Mzoli's was a butchery in Gugulethu, a township on the outskirts of Cape Town, South Africa. Since Mzoli's opened in early 2003, the restaurant had become a popular gathering spot for Cape Town residents and a tourist attraction. It was praised by international visitors including restaurateur Jamie Oliver. Mzoli's was criticized by local residents and the media for its lack of safety, due to the prevalence of gangs. The restaurant closed indefinitely in May 2021 due to several factors.
History
Mzoli's opened in early 2003 in Gugulethu,[1] a neighbourhood around 20 km from of the centre of Cape Town.[2] Mzoli's was a "do-it-yourself" eatery.[3] It provided meat to customers, who then enlisted independent vendors operating braai stalls on-site to grill the meat and prepare meals.[3]