Janse & Co is a relatively new addition to the greater city bowl restaurant scene, and it arrives offering bite and beauty. This new dining spot has the balance of elegance and interesting cuisine without the slightest hint of pretension.
Located on Kloof Street near the Lifestyle Centre, they opened their doors on 14 December 2017 to serve up what founder Arno Janse van Rensberg describes as “casual fine dining”. This combination of the best of things with a relaxed vibe carries through the entire restaurant, from the charcoal interior with warm, natural wood flooring, to the food itself. The staff embody the relaxed yet refined feel of the restaurant, offering efficient service without the austere air of some white linen table cloth establishments.
Janse van Rensberg’s impressive résumé explains the informed choices about who to include when forming a new restaurant. He successfully ran The Kitchen at the upmarket Maison wine farm in Franshoek for six years prior to Janse & Co. It is clear that the standards of up-market dining have lent themselves well to his new establishment, with a slight twist – rules no longer apply.
With the emphasis on “casual dining”, this restaurant offers a unique experience which allows the customer to take the tasting menu into their own hands and curate which dish they would like when. “There are no rules around the order that you eat (the dishes),” says Janse van Rensberg, adding “if you want dessert first then by all means, have it first.”
Should one choose to have dessert first, can the rest of the dishes hold their own and follow, though? Apparently so! The focus of each dish is on no more than three to five fresh, sustainable ingredients, and there are a number of interesting combinations to challenge and tempt your taste buds. Two of the most popular dishes are the octopus, sharron fruit, lime, coriander and curry leaves and the sunchoke, leek, buerre noisette, hazelnut combination.
All ingredients are sourced as close to home as possible, with the emphasis on sustainability. Guests have the option of three to seven courses with a wine pairing that introduces boutique wineries and winemakers from the Western Cape.
Their ideal customer? “Definitely someone who loves food,” Janse van Rensberg confidently replies, adding “though we do not limit this to ‘foodies’, those who are excited to try new things are welcome!”
The ideal time to visit the restaurant really depends on the experience that you are looking for, as there is a difference in atmosphere between lunch and dinner. For a relaxed time, Saturday lunch in the courtyard is best (weather permitting). For a busier, more electric feel at this urban spot, go for a Friday night.
Whichever you choose, book ahead to avoid disappointment and food envy. If done early enough, the restaurant can accommodate up to 18 guests at the long table, situated near the display of house-made charcuterie and the wine fridges. That, and their philosophy is enough make us dedicate a Friday night to this fine establishment.
Open – Tuesdays: 6 – 9pm
Wednesday – Saturday: 12 – 2pm and 6 – 9 pm
Closed – Sundays and Mondays
Contact – Email: reservations@janseandco.co.za
Call: 021 422 0384