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The LivingRoom at Summerhill

Reviewers' Choice 2024 - Top 20 Reviewers' Choice 2023 - Newcomer
Fine Dining South African Vegetarian Friendly
Summerhill Guest Estate, 9 Belvedale Rd, Cowies Hill, Pinetown, 3610, South Africa
(297 reviews)
RR

Attributes

  • Romantic
  • WiFi
  • Fireplace
  • Gourmet Guide Plated
  • Reviewers' Choice 2023 - Newcomer
  • Reviewers' Choice 2024 - Top 20

The LivingRoom’s aim is to showcase our provinces culinary diversity from product to plate.

Additionally, we strive to be one of the country’s flagships regarding sustainability and community development.

Gourmet Guide Description

Here’s a refined, immersive dining experience that blends sustainability with fine dining, seamlessly. Situated in the lush surroundings of Cowie’s Hill, this restaurant, helmed by chef Johannes Richter, is celebrated for its deliberate commitment to being environmentally responsible, using seasonal fare sourced from its own garden or nearby farms. Johannes, with his fine French culinary training and passion for Asian techniques, crafts tasting menus that rotate based on the freshest ingredients available, ensuring every visit is a unique gastronomic expedition.

Dining is intimate and personal, with seating for only 30 guests, fostering a curated and interactive encounter where Johannes often presents the dishes himself. Diners can choose between a five- or seven-course tasting menu, paired with wines carefully selected by Johannes’ wife, Johanna. One standout plate is the guava, fermented acacia honey, and bitter green sorbet. Inspired by the chef’s childhood memories of guava roll, this dish brings back those sweet and tangy tastes in a nostalgic, yet sophisticated, way.

The most evocative moment comes with the mabele sour porridge and amasi granita. This clever take on a South African staple whisks one back to childhood while demonstrating the chef’s ability to reinvent traditional flavours within a fine-dining context. It’s followed by another playful reinterpretation of a TV bar, made with amasi and sorghum, leaving guests with indelible epicurean memories, old and new.

Reviews (297)

4.9 out of 5.0
Based on the past 12 months
Food 4.9
Value 4.7
Service 4.9
Ambience 4.9
  • Natalie C. Dined: 3 days ago
    4.5
    Food 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Service 4.0
    Ambience 5.0
  • Fran L. Dined: 1 day ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0
  • Gareth J. Dined: 5 days ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Wed 18 Dec 24
    The experience was truly extraordinary. Calling the food 'world-class' wouldn't do it justice—it was nothing short of exceptional. From the impeccable service to the outstanding flavors, every moment from start to finish was unforgettable.

  • David W. Dined: 5 days ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0
  • AJ R. Dined: 1 week ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Mon 16 Dec 24
    It’s definitely on the pricier side for South Africa, but having enjoyed fine dining in Europe and Australia at double or even triple the cost, we found the quality of both the food and experience here to be right up there. Johannes works pure magic in the kitchen, while Johanna’s incredible wine knowledge ties it all together. They truly are a culinary dream team!

  • Daniel W. Dined: 1 week ago
    4.8
    Food 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Fri 13 Dec 24
    A world class culinary adventure in a relaxed and inclusive setting.

  • Sonja Reeves Dined: 1 week ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Fri 13 Dec 24
    A very special place. Food was exceptional. Went for an end of year Manager's dinner and even the burger lovers loved every dish! Staff are fantastic and very knowledgeable.

  • Shelley G. Dined: 1 week ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Thu 12 Dec 24
    Summerhill never disappoints….it keeps pushing boundaries, having a good play on sustainable produce, and producing works of art on a plate. They deserve all the accolades attributed to them .

  • Kim N. Dined: 2 weeks ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Sun 08 Dec 24
    outstanding. can’t believe we have this hidden in Cowies Hill.

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Opening Hours

  • Monday CLOSED
  • Tuesday 18h30 - 21h30
  • Wednesday 18h30 - 21h30
  • Thursday 18h30 - 21h30
  • Friday 18h30 - 21h30
  • Saturday 12h00 - 21h30
  • Sunday CLOSED