Johannesburg, Sandton, November 2025: There’s a certain kind of afternoon you only find in the best cities. It starts with a lunch date, a bottle of bubbly or two, the sun slowly sinks and shadows shift, and the music matches the flowing conversation that might just move to the dance floor. In New York, it’s a corner in the West Village; in Cape Town, it’s a balcony in Camps Bay. In Johannesburg, you’ll find it in the courtyard at The Greenhouse Restaurant & Bar.
Part of the Monseca Hospitality Group, The Greenhouse has become known for capturing a distinctly Joburg social energy. Like Ocaso, Monseca’s design-led Corona flagship in Rosebank, The Greenhouse is built around how people actually want to gather, in stylish spaces that feel lived-in, vibrant, and effortlessly atmospheric.
Head Chef Leigh-Anne Knipe
Introducing: New Chef, New Lunch Menu
As The Greenhouse celebrates its sixth birthday, the Sandton restaurant is entering an exciting new chapter with the launch of its lunch service, now open from 12pm, Thursday to Saturday. Leading this evolution is newly appointed chef Leigh-Anne Knipe, who brings a wealth of experience from some of South Africa’s most acclaimed restaurants, including Restaurant Mosaic, Overture, Ethos, and most recently, Proud Mary
With her impressive background and creative approach to flavour, Knipe has crafted a menu that perfectly captures the spirit of a relaxed lunch, dishes that are approachable yet full of depth and character. Since the Shortmarket Club concept was incorporated into The Greenhouse earlier this year, the restaurant continues to honour that legacy of attention to detail, layered flavours, and elegant presentation, now expressed through a more accessible and welcoming daytime dining experience.
“It’s important to have variety on your menu, whether it’s vegan, vegetarian, or meat, so there’s something for everyone,” says Knipe. “With our Shortmarket Club background, we know how to create great food with a bit of flair, but the vibe here is more relaxed and welcoming than fine dining.”
Designed with lazy afternoons in mind, the new lunch menu offers everything from light, fresh options to richer, heartier plates. Signature dishes include succulent Sumac-grilled chicken thighs with corn cream and grilled peaches; indulgent Lobster mac ‘n’ cheese with Gruyère sauce and garlic-rosemary-thyme toasted crumbs; Pan con tomate, toasted brioche rubbed with fresh tomato, olive oil and salt; and for dessert lovers, the Almond and Blueberry Mess, an artful combination of meringue shards, almond mousse, blueberry compote and toasted almonds.
“Our goal is to deliver the kind of food you’d expect from a top-tier restaurant, great ingredients, refined technique, and beautiful presentation, without the stiffness or formality that usually comes with it,” says Daniel Rismani, Head of Operations. “You’re eating top-quality dishes, but in an atmosphere where you can relax, connect, and really enjoy yourself.”
From Noon to Midnight
Bathe in the easy charm of the courtyard, where sunlight dances across black-and-white tiles and rattan pendants sway gently above lush cascades of greenery. Curved sofas invite you to linger through the afternoon, letting time slow to the rhythm of the space. Step inside the main restaurant and sink into plush booths surrounded by abundant foliage and delicate, whimsical butterflies, an enchanting scene that sets the stage for a truly memorable dining experience
By day, it’s the perfect spot for leisurely lunches, whether it’s a delightful girl’s day out with cocktails (alcoholic or non-alcoholic), a smart business lunch, or a romantic rendezvous. Long-pour cocktails like the popular Henny Pot (Henny VS, Appletiser, elderflower, and lemon) and the G Pot (Tanqueray, Blue Curacao, pink tonic, and lemon) set the perfect tone for slow afternoons that stretch effortlessly into evening.
By night, the 180-seater establishment continues as Joburg’s First Authentic Supper Club, where dining in the VIP Butterfly Booth or one of the plush green velvet-lined seats by the bar is backed by the pop of champagne and a rotating roster of DJs spinning deep house, hip-hop, and uplifting beats.
Says Luke Dakers, Founder for the Monseca Group. “Everyone knows Greenhouse is a beautiful space, but most people still see it as a popular nightlife destination. They don’t think of it as somewhere to come for afternoon drinks, a date, or a really good meal. What we’re trying to do now is shift that perception, to show that it’s not just about the late-night scene, but the full experience.” “The Greenhouse has long been celebrated for its nights, but now offers an experience that doesn’t have to wait until sunset. It’s the same energy, just a slower tempo, a place to arrive for lunch and stay as the afternoon unfolds.
Bookings welcome for corporate events and celebrations. Lunch from 12pm, Thursday to Saturday, until late.
The Greenhouse Restaurant & Bar is situated at 24 Central, 6 Gwen Lane & Fredman Drive, Sandton. View the menu here https://www.greenhousejhb.co.za or book your table https://www.dineplan.com/restaurants/the-greenhouse-johannesburg-
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