Having not been to Emperors Palace in a while, I decided to do some research on what to eat before our show, Thank You for the Music at The Barnyard Theatre. Italian Kitchen & Grill was new to me and on studying their menu, we decided to have an early dinner there before our 7pm show.
The menu is extensive – from pizza and pastas to seafood, chicken and meat dishes. What caught my eye was their “New Italian Flame”, where your cut of meat or tuna is flame grilled at your table. My wife was set on the eight grand king prawns, as our search for great prawns is ongoing.
Having booked a table, we had a lovely corner booth reserved for us. It’s a lovely space with a warm vibe that makes you feel like you’re on holiday.
My blueberry citrus granita was really refreshing and you could clearly taste the fresh fruit. We tucked into delicious garlic bread with butter, chilli and grated parmesan while our starters were on their way. They make all their bread fresh each day, and you can taste the goodness.
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Star starters
My beef carpaccio starter was well seasoned, tender, tasty and melted in my mouth. It’s served with slices of fresh mushroom, rocket, chopped parsley, slices of yummy parmesan shavings and drizzled olive oil – and this combination works like a charm. Definitely recommended. My wife had the mussel pot starter in a creamy sauce – plump mussels full of flavour and simply delish. We always share our dishes so the starters could have been swopped around especially since our main choices were meat for me and seafood for her.
At this time our energetic waitron, Hunter, was sharing with us how his kids loves pizza, and he loves meat. Service was on point with both managers Evans and Cornelius dropping by our table several times to assess our satisfaction and comfort levels.
Mains
Now for the mains……
My choice of the beef fillet on the bone was pan fried and flambéed at our table with Evans explaining the cooking process and the different elements in the pan. My fillet was plated after the fire theatricals, and accompanied by magical double fried chips and my choice of chilli cheese sauce, which they’ve just introduced. The fillet was medium done as requested and was just sublime, tender and full of flavour. I would go with Evan’s suggestion the next time to have it medium rare. I ate the rarer middle and my wife, who loves meat well done, enjoyed the outer bits.
The prawns were amazing – sweet, juicy and cooked to perfection. They come with rice, chips or fettucine and with a lemon butter sauce. Its a substantial meal with eight grande prawns. Another winner that must be tried if you’re looking for delectable, mouth-watering prawns.
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Finish with a flourish
Once we’d savoured these yummy mains, it was time to head off to the theatre. You’d be asking – what about dessert and coffee? It’s coming….we opted to come back after the stunning musical show (which I’d recommend if you’re a Queen and Abba fan). I enjoyed a lovely cappuccino and my wife had the Belgian hot chocolate. We shared the silky chocolate panacotta and the Bar One cheesecake. Two delish desserts that will satisfy any sweet-tooth, if you’re like me.
It’s a lively, warm atmosphere with attentive staff that have a can-do attitude and you can expect service with a smile. The space is airy and welcoming and there’s an upstairs section if you want to people watch the pedestrians below from the edge tables.
With an exciting menu and a great dining experience, we will certainly be back to savour more of the tasty menu offering.
🍴 Italian Kitchen & Grill
📌 Emperors Palace, 64 Jones Road, Kempton Park
📞 011 928 1352
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Written by Vis Naidoo. Vis is a Bedfordview resident, avid traveller, foodie and explorer of the hidden gems and local restaurant favorites in the East of Johannesburg. Follow him on Facebook or Instagram.
