I felt like Pocahontas in the forest as we were guided to our bar-side table. Underneath a gazillion make-believe leaves and orchids hanging from the ceiling, our simplistic table was set with one elegant, white daisy popping from its small, glass vase. At The Greenhouse, the interiors are dark, with emerald greens and strong wood elements that create a lush forest feel. Of course, the vintage parquet flooring also adds to the charm of this restaurant, which – come 22:00 – turns into a club, complete with DJ sets and all. But, we came for dinner and dinner we certainly had!

Chef Siya Mlaba, who has curated the menu in collaboration with The Shortmarket Club, treated us to a selection of his favourites. He is a master of flavour and at The Greenhouse, you can expect cuisine with Mediterranean soul, French finesse and bold Asian influences. From delicate Crispy Prawn Spring Rolls, an incredible Burrata Caprese, Hot honey Halloumi and Lobster Ssam, to a Creamy Mushroom Risotto, a Bouillabaisse Pot and Pan-seared Duck, you’re definitely in for a treat! The Greenhouse also offers a bar and late-night menu, which includes various signature eats, sushi and platters.

Find a Tipple You Fancy at The Greenhouse

Of course, with The Greenhouse evolving into a vibey hub for the young crowd as time eats into the night, the drinks menu itself is quite something. In fact, it comes with a collection of signature cocktails (and classics) for curious connoisseurs to try. From hip concoctions like the Boujee Bitch, the Henny Pot and a cocktail called Daytime Dreaming, to classics like the Mojito, Cosmo, Old Fashioned, Negroni or Mimmosa, you’re sure to find a tipple you fancy. Even the Whiskey Sours – an old favourite – impressed our palates.

When it comes to the wine list, there are unfortunately no wines by the glass. So, come prepared to splurge on a bottle of fine wine as they don’t come cheap and the wines on offer are top of the range. We opted for a bottle of Creation Wines’ Chardonnay – a wine you can’t go wrong with. Antonij Rupert Protea Dry and HER Wine Collection’s Chenin Blanc serve as the entry level wines on the menu. Other wines include NV MCC Le Lude Brut, Lievland Vineyards’ Liefkoos Syrah Blend, Groote Post Sauvignon Blanc, Wolf & Woman Pinotage and more.

READ: BROOKDALE ESTATE UNVEILS BOLD NEW VINTAGES

A Melting Pot of Flavours and Cultures

Slowly and consciously, we indulged in the various flavours in front of us, pairing it with a sip of Chardonnay here and a taste of Whiskey Sours there. And, as the moon climbed higher and higher into Joburg’s night sky, the space filled with people – young adults meeting up for drinks; businessmen from abroad trying out a trendy new dining spot; couples out for dinner. We could feel a subtle shift of energy as more and more people arrived. An energy typical to the City of Gold, a melting pot of cultures.

And, as we indulged in our secret pleasure of people watching (as we always do), we ended off the evening with Chef Siya’s suggestion: A magical Chocolate Fondant served with vanilla bean ice cream. Its richness, coupled with an Americano, was the perfect finale for a fern-inspired fusion of food and flamboyance in the heart of Sandton.

At The Greenhouse, you can feast on some fine food and drink options. Then, if you feel like it, linger a little longer, adapt to the rhythm of the night and make the most of every emerald-enveloped moment!

• Slow Living Reset: How to Restart, Reset and Refocus
• Dekkersvlei: Taste The World’s First White Pinotage On A Heritage Wine Farm, Reimagined
• The World’s Best New Luxury Hotels of 2025
• Earth’s Essence: SA’s First Naturally Preserved Wine, Beer and Cider
• Inside Morea House, Marriott Bonvoy’s Autograph Collection