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At Turn ‘n Tender in Parktown North, there’s something almost mythical about how a meal unfolds. Meals aren’t simply ordered here; they’re experienced, wrapped in the spirit of a nearly four-decade-old tradition. This isn’t just a steakhouse—it’s where four brothers brought a dream to life, layering it with warmth, friendship, and a reverence for quality meat that has, over the years, drawn a loyal following. The waitstaff moves with purpose, brimming with insights into cuts and vintages. It’s a place where even first-timers feel like regulars, and regulars feel like family.

Hidden Gems in the Wine Selection

A menu is just the beginning of the experience. While Turn ‘n Tender’s signature steaks take the spotlight, there’s a lesser-known treasure quietly waiting to be discovered: a hidden wine selection not listed on the menu. Local gems, some fourteen years in the making, offer aged flavours that transform each sip into an unexpected treat. The wines are offered by the glass—a rarity that means you can taste these beauties without committing to a full bottle. And this off-menu selection isn’t just a happy accident; it’s a reflection of the restaurant’s dedication to letting quality speak for itself.

Steaks That Sizzle with a Touch of Spectacle

When my steak arrived, it felt like the room held its breath. The piece of beef—a fine cut of wet-aged perfection—was flame-kissed to the perfect medium-rare, but the best part was yet to come. With a quick, theatrical swoop, the server brought out a flame thrower. Yes, you read that right. In-house butter was torched tableside, releasing this heavenly, nutty aroma as it melted over the steak. It’s a showstopper in the best way possible, a visual promise that every bite will be a little better than the last. And each one was.

Accompanying the steak was a heap of hand-cut chips, golden and large enough to get that soft interior and crunchy exterior right. You could almost call them rustic, but they’re more like the kind of chips you’d dream up in a perfect steakhouse fantasy. And somehow, they deliver on that dream.

More Than Just Meat on the Menu

Surprisingly, Turn ‘n Tender doesn’t shy away from catering to the plant-based crowd. There’s a vegan falafel burger, generously topped with tzatziki, that proves their menu isn’t just about catering to carnivores. It’s thoughtful and frankly, delicious enough that you’d almost forget it’s a steakhouse staple. And that’s what I love about this place—there’s an authenticity here, a desire to serve everyone that goes beyond the usual steakhouse repertoire.

The Service: Attentive, Knowledgeable, and Effortlessly Friendly

A good meal can be brought down by poor service, but here, the staff are part of the magic. Our server was a guide, offering thoughtful recommendations on everything from the wine to the steak’s doneness, with a depth of knowledge that made me feel like I was in capable hands. Their genuine enthusiasm brought the meal to life, and while they were attentive, they knew just when to step back and let the food do the talking. It’s rare, these days, to find that balance.

Turn ‘n Tender is a Place Where Memories Are Made

Sinking into dessert—a bowl of double toffee gelato that could easily become a craving of its own—I couldn’t help but feel that this place is as much about the people as it is about the food. At Turn ‘n Tender, stories unfold as easily as wine pours, and there’s a comfort in knowing that long after you’ve left, the warmth of the experience lingers. They’ve created more than a restaurant; they’ve built a legacy of memorable meals, laughter, and connection.

Turn ‘n Tender doesn’t just serve food. It’s where you create memories and leave with a story to tell, knowing there will always be a reason to come back, another cut to try, and another vintage to discover.