Monarch brings a new character that’s in sync with the work and play ethos of Sandton’s 24 Central complex. The precinct boasts an office park, a night club and varied eateries that fit into this relaxed and sophisticated environment. Combining casual dining and clubbing in one setting, Monarch is the ideal place to eat and celebrate in style.

Fast facts:

Restaurant name: Monarch Sandton

Address: Shop 5, 24 Central, Corner Gwen Lane and Friedman Drive

Phone number: 010 745 1906

Opening times: Wednesday till Sunday from 11am till late

Average price of a main course: R356

Corkage fee: No BYO

Parking situation: There’s limited level parking with the option of underground parking available

Food type: Mediterranean- and South African-inspired small plates and platters

Best for: Midweek lunch get-togethers or sundowners as well as weekend party nights

The food

Monarch specialises in tapas made to share. They also have platters that cater for three to eight people, which are perfect for celebratory get-togethers. The menu is meat-forward with a small portion dedicated to vegetarian options from tempura zucchini fries, goat’s cheese and pesto-stuffed black mushrooms to chargrilled lemon and herb halloumi and Peppadew poppers with cheddar and cream cheese, crumbed then fried and accompanied by a sweet chilli dipping sauce. There isn’t much variation to the three salads that feature, but there’s the option to add either Moroccan spiced chicken or smoked salmon to a salad.

The barbeque baby pork spare ribs and chicken wings in the small plates are traditionally delicious. The popular burger sliders (3x60g per serving) highlight the Mediterranean as well as the North and Southern African flavours that influence the menu. Choose from Moroccan chicken thigh, lamb, beef and boerewors burgers. There’s a small variety of chargrilled wors pinwheels as well as beef and lamb kebabs coated in a Mediterranean marinade and accompanied by a tzatziki dip.

Seafood can be enjoyed in the form of tempura prawn ritz, steamed mussels, grilled falklands calamari tubes or panko crumbed hake bites. From the grill, the soft French-trimmed lamb rack with a rosemary, mint, honey, garlic and barbeque basting is a hit. So is the molten chocolate cake from the small dessert menu, which boasts a rich taste and texture with its liquid dark centre and a crunchy peanut butter ice cream.

Drinks

The drinks menu is vast with a great selection of South African wines. There’s a variety of cocktails, whiskey, gin, brandy, Cognac and liqueurs for one to party the night away with. The inclusion of a compact list of port and sherry is especially noteworthy, but these may not be readily available.

Service

The waiters and managers are attentive and friendly, but a number of staff, including those manning front of house, were not wearing masks. There’s a sanitising station as you enter. The essentials are also impressively covered at the tables with a standardised sanitiser and sachets of sanitising refresher wipes.

Ambience

It’s an inviting upmarket feel with large stylishly royal yarn drapes drawing you in from the outside. The subtlety of the dining area with natural tones and monochromatic touches is complemented by pops of fresh greenery. This green hue is extended into the bar and nightclub areas with velvet textures and walls adorned with elegant origami butterflies. This is a place where you can eat like a king and party the night away, inspired by the lavish lifestyles of St Tropez and Monaco.

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