Fresh, Local, Uncompromising – three words that perfectly encapsulate Cape Town’s most exciting new dining destination.
On July 24th, food entrepreneur Kyle Dods unveiled his latest venture: a revolutionary shared space at Riverlands Mall, Observatory, where the cult-favourite flavours of Dashi and The Mussel Monger unite under one spectacular roof. This isn’t just another restaurant opening – it’s a bold reimagining of how South Africans dine.
Picture this: mussels and oysters sourced directly from Saldanha Bay’s pristine waters, served alongside meticulously crafted Japanese-inspired poke bowls and elevated street-style dishes: same exceptional quality, same passionate team, thrilling new location.
We’ve always backed freshness, local produce, and no-bullshit food,” Kyle explains with characteristic candour. “This space showcases what happens when you bring two premium food experiences together while keeping it fun, fast, and accessible.”
A Space That Flows
The venue embodies My Place Group’s signature aesthetic: premium produce meets laid-back sophistication with razor-sharp attention to detail. The design seamlessly flows between ocean and umami influences, featuring clean lines and abundant natural light. Whether you’re grabbing a quick lunch meeting, lingering over evening drinks, or satisfying a solo craving, the space adapts effortlessly to your dining mood.
Both brands have cultivated devoted followings since their Mojo Market days, but this Riverlands chapter represents something bigger – bringing these beloved concepts to a wider audience while introducing thoughtfully curated menus designed specifically for this hybrid experience.
“It’s not fusion,” Kyle clarifies. “It’s two great ideas finally sitting at the same table. This is how we eat now: premium quality, fast service, real connection.”
The Verdict
Rarely does a restaurant opening leave me counting down the days until my return visit. This venue doesn’t just meet expectations – it obliterates them. The seamless marriage of fresh seafood and Japanese-inspired flavours, executed with Cape Town’s signature laid-back excellence, creates something genuinely special.
Whether you’re a local foodie or visiting our beautiful city, consider this your official invitation to experience what might just become your new regular haunt. In a dining landscape saturated with concepts that promise much but deliver little, Dashi x The Mussel Monger delivers an experience that will undoubtedly secure its place on your social calendar’s greatest hits.
This is Cape Town dining at its most confident and compelling – and it’s absolutely unmissable.
