Where Fine Dining Meets Fire: Reign Restaurant Is the Culinary Crown Jewel of Emperors Palace

Crowned in Fire: A New Reign in Johannesburg’s Dining Scene

There’s a certain kind of magic that happens when food meets flame – and at Reign, it’s nothing short of royal alchemy. Tucked inside Emperors Palace in Kempton Park, Reign Restaurant is turning up the heat on Johannesburg’s fine dining game, quite literally.

This is not just another hotel restaurant with white tablecloths and quiet piano music. Reign is bold. Reign is fierce. Reign is where you go when you want your steak kissed by smoke and your seafood dressed to impress – all in a space that looks like it belongs on the cover of a luxury design magazine.

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Meet the Queen of the Kitchen: Chef Justine Joseph

At the helm of this culinary empire is Chef Justine Joseph, a name already known to Joburg’s foodies. Having sharpened her knives at high-end establishments across the country, Chef Justine brings a fierce passion for fire-cooked cuisine and bold African-inspired flavours.

Her dishes aren’t just plated – they’re performed. Think open flames, primal techniques, and perfectly charred finishes that let the ingredients speak (or sing) for themselves.

What’s on the Throne-Worthy Menu?

The Reign menu is everything but expected. Every dish feels like a signature – dramatic, flavourful, and carefully layered.

Cognac Pepper Fillet: A 300g beef fillet, fire-seared and doused in a rich cognac pepper cream sauce. It’s got drama, depth and just enough heat to keep things interesting.

Mozambican Chicken: Deboned baby chicken with a fierce peri-peri glaze, cooled down by a tropical mango chilli chutney. Comes with crispy lemon garlic potatoes that should honestly have their own fan club.

Gurkha Seafood Linguini: Prawns, mussels and line fish tangled in garlic, white wine, and coriander. Light, bright and unashamedly indulgent.

Chermoula Lamb Chops: Charred lamb chops over a smoky aubergine purée, brightened with pickled cauliflower and a bold chermoula dressing.

Pan-Seared Salmon: Elevated with parmesan emulsion, pea-mint purée, charred asparagus, and roasted garlic crème fraiche. Elegant and explosive in flavour.

Wagyu Burger: Because even kings and queens love comfort food – done the Reign way. A 200g Wagyu patty, triple-fried chips, garlic aioli, and enough saucy extras to warrant a nap after.

Whether you’re there for a stylish dinner, a long lunch, or just something unforgettable, this is fire-first dining with flair. Every plate tells a story. Every bite burns a little brighter.

Image 1: Facebook/Reign Restaurant

Inside the Empire: Glam, Gold and Glowing Embers

The space itself? Wow. Reign manages to feel both opulent and inviting – like someone turned up the volume on elegance. It’s all sculptural lighting, dramatic textures, and warm wood tones that echo the restaurant’s open-fire ethos.

And it doesn’t end at dinner. They serve everything from breakfast to midnight bites, seven days a week. Whether you’re rolling in for morning coffee or settling in for a late-night celebration, Reign keeps its doors open (literally) from 7:30 AM to midnight.

A Flame Worth Following

Reign isn’t just a restaurant. It’s a celebration of bold technique, fresh ingredients, and fearless flavour. It’s the kind of place you bring someone you want to impress – or just treat yourself like the royalty you are.

Next time you’re near Emperors Palace (or let’s be real, make the trip), step into Reign and surrender to the fire.

Visit Reign Restaurant

Emperors Palace, 64 Jones Road, Kempton Park
Open daily from 07:30 to 00:00
View the official menu and make a booking

Ready to take your tastebuds to the throne? Book your table at Reign and experience fine dining that’s unfiltered, unforgettable and unapologetically Joburg.

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Featured Image: Facebook/Reign Restaurant