Interior View of The Velvet Monkey

The Velvet Monkey

Restaurant Italian restaurant

One of the Best Places To Visits in Ezulwini


Address

Ezulwini, 49 MR103, Lobamba H106, Eswatini

Website

thevelvetmonkeyrestaurant.com

Rating on Google Maps

4.60
(645130 reviews)


Working Hours

  • Wednesday: 11 AM to 11 PM
  • Thursday: 11 AM to 10 PM
  • Friday: 11 AM to 11:30 PM
  • Saturday: 11 AM to 11:30 PM
  • Sunday: 11 AM to 10 PM
  • Monday: 2 to 11 PM
  • Tuesday: 11 AM to 11 PM

Visitor Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: great (17) restaurant (15) staff (14) good (14) atmosphere (13) Italian (11) service (11) Velvet (11) Eswatini (10) nice (10)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 claudio b. 2 years ago on Google
    What a great experience ! The best place in Eswatini. If you visit this country you can’t miss the velvet monkey restaurant . Amazing food and nice presentation. Everything is very clean and fresh ! The staff is awesome and the ambience is out of mind !! It’s my best spot in Eswatini
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Naledi S. 2 years ago on Google • 19 reviews
    A very beautiful place to host events and occasions. The food is definitely amazing and the portions are so generous. The staff was very helpful and went beyond to make sure we are happy and comfortable. Very aesthetically pleasing both in and outside, and unique too. I loved everything about this place and highly recommend.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Tengetile N. 2 years ago on Google
    Food was good. They had a live performance, Sunday afternoon.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 劉威 3 years ago on Google • 212 reviews
    A cozy, nicely decorated Italian restaurant. Hearing many good review, this is my first time being here with my wife. The Bolognese and cold platter are so tasty. Tiramisu is so Italian and mouth-watering. The owner is an Italian and is really friendly. A great place for enjoying time with friends and families.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Henrik J. 3 months ago on Google • 703 reviews New
    Et udmærket spisested med et fint udvalg. Veltilberedt mad serveret af et høfligt personale

  • 5/5 Tim M. 2 months ago on Google • 664 reviews New
    I really love this place. The staff is all friendly. The place is clean, from bathroom to table. The food is very good and different from most Eswatini places, while still holding some local favorites. Portion sizes are quite large. Sunny or rain, the view up the mountain is very pleasant. Definitely recommend and would return without hesitation.

  • 4/5 Audrey R. 1 year ago on Google • 6 reviews
    To be honest, the place is beautiful and aesthetically pleasing. Food has a unique taste.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Phile S. 2 years ago on Google • 128 reviews
    Excellent dishes, with reasonable portion sizes. The ambience and decor is unique and interesting. The service is wonderful. I would recommend outdoor seating, which works even in rainy weather because it covered.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Domingos C. 2 months ago on Google • 406 reviews New
    Amazing. Um restaurante rodeado de uma paisagem fantástica. Perfeito para relaxar, desfrutar e comer muito bem.

  • 5/5 Cmon E (. 4 months ago on Google • 349 reviews
    Geweldig eten en heel fijne bediening. Aanrader!

  • 4/5 Glen M. 1 year ago on Google • 64 reviews
    Absolutely great!! Service, setting and food....wow. I had Vietnamese salad and sticky chillie wings. Hearty helpings yet quite light. My waiter Phillip is a "must get". What a character and a fine waiter. Make an effort!!!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Rani R. 1 year ago on Google • 5 reviews
    Incredible presentation and amazing jungle vibe. So easy to navigate to and find. Excellent service by staff. Great drinks selection and food was presented well, imaginative and delicious. Good portions.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Giuseppe B. 2 years ago on Google
    Best restaurant in Ezulwini. This is one of a kind. Ambiance is absolutely amazing during the night. The food is one of the best in all Eswatini and maybe one of the best I ever tried in all Africa.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Michael s. 11 months ago on Google • 122 reviews
    Very lovely place .. the food was so so as the starters was good but the main was not worth the money

  • 5/5 H M. 4 months ago on Google • 119 reviews
    Service is awesome and my waiter was full of energy. The place has an awesome vibe and decorations. The burgers are worth it! Will definitely visit again

  • 1/5 Donald N. 1 month ago on Google • 92 reviews New
    Food was poorly prepared, thr meat was very dry. Even when we complained about the food, management didn't offer any assistance to rectify the bad service. Very disappointing

  • 4/5 Richard M. 3 months ago on Google • 86 reviews New
    Beautiful place

  • 5/5 S W. 1 month ago on Google • 65 reviews New
    The food is magnificent!

  • 5/5 ming-chuan C. 10 months ago on Google • 27 reviews
    Environment and dishes were great, atmosphere was great😊😊 and music was excellent 😁🙂suitable for gathering

  • 5/5 Crimilda M. 6 months ago on Google • 26 reviews
    Delicious food.

  • 4/5 Renée K. 4 months ago on Google • 25 reviews
    Food was generally good but fillet steak was definitely not a fillet steak.. It wasn't tender at all, unfortunately. We got some complementary ice cream to make up for it. Also, many dishes on the menu weren't available, too bad! Ambiance was really nice though.

  • 1/5 Santiago 1 month ago on Google • 15 reviews New
    Poorly executed

  • 5/5 Gijs V. 3 months ago on Google • 13 reviews New
    Een erg sfeervol restaurant waar het eten van super goede kwaliteit is. Er is een grote variatie aan keuze qua gerechten. De bediening was erg vriendelijk en de service was snel. Zeker een aanrader!

  • 5/5 Chris P. 7 months ago on Google • 12 reviews
    Absolutely fantastic place - great location at the foot of the hills, lovely atmosphere and superb service. The food is excellent and good value. I had Seafood pasta - delicious.

  • 5/5 Iris G. 10 months ago on Google • 9 reviews
    We really enjoyed our food! There is a very nice ambience and the waiters where really kind!

  • 5/5 Matt S. 1 year ago on Google • 9 reviews
    One of the best restaurants I've ever experienced. From the warm hospitality of the staff, inviting you in and making you feel at home, to the great food and relaxed atmosphere. The flavours the kitchen puts together are beyond words! Definitely a top destination in Eswatini!

  • 5/5 Takangwane D. 2 weeks ago on Google • 8 reviews New
    Lovely ambience and excellent customer service.

  • 5/5 Ben E. 2 weeks ago on Google • 7 reviews New
    The Velvet Monkey was a pleasant surprise. I was enchanted from the first steps going down to the restaurant, crossing a lovely stream looking at the restaurant at the end of the pathway with friendly staff greeting me. The Menu is very well put together and the descriptions of each dish is unique and playful. I even decided to treat myself to the most delicious cappuccino and slice of carrot cake, as must try when passing through ! I will be back tomorrow again for dinner i can guarantee you.

  • 5/5 Anne D. 3 months ago on Google • 7 reviews New
    Nous avons adoré notre repas au Velvet Monkey. Repas élaboré et serveur accueillant. Parking sécurisé.

  • 5/5 Amal C. 3 months ago on Google • 5 reviews New
    The Velvet Monkey offers a unique dining experience, blending modern elegance with a playful atmosphere. From the moment you walk in, the vibrant décor catches your eye—lush velvet seating, bold art pieces, and warm lighting that creates an inviting ambiance. Food: The menu is eclectic, offering a fusion of contemporary and classic dishes. The starters are particularly creative, with options like roasted beet carpaccio and truffle fries that elevate familiar flavors. Their signature dish, the Velvet Burger, is a standout—perfectly cooked, juicy, and topped with artisanal cheese and caramelized onions. For those craving something more adventurous, the grilled octopus was tender and perfectly seasoned. The dessert menu is not to be missed. The velvet chocolate cake, true to the restaurant’s name, melts in your mouth with its rich texture and decadent flavor. Service: The staff is friendly and attentive, making sure your glass is never empty and offering great recommendations from the menu. While the restaurant can get busy during peak hours, the team manages to keep up with the crowd and maintain an excellent level of service. Ambiance: The Velvet Monkey is perfect for both casual dinners and special occasions. The stylish interior, paired with a lively but not overwhelming energy, makes it a versatile choice for any occasion. It’s a great place for a date night or a group celebration. Overall: If you’re looking for a chic, fun place with inventive food and a cool vibe, The Velvet Monkey should be at the top of your list. It's a great spot for foodies and those looking for a memorable night out.

  • 5/5 Bayanda P. 3 weeks ago on Google • 4 reviews New
    Everything was just Demure there🔞🔥📍Food, service, atmosphere, everything

  • 4/5 Gamu S. 1 year ago on Google • 4 reviews
    This place is worth all the hype and praises it gets. The food portions were satisfying and the taste was exquisite.

  • 5/5 Grant D. 2 years ago on Google
    Such a wonderful experience. The atmosphere is great, the decor is really cool. The food is absolutely outstanding backed by a friendly group of very attentive staff. Wow, the pork belly is by far the best I've ever had anywhere let alone in Eswatini. Definitely recommend going here!

  • 2/5 Zan 2 years ago on Google
    Really wanted to enjoy this restaurant but I was disappointed. Walking in the smell of used oil was hard to miss. Had to send my steak back as it came well done when I’d requested medium. The manager was incredibly helpful but the food did not live up to any expectations. The cocktail in the picture was good though .

  • 5/5 Chad S. 2 years ago on Google
    Super nice staff who were very accommodating for vegan options. Let them know in advance if you have special dietary requirements if possible. Delicious food, great drinks. Everyone was so friendly and nice. Really great atmosphere.

  • 5/5 Robs R. 2 years ago on Google
    A wonderful, relaxed vibe in a stunning garden setting. A really unique, trendy and awesome ambience - whether you are there during the day or at night. Have been many times and just love the space, the food, the people. Will keep going back !

  • 5/5 JM L. 2 years ago on Google
    Friendly owner, staff and barmen and a fun decor both inside and outside make this a must do. Good pasta and drinks. Could be more veg friendly, as the menu is meaty, but they are accommodating. Nice spa next door.

  • 5/5 Arne De C. 2 years ago on Google
    You must visit The Velvet Monkey! The food is delicious ( I really recommend the pasta). The staff is very friendly and the atmosphere is great! I would really recommend to eat here!

  • 4/5 MrDash1996 2 years ago on Google
    A great Italian restaurant served the authentic Italian cuisine. The place is cozy and the owner is friendly. Recommend you to visit!

  • 5/5 Yolisa K. 1 month ago on Google • 2 reviews New
    Wonderful training waiter and manager. Made sure we were satisfied and felt confident about our order. It was a pleasure!

  • 5/5 Samkeliso M. 3 weeks ago on Google • 1 review New
    It’s always a pleasure coming to this establishment

  • 5/5 Nicola H. 1 month ago on Google • 1 review New
    The food was very good. The staff were very nice and helpful. The restaurant was beautiful and it’s a nice experience here. There are many fun decorations and greenery here.

  • 5/5 Paul T. 8 months ago on Google • 1 review
    After a friend of mine named Shawn told me about the place, I took my girl there we had dinner. I must say, what a wonderful experience that was, the waiters are so generous and the food? MHHH TOO DELICIOUS!! keep up the good work Velvet Monkey!♡

  • 5/5 Nomvuyo M. 7 months ago on Google • 1 review
    Amazing for party’s and dinners with friends and family keep up the good work velvet last year my son had a birthday party in September 16

  • 5/5 Pei Yng L. 7 months ago on Google • 1 review
    A lovely restaurant the ambiance was great nice live music and a lovely meal , words fail me, it has something for everyone, patrons were having a great time enjoying themselves, as we were too. Will definitely go back again , absolutely love the decor and atmosphere. Oh yes friendly staff too.

  • 3/5 Zanele T. 6 months ago on Google • 1 review
    So I had made a reservation for a birthday. We specifically booked for karaoke but the table we wanted to seat at the guy who welcomed us was not so understanding and insisted it was taken. Another bunch came through and they were given choice of table. That was not nice!!! The waiter was good. I also noticed all staff members are male. Very weird.

  • 5/5 Andrew L. 7 months ago on Google • 1 review
    Had a wonderful birthday meal at The Velvet Monkey. The atmosphere is absolutely wonderful and the service exquisite. The food was expertly garnished and tasted amazing. I was even presented with a personalised slice of cake. The owners are delightful and engaging. Keep up the good work !

  • 2/5 Christine B. 1 year ago on Google • 1 review
    It is not easy to find a higher end restaurant in Eswatini with a good atmosphere for a celebration, so we were thrilled to come across the Velvet Monkey. We booked for a large party of 25, and paid a significant deposit well in advance, so plenty of time for management to plan adequate staffing. The group was celebrating a major event, so eating plus consuming alcohol and the bill was substantial. Most restaurants would have anticipated this type of group would leave a nice tip for the servers and online positive reviews, and planned accordingly. We were disappointed that the food took almost two hours to arrive, and at no time did the manager appear to offer some free appetizers or complementary drinks or even say anything about the delay. Every time a member of the party asked him how much longer it would be, the answer was different. The waiters had to be chased down and reminded multiple times to do basic things like open the wine, bring water glasses, etc. Several guests got fed up and left without eating at all. The food was good and the atmosphere is lovely but organization and service extremely poor. You can do a lot better, Velvet Monkey.

  • 5/5 Onofrio B. 1 year ago on Google • 1 review
    Nestled in the enchanting landscapes of Eswatini, a hidden gem awaits those with a penchant for exquisite Italian cuisine. From the moment you step through the doors, you are transported to a rustic haven that captures the essence of Italy. The décor is a splendid fusion of earthy tones, vintage accents, and wooden elements, creating an inviting atmosphere that exudes a homely yet refined vibe. It's evident that every detail has been meticulously chosen to evoke the comforting ambiance of a traditional Italian trattoria. The kitchen reveals its mastery in transforming simple, high-quality ingredients into culinary masterpieces. The pasta, precision and cooked to perfection, is a testament to the chef's commitment to delivering an authentic Italian dining experience! The wine list, curated selection of wines, complements the menu flawlessly!! The tiramisu, a velvety indulgence of mascarpone and coffee-soaked ladyfingers, is a heavenly conclusion to the meal, leaving your taste buds dancing in delight The locally sourced ingredients add an Eswatini touch, creating a unique fusion that elevates the dining experience to new heights. In conclusion, this Italian restaurant in the heart of Eswatini is a true gastronomic gem. With its rustic charm, authentic flavors, and impeccable service, it offers a culinary journey that transcends borders. Whether you're a connoisseur of Italian cuisine or a curious explorer of global flavors, this restaurant is a must-visit, promising an unforgettable dining experience that lingers in your memory long after the last bite. Im Onofrio, Italian citizen, visit eSwatini last October 2023 and happy to come back soon. Cheers!


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