A night at ZOR Dainfern: Redefining African elegance through taste

As a consummate champion of Black-owned businesses, especially restaurants, across South Africa, it’s been inspiring to see so many new spaces emerging. One in particular, ZOR Dainfern, has recently captured Joburg’s attention, with countless videos and glowing reviews flooding social media.

Just a week ago, ZOR officially unveiled its soul in spectacular style at Dainfern Square. The launch fused food, music, and design into an immersive celebration of African excellence, attended by some of South Africa’s most notable personalities and tastemakers.

We arrived in true style, perhaps slightly over the top, chauffeured in the latest BMW X5 fleet courtesy of BMW Bryanston. It was all part of the experience the ZOR team wanted to create: embodying the brand’s ethos of sheer driving pleasure while setting the tone for a night where elegance met innovation. The location itself feels elevated, luxurious, and a celebration of Africa at its finest.

Notable personalities in attendance included host and TV personality Zizo Beda, The Mommy Club reality star, Mpumi Mophatlane, popularly known as Mrs Mops, singer Brenda Mtambo, and Married at First Sight Mzansi co-stars Themba Khosa and Bongani Luvalo.

Speaking at the launch, Andile Zulu, founder of ZOR, shared that the restaurant’s name comes from the initials of his two daughters, Zara and Ora. There’s even an Ora Lounge inside, inspired by his youngest.

Zulu said that when creating the restaurant, he wanted to evoke a feeling—not just serve good food. In his own words:

“A feeling that says you are loved, you’re appreciated, you are creative and can dream and achieve your dreams.”

Clearly a thoughtful leader, he extended heartfelt thanks to his team, especially the kitchen staff, who now employ about 35 people.

Dinner was served harvest-table style, featuring a wide variety of dishes influenced by both South African and international cuisines. From fish, chicken, and African beef tongue with atchar paste (my favourite of the night, the tongue was cooked to perfection), to Asian-inspired bites like sushi, pork belly, samosas, grilled prawns, and vegetables with hummus, alongside an array of vibrant salads.

ZOR Harvest Table food. Picture: Supplied

A variety of dishes, from grilled prawns, samosas, sushi and salads. Photo: Supplied

ZOR founded Andile Zulu. Picture: Supplied

One thing that stood out, however, was the absence of dessert. While there was a fruit platter, it didn’t quite satisfy my sweet tooth. Luckily, I got to chat with Head Chef Absa, whose passion and knowledge were truly impressive. He surprised my friend and me with a rooibos crème brûlée, delicately balanced and not overly sweet, topped with candied popcorn and fresh kiwi fruit, a quiet highlight of the night.

The space is undeniably beautiful, and the food holds promise. Competing in Johannesburg’s ever-evolving dining scene won’t be easy, but ZOR seems to have found its rhythm, appealing to a mature, music-loving crowd that values ambience as much as flavour.

With its second location already open in Bedfordview, ZOR is clearly carving its mark as a lifestyle brand that celebrates African sophistication and creativity.