Felice, derived from the Italian word meaning happiness, joy, and pleasure, offers an inviting space designed for family and friends to enjoy great food in a warm atmosphere. Located in the bustling city of Midrand, Felice’s mission is to create memorable dining experiences with food that feels both familiar and exciting.
At the heart of Felice is its vibrant kitchen, led by Head Chef Twain Mafoko, a passionate chef from Gaborone, Botswana. Mafoko’s culinary journey began under the guidance of his mother, who owned a catering business, exposing him to a variety of flavors from a young age. His early encounters with Asian ingredients like soy and curry broadened his palate and ignited a lifelong love for food.
Despite originally pursuing a career in finance, Mafoko decided to follow his passion for cooking, leaving behind a successful business in Botswana to make a fresh start in Johannesburg. Over the past decade, his culinary journey took him from being a student to the principal of the culinary school where he trained. Today, he is the mastermind behind Felice’s kitchen, bringing years of experience, creativity, and heart to the menu.
“I started my culinary journey later in life,” Chef Twain shares. “There were people I was in class with who had 10 years of experience already. The food was looking nice but not tasting nice. For me, food must have a soul. When you cook, you should have a sense and connection with what you are creating.”
Chef Twain’s belief in cooking with soul is reflected in the dishes at Felice. The menu is a celebration of simplicity and creativity, with every bite carefully crafted to balance familiar flavors with a touch of the unexpected. Chef Twain and his team pride themselves on creating dishes from scratch, from spice blends to sauces and desserts, ensuring every dish delivers the highest quality taste.
Felice’s menu is rich in African influences but also celebrates global flavors, allowing patrons to experience a fusion of tastes from Asia, Europe, and beyond. Each dish is designed to offer something new with every visit. Whether it’s their signature butter chicken curry with a custom spice mix and aromatic rice, an Asian bowl for a light meal, or the indulgent tomahawk steak paired with silky mash and pepper sauce, Felice offers something for every palate. Their menu also boasts whole fish dishes, a hearty shisanyama platter, and desserts made in-house.
“I want to bring a little bit of the experiences from all the places I have traveled to,” Chef Twain explains. “I want someone who is a regular here to experience something different every time they dine. Food is for eating, but great food is for enjoyment.”
From casual dinners to celebratory feasts, Felice caters to all, ensuring that even the most discerning diners find something to savor. With a dedication to quality ingredients, bold flavors, and a touch of adventure, Felice promises a dining experience that embodies happiness and culinary delight.
For more information and updates, follow Felice on Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) @Felice_Midrand, or like their Facebook page, Felice Midrand.
Love everything about good food
We need a date at Felice, you are gonna love it.