(Image by The National)
View Restaurant
Big moments go hand in hand with the Four Seasons, The Westcliff’s signature restaurant – we’d love to know how many times that jacaranda-spangled view has been a backdrop for a proposals. If you’re looking forward to a night with friends, rather than a romantic evening, be sure to try Pre View, View’s new sibling, with the same amazing vista, same outstanding chef, but more emphasis on cocktails and fusion-inspired plates. Read Food24’s review HERE.
Bistro Vine
No one does romance quite like the French, so it follows that you can’t go wrong with this little Parkhurst bistro. Cosy and intimate, the menu is a delight for those who appreciate classics: think phyllo-wrapped Brie, drizzled with red currant sauce, fillet au poivre and, to finish, warm brownies and ice cream.
Possums
Maybe it’s the fairy lights, maybe it’s the lavender-dotted courtyard, either way, there’s something utterly charming about this tucked-away gem. The menu is suited to discerning food-lovers: mains include the likes of roasted quail filled with fig and carrot, and mushroom and fennel crusted pork fillet, while the dessert menu tempts with dark chocolate, ginger and cherry tart or classic lemon tart.
La Cucina di Ciro
The old-house setting of this Parktown North landmark immediately sets it apart, giving it an ambience markedly different from the sidewalk café scene. Make the most of balmy evenings with an outside table: order the ravioli with ricotta and chives, then move on to veal involtini, and finish off with vanilla ice cream with pistachio praline.
Restaurant Mosaic at The Orient
You don’t simply dine at Mosaic: instead, you step into the rather impressive imagination of chef Chantell Dartnell. The sheer artistry of Chantell’s food makes it clear why she is so lauded. If you’re still unsure, just a taste of her cauliflower soup, accompanied by fois gras-stuffed brussels sprouts, will alleviate all doubts. The restaurant itself is a visual feast, and the cellar is one of the vest in the country.
DW Eleven-13
Here’s another restaurant that feels special from the moment you walk in. Of course, it helps to have a talent like Marthinus Ferreira in the kitchen, cooking up dishes like dukkha-spiced impala and hay ice cream; a concoction of beer caramel, phyllo shards, hay ash and pear puree.
The National Eatery and Speakeasy
This is one of those restaurants that impresses effortlessly; firstly, because James Diack is one of the hottest chefs on the Johannesburg circuit right now, and deservedly so, given his emphasis on farm-fresh, ethical eating. The National also has just the right buzz; the décor is quirky and tables are in hot demand. There’s loads to choose from on the varied menu, but it seems sacrilegious to leave without trying something from the in-house smoker. And as for the deep-fried Snickers bars – well…
7 Joburg restaurants with gorgeous garden views
A restaurant or coffee shop with a cute garden view can turn a bad day around or be the cherry on top a wonderful weekend. Either way, we hope you love them as much as we do.