Every city has that hidden culinary gem in the suburbs. In Birdhaven, Joburg, Arbour Cafe & Courtyard is one such spot.
Nestled within a charming yet lively shopping complex, it is well-known among foodies, worth their weight in salt, or anyone who enjoys delicious French-inspired dishes.
This is a wonderful breakfast, brunch and lunch spot, with an extensive menu.
Despite Arbour Cafe being open for almost a decade, I only recently visited. I am a procrastinator of note.
Having heard positive feedback about Chef Precious Ntsalaze’s culinary journey, where she worked her way from the scullery to the top, I took up the offer to try her dishes and see what the fuss was about.
I was completely blown away, and I’ll explain why shortly.
First, a quick history of this place, which Larry Hodes owns. His years of experience in the food industry, helming franchises, drew him to the potential of this eatery.
In October 2016, he purchased it from Robyn Timson.
Despite the financial devastation wrought by Covid-19 restrictions that forced many businesses to shut down, Hodes attributes the restaurant’s continued success to its unwavering consistency.
When it comes to menus, Hodes knows the palate of his diners. His menu caters for every palate, with plenty of vegan and vegetarian options, too. And if you decide to take your furry friend along, there are a few options for them as well.
I would recommend dining in the courtyard, which has a soothing water feature. The creamy white decor, metal details, and fresh flowers on each table create a welcoming ambience.
In the evening, it is transformed into a picturesque venue for special events. It has also become the go-to spot for several prominent politicians and celebrities wanting an intimate setting for everything from birthday parties to baby and bridal showers.
After two weeks of being cooped up at home with the flu, it was delightful to soak up the sun and be out and about.
Depending on your preference, there’s a wide selection of wines, beers, cocktails, hot beverages, cool drinks, iced coffees, smoothies, freshly pressed health juices and fresh shots.
I opted for the latter but as a hot toddy option, with fresh ginger, turmeric and honey. I wanted to get all that healthy goodness in before tucking into the tempting dishes on the menu.
When deciding on what to try out, my mother’s words about my “eyes being bigger than my stomach” echoed in my head.
I am a foodie. I can’t resist tantalising dishes, whether I’m dining out or cooking at home. With such temptation before me, exercising self-control was not easy.
Interestingly, two guys at the table next to me were so blown away by my choices that they, despite ordering breakfast, reluctantly agreed to try some of my dishes as they didn’t want to intrude on my meal. But coming from a family structure, I’m always of the opinion that the more the merrier.
Also, it was great having unplanned company.
In winter, soups are usually a winner. It’s comforting, delicious and oh-so-satisfying.
As such, I found myself in a dilemma choosing between the two options on the menu: Our Famous Roast Chicken & Veg (R87) and the Roasted Butternut Squash with Sage & Orange (R77).
So I just had them both.
When I first took a sip of that hearty shredded chicken soup, the rich, savoury broth was simply delicious. I didn’t think my second choice could outshine it.
I was wrong. The winner was the creamy butternut squash, sprinkled with pumpkin seeds.
It was so rich, flavourful and decadent that I couldn’t put my spoon down. The toast that accompanied the soups went untouched, though. I felt it was such a delicious treat without the carbs.
For my mains, I opted to try the Pan-Seared Chicken. Now, before chastising me about not going for a duck option, of which there were a few – after all, this is a French-inspired menu, I can be a creature of habit, sometimes. Also, this dish was begging for me to try it.
At R157, it was a substantial portion, which I asked to be halved. The succulent fillets were drenched in a creamy white wine sauce, with the sun-dried tomatoes, spinach and feta enhancing the flavour profile.
As a side, I opted for the highly recommended roasted sweet potatoes with ginger and honey, which cost R37.
The roasted soft potatoes were so scrumptious, I just couldn’t stop eating them. They lived up to the hype, for sure.
I also tried the Hand Pressed Beef Brioche Burger with an avocado add-on.
Unfortunately, the usual fresh brioche roll was not in yet, but it didn’t take away from the Wagyu-infused beef patty, which was topped by caramelised onion, melted Swiss emmental cheese, wild rocket, crisp butter lettuce, sliced tomato and red onion.
Talk about a chunky bite, it was that and then some. I ordered it with deep-fried potato wedges (R32), which were okay, nothing really to rave about, and some green salad with precorina shavings (R37).
Something I’ve not come across often was the Galettes, which are their signature French buckwheat pancakes. Another plus, they are gluten-free.
Curious, I got a bit bougie and tried the Salmon & Dill (152). I also had it with avocado because everything is great with avocado.
It was wrapped with a dollop of crème fraîche, a medium poached egg and red onion. This dish is light, fresh and divine.
At this stage, even with the help of my new friends, I was stuffed.
But given my sweet tooth, I soldiered on with the pièce de résistance – an Orange, Caramel Brandy Flambéed Crepe.
I couldn’t think of a better way to end my tasting. The crepe was buried in this delicious warm caramel sauce, topped with seared orange slices.
It was citrusy goodness that needed more than one person to polish it off.
However, if crepes aren’t your thing, the carrot cake, baked cheesecake with berry compote and chocolate cake are to die for.
I don’t know why it took me so long to visit, but I will definitely be visiting again to try out some of the other options – and perhaps the duck.
Also, the prices won’t leave a dent in your wallet, and you will be able to enjoy a meal and great conversation in picturesque serenity.
I would recommend this to anyone visiting for the first time. From the presentation to the service and taste, it leaves you with an unforgettable gastronomic experience.
Disclaimer: Please note that although the writer was a guest of the restaurant, this did not affect the content of the review.
Debashine gives it 4. ★★★★ (Very Good)
Food Delicious, well-prepared with some standout dishes.
Service Attentive, friendly and professional.
Ambiance Pleasant, well-designed and comfortable.
Value Worth the price; good quality for cost.
Our Restaurant Star Ratings:
- ★ (Poor)
Food Bad quality, poorly cooked or inedible.
Service Rude, extremely slow or absent.
Ambiance Dirty, uncomfortable or unpleasant.
Value Overpriced for what’s offered.
- ★★(Below Average)
Food Mediocre, some dishes acceptable but others flawed.
Service Slow or inattentive, but not outright rude.
Ambiance Basic, dated or lacking effort.
Value Not worth the price.
- ★★★ (Average / Decent)
Food Good but nothing special; some hits, some misses.Service: Polite but may be inconsistent.
Ambiance Clean and functional but not memorable.
Value Fair for what you get.
- ★★★★ (Very Good)
Food Delicious, well-prepared with some standout dishes.
Service Attentive, friendly and professional.
Ambiance Pleasant, well-designed and comfortable.
Value Worth the price; good quality for cost.
- ★★★★★ (Excellent / Outstanding)
Food Exceptional – flawless execution, memorable flavours.
Service Impeccable, warm, and highly professional.
Ambiance Stylish, inviting and enhances the dining experience.
Value Justifies the price with top-tier quality.
