I attended a dinner at Maximillen, a restaurant I was recently introduced to. Maximillien is a restaurant part of the DAVINCI Hotel situated in Nelson Mandela Square. The restaurant has recently relaunched a new menu put together by Executive Chef Sylvester Nair. The restaurant – hidden in a corner of Nelson Mandela square – is located downstairs below the hotel. Rest assured, the pursuit to find Maximillien is certainly worth it.

My benedict and I arrived at Maximillien for dinner and were seated at a table alongside one of the charming balconies. The restaurant boasts the most elegant and classically beautiful décor; loved the chandeliers and large mirrors. I started with the crispy calamari. This was a spicy Cajun style calamari served with red onion, zucchini and wild mushroom rösti and cultured cream. It was a tasty version of calamari with a definite spicy kick. My benedict started with the pork belly; slow cooked pork belly served with apple coleslaw and smoked butternut purée. The pork belly was sweet and delicious; a really great starter! For my main I opted for the recommendation of the 250g bavette beef wagyu. Bavette is thought to be a tenderer cut of wagyu beef. It was served with a side of mixed vegetables, garlic and spring onion mashed potato and I chose the brandy and peppercorn sauce. It certainly was a great recommendation. The beef was beautifully cooked; tender, juicy and tasty and I really enjoyed the brandy and peppercorn sauce. My benedict selected the squid tentacles pasta. This was pan fried squid served in a chilli and garlic pasta with preserved lemon and truffle oil. A very interesting looking dish. For dessert we had the chocolate dome to share. This is one of Maximillien’s signature dishes and it’s very evident why. The chocolate dome is served and then coated with hot caramel sauce melting away the dome to reveal a chocolate fondant while simultaneously creating a sweet caramel chocolate fusion. I loved this dessert! Aside from being a very impressive and theatrically served dish, it was absolutely delicious.

I thoroughly enjoyed my experience at Maximillien. The service was seriously fantastic! One of the special touches included being given a choice of specially branded Maximillien knives to choose from prior to being served our main meals. The restaurant is beautiful and boasts a very elegant and relaxing feel to it as you enjoy your meal while listening to the sounds of a classical piano being played. A hidden gem indeed, I look forward to visiting Maximillien for another memorable experience.