. It's a unique urban jungle experience.
🎶 Weekend DJ Sets
Enjoy local DJs on weekends for a lively, music-filled atmosphere.
🚗 Parking Challenges
Parking can be tricky in Maboneng; consider ride-sharing or arriving early.
☀️ Sunset Heat
It can get warm at sunset, but handheld umbrellas are provided for comfort.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Living Room is widely praised as a unique rooftop oasis in Johannesburg's Maboneng Precinct, offering a vibrant atmosphere with lush greenery, great city views, and a lively weekend vibe thanks to local DJs. Reviewers highlight the delicious, healthy Pan-African inspired food and creative cocktails, noting the reasonable prices and friendly service. While parking can be a challenge and it can get warm at sunset, the overall experience is highly recommended for its unique ambiance and enjoyable offerings.
"It’s such a lovely spot — a reminder of how beautiful Joburg is, and how stunning downtown could be if well maintained."
Gabriella Bartlet
"After we were stranded in a completely wrong rooftop bar - which we quickly left before the bad vibe did us any permanent damage - we ended up here. Jackpot. Berlin minimal tech house in the air, a green oasis instead of a concrete jungle, plus a view of Johannesburg that almost makes you forget that we're not in Cape Town. The prices were a dream. The service was friendly, fast and without a hipster attitude. DJing here is definitely just as much fun as coming here as a music lover."
Tilman Benecke
"If I could rate with 0 I would do that.
We had our company year end function there and all was pre-organised and communicated - but it was a disaster!
Our welcome drink was put on the bar counter 1.5 hours after all guests arrived. The food was not enough (and not even on time!) - it was a total of 44 plates for more than 60 people - so people had to share plates. The bathrooms were disgusting - still dirty from the night before, no light, no soap nothing - and we started from 11H00 onwards - so more than enough time to prepare for an event. The promised Mic that we needed for a speech went missing and luckily the DJ made it work with what they had (almost nothing! although the promises were different).
It was a disaster and I would stay away from them! They didn't understand the lack of service they had."
Kerstin Bahnmueller
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Living Room is located on the 5th Floor of the Main Change Building at 20 Kruger Street in the Maboneng Precinct, Johannesburg. It's accessible by car, but parking can be challenging. Many visitors opt for ride-sharing services like Uber or Bolt for convenience.
Maboneng has undergone significant urban regeneration. While generally safe, it's always advisable to be aware of your surroundings, especially after dark. Stick to well-lit areas and consider using ride-sharing services.
Ride-sharing apps like Uber and Bolt are highly recommended for getting to and around Maboneng, offering a safe and convenient way to navigate the city.
Yes, walking is a great way to explore the Maboneng Precinct and discover its unique art, shops, and cafes. However, always stay aware of your surroundings.
While there isn't direct heavy rail access, some bus routes may pass through or near the Maboneng Precinct. Ride-sharing remains the most popular and practical option for most visitors.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The Living Room is generally open to the public, especially on weekends, and does not typically require advance ticket purchase for entry as a cafe or bar. However, for private events or specific themed nights, booking might be necessary.
The Living Room is most active and open to the public on weekends, often featuring DJs. Specific opening hours can vary, so it's best to check their social media or website for the most up-to-date information.
Typically, there is no entrance fee to access The Living Room as a patron. You pay for food and drinks consumed.
Yes, The Living Room is available for private and corporate functions, including weddings and parties. Inquire directly with the venue for booking details.
As a venue serving alcohol, it's generally expected that patrons are of legal drinking age. Specific policies may vary.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The Living Room offers a modern Pan-African menu featuring healthy meze, sharing plates, and salads. They also have a selection of creative cocktails and smoothies.
Yes, the menu is accommodating to dietary needs, with vegan options available and modifications often possible to suit vegetarian preferences.
Reviewers mention that the prices are considered a 'dream' and very reasonable, especially for the quality and experience offered.
Yes, they serve delicious cappuccinos, often with attractive designs on top.
Absolutely! The menu is designed around meze and sharing plates, making it ideal for groups and a relaxed dining experience.
📸 📸 Photography
The Living Room is incredibly photogenic with its lush greenery, unique rooftop setting, and city views, making it a popular spot for photoshoots and capturing memorable moments.
Golden hour, just before sunset, offers beautiful lighting for cityscapes. However, the vibrant greenery is stunning at any time of day.
The venue is often used for photoshoots, including weddings and lifestyle content. Its unique aesthetic makes it a sought-after location.
Generally, personal photography is welcomed. For professional or commercial shoots, it's advisable to inquire with the venue beforehand.
Expect shots of the urban jungle, panoramic city views, creative food and drink presentations, and vibrant social scenes.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting earlier in the afternoon to enjoy the space before it potentially gets busier or more adult-focused later in the evening. While not a dedicated playground, the open rooftop space offers a different environment for kids to experience.
💰 Budget Travelers
Opting for sharing plates and enjoying the vibrant atmosphere with a few well-chosen drinks can be a cost-effective way to experience the Maboneng Precinct and enjoy a memorable evening without breaking the bank.
📸 Instagrammers & Photographers
Don't miss capturing the unique rooftop aesthetic, the artfully presented food and drinks, and the vibrant weekend DJ sets. It’s a perfect spot to create visually appealing content for social media.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Maboneng Precinct Experience
Exploring Maboneng is an adventure in itself. Wander through its streets to discover murals, pop-up shops, and the general buzz of a city coming alive. The precinct aims to foster a live-work-play environment, attracting artists, entrepreneurs, and residents who appreciate its dynamic atmosphere.
Visiting The Living Room is often a highlight of a Maboneng exploration. Its rooftop location provides a unique perspective on the precinct and the wider city, offering a tranquil escape amidst the urban energy.
Rooftop Ambiance and Views
The panoramic views of Johannesburg from the rooftop are another significant attraction. Reviewers often compare the vistas to those of Cape Town, highlighting the beauty of the cityscape, especially during sunset. This makes it an ideal spot for sundowners and enjoying the city's transformation.
During weekends, the atmosphere is amplified by local DJs, adding a lively soundtrack to the experience. This blend of natural beauty, urban views, and music creates a memorable and engaging ambiance that many visitors rave about.
Culinary Delights and Drinks
Dishes like hummus are highlighted as delicious and unique, and the menu is noted for its accommodating nature, with vegan options readily available and modifications possible for other dietary needs. This inclusivity makes it a welcoming spot for a diverse range of diners.
Beyond the food, the cocktails are a significant part of the experience, often featuring creative twists inspired by the Pan-African theme. Even simple drinks like cappuccinos are noted for their quality and presentation, adding to the overall enjoyment of the visit.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit