The Florida Road Strip
Florida Road leads a double life. By day, shoppers and tourists stroll up and down the tree-lined avenue, browsing art galleries and boutiques; by night it transforms into a neon-lighted nightclub, where hordes of young and not-so-young revelers overflow from restaurants, lounges, and bars.
The thing that sets Florida Road apart is its historic character, with fine Edwardian architecture, well-preserved historic buildings, and half a dozen churches creating a timeless atmosphere that attracts the city’s trendy set to meet and eat.
Since the strip is only about 0.8 km (less than ½ mile) long, you can enjoy it on foot in fine weather, but Mynah buses pass regularly, so there’s transportation if you need it, and taxis are another option.
For a daytime visit, start in the morning at the top of the road where it meets Innes, opposite Mitchell Park, and work your way downhill, rather than battling an incline from the other end, where it intersects with Sandile Thusi (Argyle) Road.
Along the way, a trio of coffee shops beckon for a light bite and good coffee, with designer jeweler Mark Gold’s breakfasts edging out Vida e Caffe. Clothing boutique Gorgeous and designer outlet Colleen Eitzen flank the eateries.
Chic home design outlet Ceclie & Boyd’s showcases opulent style in a repurposed original home. After stopping there, head across the road to see the hundreds of locks that adorn the fence at Mandela Legacy Park.
Smokers will want to seek out the road’s high-quality tobacconists selling imported cigars and cigarettes, of which the Cairo Smokeshop, Coffee and Cigar Lounge is the best.
There’s an Apple Store, looking a little incongruous among the restaurants, and Botica’s leather bags and shoes woo passersby, but it’s worth pressing on to the African Art Centre, which supports local artists and artisans and offers a good choice of unique and high-quality gifts and mementos. For more art, the Elizabeth Gordon Gallery showcases established South African artists in mixed media, and a small display of African artwork and wooden masks makes a stop at Art on Florida worthwhile.
Most of the numerous restaurants remain open all day, so there’s no shortage of lunch venues. Spiga d’Oro, Cappello, or Butcher Boys are good choices.
As the sun goes down and Florida Road puts on its party face, restaurants begin filling up, and pubs and lounges—Absolut, Velvet Lounge, Uber Zulu, Keys on Florida, Boulevard, and Ice Bar—do a brisk trade. Find Italian fare at Mama’s, Spiga d’Oro, Piatto, and Cappello; Spanish tapas at VickyCristina’s; hot and spicy food at House of Curries; Mexican-inspired cuisine at Taco Zulu; and steaks at Butcher Boys.
Should you choose to stay overnight on Florida Road, Quarters on Florida or the Benjamin are two classy boutique hotels at the lower end of the road, offering some respite from the hustle and bustle.
