A space that accurately encapsulates the spirit of Sérgio Mendes Mas Que Nada, MAMASAMBA is an epicurean's dream, drawing inspiration from cuisines and influences across Central and Latin America. The restaurant is an irresistible fusion of culture and taste, where the bold flavours of Latin America and the rhythm of Samba culture collide - culminating in an immersive restaurant and social club experience, where each space tells a different story.
The project was brought to life by Colada Club Hospitality, the same team behind flagship eatery Proud Mary and Rosebank's latest Italian eatery, Fugazzi. Founding partners Gaz Hollywood and Jose Dos Passos envisioned a space where all the elements impart a sense of paradise. We wanted to create unique spaces for our guests to enjoy; says Gaz. 'We included a garden patio on the square for all-day dining, an experiential dining room with an asado grill, a ceviche and Peruvian sushi bar for cocktails and tropical small plates and upstairs we have a lounge for social dining, cocktails and music with views over the Rosebank square'. MAMASAMBA's interior was carefull curated by award-winning designer, Tristan du Plessis, who seamlessly aligned with the vision to create a colourful feast for the senses.
The use of different shades of green, warm hand-troweled stucco and treated timber finishes give the restaurant its distinct and inviting jungle atmosphere.
“The interior was designed to provide an immersive and lively sensory experience, says Tristan. I embraced this concept by researching the cultures of the South and Central American countries, their art, visual style and natural landscapes and purposefully creating an eclectic interior that was intended to be discovered, rather than being seen all at once, focusing on the details that can transport guests to another place.”
The restaurant's two artfully designed floors are linked by a spiral staircase that provides an exciting part of the journey as well as a beautiful viewing point of the space below. This sculptural, anaconda-esque staircase is one of the restaurant's standout architectural elements, with its emerald toned tiles by Kalki Ceramics contributing to the harmonious connection with nature, making the space feel more inviting and soothing.
Each level has a distinct atmosphere, with the lower level being fresh and light, where you can enjoy watching the chefs prepare churrasco over coals, while the upstairs level is moodier with an eye-catching gorilla sculpture at its centre and a mural by Justin Nomad, perfect for early evening drinks that carry on into the night. The synergy between MAMASAMBA's nature- inspired interior design style and the vibrancy of the cuisine creates a dining experience that is not only visually appealing but also sensorially enriching. The natural wood dining chairs exude warmth and authenticity and the Copacabana flooring makes you feel like you're in a tropical paradise, which is all brought together by the plants and hanging gardens that are evident throughout.
These elements are mirrored in the cuisine, where a kaleidoscope of colours, textures, and flavours are inspired by the bountiful offerings of nature are prepared in a variety of ways, from the wood and coal-fired Josper oven and Parrilla to the small plates inspired by Latin American street food and Peruvian Uchu Sushi that leaves you with a profound appreciation for the interconnectedness of design, different cuisines, and the natural world.
