Lush Life: Ginger & Fig in South Africa

After working 10 years in IT, Pretoria, South Africa, native Zane Figueiredo decided to shift gears. He quit his job and enrolled in Pretoria’s Pru Leith Chefs Academy, from which he graduated with distinction. After further honing his skills at some of the best restaurants in Cape Town, Figueiredo returned home to Pretoria, where, with the help of KA.AD Architects and Studio Number 19, he opened his own place, Ginger and Fig. Much like the artisanal menu, which Figueiredo describes as “small but with much attention to detail,” the design of Ginger and Fig is fresh, pared-down, and very inviting.

Above: KA.AD (KA + Architecture and Design) of Pretoria was responsible for the design and styling of Ginger and Fig, which includes floors tiled in an outsize herringbone pattern, and custom furniture and lighting by Studio Number 19 in Johannesburg. (Learn more about herringbone and chevron floors in our Spot the Difference post.)

Above: The black and white interior is contemporary and spare but alive with geometric patterns. It’s an appealing backdrop for Zane’s updated comfort food, such as Eggs Royale, a hand-cut ribeye burger with secret sauce.

Above: Simple materials, including standard white tiles and wooden food bins (plus a friendly staff), add up to a very inviting counter. Photograph by Marsel Roothman. You can see more of Marsel’s images and read more about Ginger and Fig at The Pretty Blog.

Above: A spot for two with stools and Prouvé-esque lighting designed by Studio 19.

Above: The interior is peppered with bit of lush greenery. Image by Marsel Roothman via The Pretty Blog.

Above: Chef and owner Zane Figueiredo himself adheres to the black and white palette. Image by Marsel Roothman via The Pretty Blog.

Above: A wider view of the dining area reveals witty detailing by KA.AD, such as electrical wiring used to create a striped wall graphic.

Above: More details by Studio 19; the wire shelving echoes the grid pattern of the wall tiles.

Above: Materials and goods were locally sourced when possible and present a fresh take on industrial modern design. 

N.B. Heading to Pretoria, Cape Town, or other parts of South Africa? Have a look at the posts in our South Africa Travel Guide. Gardenista, too, has some lively spots for you to visit, including the Hanging Seashell Gardens in Cape Town.

Below: Ginger and Fig is located at Shop no 5, Brooklyn Centre, 751 Jan Shoba street (corner Lynnwood and old Duncan), Brooklyn, Pretoria.