Johannesburg’s Sandton isn’t just South Africa’s business hub — it’s also a melting pot of cultures, flavours, and stories. And right in the heart of it, Lacuna Bistro at The Maslow Hotel has unveiled a brand-new menu that puts South African food culture in the spotlight while adding a refined, global twist.
For food lovers, this is where familiar flavours meet innovation. Lacuna Bistro has always been a stylish escape in Sandton, but this new menu feels like a true culinary journey, one that takes South African heritage, fresh local produce, and international influences, and fuses them into something unforgettable.
South African Food, Elevated
At its core, the menu pays homage to South Africa’s food heritage. Think comforting dishes you grew up with — pap, chakalaka, milk tart — reimagined into something fresh and cosmopolitan.
One of the standouts is Pap “Parancini” with Chakalaka Purée. Inspired by the Italian arancini, the humble pap ball gets dusted with parmesan, fried until golden, and paired with spicy-sweet chakalaka. It’s playful, proudly local, and proof that South African staples can hold their own against global fine-dining classics.
The menu also tips its hat to Cape Malay influences with a tartare served alongside fishcakes seasoned in warm spice blends. This layering of cultures mirrors South Africa’s history of migration and spice routes while keeping the dish approachable for international travellers.
And of course, no South African table is complete without a braai influence. The “From the Coals” section of the menu celebrates open-flame cooking, with sauces like sheba (tomato and onion relish), peri cream, and chimichurri making every plate sing.
Seasonal & Locally Sourced
What makes this menu even more special is its focus on local and seasonal ingredients. From charred vegetables and nut brittles to creamy local cheeses and fresh greens, the kitchen is showcasing the best of South African farmers while keeping sustainability top of mind.
It means every season will bring something new to the table, so repeat diners can expect surprises and fresh flavours with every visit.
chocolate opera cake & milk tart
Global Flavours, South African Heart
While the foundation is proudly local, there’s also a cosmopolitan flair to the dishes. Think butter chicken fettuccine, gnocchi with butternut and chorizo, and a decadent chocolate opera cake. These global inspirations speak to Sandton’s role as a crossroads of cultures while staying rooted in South African hospitality.
For a perfect pairing, the chefs recommend the Maslow Beef Short-Rib Lasagna (this was my favourite) with a glass of Boschendal Nicolas, a Cape red blend that brings dark fruit and spice to balance the richness of the dish. It’s hearty, refined, and full of soul, exactly what South African dining is all about.
Food That Feels Like Home
Food and Beverage Manager Ofentse Morake and Executive Sous Chef Thokozane Shongwe want diners to walk away with a sense of place. Whether it’s the nostalgia of a milk tart that feels like home, or the surprise of pap transformed into something new, the menu is designed to spark recognition and pride in South African cuisine.
As Morake puts it: “If we had to capture it in one phrase, it’s Mediterranean with a twist — refined yet accessible. These touches anchor the menu in South African identity while elevating it to suit a cosmopolitan audience.”
A Culinary Bridge in Sandton
Lacuna Bistro’s new menu is more than just food, it’s a culinary bridge. It marries South African heritage, seasonal local produce, and global techniques, creating a dining experience that feels both familiar and adventurous.
Whether you’re a local professional looking for a taste of home, a traveller seeking an authentic South African dining experience, or simply a foodie who loves exploring new flavours, this menu promises comfort, sophistication, and a true taste of modern Sandton.
