Alto234 — Restaurant in Gauteng

Loved the excitement and buzz about this place - from champagne at the reception prior to 'departure' and the ear-popping lifts (there's a change halfway) to the 57th floor - this place is understated, mature fun.

Alto, having made a paid booking essential (@ R300 a person), have kept the sightseeing crowds at bay. This has imparted an intimate and exclusive, low-key fun vibe about the place. (Btw the R300 booking deposit - which can be paid online or at reception - just affords you access to the venue and doesn't cover anything food-wise - unless you count the comp glass of Moet).

We loved the different seating areas that afforded one 360° views of the northern burbs.

Both east and west-facing seating was sectioned into two firepits surrounded by relaxed sofas. The remaining seating consisted of cocktail tables/chairs as well as several scattered loungers upon elevated north and south-facing decks.

The food: the tapas took a little time to arrive (we were forewarned) but most were well worth the wait. I'd skip the dessert though, as the options were bland and what I ordered (two desserts) largely uninspiring.

The Menu is overall is kept limited (also not necessarily a bad thing) and light. Plates are not on the cheap side, but hit the spot. If you're a big eater, beware: you'll be ordering quite a few plates.

What you should know: the sun is blazing hot in the late summer pm, so the sunset and evenings are obviously more popular (and sensible) times of day to visit. The availability of access to the deck is weather dependent, so plan well ahead. The deck is enclosed by thick, floor-mounted glass and only has an island of roof in the middle running between lift and bar. Personally it works for me. Having nothing between you and sky at that height is pure magic!

The only trouble we had was our waitress who forgot virtually every order we placed. She took no notes when receiving our orders and was barely apologetic when reminded. We kept having to ask for our meals and drinks over and over. Although warm and welcoming, her service left much to be desired and has definitely made us all think twice about returning. If we weren't so frustrated by that aspect of the experience, her forgetfulness would be comical!

Overall: While it's a uniquely Jo'burg venue, and well worth the visit, Alto234 is not exactly geared toward the budget-conscious. If you're afraid of heights, however, you might give...

When I confirmed the booking, I asked if I could request /reserve a table or (lounger). I was told, first come, first served. No reservations

We arrived at 7 pm to ensure we achieved the first come, first serve policy.

On arrival, I noticed that seats were reserved and inquired about them.

We were told they: Reservation only for large groups. They don't reserve tables for 2, which is untrue information as there were plenty of couples seated in multiple seating areas, free from wind or next to a fire. We were told that it's customers from the sunset time-slot. I have to pay the same as the previous time-slot but I don't get the same experience. There should be a selection of seats available that provide the same experience for all time-slots.

So it was clear that the management was not in charge—staff were uninformed and unwilling to apply the basic customer service required for an upmarket establishment.

I had to sit in the cold. There were seats available by the fire place "reserved" . Also, as we arrived, i made my disappointment known and repeatedly asked for a table in a warm area. No one offered me a blanket as an alternative, but when the bill arrived, they were very interested in receiving their tip.

A customer informed me that blankets were available, and the waiter assisted me with a blanket when they presented the bill. Shocking .....

I will not recommend this place.

Customer service is shocking, from the receptionist confirming the booking...

Please eat before you go, if not you will be throughly disappointed. Ordered the salmon ceviche ( if you don’t know how to make Latin dishes take it off the menu) as a girlie with much Latin influence that was not ceviche so please don’t bother wasting your time. Asked for something else since the ceviche was not cutting it a got the chicken bao bun that’s another disgraced to the culture ( bun not even warm and moist, too much unnecessary sauce and why does my chicken have gristle?) also ordered the sliders and the bottom bun was so hard I had to turn my slider into an open-faced sandwich. As for drinks ordered a mojito asked for alcohol couldn’t find it so how to ask for more and order a French 75 ( by now I’m too through as my drink tasted like soap, please if you don’t know how to make a drink just say it’s not on the menu so I can move on)! Bottom line: wouldn’t go again! My advice to those planning to go, please don’t be mistaken the view is spectacular and you even get a blanket for the cold weather so get your pictures have some champagne but please don’t go there hungry and expect a decent tapas you will be disappointed but at least you have been warned. Oh side note as I mentioned it was my mother’s birthday and couldn’t even get a free drink or dessert with...