Slivers of fresh fruit, oysters on ice, creamy scrambled eggs: a good hotel breakfast is like a trip through a gastronomical wonderland, making a plate of bacon and eggs look rather, well, ordinary. Here’s my list of Joburg hotels putting on the ultimate breakfast spread.
March Restaurant at the Melrose Arch Hotel
Apart from the usual suspects, March presents some decidedly different takes on old favourites: the breakfast wrap combines evergreen bacon and eggs, stir-fry veg and cheddar with tomato relish inside a soft tortilla, or try herbed waffles with your choice of smoked salmon, ham or roasted veg. There are Banting options and, if you like things your way, you can put together your ideal brekkie from a list of ingredients including quail eggs, macon and duck.
The San Restaurant at the Sandton Sun
Breakfast here is a decadent affair. Sure, you can choose a healthy option like slow poached egg with spicy avo on farmers bread – but why would you do that when you could start your day with pulled pork and maple beans with tomatocherry jams, or even blueberry crumpets slathered in nougat ice cream and brandied maple syrup?
Medeo at the Palazzo
The Medeo’s Mediterranean inspiration is evident in dishes like the Italian Benedict, which turns the staple on its head by serving poached eggs with buffalo mozzarella, rocket and tomato sauce. Tempting, but we’d go for the oats laced with Irish whisky flavoured cream, vanilla honey and toasted almonds.
Level Four at 54 on Bath
Level Four has gained quite a following, especially when it comes to high tea, but Joburgers are equally enthusiastic about the breakfast menu – possibly because it includes unexpected flavour combinations like braised eggs drowning in spicy tomato and vegetable ragout and drizzled with smoked maas.
The View, The Four Seasons Westcliff
General consensus holds that weekend brunch at the Westcliff is a spoil to savour. That trademark view aside, the restaurant pleases because it delivers tried and tested classics, superbly prepared.
Saxon Qunu Grill
Sushi for breakfast? Why, don’t mind if I do. This is but one of the many and varied dishes at the Qunu Grill’s expansive breakfast buffet but, if that’s not your style, there are plenty of other tempting options on the menu. Go traditional with a tomato, chili and boerewors stew, accompanied by sweetcorn fritters and poached eggs, or try The Saxon’s take on French toast, served with camembert, maple syrup and bacon.
Clico Restaurant at Clico Boutique Hotel
Clico Restaurant has turned the eponymous guesthouse into something of a culinary hotspot since opening its doors last year. Look out for innovative twists on traditional dishes, like rooibos maltabella with stewed fruit and maple syrup, or eggs Benedict with bacon and biltong.
Roots Restaurant at Forum Homini Hotel
Alright, so it’s not quite Joburg – but we’re sure you’ll agree that a Roots breakfast is well worth travelling for. How does a bowl of chocolate oats sound, livened up with strawberry jam, bruleed bananas and a tangy spike of citrus? If that’s too much sweetness in the morning, opt for prime rib accompanied by spring onion brulee blanc and ricotta cheese – all enjoyed with a vista that will stir the soul.