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Insights at Sanctuary Mandela

Reviewers' Choice 2024 - Top 50 Reviewers' Choice 2023 - Top 100
South African
4 13th Ave, Houghton Estate, Johannesburg, 2198, South Africa
(680 reviews)
RRR

Attributes

  • Romantic
  • Outdoor Seating
  • Reviewers' Choice 2022 - Newcomer
  • Reviewers' Choice 2023 - Top 100
  • Reviewers' Choice 2024 - Top 50

Set in Nelson Mandela’s primary place of residence in the leafy-green suburb of Houghton, Johannesburg, Sanctuary Mandelas the home Madiba lived in after he returned from Robben Island, where he hosted the likes of Michelle Obama and Bill Clinton which later became the headquarters of the Nelson Mandela Foundation. Sanctuary Mandela is now a re-envisioned residency, a one-of-a-kind boutique hotel with 9 curated rooms and offers retreat spaces for reflection, healing and thought-provoking experiences inspired by the life and times of Nelson Mandela.

In Nelson Mandela’s household, food was more than sustenance. It was about tradition, family, home, sharing and enjoying meals with those he loved. In memory of his love for food, our fine dining restaurant serves as a tribute to his favourite dishes as previously prepared by his long-time personal chef, Xoliswa Ndoyiya.

Reviews (680)

4.7 out of 5.0
Based on the past 12 months
Food 4.7
Value 4.5
Service 4.8
Ambience 4.9
  • PEARL M. Dined: 3 days ago
    2.3
    Food 1.0
    Value 1.0
    Service 2.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Tue 29 Apr 25
    The menu is very limiting. I had trout and it was over cooked. The peas were very blend. My starter was not what I expected. I mean I don’t leave my house to go have sausage in a dining place for lunch. The wine list also need to be update. You have a very beautiful establishment. Invest in a better chef and experienced watrons. I wanted a desert and I couldn’t get it because the kitchen was closed and we were not warned. What makes it worse it was my birthday and the experience I had spoilt everything.

    Insights at Sanctuary Mandela responded on Wed 30 Apr 25:
    Dear Pearl, Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We are truly sorry to hear that your dining experience did not meet your expectations—especially on such a special occasion as your birthday. Please accept our sincere apologies for the issues you encountered, from the limited menu and overcooked trout to the lack of communication regarding dessert service. These are not the standards we aim to uphold. Your comments regarding the wine list, food preparation, and service quality have been taken seriously and will be shared with our Chef and management teams for immediate rectification. We’re committed to continuous improvement and genuinely appreciate your honest input, which helps us grow. Yours Sincerely The Sanctuary Mandela Team

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

    Reviewed on: Mon 28 Apr 25
    This was such an excellent dining experience. The food quality, taste, the service and the ambiance/feel in this restaurant (former home of Nelson Mandela) far exceeded our expectations. Special recognition to our inimitable waiter, Thabang, and the exceptional executive chef Xoliswa Ndoyiya...you both made this experience one we'll never forget!

  • Nay M. Dined: 1 week ago
    3.8
    Food 4.0
    Value 3.0
    Service 4.0
    Ambience 4.0

    Reviewed on: Fri 25 Apr 25
    TK the waiter was good. The head Chef , Mama Xoliswa, was Theee Best! Love her!

  • Fikayo Dined: 1 week ago
    4
    Food 4.0
    Value 3.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 4.0
  • Lehlogonolo B. Dined: 1 week ago
    4.5
    Food 4.0
    Value 4.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Mon 21 Apr 25
    A beautiful experience indeed. Enjoyed the house tour and the ambience is so peaceful.. the food was good too, luxury eating!

  • Diane S. Dined: 1 week ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Sat 19 Apr 25
    The evening was peaceful and interesting and tasteful (cuisine and surroundings) and lovely, adding up to a wonderful experience.

  • La Chenna C. Dined: 2 weeks ago
    4.8
    Food 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0
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Opening Hours

  • Monday 06h30 - 20h30
  • Tuesday 06h30 - 20h30
  • Wednesday 06h30 - 20h30
  • Thursday 06h30 - 20h30
  • Friday 06h30 - 20h30
  • Saturday 06h30 - 20h30
  • Sunday 06h30 - 20h30