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so subtle

Contemporary Fusion International South African
4.8 RR
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Attributes

  • Romantic
  • Outdoor Seating
  • Wheelchair Friendly
  • WiFi
  • Fireplace
  • Reviewers' Choice 2025 - Top 50

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So Subtle – A Dining Experience Rooted in Grace and Intention

Tucked within the tranquil embrace of Menlyn Boutique Hotel, So Subtle is more than a restaurant—it's a space where refined flavour, heartfelt service, and graceful hospitality meet. True to its name, So Subtle invites you to slow down and savour the beauty in simplicity, with dishes that are elegant without excess and prepared with quiet confidence.

Our Essence

Led by Chef Dikeledi Sibanda, our kitchen honours the artistry of minimalism. Here, fresh ingredients are celebrated, not overworked. Expect delicate yet satisfying dishes, served in a setting designed to calm the senses and awaken the palate.

At So Subtle, we embrace change gently. Our menu evolves organically, reflecting the seasons, the moment, and the subtle shifts that define our approach to life and food alike.

Rooted in Purpose

We are part of the WH Leisure Group and proudly live out our purpose.

Everything we do is an expression of that service—from the way we plate each dish, to how we greet you at the door.

A Space of Calm and Connection

Surrounded by curated art, calming greenery, and intimate interiors, So Subtle reflects the hotel’s promise of luxury and serenity. Whether you're seeking a romantic escape, a quiet conversation, or a memorable celebration, our space offers a sanctuary of taste and soul.

Opening Hours

  • Monday 06h30 - 22h00
  • Tuesday 06h30 - 22h00
  • Wednesday 06h30 - 22h00
  • Thursday 06h30 - 22h00
  • Friday 06h30 - 22h00
  • Saturday 06h30 - 22h00
  • Sunday 06h30 - 15h00

Reviews (157)

4.8 out of 5.0
Based on the past 12 months
Food 4.8
Value 4.7
Service 4.9
Ambience 4.9
  • Robert V. Dined: 1 month ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Thu 18 Dec 25
    Such a Gem in The Capital City, a must!

  • Kebotile M. Dined: 1 month ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Mon 15 Dec 25
    The best, a hidden gem that makes you savour the nuance in every bite. Definitely worth a visit for the sly culinary experience. The staff is so kind, professional and always happy to help. Looooved it

  • Erika S. Dined: 1 month ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Sun 14 Dec 25
    Delicious food and peaceful ambience

  • Kekiya M. Dined: 1 month ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Wed 10 Dec 25
    A very good and beautiful place to sit and enjoy your meal of your own choice. Very good atmosphere, with a very good service.

  • Altermann Dined: 1 month ago
    4
    Food 4.0
    Value 4.0
    Service 4.0
    Ambience 4.0

    Reviewed on: Wed 10 Dec 25
    It is a very nice, high level restaurant and everything is good but not really perfect. Some raffinesse is missing to make it really top. We were a couple for a dinner and had a nice table at the window to the terrace but sitting Visavis is not always ideal and our neighbor table was a bit loud, as often in Africa. The well chosen smooth music does not improve the situation much. The Margarita was well shaken, very nice. Both of us had a tuna salad for starter, with a caraffe of nice sauvignon blanc. The tuna is seared and quick fried in a block and served tranched on a tasty salad but it was slightly overdone. I'd prefere it just slighty seared and rare, chopped in large chunks. The serving in a dark bowll instead on a flat white plate, does not allow for a tasteful arrangement of the dish. The rib eye steak of my friend was very tasty and well seasoned but for my taste also overdone, served in relatively thin, too thin strips still making one steak in shape, served in a wide, dark bowl that again does not looks really thoughtfully arranged. My duck breasts were served nicely on a bed of mash cream of veggies and excellent al dente peas, with duck liver - red wine gravy, very tasty! But the meat was also slightly overdone. The Beyerskloof Synergy red blend was very recommandable. We shared the dessert, also very nice, Arabian... something, but again, something colourfull was missing on the plate. Esspresso thereafter was typically South African, too large a cup and the size of double portion, not creamy enough, half the amount of water at the same amount of coffee, in hals of the size of a cup would make it more real. The service is friendly. The portions are large and the pricing is decent, the value for money is good. In the Cape one would pay 50% more.

  • Leandri Prinsloo Dined: 1 month ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Fri 05 Dec 25
    We recently hosted our company conference at Menlyn Boutique Hotel, and the experience was exceptional from start to finish. In addition to everything else, we were incredibly impressed with the catering provided by Menlyn Boutique Hotel during our conference. Throughout the day, we were treated to a generous selection of fresh snacks, along with constant access to water and excellent coffee—thoughtfully prepared and always readily available. Lunch was an absolute highlight. The quality of the food was exceptional, beautifully presented, and full of flavour. The dessert that followed was equally impressive and thoroughly enjoyed by everyone. The care and attention that went into the catering truly elevated our conference experience. Compliments to the chefs and the entire team for delivering such outstanding, high-quality meals. We highly recommend their catering for any event!

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