The chef who's bringing heart and soulful food to a refreshed Jozi inner city

Julian Ribeiro is serving warmth and Lebanese-inspired food - and helping lead a movement that's breathing new life into Marshalltown. By Bridget Hilton-Barber

- Bridget Hilton-Barber

Guests at Sadie's enjoying the happy-home atmosphere.

(Bridget Hilton-Barber)

Meet chef Julian Ribeiro, one of the champions of Jozi My Jozi's new creative campaign called Babize Bonke (which means “let them all come” in isiZulu), which invites people to experience the revival of the city through the eyes of its creative citizens.

"I'm a lover of creativity, people and food," says Ribeiro, former ad exec turned chef who runs Sadie's Bistro in Marshalltown. Leading from 44 Main Street all the way to Gandhi Square, Marshalltown is an elegant and well-maintained inner-city precinct with pedestrianised streets, big trees, fountains and flower beds, statues and a rich sense of history. It used to be the old finance and mining district and is now an education and creative economy hub.

Sadie's Bistro is right in the heart of Main Street, a charming New York-style spot that buzzes every weekday with happy people in search of food, drink and connection. The menu is Lebanese-inspired comfort food and it's delicious.