Restaurant review: L'Opulence, Joburg

This new lounge and restaurant in Sandton embodies all that glitters in Africa’s richest square mile, writes Belinda Mountain

Sandton is now home to a restaurant and lounge that embodies luxury itself: L’Opulence. Inspired by the decadence of Dubai and glittering with opulence as its name suggests, the venue’s decor features touches of navy, gold and more gold, which is incorporated into everything from the tables to the chairs to the wallpaper in the private dining room.

A restaurant by day and a vibey lounge by night, L’Opulence opened its doors in July, and we were lucky enough to be invited to test out its refined tapas dining for ourselves. Executive chef Mark Hoberman has 23 years’ experience cooking in five-star hotels locally and abroad and his knowledge shines through in the interesting spin he’s put on traditional tapas dishes.

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Favourites included the mushroom arancini and Gorgonzola balls, which were unlike anything we’d ever tasted, and the melt-in-the-mouth Hong Kong baby back ribs with honey, soy, prune and ginger glaze. (Also try the salmon sushi stack with warm panko avocado, and the tender ostrich fillet with spicy butternut fritters.)

The tapas are larger than usual, so you shouldn’t need too many to fill up. We didn’t get to dessert, but the Frangelico parfait, hazelnut praline and the Kahlua chocolate mousse sounded just up our street.

The clientele of L’Opulence is varied: anyone who’s a fan of the good life. So, you’ll get local celebrities seated alongside CEOs treating their staff, or movers and shakers in the business world signing deals before celebrating with lunch or a cocktail. July’s launch party was attended by a line-up of A-listers, with event MC Dineo Moeketsi and music by Mi Casa adding to the star-studded evening.

L’Opulence also hosts smooth jazz sessions on Sundays, and every Thursday you’ll find DJ Fresh and DJ Voodoo entertaining the who’s who of Jozi. It’s not only about parties, though: the venue is open from 12pm, Tuesday to Sunday, so it’s a perfect venue for business meetings, friends looking for a sophisticated lunch spot and international hotel guests staying nearby. Call 011-326-6984.

This article was originally published in Sunday Times Neighbourhood: Joburg. Visit yourneighbourhood.co.za, like YourNeighbourhoodZA on Facebook and follow YourHoodZA on Twitter