The much-anticipated Ribs & Burgers franchise landed on our shores and made its fabulous debut at Menlyn Maine in Pretoria on 21 September. Brought to us by restaurateur and franchising tycoon, Natasha Sideris, Ribs & Burgers is a chip off the old Tashas block in its gorgeous yet practical interiors and impeccable attention to detail.

The menu is small but boasts a good variety of burgers, chicken wings, ribs, salads and tasty sides. The lamb ribs are an absolute hit: they are slowly braised then rubbed with fresh herbs and lemon before being thrown on the grill to achieve the perfect contrast of crispy and melting in your mouth. For vegetarian diners they offer what might be the city’s tastiest falafel in a burger, served with a delicious beetroot relish. Try it with a generous side of sweet potato chips. Salads are fresh, vibrant and well-dressed – the grilled halloumi salad with a minty vinaigrette is one for the books.

Extra care is taken to ensure that the pork ribs are a cut above anything you’ll ever have. The supplier owns a pork plant that specialises in sausages and ribs and supplies a very specific cut to R&B. The chef slowly braises the ribs for eight hours then slathers them in a mouth-watering BBQ basting before putting them on the grill for that hypnotically tasty smokiness.

Fast facts

Best for: A relaxed meal with friends
Serves: Ribs and burgers
Average main meal: R55 to R249 (for a full rack of lamb ribs)
Star ratings: Food 4, Service 5, Ambience 4

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