The Shortmarket Club, nestled in the vibrant heart of Rosebank, Johannesburg, offers an elevated dining experience that seamlessly blends contemporary flair with classic European dining traditions. With its chic, modern interiors and an ambiance that strikes a perfect balance between sophistication and warmth, the restaurant exudes a relaxed yet refined atmosphere ideal for both casual gatherings and special occasions.
As an upmarket European-style brasserie, The Shortmarket Club stands out for its innovative approach to modern European cuisine, which is infused with subtle Asian influences. The menu is a thoughtful fusion of bold flavours and delicate techniques, where familiar European dishes are reimagined with fresh, vibrant twists, drawing on the complexity of Asian ingredients and spices. The restaurant offers an à la carte menu that presents a variety of meticulously crafted dishes, as well as a tasting menu designed to provide guests with a curated journey through the kitchen’s best offerings.
The flexibility of both the à la carte and tasting menu options ensures that there is something for everyone – whether you’re in the mood for a leisurely multi-course experience or prefer to choose individual dishes tailored to your personal tastes. The à la carte menu allows guests to explore a variety of expertly prepared appetizers, mains, and desserts, while the tasting menu offers an opportunity to indulge in a carefully curated selection of dishes, showcasing the chef’s creativity and seasonal inspirations.
We had an opportunity to try both their a la carter and tasting menus which were equally impressive. You can read our review of the tasting menu [here].
From the a la carter menu, our dining experience began with an unusual yet delightful dish – Calamari on a Pancake. The dish immediately caught our attention, both visually and in flavour. The calamari was expertly cooked, tender and delicately seasoned, with the pancake providing a surprising base. Light and slightly savoury, the pancake was an unexpected but excellent choice, offering a soft contrast to the firm texture of the seafood.
The Coriander Velouté was smooth and fragrant, with the fresh, herbaceous flavours of coriander adding depth to the dish. The Chilli Emulsion introduced a subtle heat that danced on our tongues, perfectly balancing the velouté’s creaminess. To round off the dish, the Red Onion Salad provided a fresh, crisp contrast, with the sharpness of the onions cutting through the richness of the velouté and pancake. Altogether, this was an inventive and beautifully balanced starter that set the tone for the rest of the meal.
For the main course, we opted for the Grass-Fed T-Bone, a dish that proved to be as satisfying as it was indulgent. The steak was cooked to perfection, with a tender, juicy interior that showcased the natural flavours of the high-quality grass-fed beef. The Bordelaise Jus added an extra layer of richness and depth, enhancing the steak’s flavour without overwhelming it. The accompanying Roasted Potatoes were golden and crispy on the outside, fluffy and soft on the inside – an ideal pairing with the steak.
The Broccoli, cooked to retain a bit of crunch, added a refreshing contrast to the heavier components of the dish, while the Creamed Spinach was indulgent and velvety, providing the perfect creamy counterpoint to the robust flavours of the meat and jus. The entire plate was a celebration of classic steakhouse flavours, elevated with expert technique and thoughtful pairings. This dish was hearty, satisfying, and full of comforting flavours – everything one could want from a steak dinner.
For dessert, we chose the Pina Colada which was a light and tropical delight, with Coconut Sorbet providing a creamy and refreshing start. The coconut flavour was smooth and not too sweet, perfectly complemented by the tangy Pineapple Jelly, which added a burst of fruitiness and acidity. The Coconut & Rum Cake was flavourful and brought a delightful richness to the dish, while the hint of rum made it feel like a true pina colada in dessert form. The balance of flavours from the tangy pineapple to the creamy coconut – was spot on. We appreciated how the dessert was both indulgent and light at the same time. It was a perfect way to end the meal on a high note, leaving us with a sweet, tropical aftertaste.
Throughout the night, we thoroughly enjoyed the creative and refreshing cocktails too. The Shortmarket Club, featuring Malfy Originale and expertly mixed with Dry Vermouth, raspberry, lime, and egg white, was a delightful blend of sweet and tart flavours. The Brazilian Elder, starring Monkey 47, elderflower, muddled basil, and cucumber, offered a refreshing and aromatic experience. The Saladito, with Avion Resposado, roasted jalapeno, pineapple cordial, and lime juice, provided a perfect balance of smoky and sweet notes. Lastly, the Thai Green Curry cocktail, combining Absolut Vodka, litchi, chili, coconut syrup, and lemongrass, was an innovative and exotic delight that truly stood out. Each cocktail was a testament to the bar’s commitment to unique and high-quality drinks.
We left The Shortmarket Club thoroughly impressed with both the food and the overall dining experience. The a la carte menu is a celebration of both classic and contemporary flavours, each dish executed with care and precision. Whether you’re a fan of seafood, red meat, or tropical desserts, the restaurant delivers on all fronts, making it a top destination in Rosebank for anyone looking to enjoy a sophisticated, yet approachable dining experience. We highly recommend a visit to The Shortmarket Club for anyone seeking great food in a stylish, welcoming setting.