Cyra

Cyra is the fine dining restaurant at The Houghton Hotel on Lloys Ellis Avenue in Houghton Estate, one of Johannesburg's oldest and most established suburbs, just north of the city centre. It is the restaurant of chef Candice Philip, who has become one of the most celebrated chefs in the city. She was named Chef of the Year at the 2025 Luxe Restaurant Awards, where Cyra also won Fine Dining Restaurant of the Year, and in 2026 it received a two-star Luxe award.

The format is a multi-course menu rather than à la carte. It opens with a small amuse-bouche and moves through a series of main courses before dessert and cheese, and the cooking brings together global flavours with a refined, modern approach. Plates change with the seasons, so the details of any particular menu will differ, and the pleasure lies in letting the kitchen guide the evening. A sommelier-curated wine pairing is offered alongside the menu.

This is a restaurant for a special occasion, an anniversary or a serious food lover's night out, and it suits couples and small groups best. Plan on spending most of an evening at the table. As with any tasting menu, tell the restaurant about allergies and dietary needs when you book so the kitchen can prepare.

Bookings are made online through the restaurant's booking partner, linked from its website, or by phone. Tables are limited and popular, so book well ahead, particularly for Friday and Saturday evenings. Prices are at the very top end of the city's dining scene, and the wine pairing adds significantly to the bill. Smart dress suits the occasion.

Cyra is a good choice if you want to mark a special occasion during your trip. When you book, ask how long the menu usually takes so you can plan transport home, and consider a ride-hailing car if you take the wine pairing.

The Houghton Hotel is a short drive from Rosebank, Melrose Arch and Sandton, so it is convenient for visitors staying in the northern suburbs. Use a ride-hailing app or the hotel's parking if you are driving. Melrose Arch, with plenty of bars, is only a few minutes away for a drink afterwards.