Restaurant review: Kranz has a view to di(n)e for

Kranz at The Northcliff
10 Solution Close, Northcliff
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Perched atop Northcliff Hill and looking out on Joburg’s northern suburbs, Kranz is the signature restaurant at the new suburban boutique hotel, The Northcliff.

Situated at the second-highest natural point in the city, the establishment’s press releases aren’t overstating anything when they claim that the views to Magaliesberg are unparalleled – the horizon seems to stretch on forever.

Much like the hotel in which it is located, the restaurant itself is small and intimate, and the plush furnishings give it the feel of an elegant dining room, as opposed to your garden variety eatery.

Locally sourced produce and seasonal ingredients are the name of the game when it comes to their fine dining menu.

And while the dishes didn’t blow me away, my inner foodie felt satisfied.

That said, the dinner menu is definitely on the expensive side and is a little lacking in variety – there are no vegetarian mains and there are only 14 dishes available in total (including desserts).

Kranz does have a secret weapon though in the form of their wine list, which is a point of pride for The Northcliff operator, Jaco Minnaar.

Comprising a diverse selection of limited edition vintages from small South African vineyards, each wine is handpicked to complement specific dishes on the menu in order to give you the full taste experience.

The restaurant and hotel are a combined triumph of design with a minimalist edifice and an elegant luxurious interior, but the venue loses a few points when it comes to accessibility.

The steep, hilly roads and the multitude of stairs inside the hotel are undoubtedly a consequence of its stunning location, but the venue is unfortunately virtually inaccessible for the disabled and the elderly.

High heels are not your friend at this establishment, but their saving grace is the chauffeur service that delivers you from the entrance gate right to the hotel’s doorstep.

If nothing else, you are left feeling cared for, which should be a primary goal for any restaurateur or hotel owner.

The Northcliff is open for lunch and dinner from Mondays to Saturdays, and for lunch on Sundays.

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