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AURUM Restaurant at The Leonardo: Fine Dining That Tells a Story

Published

7 days ago

August 25, 2025

Chiraag

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Dining Above the City

Perched inside The Leonardo, one of Johannesburg’s most iconic landmarks, AURUM Restaurant has carved out a reputation for food that is as much about storytelling as it is about flavour. It is not your typical fine dining spot. Instead, it has positioned itself as a culinary stage where each dish is a chapter, written with local ingredients, sustainable practices, and an unmistakable South African flair.

The restaurant describes its cuisine as eclectic, drawing inspiration from global flavours but grounding them in seasonal produce. From appetisers like seared kudu loin with red wine reduction to crayfish tail served with squid ink aioli, the menu reflects a philosophy that every ingredient deserves its moment to shine.

A Philosophy of Seed to Plate

The culinary team at AURUM believes that food is more than what lands on the plate. Their approach begins with respect for ingredients, with menus designed seasonally in tribute to sustainability. Diners can expect dishes that feel fresh yet thoughtful, such as exotic mushroom risottos, artichoke fricassee with lemon salsa verde, or pappardelle with Spanish-spiced lamb.

For those who enjoy a multi-course journey, AURUM also offers its Stella set menus, where mains like beef fillet with Madagascan pepper jus or locally sourced linefish meet desserts such as dark chocolate torte or their signature AURUM cheesecake.

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Image 1: Aurum Restaurant

A Bar That Sparkles

AURUM is just as serious about what is poured into your glass as what is plated in front of you. The bar menu features playful yet refined cocktails, from the Butterfly Pea Mojito with edible glitter to “All That Glitters,” a sparkling mix of Bacardi and strawberry purée.

Wine lovers will find one of Johannesburg’s most carefully curated lists. The cellar leans proudly local, spotlighting South African estates like Tokara, Creation, and Ken Forrester alongside Champagne houses such as Veuve Clicquot and Dom Pérignon. It’s a mix that celebrates terroir while keeping one eye on global prestige.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Beyond

While many know AURUM for its elegant dinners, the restaurant also opens its doors for lighter daytime fare. The deli-style menus feature everything from smoothie bowls topped with seasonal fruit to oysters with classic mignonette dressing. For a taste of comfort, the Aurum Express Breakfast offers eggs, bacon, tomatoes, and a choice of sides, proving that luxury can be approachable too.

And if you prefer something more relaxed, the OCTO Bar menu expands the experience with gourmet pizzas, bao buns, and sliders, making The Leonardo a dining destination from sunrise through late-night cocktails.

Service with Soul

Behind the scenes, the front-of-house team delivers the warmth and professionalism that define AURUM’s ethos. Their goal is to make every guest feel part of the restaurant’s story, whether it is a casual breakfast meeting, a celebratory dinner, or a once-in-a-lifetime event hosted in one of their private dining spaces.

For Joburg’s food scene, AURUM has become more than just another fine dining venue. It is a space where luxury and storytelling meet, where each course is served with intention, and where the city’s appetite for world-class dining is fully satisfied.