Johannesburg’s dining scene has never been more exciting. From neighbourhood cafés and hidden culinary gems to high-end restaurants that rival those of some of the world’s best, the city has become a playground for food lovers seeking more than just a good meal.
Sandton, in particular, has cemented its reputation as the city’s luxury dining hub, with restaurants constantly raising the bar to attract discerning locals and visitors alike.
One such destination is Tempo Luxury Restaurant. Since opening its doors in 2023, the restaurant has built a reputation for combining delicious dining with vibrant entertainment, making it equally popular for leisurely lunches, date nights and evenings that effortlessly transition into late-night socialising.
Curious to see what all the buzz was about, my husband and I visited on a busy Saturday afternoon to experience Tempo for ourselves. From signature cocktails and beautifully prepared dishes to the energetic atmosphere that has made it one of Sandton’s most talked-about venues, here’s what we thought.
Elevated dining with big flavours
I ordered the Slow-Braised Short Rib, served with smoked-paprika mashed potatoes, roasted root vegetables, and a rich red-wine and tamarind jus. It was everything you want from a slow-cooked beef dish, fork-tender, deeply flavourful and perfectly complemented by the creamy mash. The slightly sweet and tangy jus tied the entire plate together beautifully.
My husband opted for the Wagyu Burger, featuring a 180g Wagyu beef patty, cheddar cheese and lemon mayo on a brioche bun. The standout was undoubtedly the patty itself, which was juicy, tender and packed with flavour. We did find the burger a little dry overall, so we’d recommend asking for an extra serving of sauce. If you enjoy a little heat, adding some crushed red chilli gives the burger a delicious kick.
Cocktails worth ordering
Tempo’s Weekend Pour Menu is well worth exploring if you’re visiting over the weekend.
Our favourite was the Blueberry Baddie, made with Cîroc, apricot syrup, citrus and butterfly pea. It’s refreshing, beautifully presented and easy to see why it’s become a customer favourite.
We also enjoyed the Takahama Beach, a sophisticated blend of Hendrick’s Gin, elderflower, cucumber syrup, citrus and fresh cucumber cubes. It’s crisp, light and perfect for a sunny afternoon.
Luxury pricing with good value
As you’d expect from an upmarket Sandton restaurant, Tempo sits comfortably within the premium dining price range. However, if you’re planning a girls’ lunch or group outing, there’s excellent value in ordering from the Small Plates menu and sharing dishes family-style. It’s a great way to experience more of the menu without overspending.
More than just a restaurant
What makes Tempo different is that it’s clearly been designed to be more than just somewhere to eat.
The recently refreshed interior is brighter and more inviting during the day, making it equally suited to business lunches, date afternoons and weekend celebrations. As the day progresses, the venue transforms into a vibrant social destination. The impressive lighting, quality sound system and entertainment setup suggest that Tempo comes alive after dark.
Even during our afternoon visit, the playlist of nostalgic 2000s hits created an upbeat atmosphere without overpowering conversation. Another feature some guests will appreciate is that vaping is permitted indoors.
The verdict
Tempo successfully bridges the gap between a luxury restaurant and lifestyle destination. The food is well executed, the cocktails are memorable, and the atmosphere strikes a balance between sophistication and fun.
While we’d love a little more sauce on the Wagyu Burger, the quality of the ingredients and the overall dining experience more than make up for it.
Whether you’re planning date night, celebrating a special occasion, meeting friends for cocktails or enjoying a leisurely Saturday lunch, Tempo offers an experience that’s about much more than what’s on the plate.
