If you’ve driven on the N1 past the Garsfontein off-ramp you might have noticed the lights and glistening pool of Summit Grill & Skybar. And if the quirky pink flamingo and swans in the pool doesn’t make you want to stop by for a drink, we don’t know what will…
Being lured in by the tantalising image ourselves, we of course had to swing by for a cocktail (or two) and can definitely recommend that you do the same.
Summit Grill & Skybar (Menlyn) first opened its doors in the capital city in September 2017. Yes, shame on you if you’ve never been there before.
The aim? “Pretoria is a very diverse market and Summit caters to a diversely cultural market,” owner Stelio Tsihlas explains his decision to open up the restaurant. He wanted to create an upmarket cocktail lounge reminiscent of the ambiance, feel and beauty of a fine dining restaurant and Summit Grill & Skybar is designed to be the ideal spot for any occasion with a seven day a week breakfast, lunch and dinner trade.
The fusion inspired menu is complemented by expertly crafted cocktails, an acclaimed wine list and genuine, warm hospitality. It’s the perfect spot for any occasion.
So where does the name come from? “Being in the industry for so long I wanted to reach new heights with my own brand, hence the name Summit,” Stelio explains.
The décor is classy and sophisticated and the blue lit bar begs for a large order of fancy cocktails. “We wanted to go for something minimal but yet elegant at the same time and the swimming pool is one of our main features as a brand.
No one has pushed the envelope with décor quite as much as we have, from our glass pool to our wave behind the bar and our floating staircase,” Stelio adds.
But let’s not forget that Summit is not only a fabulous place for drinks, it’s also a restaurant with the best steak in town. So while you are there make sure to give some of their signature dishes a try. “
“We have a few signature steaks, and our Avo Brie Fillet, Chilli Chocolate Fillet, our Bacon Wrapped Chicken Breast and of course our Sushi is the best in town! We also offer breakfast, light meals, speciality dishes, lamb shank, oxtail, ribs, platters and set menus,” Stelio says. Don’t mind if we do.
And since Summit is Stelio’s baby, we had to ask. Any signature dishes he fancies? “Definitely the coconut coriander chicken,” he says.
Speaking about drinks, Summit Grill & Skybar’s menu boasts a wide variety of wines and about 90 percent of their wines are also offered per glass.
There is also a good variety of cocktails to choose from, with their popular signature gin cocktails like the Elderflower, Mandarin and Basil to name a few, being firm favourites. Cocktails are accompanied by fresh herbs and fruits. We definitely recommend tasting their signature cocktails such as the Summit Sky, Amerena Jar, Summit Sunrise and Julep cup mojitos.
Still need convincing to swing by?
Did we mention that their menu boast everything from breakfast to dinner. “People have to visit us because they are in for a thrilling ride. They can start off with a breakfast or light lunch even an early dinner before moving upstairs to our pool deck to watch the sunset while sipping on cocktails and listening to our talented DJs,” Stelio says.
During the course of the year a variety of DJs are spinning the decks every Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening and Sunday late afternoons until late. The cocktail specials which runs every Saturday afternoon between 1pm and 5pm is also worth noting. Winter and Summer Sessions, which are mainly hosted once a month, adds to the vibe and Summit even recently hosted renowned international DJ, Josh Butler, as well as other local artists.
If you are in the Pretoria area and have no plans for New Year’s Eve, the Summit Grill & Skybar’s New Year’s Eve bash is the place to be. So make a note.
Looking for a venue to host your year-end function, birthday or special event? Look no further than Summit Grill & Skybar (Menlyn). The restaurant can seat 420 people easily and can accommodate over a thousand people standing. To book or find out more visit their website www.summitgrill.co.za or send an email to [email protected] or [email protected]. So the next time you drive by on the highway and see the lights and pool make sure to stop for a drink or a bite to eat. A reservation is recommended on Fridays and Saturdays but everyone is welcome.
Trading hours is Monday to Friday between 7am and 2am, Saturdays between 8am and 2am, and Sundays between 10am and 12am. Details: www.summitgrill.co.za
