Picture this: Your friends tell you to meet them at a restaurant. You get to the spot and look around for the place, only to realise that it’s in a hotel. Now you have to awkwardly navigate between guests checking in and you can’t shake off that uncomfortable feeling of not belonging there. Hotels might not aim to make you feel this way but if you’re not a guest, then eating at one can be daunting. Unless you’re at The Square Café and Wine Bar.
Why? Because they’ve included a separate entrance to their hotel so everyone can enjoy it. On a recent stay at the Century City Conference Center and Hotel, we were so impressed that we had to explore it in more detail.
The space
Located in a gorgeous square surrounded by trendy eateries, the restaurant’s comfortable atmosphere and chic design are a perfect fit. Its layout is divided into various sections with a spot for everyone – from the professional who wants to grab a bite while working to an insanely cool bar area where you can sip on drinks while seated beneath a golden cage. The terrace is the perfect place to enjoy drinks, particularly on a warm evening, but our favourite spot has to be where they’ve included a giant cushioned swing.
The food
A place can look like a million bucks, but that means nothing if the food doesn’t match up. Rest assured: Square Café’s food is incredible. Their buffet-style breakfast is world-class while the lunchtime harvest table is delightful. Better yet, it conveniently caters for all the professionals who work close by. You can enter, dish up and eat – all within in five minutes. There’s a range of delectable cold and warm options to be enjoyed as well as a small deli where you can grab something to go if need be.
Dinners are also a treat with light pub-style fare, full-on starters and mains, and yummy desserts. The Square has also just released a great tapas option filled with mouthwatering nibbles, including popcorn chicken (with actual popcorn dust), mac ‘n’ cheese balls (that will make you smile), and triple-cooked chips (which are pure perfection).
The wine and gin tastings
Upon request, you can book a wine or gin tasting with Michelle, the café’s brilliant sommelier. Wine pairings happen in the stylish wine cellar and are an intimate and exciting affair with six local wines chosen every month, paired with tasting dishes from the restaurant’s menu.
The gin tastings are something special. Every month, Michelle highlights a local gin distillery and creates an aroma pairing. This involves sampling various flavourings combined with gin and playing around with all of them to see which one you like best. Far more interesting than gin shots, right?
OF NOTE
When Daily, Breakfast 6:30 am – 10:30 am, Lunch 12 noon – 2:30 pm, Dinner 5:30 pm – 10:30 pm
Where 3 Energy Lane, Bridgeways Precinct, Century City
Cost According to menu
Contact +27 204 8000, [email protected], squarecafe.co.za
Photography Century City Conference Center