Situated in busy Sandton, The Course is the perfect spot for after-work drinks in style. The menu offers a range of dining options: a la carte, small plates and a fun quarterly pairing menu called The Quarterly Reserve that profiles a specific style of alcohol specially paired with tapas-style plates for an indulgent five-course meal or single-item tasting experience.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by The Course Restaurant and Bar (@thecourse_sa) on Jul 19, 2019 at 3:18am PDT

Fast facts

Cost: R200 average main meal
Parking: In the hotel
Food type: Continental, steaks and tasting plates
Star ratings: Food and drinks: 4; Service: 4; Ambience: 5

Food

The Course is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Breakfasts are simple and stylish, with a focus on doing fewer items well. The Course hot breakfast is the most popular: eggs with oven-baked baby potatoes, crispy bacon and roasted cherry tomatoes (and at R60, you can understand its popularity). If you’re looking for something a little more fanciful, the brioche French toast served with mascarpone cheese, maple syrup and a strawberry compote is scrumptious, as is the classic benedict.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by The Course Restaurant and Bar (@thecourse_sa) on Jun 11, 2019 at 3:32am PDT

What is wonderfully appealing about The Course is that, despite its rather exclusive location in the heart of Sandton, it offers a dining experience to suit every pocket: the chicken liver main portion with homemade flat bread comes in at R80; the 350g rump steak is just R130 (sides are an additional cost); and all salads are under R85. Plus the sides (coming in at R32) are delicious: the roasted vegetables are beautifully roasted and caramelised, and the skinny fries are crispy perfection.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by The Course Restaurant and Bar (@thecourse_sa) on May 7, 2019 at 3:33am PDT

If you’re looking to spoil yourself, opt for the salmon fish cakes served with a tomato-and- fennel salsa and mild curry aïoli, or the tomato-and-pea arancini in Napolitana sauce to start, followed by the chargrilled rib-eye on the bone with a pearl onion tarte tatin and marsala mushroom sauce. For lunch and dinner, the quarterly pairing menu offers something fun and different for cocktail aficionados, and the elegant small plates are refreshingly generous and beautifully plated.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by The Course Restaurant and Bar (@thecourse_sa) on Apr 29, 2019 at 3:45am PDT

For dessert, the frangipane tart with vanilla mascarpone cream, dried strawberry tuille and seasonal berries is just delightful.

Drinks

It’s cocktail hour every hour, with cocktails for every occasion: classic cocktails, brunch cocktails, quarterly themed cocktails paired with small plates and collaboration collection cocktails. Some are beautifully simple, others wonderfully OTT – whatever your mood, there’s something for you. The wine list is small and easy-going.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by The Course Restaurant and Bar (@thecourse_sa) on Mar 1, 2019 at 9:15am PST

Service

Friendly and efficient. The waiters know their stuff.

Ambience

The Course has won a number of design awards and you can understand why: it’s gorgeous. The entrance opens onto a plush bar dappled in bronze and gold, with art deco lighting and finishes. The restaurant’s every detail has been thought through meticulously and executed beautifully. Light and inviting, the space works for experiences in the morning, noon and night.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by The Course Restaurant and Bar (@thecourse_sa) on Apr 25, 2019 at 3:38am PDT

Best for…

Business breakfasts and lunches, after-work drinks and brunch.

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

Have you been to The Course in Sandton? Write a review about your experience using our free app.