Sushi on the menu in Braamfontein, fine dining and tapas at Four Seasons Johannesburg, gourmet burgers in Greenside, an historic downtown pub moves to a new location and a new gin bar launches in Linden. Look out on our site for new full reviews coming soon.
The Bannister Hotel launches a new sushi bar
There’s something almost tropical about The Bannister Hotel’s bar, with it’s abundant potted palms, whirring ceiling fans and a fresh breeze wafting in through the wide open windows overlooking a fashionable section of Braamfontein’s De Beer Street. Adding to this lazy afternoon atmosphere is The Bannister’s new sushi bar, which fills a long empty gap in Braamfontein’s dining scene for a venue serving lighter, meat-free meals.
On the new sushi menu choose from classic fashion sandwiches, California rolls, nigiri and maki or try one of the chef’s specials such as tempura prawn rolls, fried salmon sushi or spicy salmon bean curd. There is also a choice of four generous sushi boxes or if you arrive in a big group order the 62 piece Millionaries Platter.
The Bannister Hotel, 9 De Beer St, Braamfontein, tel. +27 11 403 6888
Fine dining and tapas at Four Seasons
The spectacular View restaurant at Four Seasons Hotel, The Westcliff Johannesburg, formerly a reservations-only fine dining establishment (which meant few people had an opportunity to visit what was once a popular bar in the hotel’s previous incarnation) has a sexy new menu (and the chef is pretty cute too). The new chef Farrel Hirsch and his army of kitchen people now are at the helm of two restaurants in the same venue, Preview, a bar and tapas hotspot and View for fine dining. The cuisine is Asian-inspired, with lots of fresh and robust flavours. And neighborhood denizens will love the fact that there are no bookings required for Preview. Just drop by.
View and Preview at Four Seasons Hotel, The Westcliff, 67 Jan Smuts Ave, tel. +27 11 481 6000
Craft gin at Tonic in Linden
Promising one of the best selections of craft gins in Joburg, Linden’s new gin bar Tonic has opened its doors as a neighbour to the popular French restaurant A La Bouffe. Interesting local gins showcased on the cocktail menu include Six Dogs Distillery, Geometric Drinks, Step Five Spirits and the excellent Cruxland Gin which is made with Kalahari truffles.
Tonic, 32 7th Street, Linden, tel. +27 87 238 4623
Jerry’s Burger Bar comes to Greenside
The popular Cape Town burger franchise Jerry’s Burger Bar has arrived in Joburg, setting up shop on Greenside’s Gleneagles Road. Very much in the hipster bracket of gourmet burger bars, Jerry’s burgers are known for their 100% pure beef patties, brioche buns and wacky names. Of note is the signature seven deadly sins menu of ‘stuffed’ burgers, beef patties rolled in half and stuffed with cheese.
Jerry’s Burger Bar, 26 Gleneagles Rd, Greenside, +27 10 140 5744
Historic pub The Benders Arms moves to Rand Club
One of downtown Joburg’s oldest pubs The Benders Arms has moved to a new location at 97 Fox Street. Dating back to 1948 The Benders Arms (affectionately known to regulars simply as ‘Benders’) has always been a somewhat hidden Joburg treasure – originally located in a basement on Rissik Street, just off Gandhi Square. In early September the new The Benders Arms at 97 Fox opened at another much older Joburg institution, Rand Club. The new bar occupies the former ladies’ waiting room of the historic Rand Club and is open to the public Monday to Friday for beer and pub grub. Read more about The Benders Arms at 97 Fox here.
The Benders Arms at 97 Fox St, City Centre