In a city where culinary ambition is on the rise, Park Hyatt Johannesburg has quietly – and confidently – opened the doors to Room 32, a refined dining destination that blends fire-cooked cuisine, South Africa’s proudly local craft beverages and rich architectural heritage into one immersive experience.
I had the distinct pleasure of attending the exclusive opening of Room 32, an intimate affair curated for a select group of influencers, content creators, and members of the press. The afternoon was a culinary indulgence, featuring an exquisite tasting of starters, mains, and desserts from the restaurant’s full menu. Each dish was a masterful expression of flavour and finesse – an elegant preview of the gastronomic excellence that Room 32 promises to deliver.
Cushioned inside the newly restored Sir Herbert Baker landmark in Rosebank, Room 32 is the only
communal space in what is now the world’s most intimate Park Hyatt – a 31-room sanctuary of
understated luxury. The restaurant is not just a nod to fine dining; it’s a statement of intent.
Room 32 is where the story of food begins and lingers long after the last bite. The kitchen speaks through
the freshest offerings. Every dish is crafted with respect and curiosity; every flavour layered with
intention. Dining at Room 32 is more than a meal; it’s a shared moment, where culinary art and heartfelt
hospitality meet.
“Room 32 was born from a desire to create a space that feels both grounded and elevated,” says Mitch
Gemmell, General Manager at Park Hyatt Johannesburg. “In a hotel defined by privacy and discretion,
this is our invitation to indulge in the city’s finest and classiest cuisine.”
Here’s a short video of the opening:
A philosophy of fire, flavour, and finesse
At the helm of Room 32 is Head Chef Karel Jacobs, whose ingredient-led approach is rooted in
provenance and precision. The menu is a curated journey through South African landscapes, from farm
to table, where humble ingredients are transformed into sculptural, flavour-forward expressions of place
and memory.
Room 32 stands at the intersection of art, food, and African philosophy – a space where memory and
innovation meet. Room 32 isn’t just inspired by nature; it’s shaped by it. The menu moves with the
seasons, echoing the shifts in Johannesburg’s landscape. Think fire-charred vegetables in autumn, bright
citrus in summer, and earthy grains in winter. It’s a kitchen that listens to the land, working with farmers
and foragers who understand the rhythm of South African produce. The result? Dishes that feel familiar
but land fresh-rooted in place, refined in execution.
“True luxury begins at the source,” says Jacobs. “We work with farmers and artisans who understand
the land, the season, and the soul of South African ingredients.” Expect dishes that are both nostalgic
and novel – fire-charred vegetables with foraged herbs, heritage grains paired with umami-rich
reductions, and desserts that echo the textures and tones of the Highveld.
Design, discretion, and the art of fine living.
Room 32’s interiors mirror the culinary ethos: minimalist elegance with a sense of place. Warm lighting,
tactile materials, and curated South African art create a space that feels both intimate and expansive; a
room designed for reflection, connection, and indulgence.
The restaurant is open to both hotel guests and local patrons, offering a rarefied space to reset and
reconnect. It’s a place where culinary storytelling meets architectural legacy, and where every detail,
from the wine list to the plating, is considered.
Curated hospitality by Debi van Flymen
Overseeing the beverage and service experience is Debi van Flymen, Director of Food & Beverage at
Park Hyatt Johannesburg. A globally respected figure in the hospitality industry, Debi brings a wealth
of international expertise, from curating award-winning wine programs in France to founding luxury
wine consultancies in South Africa.
Her vision for Room 32 is one of intentional indulgence: a beverage programme that celebrates South
Africa’s finest wines, craft spirits, and sophisticated non-alcoholic pairings. From a seven-course
degustation to the signature High Tea experience and the weekend brunches, Debi ensures that every
guest encounter is both personal and unforgettable.
A new chapter for Johannesburg’s luxury scene
The launch of Room 32 is more than a restaurant opening, it’s a strategic investment in Johannesburg’s
cultural and economic evolution. As South Africa’s luxury tourism sector begins to gain global
attention, Park Hyatt is positioning itself at the forefront, offering a world-class experience that’s as
meaningful as it is memorable.
Bookings and reservations for Room 32 can be made via http://www.dineplan.com.
This is not just about luxury. It’s about legacy – one plate, one memory, one guest at a time.
More about Park Hyatt Johannesburg
Park Hyatt Johannesburg, launched in July 2025, is a luxurious 31-key hotel located in the vibrant
Rosebank district of Johannesburg. This intimate hotel offers an unparalleled blend of modern comforts
and timeless sophistication, inspired by Johannesburg’s rich cultural heritage. The hotel features two signature dining venues, including Room 32, with its farm-to-table menu, and The Cigar Lounge, offering premium cigars and crafted cocktails.
Guests can also enjoy wellness offerings, including bespoke treatments and a fitness centre, along with
an outdoor pool.
Park Hyatt Johannesburg is designed to cater to the needs of discerning business and leisure travellers
and is part of the Millat Group’s prestigious portfolio, which includes the Hyatt Regency Cape Town
and Hyatt House hotels in Sandton and Rosebank.
For more information, visit http://www.hyatt.com
Mzansi Life & Style by Mishkah Roman-Cassiem 