the gold standard

Situated on the seventh floor of The Leonardo – Africa’s tallest building – Aurum restaurant is taking fine dining to new heights.

- ROBERTA COCI

Visible from miles away, The Leonardo – the 55- storey Legacy Group crown jewel, which is 234m high – was the talk of the town as curious Joburgers watched the behemoth break through the city’s skyline. And now that it has opened its doors, tongues are wagging all over again – this time, as foodies delight over the new luxurious restaurant housed in the building, Aurum!

With acclaimed chef Paulo Santo at its helm, and couple Darren Aldon O’Donovan and Lisa de Beer running the kitchen as head chef, and sous chef and sommelier respectively, the beautifully appointed restaurant dominates the seventh floor of The Leonardo. Huge glass doors open out onto a spectacular terrace, which, with its 29-metre swimming pool and expansive views, is “every rap artist’s music video dream”, according to Paulo.

And looking back into Aurum, the views are just as majestic. The triple-volume space is punctuated by an impressive archway of concrete pillars, which segment the restaurant into its four main sections – a coffee station, bar, seating and chef’s table. A beautiful gold-netted sculptural installation weaves through the arches, softening the concrete and allowing the light to scatter artful shadows throughout the space. Aurum’s decor is inspired by the elements, with wood, marble and precious metals warming the capacious room, and inviting guests to settle in and prepare themselves for a memorable experience.