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BarsFood

Xai-Xai Lounge

Johannesburg, South Africa

Neighbourhood

Johannesburg

Category

Bars

Vibe

lgbtq, gay-friendly +5

Official website

About Xai-Xai Lounge

Xai-Xai Lounge is a Portuguese-Mozambican bar and restaurant on Melville's 7th Street that has a recognised gay-friendly following. It combines food and daytime trade with cocktails, live music and late-night drinks.

What to expect

A mixed, relaxed bar and restaurant that becomes more nightlife-focused later in the day.

Vibes

Good to know

Practical tips before you visit

Not an exclusively LGBTQ+ venue.
Located on Melville's main 7th Street nightlife strip.

Gallery

Photos coming soon

Location

Xai-Xai Lounge

5 7th Street, Melville, Johannesburg, South Africa

Get directions

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WhereIs.Gay rating

4.3

696 reviews

Overall rating across Google Maps.

Rating by source

  • Google Maps
    4.3

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Featured Google Maps reviews

Selected by Google Maps. Read more reviews on Google Maps.

Thomas Meyer
Thomas Meyer

3 months ago

Mozambican shebeen is indeed a very appropriate description! The last time I came here was probably about 20 years ago, so since the place is still around should mean that they are doing something right. I had an amazing chicken curry and the cold beer accompanying it was just as pleasant. Unfortunately there was a dog in the bar area that did not stop barking. Perhaps it was also looking for the non-smoking area. Nonetheless well worth a visit.

Review from Google Maps

Tony Manavalan
Tony Manavalan

11 months ago

This place is an absolute gem, and it all comes down to the service. From the moment you walk in, you're treated like a regular. The staff here are genuinely fantastic—friendly, attentive without hovering, and just plain awesome. They're the heart of this pub, and they create a wonderfully welcoming and unpretentious atmosphere. It's so refreshing to find a spot that is just a "plain and simple pub" in the best way possible. No frills, no fuss, just a great place to relax. ​On top of the incredible service, the prices are great. You can actually enjoy a few rounds without feeling like you've just paid for a major event. It’s a proper "local" in every sense of the word—comfortable, straightforward, and welcoming. ​My only point of confusion, and the reason I'm not giving it a perfect 5 stars, is the kitchen hours. This pub has such a great late-night vibe, staying open until 1 AM on weekdays and 2 AM on weekends. However, the kitchen closes at 10 PM on weekdays and 11 PM on weekends. ​It's a real head-scratcher why the kitchen packs up so early, especially on the weekend, when the place is still buzzing. We would have loved to grab some late-night food and settled in for longer. It feels like a missed opportunity for them, and it's a bit of a disappointment for customers who are in for the long haul. ​That said, I still highly recommend this place. The service alone is worth the visit. Just make sure you get there and order your food well before 10 PM on weekdays or 11 PM on weekends!

Review from Google Maps

Vincent Wolff
Vincent Wolff

6 years ago

Excellent place, with a superb variety of different Mozambican dishes. This place functions well even in case of load-shedding and attracts a wide and diverse crowd of locals. The food is mostly focusing on meat and fish and is quite delicious. I highly recommend the beers on tap and the steaks. Great place for dinner!

Review from Google Maps

Nondalo Mdakane
Nondalo Mdakane

7 years ago

My fav spot! Delicious pizza and affordable alcohol. Although a decor upgrade is not a bad idea

Review from Google Maps

Shella
Shella

4 years ago

This place has recently turned into a go-to as their Margaritas are bomb! Although we once had a brandy special served with flat coke, kindly asked for another & received the same. The Bar Manager has been seen sleeping on the bar counter & have had several personal encounters with him being drunk

Review from Google Maps

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Listing details

Last updated
28 September 2026
Listed in
Johannesburg › South Africa
Data from
WhereIs.Gay community, the venue and Google