The City of Gold’s not short of hotel buffets that rely heavily on same–old standards and throwback dessert-trolley staples, but Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff’s Champagne Brunch offering – which happens every Saturday between 13h00 and 15h00 – happily sidesteps the clichés in favour of a high-class free-flow brunch that includes an infinite array of exquisite dishes, immaculate service and a killer view from Flames restaurant. 

At R795 per person expectations are high, but the exceptional touches here make it one of our very top special occasion brunches. And considering what some of the dishes included go for on the à la carte menu, it’s excellent value. Of course, you get the spectacular views from the terrace, but the price also includes a welcome glass of GH Mumm champagne, one hot dish from the kitchen, coffees and teas as well as an unlimited choice from a wide range of cold buffet food stations including a selection of cheeses with crackers, homemade chutneys and preserves plus sumptuous sweet treats. 

The strongest suit here is easily the fresh fish counter, which offers super-fresh Knysna oysters alongside thinly sliced Norwegian salmon, seared tuna and zesty prawns. There’s also an impressive sushi counter that includes everything from freshly prepared maki and rainbow rolls to fashion sandwiches as well as a build-your-own poké bowl station. A gourmet salad bar and full Sunday roast area are among the other options dotted throughout the restaurant, with standouts including the superb duck-leg confit salad and excellent beef tartare. 

The sophisticated cook-to-order main course menu changes regularly, but you can expect the likes of grilled Cape bream with seaweed and caviar beurre blanc, lobster gnocchi and pickled shallots; oven-roasted chicken with polenta fries, truffle, Parmigiano Reggiano and broccolini; Angus beef fillet with pomme purée, broccolini and olive gremolata; BBQ pork belly with a soya honey glaze, butternut purée, pak choi and sesame seeds; and hubbard squash pumpkin with blue gum honey butter, quinoa, beluga lentils, edamame beans, pumpkin crème, ginger nut brittle and kale. You’ll struggle to choose just one of the enticing dishes on offer, but we recommend the oven-roasted chicken or the beef fillet for a classic five-star brunch. 

With the sky-high price tag, it’s a clear case of go big or go home here, so be sure to end your meal on a sweet note with some cake of the day, milk chocolate panna cotta, peppermint crisp tart, chocolate torte and macadamia fudge. It’s expensive, yes, but if you’re looking to brunch in style, it’s hard to beat Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff. Trust us – it’s worth getting out of bed for! Bookings are essential, especially for larger groups. 

Take note! 

Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff also offers a Morning Brunch, which is more laidback than the opulent Champagne Brunch and focuses on and celebrates breakfast items. This brunch happens every Saturday between 10h00 and 12h30 and is priced at R595 per person. 

67 Jan Smuts Avenue, Westcliff 

011 481 6000 

www.fourseasons.com 

Facebook: @fourseasonshotelwestcliffjohannesburg 

Twitter: @fsjohannesburg 

Instagram: @fsjohannesburg