Just in time for summer, Arbour Café and Courtyard has launched its new menu and new Upstairs space. Nestled in a charming courtyard that’s peppered with greenery and lit by fairy lights at night, the Birdhaven restaurant is a cool respite from the hustle and bustle of Johannesburg.
The restaurant, owned by Larry Hodes, is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with a newly-launched take away option as well. The new menu was designed by Robyn Timson and is filled with delectable items that match the chic-yet-relaxed surrounds, and walks a perfect line between wholesome and decadent.
For breakfast, the menu has numerous galettes (a signature of the restaurant) on offer – the French buckwheat pancakes are naturally gluten free, and fillings include Bacon, scrambled egg, roast rosa tomatoes, feta and caramelised onions; Creamy herbed wild mushrooms; and Caramelised baked apple, honey, brie and pecans. There’s a range of omelettes, crepes and croissants available, as well as a Build-your-own-breakfast option. The health bowls are a delicious on-trend and super-healthy addition, and include Oats with banana, coconut flakes and honey; Mixed berry compote, seed and nut muesli, and Greek yoghurt; and Activated chia seeds, fresh seasonal fruit, coconut flakes, cranberries and Greek yoghurt.
The lunch menu sees the signature galettes again, but this time with additional fillings such as Aged rump, emmentaler and caramelised onion, and 5-spiced duck and cherry with julienne carrot, cucumber and spring onion. There’s also a selection of sandwiches and salads, as well as a more traditional a la carte set up of starters, mains and desserts. Starters are light, with phyllo pastry cups filled with smoked salmon and dill crème fraiche, as well as creamy wild mushrooms. For mains there’s a delectable Pan-seared salmon with a citrus and black sesame crust; Aged rib eye steak with smoked paprika and garlic aioli; or a Beef burger patty on a ciabatta with tomato, rocket, caramelised onion and crème fraiche.
Sides are also on offer and include crispy potato wedges, steamed crunchy green beans, broccoli and toasted seeds, and roasted sweet potatoes with ginger and honey. Desserts are not to be missed and include Star anise cinnamon crème brulee, Cold lemon soufflé with toasted almonds and vanilla ice cream, and Hot chocolate lava pots with vanilla ice cream. The Dinner menu focuses primarily on the starters, mains and desserts of the lunch menu. The menu is well-curated, designed with the small Arbour kitchen in mind, and still has something for everyone – it’s no wonder that Arbour Cafe and Courtyard is enduringly popular!
For more information on Arbour Café and Courtyard, visit them on facebook