Bellgables, Johannesburg

An outstanding restaurant in every respect, consistently for years now. I tell everyone that no restaurant in Joburg compares and book it for every special occasion. Decadent decor involving antiques thrown together artfully, huge country bouquets and fireplaces, little nooks and crannies, for me it encompasses romance. The food is sublime, the service outstanding. It is pricey but worth every cent. I booked for my birthday one year, and it happened to fall on the day of the Rugby Word Cup opening. No other restaurant was open that night. When we arrived, we were surprised to note there were no other patrons. No one had booked that evening but because they knew it was my birthday they opened their entire restaurant, had staff there, had all the fireplaces and candles lit and served a full magnificent meal to us! I told them that they should have cancelled and their response was that they would never do that. We felt like celebrities! An incredible restaurant that has given us many happy memories. There is nothing about it that I do not like.

I have eaten in many of the finest restaurants around the globe, but this was exceptional! Not only artfully presented, but the taste was out of this world. Well done to the team at Bellgables. Whenever I'm in South Africa again, I will make a point of coming back.

I'll start with the two most important bits of information, the food is very good, not amazing, but very good. Portions are roundly generous for starters and mains. The value for money is poor, when I pay R60 plus for a Creme Brulee I expect more than just a standard sized portion made in the traditional manner, I expect something special. The wine list is very comprehensive and covers many of the more notable Cape wine farms. The service was lacking, having half of your meal delivered to the table 5 to 10 minutes before the other half of your meal is not acceptable in an establishment which has aspiratrions towards fine-dining. On top of that, not everyone's meals were served at the same time, requiring members of the party to wait and allow their food to cool while waiting for everyone's food to reach the table. The Decor is flamboyant and somewhat over-the-top to the extent that it is often neccesary to look around fruit ladened gold centrepieces to see members of you party on the opposite side of the table.

If you can only visit one first class restaurant in Johannesburg, this is it. Not a meal, it's a culinary event. The decor, the staff, the setting, the food presentation all complement each other to make a truly memorable experience. Allow several hours for a leisurely meal and for meandering through the gardens - and don't overlook the art gallery!

good-customer care prices- could be cheaper great food for the refined taste