Earlier this year, former Five Hundred head chef David Higgs and restaurateur Gary Kyriacou revealed their plans for their new live-fire restaurant, Marble, that is set to open soon in Johannesburg. While the restaurant was originally anticipated to be ready in mid-May 2016, construction delays pushed out the launch. The team can now confirm that Marble will open its doors on 4 July 2016, with reservations being taken for 15 July and onwards.

David and Gary on site in March. Photo supplied.

Situated in Roam, the growing art and food hub of Rosebank, Marble will boast a grand wood-fired grill imported from Washington as the focal point of the restaurant. The concept combines the international open-fire trend seen in New York and Melbourne with an added dose of South African flair. Explains David, “Marble will embody South Africans’ love of cooking with fire, a quality that makes our food culture different from the rest of the world. I’ve long been fascinated by what makes South African fare unique, and I believe it’s down to us being meat-and-flame enthusiasts – the timeworn ritual of cooking on wood fires, and gathering with friends. That’s what Marble will celebrate – and not just meat, but all types of ingredients cooked on coals, including fish, poultry, vegetables and breads.”

A large rooftop bar and terrace will also provide a space for socialising and celebrating local wines, with views stretching over Johannesburg towards the Magaliesberg. Another exciting element will be the walk-in butchery – inspired by Australia’s Victor Churchill – that will form part of the downstairs area. This will give guests the opportunity to take home the same cuts of meat they enjoyed at the 250-seater restaurant above.

Marble is currently recruiting chefs, waiters, barmen and receptionists. Email info@marble.restaurant to get in touch.