Walnut Grove — Restaurant in Gauteng

“!!! INSIDER CORRUPTION WARNING TO OWNER & TO ALL TOURISTS !!!” We were not impressed at all by this venue. From the outside & the inside Decor, the place holds lots of promise, but in the end it completely failed to deliver. We had visited for coffee, tea & Cake. They did not have the lemon meringue we were especially looking forward to share. So we had to settle for something else. The cake we eventually had, was called "Mille Fare" but the custard was slightly sour and the "death by phyllo pastry" covering the whole cake was as dry and stale as that of an old steak and kidney pie. We could not cut the cake in half to share it and the restaurant could not even provide us with a proper knife to cut it, nor could they cut it for us. So I guess they must have known how hard it was and did not want to break one of their own knives? They also do not seem to have coffee mugs available upon request which I found strange and very poor for a "coffee shop" to say the least. The "cups" that they use to serve coffee also seem to be different sizes, as my first coffee came in a larger cup and the second in a smaller one, although I had ordered another one of exactly the same thing or same coffee as before. But, what made this experience really terrible in the end was when it came to paying the bill. Our waiter "Bukhosi" tried to convince us that the "cake section" was off-line and therefore he could not add the cost of the cake to the bill. Yet he wanted us to pay the bill for the coffee's & tea for which he could provide a slip, and then just add the cost of the cake on top of this separately when paying with the card, but without receiving a slip for this.

!!! CORRUPTION WARNING TO OWNER & TO ALL TOURISTS !!!

We however have by now had so many of these little "trickster waiters" in the past that are trying out their own little schemes of syphoning money out of a business, that we recognized this as utterly corrupt behaviour immediately.

I mean has anyone ever heard of something as ridiculous as a coffee shop having its own commercially controlled cake section that does not link with the standard billing system ???

When confronting "Bukhosi" directly with explaining that his behaviour was being corrupt to his employer and saying that he is stealing money from the business in this way, he resorted to trying to explain this away with a waterfall of so much bs that he only made himself look even more guilty and also utterly stupid...

We insisted on another bill, but he could not give us a new combined bill and then got a "friend" called "Alex waiter" to generate a separate slip from the so called previously off-line "cake-section" which had suddenly come back "on-line" with a different table number on it and under a different waiters name being "Alex waiter" on it. When paying we ourselves had to add the totals together, as Bukhosi was somehow "frozen in time like a statue" and was no longer responding to simple requests. So we must assume that "Bukhosi" was so embarrassed by the whole thing he was standing there like a mute and mime, unable to do anything as though having been so badly caught out that it was "game over !!!"

We recommend that the owner investigate this. Usually this type of corruption is not able to happen without the manager being either in on it, aware of what is going on and allowing it to happen, or being an absolute "ignorance is bliss idiot"...

Tourists & visitors in South Africa, please always request a proper till slip for all your orders on one slip when paying for anything anywhere and beware of waiters like "Bukhosi" who try to defraud their employers of "cake money"...we will not return here until dishonest waiters have been removed and this sort of corruption has been rooted out by the owner.

• Visited January 2017 Value - * 1 star - Service - * 1 star -...

Nestled in the bustling Sandton City, Walnut Grove is an absolute delight for food enthusiasts. Offering an extensive menu of scrumptious meals and refreshing drinks, this charming eatery ensures that every visitor finds something to satisfy their cravings.

The menu at Walnut Grove is a true feast for the senses. From vibrant salads bursting with fresh ingredients to hearty sandwiches and tantalizing burgers, the options are abundant and cater to various tastes and dietary preferences. Whether you're a vegetarian, a meat lover, or have specific dietary requirements, Walnut Grove has you covered with their diverse and flavorful offerings.

Now, let's talk about their showstopper – the cheesecake dessert. Prepare to be mesmerized by its velvety texture and divine combination of sweet and tangy flavors. Each mouthwatering bite is an indulgent treat that will leave you wanting more. It's no wonder the cheesecake at Walnut Grove has gained a dedicated following – it's simply irresistible.

The beverage selection at Walnut Grove is equally impressive. Quench your thirst with a refreshing juice, savor the rich aroma of a perfectly brewed coffee, or unwind with a well-crafted cocktail. Whatever your preference, Walnut Grove's drink menu is designed to complement the flavors of their dishes and provide a delightful accompaniment to your dining experience.

Beyond the culinary delights, Walnut Grove offers a warm and cozy ambiance that creates a welcoming atmosphere. The attentive staff members are always ready to assist and provide friendly service, ensuring that your time spent at the restaurant is pleasant and enjoyable.

One of the standout qualities of Walnut Grove is their dedication to detail. From the impeccable presentation of each dish to the use of high-quality ingredients, it's evident that every aspect of the dining experience has been carefully considered. This commitment to excellence shines through in every bite and sip, elevating your visit to Walnut Grove into a memorable culinary journey.

In conclusion, Walnut Grove at Sandton City is a food lover's paradise. With its diverse menu, irresistible cheesecake dessert, and impressive drink selection, it offers a delightful culinary experience. Whether you're seeking a quick bite, a delectable dessert, or a relaxing spot to enjoy a drink, Walnut Grove exceeds expectations with its delicious offerings and cozy ambiance. Prepare to be captivated by their flavors and leave with a satisfied palate and a...

Since the pandemic started we have been working from home, so I haven't been in the office in over 18 months, hence no trips to Sandton City Shopping Centre

I was lucky enough to win a Fan of the month Voucher for Coffee and Cake for 2 at Walnut Grove Sandton City

So it was a treat to make a plan to go back to Walnut Grove after all this time, it's amazing how the place has expanded, the last time I was there it wasn't extended all the way to the back. If you haven't been, they are well known for their amazing and delicious looking cakes and have been around longer than what I've been alive 😋

We decided to start off with breakfast first before indulging in some cakes, as we we're going shopping afterwardsso knew we would walk off the calories. I had the Spanish Scramble, it hit the spot especially with the Peri sauce on the edges as I didn't taste much chilli in the mix. (Three scrambled eggs prepared with garlic, chilli, spicy pork chorizo sausage, mixed peppers, red onions, fresh coriander and Spanish patatas bravas). My sis had the Turkish Poached eggs (Two poached eggs, served in a warm thick labneh style garlic yoghurt, drizzled with a burned butter smoked paprika sauce, Aleppo pepper flakes and dusted with za’atar spice and fresh dill. Served with toast of your choice and crispy tortillas.)

They have a great selection of breakfast items to choose from. My Cappuccino with cream was also great and loved the mini red velvet cupcakes with it. 🧁

For cakes/desserts there were so many options I mean just look at the pictures I took. I eventually settled on trying their Mille-Feuille and my sister had the Rainbow Cheesecake. Big portions, we definitely could not finish it so took it home.

If you want some indulgent food, I'd suggest taking a trip there. And if you lucky enough to get Percy as your waitress and Andrew the Manager on duty, then you are in a for a great experience. They do get rather busy and sadly weekends they do not take bookings.

Look forward to visiting again if I am in the...