The Greenhouse shines as Joburg’s trendy gem with a new chef and buzz-worthy lunch menu

Amidst Sandton's skyscrapers, you'll find an inviting oasis. The Greenhouse, adorned with lush real-touch plants and complementing decor, features comfortable seating, perfect for unwinding with friends or loved ones.

I recently attended a media luncheon to meet the new chef and sample its lunch menu - a new offering from Thursday to Saturday. 

I was delighted that the weather had returned to normal. Spring had been uncharacteristically gloomy for several days, so this change was a welcome relief.

We were treated to one of its unique cocktails ahead of sharing small plates of signature and new dishes by newly-appointed chef Leigh-Anne Knipe and her team. Her youthful appearance belied her experience, having worked at Restaurant Mosaic, Overture, Ethos, and most recently, Proud Mary.

The latter establishment has become a chic firm favourite with Joburgers, myself included. 

Opting for the Boujee B*tch cocktail, I found it wonderfully refreshing. It's made with Absolut Vodka, lemon juice, elderflower syrup and soda water.

A short while later, the food arrived: focaccia with a special-flavoured butter, sushi platters, chicken popcorn pops, sweet and sour chicken wings, grilled halloumi, and Italian bruschetta. Mindful of the abundance of dishes at past events, I made sure to sample only a bite or two of each.

The focaccia was so delicious that everyone at the table, myself included, struggled to restrain themselves from eating too much.

I thoroughly enjoyed the chicken wings; they were tender and covered in a magnificent sweet chilli sauce. As expected, the accompanying pops offered a satisfying crunch.

The bruschetta could have done with a bit of acidity, and the halloumi was naked and bland without a dipping sauce. The sushi, which included veggie options as well, looked appetising. However, the special mayo sauce on top of them was a bit too funky for my palate. 

So I gave it a skip after trying one.

The second course was a feast for the eyes as well as the palate, with the stunning plating truly elevating the experience. This round featured an array of dishes: lobster mac ‘n cheese, pulled beef tacos, a cauliflower main, Sumac chicken and a rib eye.

Personally, the cauliflower main was a standout dish - comforting, flavourful, and simply divine. As with a few other dishes, it was truly a flavour bomb. The fried chickpeas gave it texture. 

Another winner was the tender Sumac-grilled chicken offered layers of complementary flavours, including corn crème, popped sorghum, and roasted garlic emulsion. The rib eye was met with unanimous approval around the table; it was tender, beautifully seasoned, and melted in the mouth.

However, I didn’t enjoy the tacos only because they were topped with the same funky sauce used on the sushi. 

Let's be honest, a Mac ‘n Cheese is a crowd pleaser. However, I found it a bit on the dry side. It could have done with more Gruyère sauce. The garlic-rosemary-thyme toasted crumbs were a tasty touch.

By this stage, I was stuffed, but my sweet tooth saw me soldier on by sampling the Eton mess, pannacotta and chocolate brownie. All three desserts were winners, but being a chocoholic, I gravitated towards the brownie, accompanied by vanilla bean ice cream.

It was decadence in every bite. The brownie had that beautifully chewy texture. It was gooey in the best way, with the ice cream cutting the sweetness. 

The ambience is highly conducive to a relaxed state of mind, thanks to the stylish space. This is enhanced by the staff's efficiency and the appealing presentation of the dishes. The selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktails and drinks is extensive, including an eye-popping range of high-end options.

The Greenhouse offers a truly memorable experience, making it a trendy spot that is worth the splurge, if you are so inclined.