Brews & Bites
Alto234: The Sky-High Rooftop Bar Redefining Johannesburg’s Skyline
High above the heartbeat of Sandton sits Alto234, a bar so elevated it feels like it touches the clouds. Standing 234 metres above ground, this dazzling rooftop venue crowns The Leonardo, one of Africa’s tallest buildings, giving Johannesburg a new reason to look up.
Its name captures its essence perfectly. “Alto” means height in Latin, and “234” represents its altitude in metres. But it’s not just about being the highest; it’s about how it makes you feel. From here, Joburg stretches endlessly below, alive with energy and promise.
The city from every angle
Step onto the open-air deck, and Johannesburg unfolds like a living mural. To the west, the Magaliesberg mountains rise in the distance. To the north, the Voortrekker Monument stands tall. Look south to catch the skyline of Soweto, and to the east, planes glide into the sky from OR Tambo International Airport.
Every direction tells its own story. Sunrise paints the city gold, while sunset brings a romantic glow over the treetops of one of the world’s most wooded urban areas. Whether you’re sipping a morning cappuccino or clinking champagne glasses as the sun dips low, the view is nothing short of cinematic.
A menu made for indulgence
The culinary offering at Alto234 is designed by the team behind Aurum Restaurant, bringing refined yet playful dishes perfect for sharing. Guests can enjoy tacos filled with salmon or pulled beef, mushroom or chicken bao buns, and tapas-style bites like wagyu sliders, biltong, or honey whiskey chicken wings. Every plate pairs effortlessly with the vibrant rooftop energy.
The drinks list is equally impressive. Choose from a curated wine collection featuring Dom Pérignon Vintage, Moët & Chandon Nectar Impérial Rosé, and standout South African labels. The cocktail menu celebrates creativity with crowd favourites like Gold Spice, a mix of Johnnie Walker Gold, ginger, and passionfruit, and Citrus Zephyr Fizz, blending Grey Goose with grapefruit and lime.
If you’re skipping alcohol, mocktails such as the Tropical Sunrise or Green House Effect bring the same flair, colour, and refreshment.
Image 1: Facebook/Alto 234 Bar
More than a rooftop bar
With seven unique seating areas and room for up to 100 guests, Alto234 is more than a venue; it’s a luxury experience. Each section offers a distinct view of Johannesburg, creating a sense of exclusivity whether you’re attending a private event, a romantic date, or a stylish sundowner with friends.
The space captures the city’s best moods: the calm of early morning, the energy of afternoon light, and the electric buzz of nightfall when the skyline glitters like a constellation. As the tagline says, High. On. Life. feels less like a slogan and more like a state of being.
Johannesburg’s crown in the clouds
Since opening, Alto234 has become a symbol of Johannesburg’s upward spirit, bold, beautiful, and ever-aspiring. It’s where locals celebrate milestones, travellers capture unforgettable moments, and everyone rediscovers what makes Joburg shine.
Up here, above the city’s pulse and pace, you see Johannesburg not just as it is, but as it could be: limitless, luminous, and full of life.
Also read: Inside Circle Bar & Lounge: Rosebank’s Fresh-Faced Favourite for Cocktails, Comfort, and Connection
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Source: Alto234
Featured Image: Facebook/Alto 234 Bar
