Carmen van der Merwe’s neighbourhood corner cafe in Melville's pretty Bamboo Centre is an institution. Sandwiched between one of Joburg’s best book stores Love Books and clothing store Convoy boutique, focused on local South African design brands, Service Station offers excellent daily breakfast and lunch fare.

The airy light-filled cafe that has occupied this spot for close on 20 years is a great space to while away time between browsing. There’s a good choice of fresh and tasty casual dishes, including a daily salad selection, and Service Station has a wide range of deli items, plus plenty of frozen meal options to take home which includes lasagne, curries and pies. This is convenience food, but made to the highest standards.

You can also place an order with 24-hours notice for items on their extensive menu which includes Joburg’s best savoury tarts, salads, and pantry items such as dressings and sauces, fresh breads and frozen plain and chocolate croissants.  Full dinners with a main course and sides are also available.

There’s plenty we recommend here including their amazing selection of sweet things, among them chocolate brownies, delicious cakes and their light as a feather pear and berry tart. The cafe also has an eclectic selection of small kitchen accessories, which make great gifts. 

Food orders can be placed by email orders@servicestationcafe.co.za or Whatsapp on +27 67 320 7381 for pick-up or delivery. See the menu here.