A photo posted by Glenda’s (@glendas_restaurant) on Jun 15, 2016 at 9:11am PDT

Glenda Lederle has waved her culinary magic wand once again to enchant Joburgers with her eponymous eatery in Hyde Corner on Jan Smuts Avenue in Johannesburg, says Eat Out critic Thando Ndabezitha.

The people

Many years ago, Glenda ran the beloved Patisserie in Illovo before opening up Katerina’s restaurant at Kurland Estate outside of Plettenberg Bay. In the last few years she’s been travelling and working through Europe and America, with her adventures culminating in the opening of Glenda’s.

A photo posted by Glenda’s (@glendas_restaurant) on May 26, 2016 at 11:38pm PDT

 

Food

Glenda’s is really quite an enchanting space – but what makes it even more difficult to leave is the delicious food. The breakfast menu delivers the goods, with traditional dishes like poached eggs, ‘eggs in purgatory’ (eggs poached in spicy tomato sauce with sourdough toast and coriander), and All-Bran served with a jug of milk and sliced bananas, as well as signature dishes like the grapefruit carpaccio with pistachio, labne, pomegranate and rose syrup. All breads, tarts, pies, croissants, muffins and desserts are made on the premises, and taste fresh and original.

The stilton leek tart (R65) makes for a pleasant starter and the portion is just the right size, leaving some room to indulge in a main course afterwards. There’s some kale in the tart, making the flavour combination quite delightful for those who love their greens, which I do.

A photo posted by Glenda’s (@glendas_restaurant) on Jun 16, 2016 at 8:13am PDT

Another recommended Glenda’s item is the unusual salt-and-pepper calamari with pineapple chilli (R65). For mains, I love the salmon cake (R150), which is served with spinach, capers and rocket mayo. The mayo makes the meal unique in taste and presentation; it tastes as good as it looks, with the various flavours perfectly complementing each other.

I also try the wonderful artichoke gratin with French bread and rocket (R95). It’s quite rich in flavour, with the artichokes beautifully cooked and complemented by the strong cheese flavour. Prices overall are quite reasonable with mains ranging from R95 to R170 (steak and chips, or rotisserie chicken for two). There are also bar snacks such as crispy chicken wings and cheesy choux puffs for those who just feel peckish. Dessert is R65 and includes options like orange trifle, vanilla flan and chocolate parfait with homemade ice cream, amongst other delicious-sounding treats.

 

A photo posted by Glenda’s (@glendas_restaurant) on Jun 9, 2016 at 6:47am PDT

 

Drinks

Glenda’s has a wide selection of non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks, with the traditional range of hot caffeinated beverages, teas and cold drinks. I have a cappuccino (R22), which was perfect for the June Joburg weather. They also offer a selection of red and white wine, rosé, cocktails, draughts, and some sauvignon blancs and chenin blanc available by the glass.

A photo posted by Glenda’s (@glendas_restaurant) on Apr 11, 2016 at 6:29am PDT

While the closing times for the kitchen (2pm) may be somewhat limiting for those who would prefer a much later lunch, the establishment does open for supper later on in the week from 6pm. Also, although the kitchen may be closed, the restaurant remains open for drinks at Choux Choux lounge, where you can quaff champagne and indulge in the type of melt-in-your-mouth pastries that made Glenda one of Joburg’s most loved pastry queens.

Service

Glenda and her team are warm and friendly, and treat all guests like regulars.

Ambience

Entering the high-tea-themed restaurant feels like being transported to one of Enid Blyton’s magical faraway lands, thanks to the fantasy-garden-themed décor of with mural paintings of flowers and birds, teal-coloured couches, pink sofas and white tablecloth-covered square tables with their dainty cutlery and glass vases bearing real roses. Large windows, skylights and mirrors welcome plenty of light inside. While the great décor, music, and delicious, lovingly prepared food make this an appealing spot, it’s the overall warm atmosphere and hospitality that will keep you coming back to Glenda’s.

And…

Stopping to grab some pastries after work at the Dotty Choux, the restaurant’s takeaway counter, is not a bad idea. The eatery is open 7am to 5pm Monday and Tuesday, 7am to 10pm Wednesday to Saturday, and 8.30am to 1.30pm on Sunday.

Have you been to Glenda’s in Hyde Corner yet? Tell us about it in a review.

Eat Out critics dine anonymously and pay for their meals in full. Read our editorial policy here.