Mzoli’s is back in Cape Town, with Mzoli Meat, Grill & Gardens bringing the iconic brand to Gardens while carrying forward the legacy built in Gugulethu.
For the family behind Mzoli’s, the return is about more than a new venue. It is an emotional continuation of a brand that became synonymous with food, music and community.
Founded by the late Edwin “Ta Mzoli” Ngcawuzele, Mzoli’s grew from a Gugulethu butchery into a legendary tshisanyama destination, drawing locals, tourists and celebrities for its braaied meat, music and unmistakable Sunday atmosphere.
The iconic venue closed in 2021 amid Covid-19 restrictions and economic pressures. After Ta Mzoli’s death in June 2026, his family set out to revive the legacy he left behind.
The opening has also been welcomed by Western Cape Premier Alan Winde, who highlighted the jobs the new venture is expected to create.
A new chapter in Gardens
Speaking to CapeTowner, Elvis Nyelezi, public relations and marketing officer for Mzoli Meat, Grill & Gardens, said that bringing Mzoli’s back to Cape Town in a new form is a very emotional and meaningful moment for the family.
“Mzoli’s has always been more than just a place to eat; it became a cultural institution where people from different backgrounds came together through food, music and community,” he said.
He shared that Gardens was chosen as the setting for this next chapter because of its diverse community and vibrant social and entertainment culture.
“We felt it was the right environment to introduce a new side of Mzoli’s while remaining true to our roots. The location gives us an opportunity to welcome people from different communities and backgrounds and to bring the Mzoli’s experience into the heart of the Mother City,” he said.
While the setting may be different, the family says the essence of Mzoli’s remains unchanged.
“The heart remains the same - good food, quality meat, music, people and a great atmosphere.”
For Nyelezi, that sense of belonging is what made the original Mzoli’s special. “What made Mzoli’s special was the feeling that when you arrived, you became part of something.”
That philosophy remains central to the new venue, particularly its approach to tshisanyama.
“Tshisanyama is not simply about the food; it is about people coming together, sharing a meal, having conversations, listening to music and enjoying one another’s company.”
Building on Ta Mzoli’s legacy
The family is also focused on protecting the values behind the Mzoli’s name.
“Ta Mzoli built a legacy based on hard work, hospitality, community, and bringing people together,” says Nyelezi. “Carrying his legacy forward means more than simply using the Mzoli’s name. It means protecting the values behind the name and continuing to create opportunities for people.”
And Gardens could be just the beginning. Nyelezi says the family plans to explore opportunities to take Mzoli’s to other parts of South Africa and potentially beyond, building a modern brand on the foundation Ta Mzoli created.
“The vision is to build on the foundation Ta Mzoli created while creating a modern Mzoli’s brand that can stand for generations to come.”
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