This is my first time at Bellgables and I was pleasantly surprised at the very extravagant decor with an equally extravagant culinary experience. When I read the menu before arriving. I thought it was ok and too much red meat and didn’t think I would enjoy it. Well it was such a beautiful surprise to find the food experience well exceeded the words on the menu. Highly, highly rated ito extravagance and special treat.
Amazing and unique in terms of JHB restaurants. The Baroque style creates a memorable experience to talk about. Food came in perfect timing and was truly exceptional! Thank you!
The food is fantastic and it's an absolutely romantic place that feels like a magical fairytale on it's own. And absolutely brilliant if you require candlelight.
A real hidden gem in a beautiful setting away from the hustle and bustle.
Decor and ambience is stunning, way different from the norm with unusual seating. My husband and I were seated at a larger than normal table that’s definitely not for 2 yet tastefully decorated.
We were treated with freshly baked bread and butter. Starters, main course and dessert was really good and so was the service.
Food was very good. Tasty and flavoured. Special of Gemsbok was not as anticipated, a little dry. Staff are very friendly but a little more training For the sommelier- new bottle, new glass - would be be in line with expectations and the ambience. Conservancy fees should be in the bill or discounted. Should not be asking for cash payment after the bill is settled for the conservation fee. Nit pick small but irritating points. Make it a complete differentiated quality experience
Andries Christine Van Staden
+5
One of the places with the most interesting settings I’ve seen. Very beautiful Roman or Greek theme. Friendly management and staff. The food was also excellent. Prepared by chef Errol. One of the best restaurants if been to
All I can say is wow!!! Between the 5 🌟 food and the exceptional decor, service and overall experience, this is a place never to be forgotten. Set in a beautiful area with gardens to die for, you really do go to have an experience, not just α meal. Try it out for a bit of a spoil as it is more on the pricey side - but completely worth it.
Oh my, what a unique experience! It’s really difficult to describe the ambiance but this is a must go to!
Food was well prepared, staff very friendly and the deco, I will do it a disservice if I try to describe it!!! There is a pool area and garden for one to wonder around with bubbles in hand.
Amazing atmosphere and a dining experience! Service was exceptional and the food was superb! Awesome flavor and prepared with passion! One of my favorite restaurants for years! Always special and consistent! Great people and so relaxing!
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We had a lovely public holiday lunch at Bellgables. The drive there was relaxing and we were greeting by some springbokke (not the rugby kind just the real ones) when we entered the conservancy. Service was excellent, from parking to being seated, and I feel we got the best seat in the house! The complimentary bread was delicious and even more so was all the decor we were surrounded by. It was so different and interesting and made us think of places we traveled to. I had the fillet medallions for mains and my boyfriend opted for the kingklip. I loved the fillet and the accompanying sides, and I was glad to have leftovers for the evening! The Kinglip was beautifully prepared too. For dessert we had the trio of desserts. Usually we would have opted for the chocolate mousse but we decided to try something different. The sorbet was so delicious and creamy. The creme brulee was perfection and so was the white chocolate mousse.
We really wish we could've had more space in our tummies to try out more but we will definitely back. Amazing food and service and what a great way to spend the public holiday!
Beautiful and very unique yet novel experience for both food and art lovers. Food was prepared exceptionally good (starters: beef carpaccio & blac mushroom, Mains: springbok & prawn and chicken curry, Desert: Creme brulee) and the waiter was trained in serving etiquette, which was lovely. Would go back again anytime.
Ambiance was rather novel...Instead of candles in the candle stands, there were lemons. There was an assortment of eggs and alot of colour and antiques to look at, randomly laid about.
Waiteress was attentive to our needs, food was delicious. Starter was the seafood crêpe and for Main, it was the lamb shank. Ideal for a Sunday lunch...
Fantastic service with food that looks like it's art! Always a fantastic place to go to. You do wait long for food but it's surely worth the wait.
Tables are over decorated in the best manner!
It's my favorite restaurant!
Had the pleasure of finally making the journey to Bellgables (6th may 2017) when we arrived we found
No fewer than 5 Giraffe eating no more than 5-10 meters away so this was a great suprise
The entire property is so relaxed it makes you feel
Like you no where Near to the suburbs
So let's chat food....when we sat down we were met with a warm welcoming from the waitress and she suggested the chefs specials for the day which was filled medallions and/or duck so my wife opted for the fillet and I had the duck, the chefs starter was cauliflower soup which we both had....the funny part was I was telling my wife about finding a fly in your soup (as the joke goes) and whah happens well.... call it a
Jinx
We never moaned we simply told the waitress and carried on with rest of food
The mains were really fantastic and the service Great..... will
I go back yes to the rest of menu
Well done team Bellgables
The Creme Brûlée is out of this world. Astoundingly Good !. Great venue for a Romantic evening or long leisurely Luncheons. Service is good with attentive and friendly staff.
This is different, not a restaurant you go to everyday, but defiantly a place you plan to go for a special occasion. Amazing food with exaggerated decoration to go with the mixture of cultures on the menu.
Its very rare that you find a dinning experience as complete as this. The owners have managed to instill magic into everything making the entire experince so so special. The gardens, the food, the decor .... a must visit !!
Oh !!!!😁😁. My lord 😊😊😊. Yes please and thank you for this place. We have been going there for the last 3 years we go about every 6 months and it never disappoints. This is my favourite restaurant in the whole world, and really in the whole world. No where have I ever been to a restaurant like this, from the decor to the food a big fantastic WOW!!!! you have to have 3 courses you have to leave there as if it was your last meal. You are a queen 👸 or king 👑 in this decordant restaurant. There are not words for the service and the food and just the whole ambience. Please go and be decordant , be spoilt. Thank you.
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Where to start.. I had the pleasure of taking my cousin to Bellgables hosted wine pairing in collaboration with Haute Cabriere, Franschhoek and can honestly say it was magical!!
The wine pairing was hosted by none other than Haute Cabriere Cellar Master, Takuan von Arnim & Chef Patron, Errol Gobey (of course) and neither are new to the game of wining and dining.
As us ladies put our heels on and strutted down the steps to the reception area, we were greeted by friendly staff who presented us with a glass of Pierre Jourdan Tranquille and we settled in to chat and walk around the expansive grounds of what an only be described as an enchanting estate. Fountains, rich ornate antiques and artworks every where you look seductively lit by candlelight. What a romantic experience, for anyone in search of the perfect proposal spot!
It is impossible to not see why this award-winning country restaurant offering such exquisite fine dining experiences has picked up not one but eighteen American Express Fine Dining Awards over the years and I had done my research.
After being seated, it was onto the food:
Course 1: Seafood Bisque - tomato-based shrimp, mussel and calamari soup with a sparkle of cognac paired with...
Haute Cabriere Chardonnay Pinot Noir.
The rich, bisque flavour combined perfectly with the tomato base and before I knew it, the bowl was finished.
Course 2: Our starter was two delicious Salmon Roses. Smoked salmon trout wraps with cream cheese, lemon and dill stuffing garnished with lump fish paired with..
Pierre Jourdan Belle Rose.
These have to be some of the most generous salmon portions that I have ever eaten of a salmon rose. Great texture and the lemon and dill added a lovely tang.
Course 3: Our main course was the Roast Duck. Crispy roast duck leg and thigh served on a pool of reduced Haute Cabriere Pinot Noir and cherry sauce served with potatoes and seasonal vegetables paired with..
Haute Cabriere Pinot Noir.
Roast duck is a classic, but Errol's take on it and his ability to not allow the flavours to over-power the course is exceptional. The duck was crispy on the outside but falling off the bone once you got through the skin - duck perfection!
Course 4: A dessert of Creme Brûlée. Classic creme brûlée with caramelised crust paired with..
Pierre Jourdan Brut (Takuan's first vintage of the brut which is a rare treat indeed).
Bellgables Country Restaurant manages to take the most loved staples and classic dishes, but move them to a next level, both in presentation and taste. The portions are ample and you never get the impression that you will leave hungry.
Our smiling host, as busy as he was, made a point of coming to each and every table throughout the evening to check on our experiences and us ladies could not help but feel like absolute queens.
All in all:
Service: 5/5
Ambiance: 5/5
Food: 5/5
Experience: Priceless.
I can assure you that since this first visit, I have been back time and time again for their pairings (think Haute Cabriere, De Wetshof..), and never left disappointed! This is truly one of the top gems in South Africa but I will let the photos speak for themselves.
*Recommendation: A fine dining country restaurant that transports you into a magical, over-the-top opulent world of all art, antiques, opera and some of the best service that I have received in South Africa. If you have not visited Bellgables, what are you waiting for?
For more, find me on Instagram, Facebook & Twitter: LaurasWorldza
Been way too long, without any shadow of doubt the best place that side of the world, went for a wedding and the food was absolutely spectacular!! Need to go back soon!
Spent a Sunday here with my absolute bestie. What a lovely afternoon out. The decor is an eclectic mix, different elements catching your eye everywhere you turn. The bread rolls were so fresh in couldn't stop eating them. The halloumi bacon starter was definitely a winner. For mains I had the beef which was cooked perfectly. I would definitely visit again for a special occasion.
What an intriguing dining experience - felt like I fell into a time warp of mixed early century England, Italy, China and India. But wow, it was worth the sensory overload and the beautiful drive out into the countryside. The menu was exquisite, service was great, and the food, heavenly. #countrysidegem #bellgables #gravlaxsalmon #duckwitholives #lambshanks #merlot #joburgwinternights #fireplace #thisjoburglife #bellgablescountryrestaurant
Love this place😍 Food always delicious and presented beautifully. Decor may be over the top for some but I think it's awesome! Excellent service....I will definitely be back😊
Beautiful setting and decor. Fabulous menu and service. Everything just perfect for my daughters birthday today! Beetroot carpaccio was beautifully presented and tasted fantastic. Springbok loin succulent and tender and too awesome to describe. Then out of the blue my daughters birthday desert arrived. Beautifully decorated and resplendent with candle. Lovely touch and a complete surprise. Loved it. Will definitely be back . Thank you !
What an amazing place! The decor is so enchanting! I had the lamb shank, which was melt-in-the-mouth! Loooved the Dauphenois potato side, and although cold, the veggies were crisp and fresh! Dessert, apple crumble (the days special) let me down. The pastry was under cooked (raw underneath) and the crumble stodgy. Service was fantastic! My wine glass was never empty! Can't wait to be back!!
Bellgables is probably one of the best hidden gems in the Gauteng area. The setting is romantic and the decor out of this world. We have been going to Bellgables for six years and the quality of the service and food has been consistent. The menu is extensive and the food is made with a lot of love. Truly an unforgettable experience.
I'm glad I don't have the responsibility of dusting this opulent and extravagant place. A country escape well worth the drive. The menu choice is interesting, varied and beautifully presented. A party of 8 were delighted with trio of soup, lamb shank, chicken curry, venison in particular. Prices are very reasonable for this level of restaurant. The cellar is more than adequate but needs an attentive relook.
Had dinner at Bellgables recently... Wow! The restaurant is beautiful, opulent and so different from any other restaurant I've been to... Had the seafood bisque, lamb shank and the most delicious duck I've ever tasted! Did not have room for dessert because the portions were massive and so divine but most definitely next time! A must for a different experience off the beaten path :) Errol Gobey
The meals are as luxurious, rich and delightful as the decor. We came with a group of friends and each plate look and tasted delish as the next. The attention to flavours, service and decor made it a wonderful experience.
I can't fault anything regarding my experience at Bellgables yesterday. The decor is opulent, fascinating and beautiful. The waiters were all attentive and friendly, happy to serve. The food was delicious, we had seafood bisque, lamb and then the mixed plate of desserts. I will be back
Bellgables is a great restaurant in Muldersdrift. The food was spectacular. They have a great garden that you can stroll in if you have having lunch. A definite try if you haven't been.
Sadly I cannot post more than 3 pics to show the masterpiece of each course and incredibly elaborate decor of this exquisite dining experience. It was faultless, from the greeting up arrival to the food, which left me speechless. For you have never had duck & cherry pie, this is the place to experience it. It's a pricey day out, but so worth every penny.
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Patron Chef Errol Gobey produces a hands on dining experience coupled with magnificent decor at his amazing restaurant out in Muldersdrift near the Cradle. On this occasion he partnered up with the famous Simonsig Estate to produce a four course delight paired with the some of the estate's famous wines. The first course of a delightful seafood chowder was paired with a wonderful Sunbird Sav Blanc 14. The next course of a spicy chicken crepe (aka chicken roti roll) was paired with a heavier Shiraz 2012. The main course beef fillet was appropriately paired with the estate's renowned Tiara (definitely one to add into one's collection) and finally the dessert was linked to the gewurztraminer although I had insisted on getting my hands on the famous Vin de Liza instead.
Bellgables is about a dining experience and it delivers exactly that. Great food and great atmosphere coupled with some live music for the night and it is a night of wonderful entertainment. Arrange a driver though so that one can indulge in the extensive options of alcohol.
Rynhard Van Der Westhuizen
+4
Upon entering the Bellgables property, it was breath taking. It felt like a wine farm by the looks of things. The inside of the restaurant was in my opinion a little over the top. But i have never been one for many trinkets and decorations. I went there with my fiance , parents and soon to be parents in law. The service was very good and if you want to feel like royalty it is a must. Rarely find restaurants south africa mainly up towards joburg that has service like this. Water globlets with the opion of freshley cut lemons. A+ for service. The was delicous but again the garnishes a bit over the top for me. The springbok loin, perfectley cooked. The sauce a tad bit sweet. The black mushroom starter amazing. My fiance had the creme brule which was slighty disapointing. It was refridgerated a bit long, could see it from the water condensation under the custard in the ramekin. Really thought that they would use your real vanilla beans in the brulé. But defnitly a place to visit.
This is the second time I've been to this fascinating country restaurant and it still remains a treat to visit. It features the most unusual decor style but it creates a very dramatic yet cosy dining atmosphere and you never stop discovering new statues and paintings around every corner. The food is still as outstanding as the presentation. I had salmon carpaccio for starter and fillet medallions for mains. They were both outstanding. Desert was a plate with a small creme brûlée, small carrot cake, small white chocolate mouse and a strawberry sorbet, yummy! The place is quite far out but definitely worth while if you want to organize a special event, just hire a bus/taxi to take you there so that you can enjoy the evening in full.
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The restaurant is breathtaking! From the moment you enter the gates, walk through the garden & enter the reception room, you already feel the grandeur of the restaurant. Our table was big enough to seat 6 in a average restaurant but ofcourse you already know that this is no average restaurant. The tables are decorated with beautiful ornaments, fresh lilies and candles. The chairs are oversized with lovely cushions. The walls have beautiful pieces of art with great decorative pieces strategically placed all around. I spent quite some time admiring everything around me!
The food was amazing, not only was it delicious but it was presented beautifully. We had the Seafood Bisque and Prawn Creole for starters. For mains we had the Duck(perfectly crisp on the outside and succulent on the inside) and Springbok. For dessert we had the Strawberry Freeze and the Miniatures (trio of chocolate mouse, creme brule and sorbet).
The service staff were really friendly and gave us the space to just soak in the experience.
The only area of improvement I would suggest is that they tar & light up the gravel road leading to the restaurant. We were annoyed with the condition of the road and feeling unsafe because of the darkeness when we arrived but once inside we had the most wonderful evening.
I would highly highly recommend it, planning on coming back very soon.
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The venue itself is breathtaking..fountains in the entrance and pre dinner drinks on the patio outside the gallery with its weatherbeaten walls, aging columns, cherubs and elephants..vintage opulence comes to mind. With a glass of champagne to start the festivities we then moved into the restuarant. The tables are large and the chairs oversized and comfy..and a fair amount of time was spent looking at all of the table decorations. Glad I don't have to dust them...
Our starters were the highlight of the meal for me..brinjal stack and salmon carpaccio.
For mains we had the lamb shank and the fillet. I found the lamb shank to be too peppery but swapped meals and enjoyed the fillet instead. Only criticism was that the little bowl of veggies tasted like McCains with packet cheese sauce.
Dessert was a selection of chocolate mousse, sorbet, creme brule and carrot cake- too many different tastes on one plate..
The evening was a great success, good food, sublime sav blanc and amazing company..
Will I recommend this place? Definitely. But for me I would liken the experience to eating a Lindt chocolate. You can't eat it every day, it should be kept for special ocassions.
Wonderful evening. Food top class and presentation superb . Decor is fascinating and staff great . Cannot complement Erroll enough for both food and paying an interest in his customers. Will definitely be back .x
Had a super afternoon with my wife and her mother. Food was fantastic and the service efficient and unobtrusive. Wine list complimented the menu well
Philip Food & Wine Lover
+4.5
Visited Bellgables on Friday evening for a food and wine evening.
This place certainly has the wow factor with its stunning eclectic decor. The food was excellent and well presented, the owner and chef made us feel very welcome which all made for a wonderful evening.
I would like to come back in the daytime as the outside gardens looked so beautiful to spend a sunny afternoon for a lazy lunch!
We will definitely return.
Absolutely Amazing experience! Exceptional food and great service! The atmosphere is beautiful, feels like an art gallery! Fine dining at its best!
This gem is out in muldersdrift. The manor type building is beautiful, it's such a pity they don't offer accommodation. It would be wonderful to go for dinner and then just stay over. The restaurant is large, but so full of ornaments and furniture it can't accommodate too many people. It feels like you're having dinner in an antique shop, which is a novel experience. The service was good and the food delicious. Definitely worth the drive and even a second visit.
The best thing about this place is the very different BAROQUE décor which is superb. Even the table settings are very creative, different and special. A fabulous place for a special lunch, however, booking is essential, as they appear not to always be open eg some Saturday lunch times in Winter. The venue is quite far out of town, hence the lunch recommendation, the food is good but pricey. We had the soup starter, delicious with homemade bread, and then Fillet, beautifully cooked with a red wine sauce
Love it, love it! If dining should involve all the senses then Bellgables has got it spot on. From the moment you enter to be greeted by the myriad of antiques and Art Deco items, to the smell of the old wooden furniture and the delicious smells from the kitchen and the birdsong from the garden I was just immersed in pure hedonistic indulgence. The food as always was sublime and very generous portions. I loved the duck- not at all greasy and delicious sauce. What I love is the way the decorations on each table act as a screen between different guests and you feel very private without being in one of the dreaded booths. Not an everyday place- but for high days and holidays always one of my favorites.
Great food and a quirky atmosphere. The service was good. Three courses with wine came to R500+. Despite being a bit off the beaten path, it's well worth the drive.
Awesome! Welcome drinks outside next to a roaring fire. Incredible decor and wonderful service with Chef Patron Errol Gobey taking a personal and genuine interest. Trio of soups for starters - butternut, roast tomato and pepper, and cauliflower and leek. Incredible. Vegetable curry with naan. Miniatures for dessert comprising creme brulee, fruit sorbet and white chocolate mousse. Party of 8 of us and other meals included excellent duck and delicious kingklip. Highly recommended though pretty pricy. Well worth the drive.
I love Bellgables! Their food is specular, the decor is amazing and they waiters and waitresses are amazing !!! Will definitely be back!!!
I went here for lunch on a Sunday. The decor was very eccentric. It made for a very unique ambiance. The food was enjoyable, nothing exceptionally memorable, but I would recommend it for anyone looking for a change from your usually dinning experience.
Amazing decor only topped by their exquisite menu. The basque was the best I have ever tasted.
The presentation of the plates and attention to detail is out of this world.
Although kid friendly, its not a place for the hyperactive type.
Something very different but worth the drive if you celebrating something special. Interesting menu!
Incredible food and amazing experience!
Had so much fun.
Great to go during the day to walk around in between meals to experience the decor and art
I love country restaurants. The service is not entirely punctual or professional enough. Decor is over the top and feels a little confused. Wine list and menu offer interesting options but is just a kittle better than average. For a once in a while experience, I can recommend it, but it could be better. After all that glitzy decor does create an expectation.
Opulence at its finest. Excellent service and wonderful food. A definite must.
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Belgables is really a unique experience! So unique that it can really take you back when you first walk into the doors. One of my friends arrived before we did and sent me the following message "What is this place? It's like something out of a horror movie". To be honest the place isn't scary but I'm sure they could film a scary movie here. The place is filled with so many decorative items - not only on the walls and around the room but all over your table.
When you first arrive (after the long drive and subsequent dirt road) there was already a lady waiting for us in the parking lot and escorted us through a path in the garden filled with lit candles - beautiful! But I somehow felt like Lurch from Adams family was escorting us in to their house, hehe.
We were first seated at a waiting area where we were served drinks until the full party had arrived. We were then taken to our table. Our massive table. It felt like we were in one of those grand dining tables you seen in castle. This table could probably seat 20 people - there were 7 of us and we filled the table. The chairs are over the top and the table is filled with paraphernalia. You will spend a while just admiring everything before even looking at the menu.
The menu has a good variety - more starters to choose from than mains though. Service was adequate and nothing really stood out. Had the black mushroom for starters which was mouth watering and I found myself wanting to lick the plate. My wife had the potato and leek soup which was delicious.
When I saw the Duck and Black Cherry Pie on the menu I stopped looking at the menu. Both my wife and I had this. I enjoyed it a lot, but just felt that the portion was just too big - it was basically a pie the size for 4 people. My wife did however felt it was a little too sweet for her liking.
Dessert. I opted for the Strawberry Freeze which was almost like a strawberry tiramisu. This was ok. The menu said it contained frozen strawberries, which it genuinely did have. Full pieces of frozen strawberry which made the dish somewhat unpleasant. My wife had the dessert trio which she raved on about.
All in all, don't know if do again for the food itself but the experience is well worth it. Go with a group of friends and just enjoy watching them soak in the atmosphere and watch the pool of changing colours.
The decor is something to behold! As far as the food goes, the mains were excellent. But I found the sides to be a little bland and service somewhat wanting. Overall an excellent experience!
Beautiful venue with tons of atmosphere! Food is very good! Lamb shank divine! Service a bit lacking but everything else more than makes up for it!
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