The Library Food Club is a hidden speakeasy chapter of modern Peruvian excellence in Birdhaven, Johannesburg, South Africa.
Come with us as we step through the pages into an unforgettable culinary journey at The Library Food Club.
Tucked away in the leafy suburb of Birdhaven, Johannesburg, The Library Food Club is a truly unique and one-of-a-kind speakeasy-style restaurant. You enter through a secret doorway disguised as a bookshelf, which leads you down a staircase into a stunning and intimate private dining room. With top-shelf décor and intimate lighting, the space immediately envelops you in an atmosphere of exclusivity and refined elegance.
Once seated and warmly welcomed, owner Anthony Filmalter provides a thoughtful walkthrough of the venue, the current menu theme, its inspiration, and the key highlights you can look forward to. His passion is infectious, and the attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely warm wait and bar staff enrich the entire evening with their exceptional service.
A New Chapter
At The Library, each year closes one chapter and begins another. With Modern Mexican now behind them, the pages have turned to Modern Peruvian, a vibrant story of flavour, tradition, and reinvention. From the sun-kissed coastlines to the heights of the mountains, Peru’s diverse landscapes and cultural influences weave a tapestry of tastes unlike any other. The menu is thoughtfully designed for sharing, tasting, and exploring.
The Sharing Journey & Pisco Experience
We embarked on the Sharing Journey, complemented by an engaging Pisco Experience that included a choice of five small, tapas-style plates. Pisco cocktails were crafted tableside with miniature sample tastings of two classic Peruvian cocktails, setting a sophisticated and interactive tone.
Appetizers That Captivate
The Salsa Criolla & Guacamole con Crocantes arrived with vibrant, fresh salsa and creamy guacamole paired with crisp corn crisps. Each scoop delivered bright acidity, smooth richness, and satisfying crunch, the kind of starter that sparks conversation and whets the appetite perfectly.
From the Crudos section, the Ceviche de Salmón was a standout, silky salmon bathed in a zesty aguachile, brightened by tomatillos and a refreshing watermelon salsa. It danced on the palate with clean, oceanic freshness and a subtle sweetness that felt like a burst of coastal sunshine.
The Anticuchos delivered bold, grilled perfection. The Anticuchos de Res featured tender beef fillet marinated in ají panca with fragrant coriander. Smoky, savory, and slightly spicy, it evoked the bustling streets of Peru while feeling refined and luxurious.
Tacos That Transport
We savored two Beef Birria tacos, rich brisket with mature cheddar, diced onions, and a deeply flavorful birria consommé for dipping. The slow-cooked meat melted tenderly, wrapped in a perfectly griddled tortilla that soaked up every drop of broth. Pure comfort elevated to fine-dining heights.
The Chicken Tinga tacos brought smoky chipotle heat balanced by creamy avocado, cotija cheese, and sharp red onion. Each bite layered textures and temperatures in a way that kept us reaching for more.
A Sweet Close to the Evening
Dessert brought pure indulgence. The Canelé Dulce de Leche paired a perfectly caramelized canelé with silky, luscious dulce de leche.
The Picarones with Andean Chocolate Mousse featured traditional Peruvian doughnuts, light, airy, and gently spiced served alongside rich Andean chocolate mousse. Each spoonful felt like a warm, comforting embrace of Peruvian heritage.
Cocktails Worth Toasting
Throughout the evening, we raised glasses to authentic Peruvian cocktails:
- Passion Fruit Pisco Sour — bright, frothy, with house syrup and granadilla adding tropical vibrancy.
- Pisco Punch — refreshing with lemon, lime, pineapple juice, and Oji Amalla.
- Mochica — a bold blend of gold rum, pineapple, vanilla syrup, mint, and bespoke bitters.
- The Classic Pisco Sour — perfectly balanced with pisco, fresh lime, house syrup, egg white, and bitters.
Every single dish and sip told an authentic story of Peruvian flavours. This is more than a meal, it is an immersive journey that lingers long after the last bite.
The Library Food Club is a must-reserve restaurant. This in-demand experience fills quickly, so reservations are essential.
We would like to say a special thank you to Anthony and the entire amazing team for an unforgettable experience.
We look forward to visiting many more times and raising our glasses with you again soon! 🙌
Make sure to check out their website and social media platforms for more information, as well as their upcoming events and news!
Website | Facebook | Instagram📲 069 687 9126 💌 hello@thelibraryfoodclub.com
Want to collaborate with us?
hello@speakeasysocials.com | Click here to chat with our team on WhatsApp
