George’s Grill House elevates the meat culture at Hyde Park Corner
In 2020 George’s Grill House opened their first store serving superior aged meat and modern cuisine with Greek elements all prepared in their signature open kitchen at The Neighbourhood Square. This is the story of how George Kutra started this iconic restaurant where prime cuts are grilled to perfection. The name on the wall represents who he is, from the staff and the food to the ambiance and interiors.
Where it all began
George’s passion for the restaurant business took hold when he went into partnership with a friend in 1996 and they opened their first restaurant. Soon afterwards his lifelong commitment to good food and customer service grew more intense as each decade passed. Now, each one of the three George’s Grill House locations has its own bespoke feel specific to its location, where staff are hand-picked and professionally trained. The ambiance at George’s is everything you could wish for in a modern-day steakhouse with an added flair of variety that energises the atmosphere for a truly unique dining experience.
What’s on the menu
At George’s they age their own meat to ensure their customers are served only the highest quality cuts which must all get the prime cut approval – George personally selects each perfectly matured cut of meat. From the cutting board to your table, every portion will be handled with absolute love and care. Premium wet-aged meat cuts are sourced from Chalmar Beef while George’s dry-aged meat cuts are sourced from Angus Beef. Once delivered, the restaurant’s own in-house butchery continues the ageing process, personally overseen by the specialised butcher at George’s Grill House, Costa Athanasias. It’s always wise to take the lead from someone in the know when ordering, and if you ask George what his favourite item on the menu is, he will quickly tell you it is a wet-aged 600g sliced T-bone steak, pepper encrusted and served with mushroom and truffle sauce. The pepper-crusted ribeye comes highly recommend too, but you really can’t go wrong with anything on the menu.
Pescatarians aren’t forgotten here either. A wide selection of seafood and pastas echoing Greek flavours can also be found on the menu. These delicate dishes are given just as much careful attention as their beefier counterparts. There is no skimping on flavour or detail at George’s, so no matter what your preference, you are sure to leave the table totally satisfied.
The menu at George’s also features a delectable selection of meze and Mediterranean-inspired side dishes ideal for eating tapas-style so you are not limited to just one dish. The tempting meze board features grilled haloumi, fried calamari, Angus boerewors, dolmades, Kalamata olives, Aegean salad, hummus and crispy pita. Paired with a bottle of George’s fine wine or a classic cocktail, this feast will surely hit the spot. Be sure to save room for George’s signature chocolate mousse made using his wife’s recipe and served in the unique George’s Grill House way. Rumour has it that there is also a Greek yogurt cheesecake which is definitely worth the extra workout the next day.
Why Hyde Park Corner?
In 1996 George opened his first restaurant in Hyde Park Corner, where he gained exceptional experience and became accustomed to the centre’s unique clientele. So, when an opportunity arose to return to the place which holds significant sentimental value, he grabbed it with both hands and returned to the place where his journey as a restauranteur began.
What lies ahead…
George’s Grill House is not just about exceptional dining experiences. The strategy and vision are to maintain the high quality which has become the hallmark of George’s Grill House and expand their footprint in A-grade sites where the business will thrive. In George’s own words: “In doing so we will give back to the community by offering an opportunity to teach and develop people with a passion for the restaurant game. By following this philosophy of passion, hard work and consistency, George’s Grill House creates opportunities for staff to better themselves as the restaurant continues to reinvent itself.”
The Fun Stuff… with George
Can’t live without item?
My wife … and my cell phone
Pet hate?
Poor or average performance
What might (someone) be surprised to know about you?
That I am actually a nice guy
Books or movies?
Movies
My happy place is…
Is my homeland, Greece
Top of my bucket list is…
To enjoy my happy place
Call 010 065 1618 to make a reservation at George’s Grill House or visit store Shop MM51, in the Middle Mall (closest entrance via parking level 4) at Hyde Park Corner on the corner of William Nicol Drive and Jan Smuts Avenue in Hyde Park, Johannesburg.
Hyde Park Corner Operating Hours:
Monday to Saturday: 9am – 6pm
Sundays and Public Holidays: 10am – 3pm
George’s Grill House Operating Hours:
Monday – Tuesday: 8am – 9pm
Wednesday – Saturday: 8am – 9.30pm
Sunday & Public Holidays: 8am – 8.30pm