Tucked inside the Catalyst Hotel in Sandton, Kashew Restaurant is one of those rare finds that works just as well for a romantic date night as it does for a stylish business lunch.
From the moment you walk in, you’re greeted by a space that’s modern — a beautiful blend of sleek design, warm lighting, and touches of greenery that make you feel welcome.
There’s a calm elegance to the place, with soft neutral tones, clean lines, and thoughtfully curated art on the walls setting the tone just right: Stylish, comfortable, and quietly confident. It’s the perfect restaurant to impress a client or to toast to a special someone. [view the full menu]
Settling in, we were drawn to the MAC ’N CHEESE BOMBS (R85) on the starter menu – and they turned out to be the playful indulgence their name promises. Imagine your favourite comfort food all dressed up: these golden, deep-fried macaroni and cheese balls had a crispy breadcrumb exterior that hid a molten center of mature cheddar and Parmesan bliss. Each bite was a delightful contrast of texture – crunchy then creamy. They come paired with a smoky tomato sauce that adds a tangy, slightly smokey kick, plus a dollop of cool sour cream on the side for dipping. A bomb of flavour that “explodes” in the best way possible.
To balance the decadence, we also shared a Green Salad. A medley of crisp lettuce leaves and delicate microgreens formed the base, topped with plump cherry tomatoes, black olives, creamy feta, and slivers of red onion. The salad was as fresh as could be – each ingredient popping with its own flavour, yet harmonizing together. Proving that even the healthier part of the meal could be memorable and full of flavour.
For the main event, we couldn’t resist the TOMAHAWK STEAK (R315) – a showstopper 450g cut of beef that arrived with a Flintstones-worthy bone handle and an aroma that made my mouth water on the spot. Flame-grilled to perfection, this tomahawk had a gorgeous char on the outside while remaining tender and juicy inside, thanks to the marbling that makes this bone-in cut so special. Each bite was beefy and succulent, bursting with that smokey-grill flavour. On the side was a pile of perfectly crispy French fries.
But the real magic that brought it all together was the chimichurri sauce. This Argentine-inspired green sauce was vibrant and herbaceous, loaded with fresh parsley, garlic, and a zing of vinegar – the ideal companion to cut through the richness of the steak. The garlicky notes of the chimichurri elevated the meat to a whole new level. If you’re a steak enthusiast, Kashew’s tomahawk is a must-try; it’s both primal and refined, and utterly satisfying.
Our second main, the PORK BELLY (R225), catered to the carnivore in us in a wholly different way. This dish features slow-roasted pork belly that’s all about deep, rich flavour. It arrived on a bed of apple and spring onion crushed potatoes. The pork was meltingly tender and packed with savoury goodness (each bite infused with that salty, porky richness that makes you close your eyes and sigh). The top fat layer was a bit on the thick side and the skin wasn’t as crispy as I am used to, however, the flavour was spot-on. The glossy glaze on the pork was delectable, and when forked up with the velvety potatoes and a bit of green, each mouthful gave a balanced bite of sweet, salty, and earthy. It was the kind of hearty, indulgent plate that still totally delivered on taste.
No date night dinner is complete without a sweet ending, and Kashew’s KASHEW KISSES (R115) were love at first sight. Visually, this dessert is an absolute stunner – three chocolate domes sit elegantly in a pool of deep berry coulis, dotted with fresh blueberries, shards of golden peanut brittle, and a sprig of vibrant mint for that final flourish. It looks like something from a high-end patisserie window, – playful yet polished.
Each dome holds a creamy, caramel peanut ice cream that hits the sweet spot between rich and refreshing. The ice cream melts luxuriously into the warm, tangy berry sauce, while the peanut brittle delivers that satisfying snap and nutty sweetness. Together, the elements dance between sweet, salty, creamy, tart, and crunchy – a true harmony of opposites. If you’re even slightly dessert-inclined, this is a non-negotiable order.
All the while, the service at Kashew was top-notch. The staff were friendly, attentive, and intuitive – the kind of service where your water is refilled before you even notice it’s low, and you never have to awkwardly wave for attention. Our waiter knew the menu well and was happy to offer recommendations. Despite it being a fairly busy evening, courses were timed nicely and we felt truly taken care of, which allowed us to focus on each other and the food without any worries.
By the end of the night, we were pleasantly full and utterly charmed – by the food, the atmosphere, and the overall experience Kashew provided. The combination of innovative dishes, a vibrant yet intimate atmosphere, and attentive service makes Kashew Restaurant a must-visit for couples in search of a romantic dining spot. We left with contented hearts and taste buds. Kashew Restaurant hits that sweet spot where gourmet dining meets a fun, relaxing vibe!
100 Weirda Road East Wierda Valley Sandton
010 110 1100
