There are restaurants you visit just for food — and then there are restaurants like SINN, where every single element is crafted to take you on a journey.
I had been seeing SINN all over social media, and when I finally walked through those doors in Sandton, Johannesburg, I instantly understood the hype. This wasn’t just dinner — this was an experience.
From the moment we arrived, it was clear SINN knew how to make a first impression. The entrance was elegant and bold — black marble walls, black and red aesthetics, warm LED lighting, and dark green leather couches that screamed luxury. We were welcomed with genuine smiles, a complimentary glass of white wine, and every lady, including myself, received a beautiful rose. These small details made such a big impact — I felt instantly cared for.
We had booked our table for 6pm to catch some golden hour lighting for photos and to take in the transition from day to night — and let me tell you, the space transforms beautifully. We were welcomed with such warmth by the hostess, Nadya, and our server Anele was an absolute gem.
From recommending dishes to letting us know exactly when to come back inside from content-creating breaks to receive our freshly plated food, she went above and beyond. Even the manager stopped by to check in.
The interior is moody and intimate, but in the most elegant way. Massive screens on the ceiling played high-quality visuals — from galaxies to mesmerizing digital patterns — adding another sensory layer to the whole experience.
To kick off the evening, I ordered one of my all-time favourites: the SINN Strawberry Daiquiri. This wasn’t your typical daiquiri — it was presented in a glass that felt like a statement piece. Made with Sailor Jerry Rum, strawberry syrup, and lime juice, it was sweet, velvety smooth, and the perfect balance between refreshing and indulgent. My friend had the Wrong Side of Heaven, a cocktail made with Tanqueray 10, sherry, coconut, pineapple, and bitters. Bright yellow and tropical, and the flavours were divine — citrusy, cool and slightly creamy.
Before we had a chance to even ask, our server Anele brought over a complimentary starter — warm, crusty panini bread served with two spreads: a sun-dried tomato butter and a herby pesto-mayo dip. It was such a simple, yet delicious way to begin, and it set the tone perfectly for the meal.
As a small starter, we shared Oysters & Caviar, served Portofino-style with lemon and parsley drizzle, caviar, and heirloom cherry tomatoes. I’ve had oysters once before and didn’t love them — but these? These were something else. Fresh, plump, delicately briny, and that drizzle added just the right brightness. Plus, they were huge — like, really impressive in size.
For our second round of cocktails, I decided to be a little bold and ordered the Negroni, made with Malfy Gin, Sweet Vermouth, and Campari. It came with a gigantic SINN-branded ice cube that looked so luxe in the glass. It was a little stronger than I usually go for, so we ended up swapping drinks. My friend’s Morningstar (Ketel One, lychee, vanilla, hibiscus, lemon) was light, fruity, and subtly floral. Every sip felt like summer.
Then came the main event — our mains. We couldn’t decide on just one dish each, so we shared two. The first was the Seared Kingklip Risotto: perfectly grilled kingklip sitting on a creamy bed of parmesan and parsley risotto, garnished with crispy Parmigiano and a mix of vibrant roasted vegetables. The fish was unbelievably tender — it flaked effortlessly with just a touch of the fork. The risotto was rich and comforting, balanced with the brightness of the caponata. I had never had risotto before, and I can confidently say this one has set the bar HIGH.
Our second dish was the Crazy Chicken Pizza — and crazy delicious, too. It had a white cream base, juicy chicken thighs slow-cooked in white wine, melted mozzarella and a very generous shaving of parmesan. The base was thin and crisp, but the crust? That soft, doughy, edge-of-heaven kind of crust. We couldn’t finish it all, so we boxed up the leftovers — and yes, I had them the next morning and they were still amazing.
We were already quite full but couldn’t resist something sweet to end the evening. So, we ordered the Torta Chocolate Silk — a multi-layered chocolate masterpiece with smooth chocolate silk and a caramelised white chocolate crumble. I don’t say this lightly: it’s one of the best chocolate desserts I’ve ever had. The different layers each had their own flavour notes, and when you got a forkful of all of them together, it was an explosion of rich, creamy, crunchy, sweet heaven. As a certified sweet tooth, I was in bliss.
The service the entire night was flawless. Anele was a star — she was knowledgeable, warm, and genuinely interested in our experience. She even called us back from outside when the food was ready so we could capture the dishes fresh. The manager checked in, the chefs were visible from the seating area, and the entire space felt incredibly well run. Even the kitchen had style — dishes were prepared in full view of the guests, under sleek heating lights, and plated with flair.
It’s not often you find a place that looks exactly like it does on Social Media— but SINN delivers on every front. It’s elegant without being snobby, moody without being dark, and luxurious without feeling cold. The crowd was well-dressed and diverse — a perfect blend of locals, couples, tourists, and friend groups. Definitely not a space for kids, but perfect for date night, celebrations, or when you simply want to spoil yourself.
This wasn’t just a night out — it was an experience. From the complimentary wine and a rose, to the level of thought in every plate and pour, SINN doesn’t just talk the talk — it serves it up in style. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, this is a Johannesburg gem worth dressing up for.
Highly, highly recommend. And yes — I’m already planning my return.
Peace out angels,
just Chanzel x
