Mosso, Sandton

Updated: 12-09-2024

Mosso restaurant has been popping up on my instagram feed for some months with the promise of luxury Turkish dining and sophisticated refined spaces. As the weeks drew out towards their opening I was left wondering if they would actually deliver on this promise.

So instead of having a huge opening bash as has become the norm with many restaurants, they have quietly opened with a soft launch last week. This allows them to make sure everything is working as it should and iron out any teething issues before they get the crowds.

Unable to resist the glamorous promise from their Instagram page I went to try them out this week rather than wait as I usually do for the hype to die down. And I must say, they have delivered on that promise.

Located in the LXX Sandhurst Shopping Centre, a newly opened luxury shopping complex, the restaurant is a masterpiece of marble surfaces, luxurious fabrics, crystal chandeliers and polished finishes. No expense has been spared to bring you a space ideal for birthdays, celebrations or romantic interludes. The only downside is that the restaurant entrance is on the Basement parking level. So if you’re wanting to impress your date, park on the ground level and take the lift 1 level down (you could take the stairs, but she’s probably wearing some killer heels) so you don’t have to walk her through the parking level into the restaurant.

We had made a reservation for an early lunch and were warmly welcomed and seated at a table of our choice as they are still too new to be busy. The host offered tasting portions of Turkish delight from the dessert display. A fitting way to start our Turkish meal with traditional Lokkum Rolls in a variety of flavours which I first tasted in Istanbul 2 years ago and has slowly made its way to South Africa. We ordered some mocktails while we waited for our mains and then realised the spot we chose near the wall was too noisy due to the construction happening outside as they are still building their outdoor area.

We moved to the beautiful extended “Shongololo” (centipede) style couch along which several 2-seater tables were arranged. There were semi-circular booths available as well but it seemed greedy to monopolise an 8 seater for just the 2 of us.

My rose mocktail was refreshing and the pink rose flavoured Monin syrup had a delightful flavour profile unlike that of the rose syrups we use for falooda. My friend Amina had the watermelon daquiri which came lusciously piled up in a shallow daquiri glass. I noted also that the glassware and serveware is of the finest quality.

Mosso restaurant is from the same stable as Istanbul Kebab, so the menu was very similar but presentation is just that bit extra. You can expect Meze, Pides, Turkish grills, sotes, wraps and burgers. They have a very small selection of vegetarian, mainly falafel dishes. Other vegetarian options come from the Meze. The milkshake selection looked decadent and the usual Turkish suspects on the dessert menu ie. Baklava, Sutlac and Kunefe, with the addition of a Trilices and Waffle.

We ordered their Onion Flower which I first had at Nusret restaurant in Turkey. This battered fried onion concept at R140 looks like a blooming flower and has great visual appeal adding drama to your meal. The waiter brings it to your table and proceeds to cut it into portions to be shared. It is certainly way too much for one person. We also ordered the Mixed Platter for 1 at R350, which comes with 2 additional options that you can choose from the Meze menu, a flatbread, fries or rice and a selection of kebab, lamb chops and chicken. It was more than enough for 2 of us. It is served in a small baine marie which was ideal to keep the food warm as this was not a quick lunch. The dish is very hot so be careful when touching it as I found out to my detriment trying to maneauver it to just the right angle for a photo. The waiter was quick to come over and move it for me instead.

Service was excellent. The waiters were well trained and attentive. Serviettes were replaced and dishes cleared almost without us even noticing. Another friend joined us for dessert and after some deliberation over the whopping R200 price tag she opted for the waffle, all of us curious to know what to expect. Amina and I shared a plate of chocolate baklava which was 4 pieces for R140. A bit too sweet for me and the chocolate flavour was lacking. Dessert for us was a bit underwhelming. The waffle was a single round waffle topped with slices of fruit and smarties. The smarties did not elevate this dish. Neither of the desserts came with a side of cream or ice cream which would have completed the plates somewhat.

What I really liked was the private room which is ideal for small celebrations or private dining. It can seat 16 people and can be completely closed from the rest of the restaurant. There is even a buzzer that can be used to summon a waiter if needed.

Just outside the restaurant, salaah rooms are available separately for men and women with each having their own ablution facilties as well.

Mosso is pricey and considering the ambiance and the fact that they don’t have a childrens menu, I would leave the kids at home.

The outside area they say will be something to really talk about. I am looking forward to seeing it soon once it is complete.