In a city filled with steakhouses, Char Grill House in Bedfordview stands apart – not because it grills over fire, but because of how and why it does so.
At first glance, the restaurant’s open-flame kitchen, rich interiors and polished service hint at refinement. But spend an evening at Char, and it becomes clear that this is not simply about steak. It’s about memory, emotion and the subtle art of making guests feel genuinely considered.
At the helm of Char Grill House is Managing Director Matthew Freemantle, whose journey into hospitality spans more than 16 years across continents, cultures and cruise ships. His career began not in a traditional restaurant kitchen, but at sea – managing thousands of guests at a time and learning, early on, that people don’t return for food alone. They return for how an experience makes them feel.
That philosophy sits at the heart of Char Grill House.
The fire here is not the untamed blaze of a backyard braai, but a deliberately controlled element – carefully stoked, intentionally chosen. The restaurant uses dense Namibian hardwood, selected for its ability to burn hotter and longer while imparting a subtle smokiness that enhances rather than overwhelms the meat. The result is flame-grilled dishes that are precise, balanced and deeply flavourful. What truly defines Char is not just what’s on the plate – it’s what happens around it.
A central feature of the restaurant is its exposed kitchen, designed to turn cooking into a live performance. Orders are called like musical notes, flames flicker in rhythm, and guests are invited into the theatre of preparation. It’s a deliberate choice, reinforcing the belief that modern dining is no longer transactional – it’s experiential.
Service follows the same philosophy. Char’s team is trained in “selected service” – the ability to read guests, adapt pace and engagement and tailor the experience accordingly. First-time visitors are often offered a guided tour of the space, much like welcoming someone into a home for the first time. Regulars, meanwhile, are recognised, remembered and treated with quiet familiarity.
This approach has resonated strongly with the Bedfordview community. Since opening, Char has become a destination for date nights, business lunches and celebratory dinners – a versatile space that feels elevated without being intimidating. An impressive 95% of its guests are locals, a testament to the loyalty built through connection rather than spectacle.
Char’s team is trained in “selected service” – the ability to read guests, adapt pace and engagement and tailor the experience accordingly.
Image supplied by Char Grill House.
Char has become a destination for date nights, business lunches and celebratory dinners.
Image supplied by Char Grill House.
In a challenging economic climate, Char’s success lies in its refusal to follow trends blindly. Instead, it listens – to its guests, its team and the rhythms of the room. The menu evolves through feedback, the service adapts through observation, and the experience deepens with every visit.
Ultimately, Char proves that great dining is not about excess. It’s about intention, about fire used thoughtfully, about people treated with care, and about creating moments that linger long after the plate is cleared.
At Char, you don’t just eat dinner, you take part in something carefully composed – and that’s what keeps guests coming back.
Find out more: chargrillhouse.co.za
Bookings: Dineplan
Address: Shop 33, Village View Shopping Centre,Van Buuren Rd, Bedfordview, Germiston
Social Media: Instagram | Facebook
0 Comments