Some dining experiences feel less like a meal and more like the opening lines of a captivating story—unfolding with anticipation, atmosphere, and detail. Our evening at Kashew Restaurant carried exactly that kind of rhythm. Stepping inside, it was clear this was more than just being shown to a table. There was an immediate sense of occasion, as though every element of the space had been crafted to signal that something memorable was about to begin. The restaurant, located within The Catalyst Hotel in Sandton, immediately draws you in with its atmosphere—an interplay of light, texture, and the hum of conversation that sets the tone for the meal ahead. With 190 seats spread across the restaurant and bar, it never feels overcrowded, instead offering the right balance of intimacy and openness, a space that can hold both quiet dinners and lively gatherings with ease.
Part of Kashew’s charm lies in how it reflects its surroundings. The walls are lined with local art that gives the space a distinct South African identity, while the design language remains cosmopolitan enough to feel at home in Johannesburg’s business hub. The mood strikes a careful balance between laid-back and refined, making it just as appealing to a business traveller unwinding after a long day as it is to locals seeking a memorable evening out. Yet what truly sets Kashew apart is not only its modern and creative approach to cuisine, but also the way it roots that creativity in a sense of place, making each dish feel connected to the city’s broader energy and rhythm.
We began our evening with the smoked salmon salad. It arrived at the table with a quiet elegance, a plate of mixed leaves, delicate ribbons of salmon, and a dill and lime dressing that cut through with a brightness we found refreshing. What stood out was how unpretentious it felt—simple elements done with clarity, each ingredient allowed its moment.
Alongside it, we ordered the beef tacos, which turned out to be far more indulgent. The smoky BBQ brisket had depth and richness, balanced by a chunky slaw that brought crunch and acidity, with melted cheddar pulling it all together. Wrapped in a soft flour tortilla, they were comforting in the way only food with a bit of soul can be.
By the time the mains arrived, Kashew had already won us over, but it still had surprises in store. The tomahawk steak, flame-grilled and served with a side salad, was as dramatic as one might hope. It commanded attention at the table, bone-in and blistered from the grill. There was a precision to how it was cooked: the crust smoky and charred, the meat inside tender and juicy, with a flavour that only comes from time and care over flame. The salad at its side, though restrained, worked as a fresh counterpart to the richness of the beef. It was the kind of dish that felt celebratory, an anchor point of the meal.
The seafood pasta was an entirely different expression of the kitchen’s ability. A medley of hake, mussels, and prawns in a creamy white wine sauce, it offered both familiarity and flair. Each forkful was layered—firm pasta, tender seafood, and a sauce that held it all together with just enough richness without overpowering. The hake provided substance, the mussels added a briny depth, and the prawns, plump and sweet, brought a final lift. It was comfort food elevated, the sort of plate that makes conversation pause while you savour what’s in front of you.
For dessert, we ended with tiramisu. There is something about this classic Italian treat that makes it a fitting finale, and at Kashew, it did not disappoint. The coffee-dipped ladyfingers carried just the right amount of bitterness to contrast the mascarpone whip, which was light yet indulgent. Finished with a dusting of cocoa, it reminded us why tiramisu remains a timeless dessert: it doesn’t need reinvention when executed with such balance.
Kashew feels like more than just a restaurant within a hotel. It is a destination in its own right, where food, art, and atmosphere converge. The dining room, with its blend of contemporary design and local influences, reflects Sandton’s energy: cosmopolitan yet rooted, polished but approachable. For travellers, it offers a sense of arrival, a way of connecting with the city beyond boardrooms and business meetings. For locals, it delivers an experience that feels both indulgent and familiar, a place to return to for occasions or simply the joy of eating well.
What we found most compelling about Kashew was how it embraced contrasts. The lightness of a salmon salad next to the comfort of brisket tacos; the drama of a tomahawk paired with the subtlety of seafood pasta; the indulgence of tiramisu following dishes that were bold yet balanced. It is this interplay that gives the restaurant its character. Nothing feels forced, and nothing feels like a gesture to trends for the sake of them. Instead, it feels like the team understands what makes food memorable—flavour, craft, and a respect for the people who will sit down to enjoy it. For anyone visiting Sandton, whether you are staying at The Catalyst or simply looking for a place that blends contemporary dining with an unmistakable sense of place, Kashew is worth seeking out. In a city that never stops moving, this is a restaurant that encourages you to pause, to savour, and to leave with a story of your own.