Qunu at the Saxon

Qunu is the signature restaurant of The Saxon Hotel, Villas and Spa, the luxury hotel in leafy Sandhurst where Nelson Mandela stayed after his release while he worked on his autobiography. The restaurant is named after Qunu, the village in the Eastern Cape where Mandela grew up. It was named African Restaurant of the Year at the 2026 Luxe Restaurant Awards.

The kitchen is led by chef Scott Dressel, and the cooking blends local and international flavours with seasonal ingredients. You can order à la carte starters, mains and desserts or take a three-course option, and the most playful choice is Chef Scott Dressel's Playground, a selection of small plates designed for sharing around the table. There is a separate vegan menu, a Sunday lunch menu and a substantial wine list, and wine pairings can be added to the meal.

The setting is calm and elegant, which makes Qunu a good choice for a long lunch as well as dinner. It suits couples, special occasions and business meals, and it is one of the few places in the city where a fine dining lunch is easy to arrange on any day of the week. Smart dress fits the setting.

Qunu is open every day. Lunch is served from 12:00 to 15:00 and dinner from 18:00 to 22:00, with the last dinner seating at 20:00, which is earlier than many visitors expect, so plan accordingly. Reservations can be made online through the hotel's booking partner or by contacting the hotel directly, and booking ahead is wise for weekends and Sunday lunch. Mention allergies or dietary needs when you reserve.

If you are not staying at the hotel, a lunch at Qunu is a good way to see the Saxon, and you can extend the visit with afternoon tea or a drink in the Olive Bar. Tell the restaurant about any allergies when you book, and ask about the wine pairings.

The Saxon is at 36 Saxon Road in Sandhurst, a few minutes by car from Sandton City and Nelson Mandela Square, and about 15 minutes from Rosebank. The hotel also has the Olive Bar, a terrace and wine cellars, so you can start with a drink or finish with a nightcap without leaving the property. Most diners arrive by car or ride-hailing app.