When it comes to dining in Sandton, you know you're in for a treat. Whether it's a quick lunchtime bite or a fully-fledged dinner with friends and family, Sandton is your go-to suburb for good food. But enough talk! We're starving, so let's get cracking and dive into the top restaurants in the area, shall we?

Gemelli

Just one look at the magnificent reviews online should convince you that this restaurant should be on top of your must-visit list. Located in Bryanston, Sandton, Gemelli is a fine family dining eatery serving modern Italian cuisine. The menu depends heavily on what’s in season, sustainability and provenance, and dishes are innovative, contemporary twists of traditional favourites. We can’t wait to indulge in a meal of a Caprese tartlet for starters, pumpkin and chicken risotto for mains and their delicious chocolate nemesis featuring gianduja ganache, lime, hazelnut ice cream, shortbread and salted butterscotch for dessert.

Pigalle

Pigalle, situated in the Michelangelo Towers in Sandton, have become the benchmark in urban-chic dining, and they’re loved for their impeccably prepared meat, fish and poultry dishes. Nothing beats savouring a fantastic meal while appreciating the panoramic vistas of the Sandton CBD skyline from their balcony. They offer an extensive menu of Portuguese specialities, including sardines, caldo verde (green soup) and bacalhau (codfish) served three ways, as well as other favourites such as grilled sole, slow-roasted duck and beef fillet.

 

Signature

This Morningside restaurant’s menu is filled with delectable meals, all complemented by an extensive drinks menu of local and international wines, single malt whiskies, cognacs, cocktails and bubbly. Try one of their Signature dishes – including prime rib, beef tournedo, pork belly, quail crown and confit duck leg to name a few – while enjoying the panoramic view. If meat isn’t your thing, they also serve fish, seafood, sushi and vegetarian dishes.

Piccolo Mondo

Piccolo Mondo at The Michelangelo Hotel in the heart of Sandton is the place for a gastronomic meal that will delight all palates. The menu has an Italian theme that combines traditional and modern dishes, all curated under the brilliant eye of their executive chef. And if you don’t already know, their gourmet evenings are back – every month they’ll be hosting a delicious five-course food and wine pairing.

 

AURUM Restaurant

By far one of our favourite hotel restaurants in Johannesburg, AURUM Restaurant boasts all the glitz and glamour that comes with dining inside the tallest building in South Africa. With its new summer menu, AURUM Restaurant is set to climb the ranks in popularity, especially among hotel restaurants in the area. With a pool to swim in and dine around, a supervised kids’ play area, a sundowner spot at Octo Bar, a fully stocked wine library, and the adjacent Legacy Balance spa, it is a unique spot for guests to experience AURUM Restaurant in multiple ways.

The Big Mouth

One of the most recent restaurants to open its kitchen doors in Nelson Mandela Square, The Big Mouth is a contemporary take on the classic diner infused with culinary influences and ingredients from around the globe. The menu features fresh grilled seafood, gourmet burgers, tacos and world-class sushi.

Sale e Pepe Da Giovanni

Located in Morningside, Sandton this genuine Italian eatery serves flavour-filled dishes that are hearty and comforting. Besides their incredible meat and seafood dishes, you must try one of their risottos – white wine and mixed seafood, vegetarian, mushroom or salmon and tomato – or dig into a bowl of classic linguine bolognese or gnocchi in a Napoletana sauce.

The Hussar Grill

Since opening its doors in 1964, The Hussar Grill is still regarded as one of South Africa’s premier grill rooms. Serving the best perfectly aged steaks, a full menu of delectable house specialities and an award-winning wine selection, it’s no wonder they’re still a favourite after 53 years.

Ghazal 

Situated in Sunninghill, Ghazal offers authentic North Indian cuisine that features sensational spice balance and a wide variety of curries. A highlight is the prawn masala, which has a delicate, mild blend of spices that complements the sweet prawns perfectly. And don’t miss out on their comprehensive wine list and the best puffed garlic naan in Jozi.

Pomodoro

Being an Italian family-run restaurant means Pomodoro stays true to its roots and serves only the most authentic dishes from the Mediterranean country. With starters, salads, pasta, pizza, fish, meat and desserts, their menu is wide-ranging and offers something for everyone, so best you come hungry.

Wangthai

Freshly prepared by trained Thai chefs, the cuisine – made from only the freshest locally sourced ingredients – is taste-nuanced with lemongrass, sweet chilli and tamarind. There are many curries to choose from and the noodles, spring rolls, chicken and duck are all highly recommended.

Looking for something special to do with your partner this Valentine's Day? You’ll fall in love with the super-hot special deals Silverstar Casino has on the cards!

Love Is In The Air At Vigour & Verve

Vigour & Verve is pulling out all the stops this Valentine’s Day. For only R350 per couple*, treat your special someone to a decadent three-course meal, a bottle of house wine and a beautiful rose! For starters, share a garlic and herb butter focaccia with sides of fresh chopped chilli, parmesan cheese and chopped garlic. If that’s not for you, choose between a vibrant veggie pan or a tempting tempura calamari. For the mains, you have the choice of a succulent 200g rump steak, Vigour & Verve’s signature butter chicken or a delicious chicken and mushroom fettuccini. End the evening off with a chocolate volcano to share – it’s to die for!

Silverestar V&V

A Love-At-First-Bite Menu At Col’cacchio

Col’cacchio’s Valentine’s menu is a must! Cupid’s bruschetta starter for two offers three different but equally mouthwatering bruschettas to start your evening of pure indulgence. For main course, choose between Italian stuffed chicken fillet OR Bistecca al Pepe prime sirloin steak served with a peppercorn truffle sauce OR linguine Pescatora with the freshest shrimps, calamari, mussels and hake laced in a creamy white wine and tomato sauce. Dessert could not be more divine! Tiramisu OR strawberry and berry meringue cream OR Italian kisses. All this for only R295 per person*! Your taste buds will be infatuated! Bookings and deposit are essential, call 011 662 1487 to book now.

Full Moon Fever Hits Barnyard for Valentine’s

Enjoy an epic evening of unforgettable music, bubbly and divine doughnuts! Don't miss Full Moon Fever - a tribute to acoustic, unplugged and country-rock, featuring memorable musical moments from all decades, with songs that will appeal to all ages. And you have the choice between two perfectly paired packages:

Option 1: Show Ticket & Treats at R200 per person

This package includes your ticket to the show, a mini bottle of JC Le Roux per couple on arrival, plus a delectable doughnut each at interval! Kids or under 18s also pay R200 each – only the JC le Roux is replaced with a soft drink. Delicious pizzas and other eats will be on sale at the venue.

Option 2: Valentine’s Date Package for 2 at R700 per couple (R350 per person)

This package includes your tickets to the show, a delicious two-course buffet-style meal including doughnuts for dessert, plus a mini bottle of JC Le Roux per couple on arrival.

Silverstar

You’ll LOVE The Hussar Grill

Celebrate the month of love with a romantic night out for two at South Africa’s premier grill room: The Hussar Grill! Celebrate even more by winning a marvellous, mouth-watering meal voucher worth a whopping R1 000, PLUS a luxurious one-night stay at Silverstar Southern Sun!

To enter, simply email The Hussar Grill at [email protected] and tell them why you love that special person in your life in less than 100 words! Then, get the word out by tagging your friends!

Terms and conditions apply to all Valentine’s Day specials.

Silverstar - The Hussar Grill

For More Information

For more information on Silverstar and their romantic lineup, visit www.tsogosun.com/siverstar-casino.

You can also contact them on 011 662 7300.

Also, keep an eye on Silverstar Casino’s Facebook and Twitter pages for all the latest news, events and special offers.

What Is It?

Don't waste another moment trying to decide what to do on New Year's Eve because Montecasino has you covered. Join them for a magical New Year’s Eve on the Piazza and welcome 2019 in style. A selection of restaurants will be going all-out on the night, with an exclusive multi-course menu. Also, don't miss out on the live music on the Piazza and an in-house DJ.

So how do you get your tickets? Make a direct booking with one of the restaurants listed below. Then, visit the restaurant prior to 31 December 2018 to collect your armband with your proof of booking. Only guests with armbands will be permitted to enter the Piazza via the La Toscana entrance from 18h00 onwards

The menu price includes the following:

So make Montecasino your place to be this New Year's Eve.

When Is It?

Monday, 31 December 2018 from 18:00

Where Is It?

Montecasino, Montecasino Blvd, Fourways, Johannesburg

How Much Is It?

Tickets cost R750 per person and includes everything mentioned above.

Tickets can be booked by calling the numbers listed above.

For More Information?

For more information, visit the Montecasino website here.

Pomodoro Ristorante

What better way to delight your senses during the winter than with a bottle of fine wine paired with a plate of authentic Italian goodness? Pomodoro Ristorante serves up top-notch pizzas and pastas that are sure to satisfy those winter cravings. Check out their Specials menu for some further indulgence.

Where: Shop U36, Morningside Shopping Centre, Corner Rivonia & Outspan Roads, Morningside, Johannebsurg.

The Hussar Grill

For some of the very best steaks in our city, you can’t go wrong with The Hussar Grill. Pay this elegant, but comfortable spot a visit for a night filled with red wine and world-class meats. The service is remarkable.

Where: Morningside Shopping Centre, Corner Rivonia & Outspan Roads, Morningside, Johannebsurg.

Bellagio

Perfect for a cold winter’s night, Bellagio is an excellent higher-end restaurant. It serves up some of the best seafood, meat and pasta around! Pair your dish with a quality wine from their cellar and you’re all set for an intimate evening of indulgence.

Where: Unit 1 Oxford Manor, 196 Oxford Road, Illovo, Johannesburg.

Wombles

Wombles is a well-loved establishment. Now located in the Hobart Grove Centre, they’ll soon be serving your favourite fragrant meats and superb seafood dishes! They have a stylish bar area if you’d just like to pop in for a drink. How divine.

Where: Hobart Grove Shopping Centre, 88 Hobart Road, Bryanston, Johannesburg.

By Candice May

Do you have any other great restaurants you’d recommend to keep warm this winter?

Remember that our “Top Picks” are not paid for and are compiled at the discretion of the journalist. We only write about what we love.