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Featuring Chef James Diack at Basalt.

Revered for his passion and commitment towards sustainable dining and provenance, Chef James presents a refined tasting menu featuring ‘farm-to-fork' produce, sourced from Brightside, his organic family farm in the Magaliesburg.

With enthusiasm and natural flair, Chef James offers an elevated dining experience that is approachable, inspiring and fun!

Gourmet Guide Description

Food and knowing where it has been sourced have always been central to James Diack’s life, thanks to his mother Janet (herself an excellent cook) and the family farm Brightside in the Magaliesburg.

Each of the six courses in the elevated farm-to-fork dining Slow and Hearty menu – excluding the amuse bouche and friandise – is impressive, with layered flavours and smoky undertones. The Romesco-inspired Chayote soup with smoked potato and poached garlic foam marries beautifully with the red pepper and tomato soup and harissa aubergine crisp. The surprise is that it is both hot and cold.

There’s an optional wine pairing with a selection of boutique and small-production wines, with a knowledgeable sommelier on hand. The restaurant, situated in the original heritage house on the hotel site, is warm and intimate yet relaxed and lively, with no fine dining pretensions. One feels that Diack wouldn’t have it any other way.

Reviews (243)

4.6 out of 5.0
Based on the past 12 months
Food 4.6
Value 4.3
Service 4.8
Ambience 4.7
  • Nick F. Dined: 4 weeks ago
    4
    Food 4.0
    Value 3.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 4.0
  • Howard L. Dined: 1 month ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Mon 21 Oct 24
    Another excellent tasting menu at Basalt. James Diack is a genuinely passionate chef who cares deeply about the origins and the journey of the food he prepares - you can taste the passion. Wonderful flavours and a great evening out. Howard and Nadia

  • Wayne K. Dined: 1 month ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Tue 15 Oct 24
    An awesome experience all around!!!

  • Gerhard S. Dined: 1 month ago
    4.8
    Food 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0
  • Vicki O. Dined: 1 month ago
    4.3
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 4.0
    Ambience 3.0

    Reviewed on: Mon 07 Oct 24
    The food was delicious but it took a long time! Booked for 18h30 and only finished at 22h00 so be prepared for a long evening. The restaurant has more of a coffee shop vibe than a fine dining one.

  • Annette Myburgh Dined: 1 month ago
    4
    Food 4.0
    Value 4.0
    Service 4.0
    Ambience 4.0

    Reviewed on: Sun 06 Oct 24
    Lovely experience.

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Opening Hours

  • Monday CLOSED
  • Tuesday CLOSED
  • Wednesday CLOSED
  • Thursday 18h30 - 23h00
  • Friday 18h30 - 23h00
  • Saturday 18h30 - 23h00
  • Sunday CLOSED