The Westcliff Deli – Joburg’s Chicest Lunch Meeting Spot! [Review]
Daahling there’s no doubt that the Four Seasons Hotel is the chicest address in Joburg. With spectacular views, fabulous decor, and even more fabulous people, it’s one of the places you go when you’re feeling like you need a little bit of glitz and glam in your life. But sadly, thanks to its previous reputation as an exclusive place reserved only for the richer than rich and super famous, many Joburgers think of the spot as out of reach or a tad too snooty. But, I’m here to tell you that’s not the case at all – in fact, the The Four Seasons, the Westcliff is all about encouraging Joburgers to come in and enjoy their facilities to their heart’s content. Whether it’s sundowners while taking in the spectacular views from the hilltop at Flames or a casual lunch with the girls at Westcliff Deli downstairs, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at the oh-so-welcoming hotel. I got the opportunity to have lunch at the deli when I was last in Joburg and it’s now one of my favourite spots to meet with friends, colleagues, and even have business meetings in Joburg!
An easy drop-in spot for local residents and hotel guests, this streetside eatery offers a relaxed dining atmosphere that is sure to attract both the well-heeled and business crowd looking for somewhere to grab a delicious bite in a hurry or to sit down and relax for a little while. The small eatery offers both indoor and outdoor seating and is a great lunch spot on a sunny winter’s day in Joburg. If you’re looking for a quick fix then pop in and pick up a morning coffee and treats on the way to work or stop by and grab a gourmet sandwich or salad over lunch time. If you’re planning on sitting down then you need to check out the menu and deli counter which offers a wide selection of hot meals including pastas and stews as well as a create-your-own salad bar.
The boyfriend and I opted to sit down and enjoy the hotel’s ambience for a little while and tucked into a Thai Pulled Duck Salad (Duck confit with Thai marinated noodles, peppers, cabbage, carrots, and beans topped with fresh coriander, mint, and cashew nuts (R110) and a classic Bolognaise pasta (R95). While the prices might seem a little on the high side the large portion sizes more than make up for it. My duck salad was huge and I had to take it home to enjoy with my dinner later. I absolutely loved the flavour combinations in this dish and the rich duck paired oh-so-beautifully with the fresh flavours of the roasted vegetables. As for the Bolognaise, I stole a bite or three of the boyfriends dish and have to give top marks to the sauce – a winner of note! The portion was also massive and while the boyfriend was able to finish it he was suitably stuffed afterwards.
Sadly we didn’t have space for dessert but that doesn’t mean that we turned down the sweet stuff! We ordered two decadent sweet treats to go and enjoyed it at home later as an after dinner treat. We opted for a Blood Orange and Strawberry Eclair (R50) and a Peppermint Crisp Tart (R50). The Eclair was pretty big and chockful of fresh cream so I rather begrudgingly shared it with someone else, it was beyond yummy though and I would strongly recommend you try a freshly baked tart, slice of cake, or brownie when you visit!
To drink, the eatery offers a wide selection of craft beers, wines by the glass as well as soft drinks, and a selection of teas and coffees. For those wanting something a little more healthy, try a smoothie, shake, or freshly squeezed juice. The Fitness Shaker (banana, almond butter, honey, frozen yoghurt, almond milk, and dates – R55) is the perfect post-gym fixer-upper while the Berry Twist (mixed berries, low-fat yoghurt, coconut milk, and mint – R55) is a great way to start your day.
The Four Seasons The Westcliff is just 10 minutes from Sandton and Rosebank so it’s the perfect place for a lunch-time meeting with clients or colleagues and, of course, is also a great place for a ladies’ lunch. There’s so much variety on the menu that it’s one of those places that truly caters for everyone, no matter your taste. For a real afternoon of pampering, I’d recommend popping into the hotel’s absolutely beautiful Après-Spa for some treatments and then heading downstairs to the deli for lunch – girls day out anyone?
For more information on Westcliff Deli at The Four Seasons The Westcliff visit their website.
