We don’t typically do restaurant reviews here. Let’s be clear about that from the start. But every so often, you stumble into a space that doesn’t just serve food—it serves a moment. A curated, considered, finely crafted moment. Aurum, tucked into the 7th floor of The Leonardo, is exactly that.
More Than Just Dinner
Coming off the rooftop glow of Alto 234, where the cityscape steals the spotlight, descending into Aurum feels like stepping into a different kind of luxury—one rooted not in altitude, but in aesthetic. It’s a restaurant, yes. But it’s also a gallery. A showroom. A stage.
The space is bathed in golden tones and brushed steel that ripples overhead like liquid metal. The chairs? Think R10,000-a-piece designer lounge seating that wouldn’t look out of place in an art collector’s penthouse. Every table setting is deliberate. Every detail measured. And while it never crosses into cold minimalism, there’s no doubt you’re in rarefied air here.
The Crowd, the Vibe
Aurum leans romantic and hushed, the kind of place where conversations are soft, glances are lingering, and the occasional diamond bracelet catches the candlelight. The crowd? Definitely the well-heeled kind. High society types, soft-spoken professionals, maybe the occasional mogul. You feel it in the way people sit, the way they speak, the way the staff moves—unseen, yet always present.
There’s a sense that this isn’t just dining. It’s an affair. A quiet flex. A subtle kind of exclusivity that’s not announced—but very much understood.
Service That Knows Its Place
The service at Aurum doesn’t beg for attention, and why would they. It’s quiet, confident, and perfectly paced. You’re never left looking for help, but you’re also never interrupted or hovered over. It’s as if the staff operates on instinct: your glass is refilled just before you notice it’s low, your plate cleared with a nod, not a monologue. It’s refreshing.
There’s no forced charm or rehearsed theatrics, just thoughtful, intentional service. The team clearly understands their guests and delivers accordingly: present, precise, and professional. They’ve nailed the basics and chosen to let that be enough, and frankly, I couldn’t agree more.
It won’t dazzle you with flair, but it leaves you quietly impressed by just how seamless dining can feel when every detail is handled with care.
Design Worth the Visit
It’s impossible to talk about Aurum without circling back to the design. The gold wave-like steel structure above you doesn’t just decorate, it defines the experience. It draws your eye upward, opens the space, gives it movement. The slanted Glass with the strong contrast of steel and raw concrete, just works. The lighting is moody but precise, and nothing feels accidental. Every inch has been touched by someone with vision, and budget.
There’s a certain reverence that sets in once you sit down. Maybe it’s the acoustics, the subtle luxe, the way the staff speaks. But you realize pretty quickly: this place isn’t for plebs, like ourselves. It’s not built to be approachable. It’s built to be iconic.
The Food
Let’s be honest — we didn’t just show up to admire the gold-swept ceiling or the R10,000 chairs. We came to eat. And at Aurum, the food holds its own, delivering a refined journey that engages your senses and elevates the entire experience.
For Starters, we kicked things off with the Calamari — grilled squid with just the right amount of char, served alongside a smooth Cajun crema and a refreshing cucumber salsa. Light yet flavourful, it struck a perfect balance between heat and freshness. From the first bite, you know you’re not in fast-food territory. This is food with intention.
For mains, I went with the Peppercorn-Crusted Beef Fillet, tender and deeply flavourful, resting on a bed of moussaka dauphine, rich, comforting, and texturally spot-on. Crowning it was a delicate, cheesy crisp I still can’t name, but I’d happily write it into my will. It was that good. My only regret was not getting a sauce.
Across the table, my partner’s Roasted Duck Confit arrived to a subtle wave of jealousy. Perfectly crisp rosemary duck legs, rich and succulent, plated on a bed of vibrant vegetables and tied together with a glossy vanilla and cherry jus. A beautifully executed dish — layered, well-seasoned, and balanced.
Dessert was no less indulgent. The Aurum Magnum — a house signature — was silky smooth with just enough decadence, we went with salted caramel and every bite delivered contrast and comfort. We also shared a Blueberry & Pistachio dessert, a bit mysterious in its construction, but an absolute hit. The nuttiness of the pistachio paired with the fruity sweetness of the blueberry made it one of the most unexpectedly satisfying parts of the evening.
One of the true highlights of the night? The L’Avenir Chenin Blanc, a recommendation from the sommelier that turned out to be spot-on. Light, crisp, and beautifully layered, it carried us effortlessly through every course. It was elegant without being fussy, and surprisingly well-priced for the setting. I’ll admit, I’m usually the guy who orders red with steak, old habits die hard, but this pairing won me over completely. Consider me converted.
Food Aside, lets talk price, let’s not kid ourselves — this isn’t where you come to pinch pennies. Even if you order with restraint, you’re still clocking in at around R700 per person, and that’s before wine, dessert, or any spontaneous moments of “YOLO”, If you’d like to see the menu before you go, can find it here. While the food is refined and the portions elegant (which is a nice way of saying small), the whole experience feels indulgent in the best way. Just maybe don’t arrive starving, unless your post-dinner plans include a cheeseburger detour.
Still, if you’re here for the mood, the magic, and a taste of the high life, you won’t feel short-changed. Just… maybe have lunch beforehand and budget like a grown-up.
Our Ratings
Value for Money: ★★★☆☆
Aurum is a splurge. While the quality and presentation are undeniable, portions are refined and prices are steep. Ideal for special occasions, not casual nights out.
Experience & Service: ★★★★☆
Service was polished and attentive without being overbearing. The overall experience leans into elegance, with a fine balance of hospitality and restraint.
Uniqueness & Atmosphere: ★★★★★
More than just a restaurant—Aurum feels like an art installation. The gold wave ceiling, statement furniture, and sophisticated ambiance elevate it well beyond the usual.
Convenience & Accessibility: ★★★☆☆
Located within The Leonardo, the entrance is discreet and the vibe exclusive. Once you know the route, it’s easy enough to navigate, but it’s not the most intuitive for first-timers.
Would I Recommend It?
Yes—for anniversaries, romantic evenings, or when you want to feel like part of Johannesburg’s upper crust. Just be ready to pay for the privilege.
Final Verdict: A Very Good Stop
Aurum doesn’t just serve food, it serves spectacle. While we don’t usually cover traditional sit-down dining spots, this one demanded a write-up. It’s not your everyday indulgence, but then again, it’s not pretending to be.
Come dressed with purpose, come with a budget, and come ready to experience something deliberately elevated.
It’s not warm and fuzzy, but it’s unforgettable.