The Old Oak Restaurant and Family Centre | Joburg.co.za

Occasionally we come across a hidden gem tucked away in a quiet, leafy Joburg suburb. The Old Oak Restaurant and Family Centre is exactly this. Situated in Linskfield, this Mediterranean-inspired restaurant is just the right amount of elegant meets family-friendly.

Family-friendly restaurants are most often mediocre and lacking in creative imagination. You also won't usually find a restaurant that caters to children and has an atmosphere of romantic elegance. The Old Oak Restaurant is the exception to the rule.

This sparkling gem is situated in Linksfield at the Royal Johannesburg and Kensington Golf Club. We came across it purely by accident and we couldn't be happier. If you've been searching for a more sophisticated, but still fun-loving family restaurant, you've found the place. Read on to find out more about their menu and range of activities to keep the little ones busy while you enjoy a luxurious meal overlooking the golf course.

The Med Meets SA

Fusion menus are hit or miss. The Old Oak's menu is an absolute hit; combining the best of the Mediterranean with authentic South African produce and traditional recipes. Browsing the menu you'll spot a Beef Tartare served with Spekboom, Snoek Fish Cakes, and a Hertzoggie dessert. There is more standard Mediterranean fare as well, but we adore the quirky amalgamation of European and South African cuisines. Overall, the menu leaves a great impression and elicits much eager tummy rumbling.

The restaurant's signature is their wood-fired pizzas. Made from imported 00' Farina flour and proofed for 36 hours with their secret sourdough starter culture, this is no ordinary pizza. Once the dough has been rested, it's hand-stretched and baked in a 400° oven topped with gooey mozzarella cheese and your choice of meat and veg.

We opted to try the classic Margarita - base smothered in Napoletana sauce, sprinkled with fresh oregano and basil, and finished off with slow roasted tomatoes and Bocconcini. Simple food done well is the mark of a great restaurant, and The Old Oak delivered with this pizza. We'll be back as soon as we can to sample more of the menu.

We've got our eye on a few choice menu items, including a juicy Wagyu Burger, a slow cooked Osso Bucco, and wobbly panna cotta made with vanilla, berries, Honeybush tea gel, and raspberry meringue. All in all, we'll be frequenting The Old Oak as much as our budgets and our waistlines will allow.

Kiddies Paradise

The Old Oak is all about family and fun times. The restaurant itself is modern and chic, with a classic Mediterranean feel. The space is bright and airy, thanks to the ample outdoor dining space and large sliding doors. The view of the pristine golf course compliments the stately atmosphere of the restaurant.

But this isn't all that The Old Oak has to offer. Being a family-friendly establishment, they've created a designated kiddies play area that rivals even the top child-centered restaurants in the city. Think swing sets, trampolines, rock climbing, jungle gyms, and giant bean bags all in one space! It's a verified kiddies paradise.

The kids menu is just as exciting. Let your little one build their own pizza at your table with the assistance of a top-class chef. They'll be given a classic tomato pizza base and ample cheese to experiment with, as well as their choice of additional toppings.

There's also Mac and Cheese, Chicken Strips, Sliders, and Spaghetti and Meatballs for them to choose from. No matter your child's food preferences, they'll be well catered to here. Bring them to The Old Oak for a fabulous family dinner as soon as you can.