Fresh seasonal fare from crispy salads to pastas to decadent cakes are promised at one of the latest restaurants on the Jo’burg scene, The Birdcage at Villa d’Este in Saxonwold.

Launched by local foodie Lara Meter and a friend, Sam Marvell (pictured), the opening menu includes delights such as Thai salad with papaya and peanut brittle (R60), pasta with mushroom, pesto and cream and walnut sauce (R55) blue cheese and roasted onion, and rump steak Panini with onion marmalade (R60).

Located a stone’s throw from busy Jan Smuts Avenue, The Birdcage – set in a sculptured garden and richly decorated with a collection of birdcages, art deco mirrors and Shanghai prints – should be a breath of fresh air into the city, Villa D’Este is home to the Camelot Group’s flagship spa.

The Birdcage is open to the public Tuesday to Sunday.
Call  Sam 083 749 1621 or Lara 082 927 1178