I finally got around to trying out the very well-known Marble. I’ve heard many great things about David Higgs’ raved about restaurant situated in the Keyes Art Mile, the newest art and foodie centre of Rosebank. Marble is well known for its open flame method of cooking with fire and believe that this is what makes them quintessential South African meat and flame enthusiasts.

I arrived at Marble and was seated at the bar while waiting for the rest of my party to arrive. I decided to try Marble’s twist on a Bloody Mary, the Ruby Mary. This was a single vodka with grapefruit juice, smoked tomato juice, fresh pineapple juice, tabasco and black pepper. A very interesting choice; I found the prominent smokiness in the tomato juice quite remarkable. While this strangely very sweet version of a Bloody Mary was uniquely creative and fascinating, it’s not something I’d order again. When the entire dinner party arrived, we were seated at a table in the restaurant adjacent to – and with a great view of – the open kitchen. I started with the calamari. This was fried squid heads and grilled calamari served with a lemon, seafood masala mayonnaise and crisp baby lettuce. This was quite a tasty starter however, given the price of R135, I did expect a slightly more impressive version. Nonetheless, it was enjoyable. For my main meal, I selected the grilled beef fillet. The fillet was topped with welsh rarebit served with pickles, roasted squash and drenched in a smoked pepper sauce. I absolutely loved the welsh rarebit. A lovely and very unique touch brilliantly executed – it took me back to many happy childhood memories of enjoying this with my sisters and cousins at my grandparents’ house. The fillet itself was a really tasty and flavourful quality piece of meat which was well complimented by the sauce. I certainly opted for a great choice of main meal. For dessert I chose the amaretto crème brûlée. This was served with dulce de leche (a creamy caramel like sauce), almond nuts and nectarine. Similarly to my calamari starter experience, this dessert – while beautifully plated and presented – did not blow me away truthfully speaking.

I enjoyed my experience at Marble and am glad I finally paid them a visit after much anticipation. The service was certainly outstanding; our rather large table seating was very well attended to. I loved the restaurant layout centred about the stunning open kitchen; it made for great viewing. Given my overall experience of the food at Marble, along with the hefty prices, I don’t think I’ll be rushing back any time soon.