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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 (248)

4.6 out of 5.0
Based on the past 12 months
Food 4.6
Value 4.4
Service 4.8
Ambience 4.6
  • Dino A. Dined: 1 week ago
    4.8
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 4.0

    Reviewed on: Thu 12 Dec 24
    My partner and i really enjoyed our experience at Basalt, the service from the moment we arrived and all the way through to the end was fantastic. Im a fine dining Chef that has worked at some of the best establishments in London and France and pride myself on knowing good food. my partner is a vegetarian and we often find it difficult to find a decent tasting menu where the vegetarian option isn't just an after thought. Luckily she/we were not disappointed, it was nice for me to be able to enjoy the normal menu and her the vegetarian menu, but still be able to speak about the dishes as they were very similar. the wine pairing is also a win. over all i highly recommend this establishment. thanks Chef James and the Team at Basalt

  • Neelesh P. Dined: 1 week ago
    4.8
    Food 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Sun 08 Dec 24
    The dessert was very disappointing. It felt like random elements on a plate rather than a cohesive dish. The other courses were great.

  • Manisha C. Dined: 1 week ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Sat 07 Dec 24
    My recent dining experience at Basalt was nothing short of extraordinary. From the moment I arrived to the moment I left, the service was impeccable—attentive, seamless, and welcoming. The chef went above and beyond to accommodate my dietary requirements, even taking the time to personally chat with us and explain the sustainability philosophy behind the menu. This thoughtful touch made the experience even more special. Every dish was a masterpiece, with beautiful plating that showcased the chef's artistry. The flavors were out of this world, and the combination of different textures elevated each bite. I also got to try ingredients I’d never had before, which made the meal exciting and adventurous. The cocktails were fantastic, adding a delightful flair to the evening. The ambience was brilliant—intimate, cozy, and perfect for meaningful conversations. Sharing this experience with my friend of over 20 years made it even more memorable. Basalt's ample parking and gorgeous venue were the cherry on top of an unforgettable night. Thank you for a truly remarkable dining experience! I can’t wait to return. Highly recommended!

  • Gavin and Kristy Pike Dined: 2 weeks ago
    4.5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 3.0
  • Francois v. Dined: 3 weeks ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0
  • Nick F. Dined: 1 month 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

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Opening Hours

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