Jozi’s New Mexican Hotspot: Perron in Illovo
Hello hello! Apologies for being so quiet, I’ve been living in a bubble that has been far away from reality. I got back from Europe yesterday and had to deal with my inbox, plus tons of admin ahead of our move to Singapore. There’s so much to do, but I’m loving not being at work and spending my time the way I want. I tried to stay at work for as long as possible so I could get a salary, but now it’s strange, I don’t even care about money anymore. For the first time in a long time, I’ve been feeling completely happy and free- I just don’t know why it took me so long to get here.
I’m trying to do as many reviews as possible so that I can continue with my Sunday Indy page for a while, and I’ll be visiting Dbn and CT in the next few days to gather content there (I really have exhausted most of Jozi), so if you know of any places worth reviewing in these places please let me know.
Today’s post is about a restaurant that everyone’s been talking about- Perron.
Jozi was in dire need of an upmarket, trendy Mexican restaurant, and brand new Perron in Illovo ticks all the boxes- funky décor, cool vibe, long waiting list and good food.
It’s a bit awkward cos I went to do a review and they prepared a tasting menu for me which I loved. I then went back with some other bloggers and we liked the food but there were some issues. While some dishes are exceptionally good, like the black bean tostadas (pictured below- two crisp tortilla with “frijoles”, served with a fresh tomato salsa, guacamole, sour cream, cheddar cheese and coriander) and the chilli con carne, others are mediocre – quesadillas are extremely sparse on filling, while a portion of tortilla chips with guacamole consists of only 8-10 chips.
Fish “tacos” are served in a wrap rather than a taco, and the chocolate sauce for the churros is watered down (churros themselves are done to perfection, however.)
Despite the lack of consistency with the food, which I expect will sort itself out with time, I love the neon walls, feather lampshades and all round fun vibe. Make sure to book at least a week in advance, this restaurant has become the new foodie “it spot.”
Have you tried it out yet? Let me know your thoughts…
Address: Illovo Junction, Corner Oxford Road and Corlett Drive, Illovo. Call: 011 880 7296.
More from my site
Singapore Restaurant Chronicles: Great Burgers at Potato Head Folk
Top 5 “Coffices” in Jozi 
Rustic French Cuisine at Les Delices de France 
Review: Life Restaurant at Waterfall Corner
The Best Cronut I’ve tasted in SA- Remos Fratelli at Waterfall 
Brand new Jozi crêperie, Arbour, is a treat for the eyes (and the tummy)
July 29, 2014 @ 6:46 am
I’ve been dying to try this place. Can’t wait!
I’ve always wondered why there has been such a lack of authentic Mexican food in SA, I’m so happy people are catching onto the wonderful tastes that is Mexican food 😉
I’d love to hear your thoughts on some places in CT and Durban, not sure if you’ve been already in the past but some of my favourites are:
1. The Royale Eatery (Long Street)
2. Ristorante Posticino (Seapoint)
3. The Salty Seadog (Simon’s Town)
4. The Chapman’s Peak Hotel (Hout Bay)
5. Giovanni’s Deli (Greenpoint)
6. The Seabelle (La Mercy, Durban)
7. Aris Souvlaki (Seapoint)
Hope you have a super amazing time!
July 29, 2014 @ 9:20 am
Hey Teshnee
Thanks so much for these recs! I’ll definitely have a look at including some of them in my review list.. I’m definitely going to visit Royale as I’ve heard so much about it. I’ve been to the Chapman’s Peak Hotel and loved the calamari, and also enjoyed the food at Seabelle.
July 29, 2014 @ 10:24 am
Another place in Durban is The Oriental, but I’m sure you’ve been there 🙂
I’m really loving the posts on your travels so far and I’m really looking forward to all the future ones.
I am also in the finance field so am pretty much restricted to one overseas trip a year (first world problems), but your recent decisions have really inspired me to take a look at my own life and evaluate how I can do more of what I love.
All the best 🙂
July 29, 2014 @ 1:50 pm
ah thanks so much for that. I wrestled with this decision for a while and it definitely wasn’t easy but I think at the end of it all when you follow your gut and passion happiness is not far from that 🙂 x
July 29, 2014 @ 1:54 pm
Totally agree with that!
By the way, I’m trying the Smokehouse & Grill tonight, your emphasis on that peanut butter ice cream sold me 😀
Have a great evening!
July 29, 2014 @ 2:37 pm
OMG- you are going to love it! make sure you leave space for it though cos portions are huge
August 1, 2014 @ 2:32 am
Hi Hasmita! Just want to say your blog has really inspired me lately. I left a job I was nt happy with to come study overseas and travel for two months, it s not anything as impressive as an MBA though, just a course in Spanish. It was a hard decision and some part of me feels I should have stayed at home to do the grown up thing and look for another job. But I m also loving the freedom and am trusting things will work out when I get home. All the best and try out Magicaroma for great Italian when you in CT. Best, M xxx
August 1, 2014 @ 11:48 am
Hi Michelle- wow, so happy to that. Sometimes all you need is a change of scenery to give you a different perspective, it doesn’t have to be anything dramatic. At least you’re out of a job you were unhappy in- that takes courage in itself. Thanks so much for that rec, will look into it. Take care and good luck with the rest of your journey.