Chef Rudi Liebenberg Brings Fire and Flair to The Westcliff
From Johannesburg Roots to Global Kitchens
Rudi Liebenberg grew up in Johannesburg and spent decades cooking at top South African hotels like The Saxon and Mount Nelson. His career took him to Ireland and the Caribbean, but when Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff called, he couldn’t say no. Returning home felt like “coming full circle,” and he’s excited to showcase local produce with a global twist.
Flames: Where the View Meets the Grill
Flames, the hotel’s signature restaurant, sits on a hill with sweeping views over Forest Town, Saxonwold, Rosebank, and even the Johannesburg Zoo. Liebenberg launched the revamped menu in August 2025, putting fire at the heart of every dish.
- Fire‑focused cooking: He loves the smoky hints that come from flames and ash, using grills, Josper ovens, and open flames rather than relying on a single appliance.
- Subtlety over spectacle: Instead of just throwing steaks on charcoal, he layers flavors—think fish, meat, and vegetarian plates that whisper fire rather than shout it.
Expanding Beyond Meat
While Wagyu steaks remain a guest favorite, Liebenberg notices a rising demand for plant‑based options.
- More veg & vegan plates: The team is developing dishes that give vegetarian and vegan diners the same attention as the meat‑centric grill items.
- Balancing tradition and trend: Classic grill staples stay, but new creations will cater to health, sustainability, and climate‑conscious diners.
Afternoon Tea with a Jacaranda Twist
Upstairs at The View, afternoon tea gets a seasonal makeover. Pastry chef Nathan Jacobs, who honed his skills at Mount Nelson, designed a menu inspired by Johannesburg’s purple jacaranda streets.
- Jacaranda Tea (2025 relaunch): Fresh, creamy, bright, and round bites that echo the city’s flowering season.
- South African touches: Hazelnut blackberry financiers, smoked salmon guacamole brioche sliders, and beef short rib amagwinya add local flavor to the classic tea experience.
The Lobby Lounge: A New Living Room for the City
A $25 million (R411 million) overhaul created a striking lobby lounge that blends Johannesburg’s mining heritage with modern comfort.
- Design cues: Metallic accents, natural stone, and an illustrated city map nod to the city’s industrial past.
- All‑day vibe: Patisserie, café, and casual dining by day; cocktail lounge by night.
- Community hub: Intended as a gathering spot for both hotel guests and locals, reflecting Johannesburg’s energy, creativity, and spirit of discovery.
Conclusion
Chef Rudi Liebenberg’s arrival at Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff marks a fresh chapter for Johannesburg’s dining scene. With fire‑kissed flavors at Flames, a blooming afternoon tea, and a welcoming lobby lounge, the hotel offers teens and visitors alike a taste of South Africa’s rich culinary traditions paired with global innovation—all set against one of the city’s most breathtaking views.
