South Africa’s Top Culinary Gem

Key Takeaways

• The SALT Road in Houghton has been awarded South Africa’s best culinary experience for 2025 by Our-Venue.com.
• The restaurant is based on the idea of salt, combined with ancient techniques of fermentation and preservation.
• The chefs, Craig Cormack and Beau Du Toit, have a combined passion for salt and its history, which is reflected in their menu and restaurant design.
• The restaurant has been designed to deliver coastal charm and the Cape Vineyard experience, within the 102nd Avenue Boutique Hotel.
• The menu is seasonal and changes every few months, with items including salt-baked fish, aged beef, sautéed Gnocchi, smoked lamb burgers, and angus fillet.

Introduction to the SALT Road
The SALT Road in Houghton has been awarded a prestigious award for its culinary experience, and it’s not hard to see why. The restaurant is based on a simple, yet ancient idea – salt. Combined with techniques of fermentation and preservation, the chefs at the SALT Road have created a unique and delicious menu that showcases the versatility of salt. The restaurant is the brainchild of chef duo Craig Cormack and Beau Du Toit, who also own SALT and the Goose Roasters. With a combined passion for salt and its history, the chefs have created a truly special dining experience.

The Concept and Inspiration
The concept of the SALT Road was born out of a passion for salt and its history. Craig Cormack, with 40 years of experience, first conceived of the idea in 2009, when he began pairing food, wine, and salt at food and wine shows. After reading Mark Kurlansky’s book ‘Salt: A World History’, Cormack became obsessed with the idea of developing a menu around the simple spice. The book included small, historical recipes, which sparked Cormack’s interest in ancient cooking techniques. By looking at the ancient cooking techniques from the last 2000 years, the concept of the SALT Road was born. The owners of the restaurant explain that salt has a rich history, dating back to 6000 BCE in Romania and China, where it was used as a survival technique to preserve food.

The Chefs and Their Philosophies
The chefs at the SALT Road, Craig Cormack and Beau Du Toit, have differing approaches to cooking, but salt united their philosophies. Du Toit started his culinary journey working at a Michelin-starred Thai restaurant, where he learned about the role of climate, geography, and culture in food preservation. He began to focus on fermentation, salting, and curing techniques that helped Thai food adapt to economic limitations. Despite their differing approaches, the chefs share a passion for salt and its history. Du Toit said that the salt focus is about looking to the past for timeless techniques, rather than following trends. "It’s not just about sustainability – it’s about understanding our impact and leaving a legacy for future generations," he said.

The Restaurant and Its Design
The SALT Road is not only a journey through the history of salt, but also a piece of the Cape Winelands in the heart of Johannesburg. The restaurant has been designed to deliver coastal charm and the Cape Vineyard experience, within the 102nd Avenue Boutique Hotel. The owners began their journey with nothing more than curiosity, a few good knives, and a shared belief that flavor tells stories. "Over the years, we’ve burnt, learned, rebuilt and laughed our way through it all," the owners said. "Through every shift, one thing stayed constant: Salt. Our third partner, the silent one that never left the table." The restaurant reopened to the public in July 2025, having made an impressive name for itself in its first few months of existence.

The Menu and Seasonal Changes
The menu at the SALT Road is seasonal and changes every few months. The chefs use salt as a key ingredient in many of their dishes, including salt-baked fish, aged beef, sautéed Gnocchi, smoked lamb burgers, and angus fillet. The menu is designed to showcase the versatility of salt and its ability to enhance flavors. The chefs are passionate about using high-quality ingredients and techniques to create a unique and delicious dining experience. With its award-winning culinary experience and unique menu, the SALT Road is a must-visit for anyone looking to try something new and exciting. Whether you’re a foodie or just looking for a special dining experience, the SALT Road is sure to impress.