From sun-soaked afternoons to golden-hour rituals and sultry nights, Ocaso is the new Mexican-inspired dining and cocktail destination in Oxford Parks, Johannesburg.
As Corona’s first dedicated flagship venue in South Africa, it was created to embody the brand’s love of golden hour moments, inviting guests to linger longer.
Developed by seasoned restaurateur Heinz Rynners from Boulder Group, along with Ben Stanger and Luke Dakers of the Monseca Hospitality Group, Ocaso combines thoughtful design, vibrant food, crafted cocktails, and atmospheric rituals in a space designed to bring the brand to life.
From table-side guac to sunset gongs
Every day at sunset, a special gong ritual signals the start of the evening. From Monday to Wednesday, the venue leans into food and comfort, offering long lunches, mezcal tastings and after-work drinks. From Thursday to Sunday, the mood shifts into a lounge atmosphere, with DJs playing R’n’B, Hip-Hop, Afrohouse and Amapiano beats.
The menu blends classic Mexican staples with a contemporary South African touch. Guacamole is prepared tableside with generous lime and chilli, while a mini taco tasting board lets guests mix and match flavours, from slow-braised beef birria to fresh seared tuna. Fried mozzarella sticks with chipotle dipping sauce and crispy empanadas stuffed with braised pulled chicken, garlic and onions are served alongside bright, fresh salads and ceviches, the latter cut through with a burst of acidity.
Corn ribs dusted in smoked paprika have already become a signature order, while juicy wagyu burgers, marinated pan-seared panko pork chops, and sharing platters of steak, chicken thighs, wings, and lamb chops cater to heartier appetites. For dessert, golden-fried churros dusted with cinnamon sugar and drizzled with chocolate, along with the signature Bananas Foster, round out the experience.
We just love food,” says Dakers. “We’ve tried every Mexican place in Joburg and Cape Town, and we pull inspiration from everywhere – street food, travel, even TikTok. It’s about making something that’s both comforting and exciting to look at when it lands on your table.”
The drinks list is just as considered, with a tequila and mezcal programme that ranges from the classic Margarita to more adventurous serves for sharing. Highlights include the Flor de Sol, a bright mix of Tanqueray Gin, passionfruit, coconut, lime and ginger beer; the Sol Bravio, which pairs El Jimador Blanco with hot honey and lime juice; and the Berry Basil Coronita, a playful combination of El Jimador Reposado, berry basil cordial and a Corona mini.
Feelings of bliss in the heart of Rosebank
Nearly every detail was custom-built, from the leather upholstery to the curved plasterwork. Sustainability and local craftsmanship were key: the lanterns were hand-beaded by local artisans, the woven elements sourced from specialist makers, and the majority of the finishes produced within South Africa.
Johannesburg-based Bourne Kreative conceptualised the interiors. Instead of layering branding onto an existing space, the design team, led by creative lead designer Reinhardt Schmidt and project manager Lebeau Strydom, built the brand values into the architecture, finishes, and flow.
The bar, a woven wicker-fronted, softly lit focal point, is the theatrical heart of the venue. Its mandala-inspired motif draws directly from one of Corona’s global icons, while the glowing golden tones signal the shift from afternoon to evening.
Seating is arranged for intimacy and connection: low-slung leather banquettes, round communal tables, and a tucked-away VIP booth for special gatherings. Oversized bohemian beaded lanterns hang from layered plaster ceilings, casting patterned shadows that change as the night deepens. Macramé pillows, textured walls, and an ocean-blue floor, a bespoke colour mixed exclusively for Ocaso, create a tactile richness, while warm-toned lighting shifts subtly throughout the evening to match the mood.
A second phase will be unveiled in time for summer, with a rooftop deck that offers guests a beachy experience in the city’s heart.
Bookings essential; walk-ins welcome: View their menu and book a table here, or WhatsApp +27 78 762 5532
Where: 1 Oxford Parks, 199 Oxford Road, Rosebank, Johannesburg
Times: Open for lunch and dinner from Monday to Sunday, from 12 PM to 12 AM
