Romance in South Africa: Roots Restaurant

Roots Gourmet Restaurant, South Africa (PHOTOGRAPHED BY Susan Wong 2011) 1

Celebrated as one of Johannesburg’s top fine dining and romantic restaurants, Roots Gourmet Restaurant is poignantly located only a few kilometres from the Sterkfontein Caves in the Cradle of Humankind, which has undoubtedly inspired the culinary direction of the acclaimed culinary destination.

Roots’ food is inspired by our ancestors such as marrowbone, game, duck, ostrich, and fresh fruits; all executed to perfection in modern, contemporary and experimental creations. First mastered by internationally acclaimed Chef Philippe Wagenfuhrer, and now reinvented by Chef Allistaire Lawrence; Roots is renowned for their delectable cuisine inspired by French, African and Asian influences.

Roots’ wine cellar is said to be stocked with wines handpicked from only top South African wine estates. With a 3-course meal for breakfast, 4 courses for lunch, 5 courses for brunch and 6 courses for dinner; whilst each course is paired appropriately with its own wine; Roots has definitely continued to champion their food and wine concept – setting a new benchmark in South African cuisine.

There’s no doubt that anyone will be able to woo their lover with Roots award-winning cuisine amidst the candlelit splendour of Roots’ sweeping dinning room, which features oversized floor-to-ceiling picture windows that appropriately, frames the romantic view over the lake.

Sophisticated without being pretentious and incredibly organic; the incredible architecture, open spaces and every accessory at Roots has been designed with a purpose. Together with the intriguing menu, Roots brings new excitement to new tastes, flavours and experiences.


Roots’ prestige

Top 10- restaurants in South Africa – 2008, 2009, 2010 & 2011
Top 10 fine dining restaurant of the year
Platinum Award American Express 2007 – 2011
Le Blazon de la Chaine des Rôtisseurs
Platinum tourism grading





FOODBLOG: Photo Credits Susan Wong 2011© All rights reserved.

Roots Gourmet Restaurant, South Africa (PHOTOGRAPHED BY Susan Wong 2011) 2

Roots Gourmet Restaurant, South Africa (PHOTOGRAPHED BY Susan Wong 2011) 3

Roots Gourmet Restaurant, South Africa (PHOTOGRAPHED BY Susan Wong 2011) 4

Roots Gourmet Restaurant, South Africa (PHOTOGRAPHED BY Susan Wong 2011) 6Roots Gourmet Restaurant, South Africa (PHOTOGRAPHED BY Susan Wong 2011) 10

Roots Gourmet Restaurant, South Africa (PHOTOGRAPHED BY Susan Wong 2011) 7

Roots Gourmet Restaurant, South Africa (PHOTOGRAPHED BY Susan Wong 2011) 8
Mushroom Espume: This foamy soup was perfectly frothed, but a bit too salty for my palette. Though the texture was incredibly light, the aromas and flavours of wild mushrooms were strongly infused.

Roots Gourmet Restaurant, South Africa (PHOTOGRAPHED BY Susan Wong 2011) 9
Slow roasted leg of lamb with butternut puree, roasted vegetables and chive jus: Tastes as great as it looks! Loved the contemporary plating and the butternut puree was to die for.

Roots Gourmet Restaurant, South Africa (PHOTOGRAPHED BY Susan Wong 2011) 11
Rhubarb crumble with peanut butter ice cream: WOW! This was the highlight of my entire trip to South Africa! Each spoonful of velvety smooth ice cream tasted like actual peanut butter, but only chilled. This is a Capital Lifestyle Magazine must try!


Sponsored