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Aleia

Reviewers' Choice Awards 2022
Contemporary Fine Dining
366 Aries St, Waterkloof Ridge, Pretoria, 0181, South Africa
(349 reviews)
RRR

Attributes

  • Romantic
  • Outdoor Seating
  • WiFi
  • Reviewers' Choice 2022 - Newcomer

An intimate experience. No bells and whistles here. No smoke and mirrors either. It’s just simple, unpretentious food made with intent.

Carefully curated wines and whiskeys. Crafted cocktails showcasing the natural nuances of the botanicals. And salt of course. That is the distinct difference.

We look forward to hosting you.

Reviews (349)

4.4 out of 5.0
Based on the past 12 months
Food 4.5
Value 4.2
Service 4.6
Ambience 4.4
  • Elmarie V. Dined: 2 weeks ago
    3.5
    Food 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Service 3.0
    Ambience 2.0

    Reviewed on: Sun 20 Oct 24
    I recently attended a birthday party at the restaurant, which was booked as a surprise for me. While I was excited to celebrate in a special setting, the overall experience left much to be desired. Unfortunately, the service was disappointing. We were left unattended by the waiting staff on several occasions, which disrupted the flow of the evening. When they did engage with us, explanations about the dishes were either given half-heartedly or lacked any real detail, making it seem like they weren’t familiar with what they were serving. The ambiance in the dining area was equally underwhelming. The room where we were seated felt stark and hollow, with little decoration beyond a single carpet and two plants oddly placed in the corners. This emptiness made the space feel cold and uninviting, not at all conducive to a pleasant dining experience. Additionally, the lack of decor resulted in poor acoustics, amplifying the music to the point where it was too loud for comfortable conversation. On a positive note, the chef's food was exceptional. She took the time to visit our table several times to ensure we were enjoying our meal, and her personal touch was much appreciated. However, the waiting staff, who were primarily responsible for our experience, failed to provide the necessary attention or expertise expected at a restaurant of this level. In summary, while the food was fantastic and the chef's engagement was commendable, the lack of attentiveness from the waitstaff and the poor atmosphere made it difficult to fully enjoy the occasion.

  • Josef V. Dined: 2 weeks ago
    2.3
    Food 3.0
    Value 2.0
    Service 2.0
    Ambience 2.0

    Reviewed on: Sat 19 Oct 24
    Dinner for three with a wine pairing costs R5k, which, by comparison is what you’ll pay for a world class gourmand experience at La Colombe or many Michelin star restaurants in Europe. The contrast in quality, experience, setting and service (in Pretoria!), could however, not be more starkly and unfavourably contrasted. The food is passable, but uninspired and unremarkable. Perhaps, and to be fair, one call out for the evening was the beetroot, hummus and seaweed salad. The mussels, on the other hand, should be removed from the menu haste post haste. As should anything punted as a “canapé” or a “cheese dish”. These were all, to be plainly honest, unacceptable. Perhaps the most disappointing element of the evening was the wine list curation (La Motte Sauv for R500), which lacked any sense of originality or flair. For the league and price point Aleia positions itself in, some serious introspection is required to plausibly think that a Beyerskloof Synergy could ever be punted as a “flagship” red to be served a main dish (Lamb) in the pairing?!I left feeling a little bored and a lot ripped off. There are better Pretorian staples as far as quality and value are concerned. More so beyond the Jukskei. I doubt we’ll be returning anytime soon.

  • Elaine V. Dined: 3 weeks ago
    3.3
    Food 3.0
    Value 3.0
    Service 3.0
    Ambience 4.0

    Reviewed on: Sun 13 Oct 24
    The food is nothing spectacular. More expensive than Brasserie de Paris and not nearly as good. The drinks were warm. The tonic water was flat. We waited very long to get something to drink.

  • Mphumi Dined: 3 weeks ago
    4.5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 3.0
  • Shoki M. Dined: 3 weeks ago
    4
    Food 4.0
    Value 4.0
    Service 3.0
    Ambience 5.0
  • Romchalee K. Dined: 1 month ago
    3.3
    Food 4.0
    Value 3.0
    Service 3.0
    Ambience 3.0

    Reviewed on: Fri 20 Sep 24
    Loved the mushroom risotto.

  • Brendan G. Dined: 1 month ago
    4.5
    Food 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 4.0

    Reviewed on: Mon 16 Sep 24
    A really enjoyable meal Great flavours and combinations

    2
  • Ferdie N. Dined: 1 month ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Mon 16 Sep 24
    Awesome experience with friendly staff

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Opening Hours

  • Monday CLOSED
  • Tuesday 18h30 - 22h30
  • Wednesday 18h30 - 22h30
  • Thursday 18h30 - 22h30
  • Friday 18h30 - 22h30
  • Saturday 18h30 - 22h30
  • Sunday CLOSED