ROAR Bistro & Bar has merged into the city’s dining scene since its opening 2022, blending Parisian charm with a proudly South African flair.

• With its tapas-style menu and vibrant atmosphere, it promises a culinary experience worth ‘roaring’ about.
• A fusion of street-side charm and quality dining, ROAR Bistro & Bar offers something for every palate in Sandton.
• Positioned right across the road from the Sandton Convention Centre, at street level in the Michelangelo Towers, ROAR Bistro & Bar continues to serve up great dishes.
• Visit www.sandtontimes.co.za for more stories.

It’s been a while since The Sandton Times initially visited ROAR Bistro & Bar, an exciting addition to Sandton’s culinary landscape at the time. From the outset, this establishment promised to bring something fresh to the table: a blend of Parisian street-side charm, a tapas-style menu, and a focus on social dining. Having returned for another bite, it’s clear that ROAR has remained a hidden gem in the heart of Sandton.

ROAR Bistro & Bar takes its name and inspiration from the majestic lion in its owner, the Legacy Group’s logo, and the regal theme resonates throughout. The interior is a visual feast, with a striking colour palette of teal, tomato red, and brass, drawing inspiration from a harlequin-patterned fabric. Anchoring the decor is a graffiti-style mural of a lion, a bold reminder of the restaurant’s namesake. This space feels both vibrant and welcoming, making it as suited for casual brunches as it is for evening cocktails.

Adding to its charm, ROAR features an al fresco Parisian-inspired dining setup that’s perfect for people-watching or enjoying Sandton’s lively atmosphere. ROAR’s menu reflects a melting pot of flavours, celebrating both global influences and Southern African cuisine. Whether you’re sharing small plates with friends or indulging in a hearty solo meal, the culinary offerings cater to all tastes.

We started with two small plates: Chicken Livers and Beef Trinchado, both served with steamed dombolo bread. The livers were tender, bathed in a creamy tomato, onion, and brandy sauce, while the Trinchado offered rich, wine-infused flavours with hints of garlic and bay leaf. The dombolo bread was a local highlight – warm, fluffy, and perfect for mopping up all that morish sauce.

For mains, we opted for the Tomahawk Steak and the Grilled Baby Kingklip. The steak, served with biltong butter and a choice of mushroom or green peppercorn sauce, was cooked to perfection. The Kingklip, meanwhile, arrived with a medley of accompaniments: butternut purée, pan-fried bell peppers, saffron potatoes, and a lemon butter sauce. Both dishes were expertly executed, offering bold, complementary flavours worth coming back for.

The menu also boasts vegetarian options like Gnocchi Gorgonzola and Mushroom Risotto, as well as fusion-inspired dishes such as Prawn Rigatoni and Goat Stew. Each dish showcases fresh ingredients and thoughtful preparation, appealing to diverse palates.

No meal at ROAR is complete without exploring the drinks menu. Crafted by an in-house mixologist, the cocktails range from sparkling classics to bold whisky-based creations.

For dessert, we decided on the Crème Brûlée and Tiramisu to share, which turned out to be the only hiccup in an otherwise stellar meal. What arrived wasn’t a tiramisu at all but a slice of vanilla cake served with jelly and vanilla ice cream. While the dessert itself wasn’t unpleasant, it was a far cry from the creamy, coffee-soaked layers one knows to be a tiramisu.

Aside from this detour, the service was impeccable. Our server was attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely invested in ensuring we had a great experience. ROAR Bistro & Bar lives up to its ambitious name, offering a dining experience that balances bold flavours, creative presentation, and a welcoming atmosphere. Would we return? Absolutely – for the flavours, the ambiance, and the chance to explore more of the intriguing menu. If you’re in the area, it’s well worth a visit. Just maybe not for the tiramisu.

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