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One thing about Johannesburg's entertainment scene is that it never falls short - there is always something new, exciting, and unexpected to discover. Recently, Secret Eats has been creating buzz among food lovers, promising a mysterious culinary experience where almost nothing is revealed in advance.
Guests attend strictly by invitation (or ticket purchase), but the twist is that key details remain hidden. You don't know the exact venue, the menu, or what the night will entail. Information is shared only hours before the event, heightening the sense of intrigue.
Curious to experience the hype firsthand, Time Out was fortunate to attend the first Secret Eats event of 2026 this past weekend, and boy, what a beautiful night!
It all started with a password you had to say when you arrived at the entrance - "Let's awaken a delicious new chapter," which perfectly captured the spirit of the night, and indeed, the event delivered precisely that.
This time around, the event was held at The Old Oak Restaurant & Family Centre in Linksfield North, a venue known for its breathtaking views and elegant atmosphere. Attendees were initially told that the event would take place somewhere in Johannesburg. The day before the event, the location was revealed.
Welcoming flavours and first impressions
The evening began with refreshing welcome drinks served alongside delicate canapés as guests mingled.
Soon after, a standout starter arrived: an apple cannoli that was nothing short of divine. Crisp, balanced, and bursting with flavour, it was the perfect palate-awakening bite.
From the welcoming drinks to the reception and the starters, one thing was clear: Secret Eats isn't just about dining; it's about stepping away from the routine and immersing oneself in an experience. Everything was thoughtfully curated, designed to feel both intimate and exciting.
Dining under the stars
Guests were then ushered to a long, beautifully set communal table outdoors. As the sun set and the stars appeared, dinner began with a gentle breeze and immaculate vibes.
A warm welcome speech from the events director, Darren Meltz, introduced the evening, followed by Executive Chef Leon van der Venter's speech. The chef explained how the menu was designed as a wine-pairing experience, with each course matched to premium wines. While non-drinkers such as myself didn't have alcohol-free pairings included, mocktails and other beverages were available for purchase.
Meals
The meal unfolded like a classic fine-dining journey:
- Fresh Roosterkoek served with labneh, confit tomato, and whipped beurre noisette. It was warm, soft, and topped with just the right touch of salt. I really enjoyed it.
- Kabeljou, accompanied by braised cabbage, carrot, baby beets, nasturtium, and maple vinaigrette. The dish was plated like edible art.
- Tomato Risotto featuring rooibos smoked tomato, burrata, pine nuts, grana padano, and harissa. It was rich yet balanced.
- Heaven and Earth was the chef's favourite. It was a braised short rib dish that was hearty, comforting, and deeply satisfying, served with baby onion and potato crisp.
- The undisputed highlight of the evening was dessert: millefeuille - layers of vanilla crème pâtissière and pastry enhanced with elderflower and gooseberry. Perfectly balanced sweetness made it feel indulgent without being overwhelming, truly a bite of bliss.
Every plate looked like a canvas, making you pause to admire it before taking a bite. The wines included Baccō Chardonnay, Baccō bacio del sole, Baccō red blend and Baccō IL savrano.
More than just meals
The event was not just about having a great time, but also about doing something memorable for the less fortunate. A charity raffle was held in support of the Childhood Cancer Foundation South Africa, with proceeds supporting children and families affected by cancer. Guests purchased R100 tickets for a chance to win a range of prizes, adding a generous spirit to an already special evening.
Secret Sauce
One of the night's most entertaining highlights was a segment called "Secret Sauce." Before entering the venue, each guest had been asked to write down what they considered their personal "secret sauce" in life. These anonymous confessions were later revealed during dinner, sparking laughter, surprise, and plenty of playful reactions around the table. Responses ranged from heartfelt, such as love, to mischievous admissions from childhood memories to bold declarations about what keeps their relationships exciting. From the answers, one thing was clear - the table was full of adults! It was light-hearted, candid, and undeniably hilarious, creating a shared moment that perfectly captured the fun, chilled spirit of the evening.
The vibe
Beyond the food, the atmosphere stood out. Couples, friends, and solo diners all seemed united by the desire to unwind and enjoy something special with views. The communal setup encouraged connection without feeling forced.
In a nutshell
Secret Eats delivers an experience that sits perfectly between relaxed and refined, ideal for a memorable weekend night that isn't overly formal yet far from ordinary. I'd definitely recommend it.
Final Verdict:
Secret Eats offers far more than a dinner; it's a curated journey of mystery, flavour, and atmosphere. If you're looking to break away from predictable dining and immerse yourself in something unforgettable, this is an experience worth booking when the next invitation appears. The good thing is that the experiences are never repeated, so the mystery around where the next adventure will be or what will be served remains a secret.
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