Flames at Four Seasons The Westcliff

Flames is the fine-dining restaurant at the Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff, 67 Jan Smuts Avenue, Westcliff, Johannesburg, Gauteng. The hotel is set on the Westcliff ridge, and the restaurant's terrace looks across the treetops and suburbs toward the city, giving one of the higher vantage points among Johannesburg's hotel restaurants. The cooking is contemporary fine dining, and the offering centres on a chef's tasting menu, grilled meats and seasonal desserts. The tasting menu is the natural choice for a special occasion, with courses paced over an evening, while à la carte choices allow a shorter meal. The kitchen works with local and seasonal ingredients, and the grilled dishes reflect the restaurant's name. The dining room is elegant and quiet, with attentive hotel-standard service, and the mood is more romantic and celebratory than casual; smart dress is expected and jackets are common among male diners. The terrace is the most sought-after seating in fine weather. The beverage programme is that of a luxury hotel, with a wine list focused on South African producers alongside international bottles, cocktails from the hotel bar and a sommelier or wine steward to advise on pairings. Prices are at the top end for Johannesburg, and tasting menus with wine pairings are a significant spend. Flames is a dinner-service restaurant, and current opening days should be checked on flamesrestaurant.co.za, as they can change with the season. Reservations are required, and because covers are limited, booking several days ahead for weekends and special occasions is sensible. Bookings can be made on +27 11 481 6000 or through flamesrestaurant.co.za. The Westcliff is a residential hillside area close to the Zoo Lake and Parktown, and the hotel has its own parking and driver services, so guests staying in the hotel can reach the restaurant with no travel at all.