Butcher Block

670 reviews

Cnr Hospital Road &, Old Main Rd, Hillcrest, 3610, South Africa

www.butcherblock.co.za

+27317658820

About

Butcher Block is a Restaurant located at Cnr Hospital Road &, Old Main Rd, Hillcrest, 3610, South Africa. It has received 670 reviews with an average rating of 4.2 stars.

Photos

Hours

Monday12-10PM
Tuesday8AM-10PM
Wednesday8AM-8PM
ThursdayClosed
Friday12-10PM
Saturday12-10PM
Sunday12-10PM

F.A.Q

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The address of Butcher Block: Cnr Hospital Road &, Old Main Rd, Hillcrest, 3610, South Africa

  • Butcher Block has 4.2 stars from 670 reviews

  • Restaurant

  • "Great waitress"

    "A dismal experience"

    "Service has been present and friendly but not memorable, the Carpacio starter watery and bland unfortunately despite impressive plating"

    "The restaurant looks amazing and our waiter was doing her job well"

    "Very disappointed with my husband's meal his starter was bland he requested BBQ sauce and it was served with melted butter as the sauce and his main was sent back twice, the 3rd time we asked them to just take hubbys food away then asked for a doggy bag took my food and left"

Reviews

  • Taryn Jade Ponnigadu

Great waitress. Our dinner started off well. We had the beef carpaccio to share and it was super delicious. Tender and buttery. Then we both ordered steak, medium rare. The steak came rare. We mentioned to the waitress as an FYI. She apologised and asked if she could take it back to re-cook. We declined and were fully prepared to eat it as is, however, the manager (Mala I think) overheard and came over to check what was wrong. We showed her the underdone steak confirming we only just mentioned it as an FYI, "this is not a medium rare but rather rare and we are happy to still eat it" . Her initial response was to blame the waitress for taking our order down incorrectly as "the chef always receives compliments". She went to check the slip and noted it did say medium rare and insisted she had to take the steak back to the kitchen to double check with the chef. She came back saying the chef confirmed it was medium rare. I was surprised by this feedback and referred to the pic I had taken of the steak (attached), her response was simply "she's not a chef and doesn't know" as if to say that we, as customers don't know what we are ordering as we not chefs. I literally had to Google a steak comparison chart to show her the difference between rare and medium rare. It was only at this point that she conceded perhaps the steak wasn't done correctly. Since my steak was already taken away (at her request), I agreed to a new steak which was cooked better. She also sent over complimentary ice cream with bar one sauce, I guess as an apology. Our overall experience was OK but this manager rubbed us up the wrong way so we left with mixed feelings.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
R 300–350

  • Derrin Govender

A dismal experience. Where to start...first things first - Only one tap in the bathroom was working. -The hand soap was diluted with tap water. -The hand dryer was not working and there were no paper towels. I had to wipe my hands on my clothes. The service... -After the first round of drinks the only other time the waiter returned was to take food orders and bring out our food. - when the food eventually arrived, we had to request utensils. The food... - All the food arrived cold - 5 Steaks were ordered, none of them were cooked to specification. They were off by a long way. The cuts and sides were different so it couldn't have been a case of placing the wrong steaks on the the wrong plate. Medium rare was medium well. Medium Well was medium rare. - The Kingklip was overcooked. It also did not taste fresh. It was so dry we had to request additional basting. -Some of portions of sides were meager. - The additional side sauces (extra item) portion was tiny. It was also doused with salt. The manager informed me that the service on the night was poor and that the restaurant was short staffed due to Covid. I would have liked to have been informed prior to being seated that the service and food were going to be effected. Overall a very unpleasant experience and I don't see myself returning to this particular establishment any time soon.

  • Brendan Day

Service has been present and friendly but not memorable, the Carpacio starter watery and bland unfortunately despite impressive plating. The Prime Rib although a seemingly good cut and meat temp correct to order has not had any fat scored or rendered and this takes away somewhat. Leaving atleast half the dish inedible. All that remains in the last pic as you can see is pure unrendered white fat and bone. The manager seated at his pc only yards away has not yet made an appearance at this time, after mains are finished, despite me having ordered the largest steak on their menu, a drink and a starter and having been here for over an hr. (Only 3 other tables seated) this indifference has not allowed me to raise any of these concerns with him and instead am forced to politely thank the waitress for my mediocre meal and be on my way. I think now I will skip the dessert I was planning on treating myself to and go somewhere else instead. Some birthday treat this turned out to be Very sad

  • Jacques van jaarsveld

The restaurant looks amazing and our waiter was doing her job well. We ordered the tomahawk steak medium rare and the rib and prawns combo. Steak arrived and look amazing until I cut into it. The steak was blue and Incredibly tough. I sent it back and asked for medium rare. It came back rare which is fine for me if not for the fact that it was like sawing through a cobra. The meat was incredibly tough and as any steak lover knows Ribeye is one of the most tender cuts of meat. The rib was quite good albeit a bit sinewy, the prawns were spectacularly over cooked. We had a good time over all but a restaurant lives and dies by its food. Over all will have to give it another try but reading the other reviews it will probably turn out simmiliar.
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
R 500+

  • Chantel Nelson

Very disappointed with my husband's meal his starter was bland he requested BBQ sauce and it was served with melted butter as the sauce and his main was sent back twice, the 3rd time we asked them to just take hubbys food away then asked for a doggy bag took my food and left. My calamari starter was amazing and my food. Anniversary dinner was ruined I ended up taking hubby through the fast food drive through for his meal. So my review is sadly disappointed as my meal was amazing but the enjoyment was totally lost with my husband's starter and main.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
R 350–400
Food: 1
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 3
Recommended dishes
Calamari

  • Mike Dollmann

Celebrating long standing friendships. Port Natal Administration Board reunion lunch - Wednesday 30 November 2022 at Butcher Block Hillcrest. We would like to take this opportunity to congratulate and thank Mala, Nosipho and Melusi and the rest of the staff for exceptional service over and above what normally might be expected and for the awesome customer experience, especially having to serve a party of 30. As in the past 3 reunion lunch occasions, the staff were friendly, courteous and very attentive with a lovely sense of humour which really made for a pleasant afternoon , The food was delicious and cooked to perfection as per each person’s requirements. Overall, a wonderful afternoon experienced by all.

  • Cheryl Naidoo

I booked our year end lunch at Butcher Block Hillcrest. I was very happy that the manager, Mala allowed me to bring my own decorations to decorate our seating area according to our theme. She was polite, courteous and very attentive. Our waiter was also very good to us. The food was delicious and so was the dessert. Although two of the ladies did not like the fried Orio dessert. I however loved the apple crumble with vanilla ice cream. The vibe was festive and the mood was happy. The toilets were very clean. We were also allowed to take photos in the restaurant. I would definitely go back. Great atmosphere. The parking was just outside and there was a car guard.

  • ANDREW MCLAUCHLIN

My wife and I booked our 15th wedding anniversary dinner at this establishment in Hillcrest. While the food and service was great, towards the end of our dinner at approximately 8:15pm we both were getting the feeling that we were no longer welcome. By 8.30 we were almost dismissed from the restaurant with the lights being turned off above our heads. This is not really the behavior one would expect in a rather expensive steak restaurant I would rather have been told to push off, not a memorable experience.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 2

  • samantha swanepoel

We had a lovely time there, definitief would go back there again. Food was amazingly good! Presentation was great. I loved my cocktails, the barman definitief knows what he is doing. Only criticism i would have is that i wish there was a bit more pasta options and pizza options. Other than that it was great. Definitief coming back to try the steak.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
R 200–250
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Parking space
Plenty of parking
Parking options
Free parking lot

  • Shushie Somiah

Place is absolutely clean, food was terrific and staff and waiters were extremely friendly and on top of their game, however I visited butcher block in umhlanga and it was quiet the opposite place us bland and presentation was terrible. For an upmarket area was pretty disappointing .
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
R 150–200
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Kid-friendliness
Management and waiters are extremely friendly and presentations really good

  • Jessica Dench

Very disappointed. Service was verrrrry slow. Food took over 45 min and when it did come out was luke warm. Chips were terrible. My hubby has never left chips on his plate before. I really regret coming here today. I should have ordered a steak but felt like their fish and prawns. Really unpleasant meal. Pointed it out to manager when paying and she simply said oh no I will talk to the chef won’t be back. And it’s a pity as they used to be good esp for their specials.

  • Carlos Da Cruz

The food is average, but I was super impressed with our waiter. Great character with a great sense of humor. Some parts of the restaurant are starting to look run down. The manager did not even bother to check on her tables during my visit. It is not my first visit to this establishment. Same story different colour. Always average.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
R 100–150
Food: 3
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 3

  • Busisiwe Ramabodu

Prime spot, beautiful restaurant, the ribs were delicious. Service was excellent. The only place one can get beef ribs in Hillcrest, for us non-pork eaters. Had my ribs served with hot veggies - very tasty. The cheese cake was delicious . It's served with ice-cream. My cocktail (mojito) was not nice though, it was too sour. Otherwise would have given a 5 star✨
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
R 200–250

  • Louise Brooks

Did unfortunately not meet my expectations. Meat was tender but almost had a metal/iron taste to it. Can't explain it. Perhaps the grill needs checking out. Cheese sauce was not a proper cheese sauce. Found it extremely bland. Would not come back again. The price u pay shld be worth the food u get given. My snail starter had obviously been sitting under the salamander for too long as Roquefort sauce ruined and snails were chewy. I've had better for less.

  • Zamikhaya Madlanga

Booked a table on ladies night and I simply had to gate crash, my friends birthday was well spent in a cabin eccentric environment that literally took me into a movie scene. Tender and delicious meals that were had, the discount for the ladies still applied even though I was present as a young man. Thank you to the understanding manager. Great job on making us feel welcome even when we were the last to leave. Great place to be.

  • Melisha P

One of the most disproportionate dining experiences ever, an exorbitant bill without any of the justification. Food came cold, steaks weren't cooked how they were supposed to be made. Waiter doesn't check on table and arrives ones only to take order and deliver food Fish was old and over cooked. We were told that someone from management would call to rectify this matter and nobody called. Do not waste your money or time here.

  • Ayah Majozi

There was no water but they allowed us in, served us food and drinks knowing that they would not allow us to use the toilets, even when we asked to use the toilet for feminine staff but the manger did not allow us. They should have told us on arrival that there is no water for 7s to decide whether we want to stay or not. Very disappointed.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
R 400–450

  • Jerishka Reddy

The worse butcher block experience ever!! The main course came out cold. I ordered a wild mushroom and prawn sirloin. The prawns on top was brown as if it was old and had a terrible taste. The steak was absolutely chewy and not cooked to perfection. The manager on duty never came around checking on tables and the service was poor. I ended up getting food poisoning. Would not recommend this restaurant to anyone.

  • Preston Moodley

My Wife and I enjoyed a delicious breakfast this morning which was also excellent value. The only thing more exceptional was the service we received from our waiter Malusi. He was polite, welcoming, attentive and quite simply the benchmark. Well done and keep it up.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
R 200–250
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

  • Akhona Mtshatsha

A place like home! The food and service never disappoints. It was our first experience in the Private Room - perfect for families and intimate gatherings. Thank you for consistently meeting our expectations!!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Parking space
Plenty of parking
Parking options
Free parking lot

  • The Travelling Gnome (Wendel & Gnome)

Little mix up with our meals but otherwise our waitress was very pleasant and helpful. Just seemed a bit nervous. 2 of us had the chicken burger with bacon and pepper dew, 1 had the same but beef. The food was VERY good. We just found it pricey - in fact more expensive than the luxury restaurant down the road.
Food: 5
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 5

  • Bruce Lowe

Great steak, with good service. I had the fillet which was very tender and perfectly cooked. Others ordered the shank, calamari and ribs which were all good as well, but I'd recommend their steaks. The green peppercorn sauce was hotter than I expected and not to my taste, even though I usual like peppercorn sauces. The stirfry veg on the side was a bit average.

  • Liam Sinclair Massey

Fantastic service from our waiter, Given. Excellent steaks all round with delicious sides and sauce accompaniments. Desserts were delightful, the deep fried oreos were a new experience and fabulous as well as the Mississippi Mud pie which was chocolaty to the last morsel. The prices are excellent and the meat cuts are fabulous and comprehensive. Enjoy!

  • Julia Ballantyne

Unfortunately, our experience was not good. The Butcher Block in Umhlanga and the Butcher Block in Hillcrest are polar opposites. Such a beautiful restaurant but the staff really need some training. For a steak house, my husbands steak was just pure fat. So disappointing.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
R 250–300

  • Jamie Cahi

Such amazing food, couldn't fault anything about the meal and the service is great. Your meals are served by smiling, friendly waiters and the meat is so tender that you could eat it with a spoon. I was thoroughly impressed and would definitely go back any chance i get. Although this restaurant is quite pricy, I would recommend it wholeheartedly

  • Ora Hendriks

Food is amazing but service is shocking. Waited 20mins for a bottle of wine, waitress kept disappearing. Ordered another bottle of wine from the manager and he literally dumped it in the bucket and stomped off. I wouldn't go.back but the food really is great. Make sure you go with really good people so you don't notice the service so much.

  • Myrna Wilkinson

Always serving cold food. Visited about a month ago was served cold food. Again on Tuesday despite me telling the waitress please do not serve cold food. I will not be going to Butcher Block anytime soon
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
R 500+
Food: 2
Service: 3
Atmosphere: 3

  • Brendon Funnell

Happened to have an amazing experience there while stopping in for lunch. The waitor and the general staff were very knowledgeable and friendly, and always happy to assist and answer questions. The food was also amazing, starters and mains were impeccable from taste to presentation and turnaround times from ordering to being served.

  • Carne Curgenven

We enjoyed the ambience and the staff were friendly and responsive but unfortunately the beef ribs were probably the worst I’ve had; they were tough and yielded very little meat. My wife’s pork ribs were only marginally better but not comparable with some other local offerings. Stick with the steaks, apparently these are very good.

  • Sindi Sibanyoni

They hosted 12 of us for a friend's 40th birthday celebration. Our host and the rest of the staff went over and above to make the evening a success. The food was absolutely delicious. Drinks were flowing throughout the night. I highly recommend and look forward to visiting this place again soon …

  • Stephen Siepman

Service was shocking. Rockford sauce was actually a white sauce, the waiter said the sauce was made by a junior chef and didn't put enough cheese in it.
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
R 500+
Food: 5
Service: 1
Atmosphere: 1
Recommended dishes
Fillet Steak and Chips

  • Lutho Ziki

Beautiful restaurant with friendly staff and efficient service.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Rib Wings, Shisa Nyama Plata
Parking space
Plenty of parking
Parking options
Free parking lot

  • Nompumelelo Mkhize

Good food. Slow service, the manager compensated by keeping on coming to apologize for for the delays. Waiter was not friendly, food was brought but no condiments, nor wet wipes despite the fact that the meal required wet wiping The waiter became nice after processing payment and seeing the tip

  • N England

Einstein was tough and not up to standard. Steak was tasty but very thin? Wine options limited and corkage crazy price R65 a bottle. Won't go back there ps waiter was good but chef obviously not so much
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
R 250–300

  • Marilyn Theunissen

Dined with friends & all of us had awful meals. Waiter was so slack from drinks to food. Burgers had to go back as items mentioned on the menu had been left off. All of us had cold chips. Had to keep calling waiter to take our drinks order. WILL NEVER go back & support them.

  • Nicky Fitchet

Ordered Mr D delivery. The menu items are highly priced and the quality of food is dismal. Steak was like chewing gum, chips tasted a day old and the chicken breasts had no taste whatsoever. Paid for garlic roll, wasn't even packed. Would NOT recommend

  • J Lloyd

Sadly wasn't what we were expecting, the place is nice but the food took extremely long on essentially a quite night and after asking for medium well I ended up with medium rare, sent it back and it was still bleeding in places when it came

  • Johan Willemse

we try and order fillet steak last Sunday, not available, wine on list not available , nog goog Quality steak and bare munimum on plate… not good value for money
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
R 500+

  • Lynn Grassow

Why are the lady waiters made to wear such short dresses this is not appropriate for the weather in Hillcrest. As a lady this concerns me. Are they catering for purely for male clientele I have to wonder. I don't blame the waitresses they

  • Robyn Palmer

Shocking experience. The place looks lovely but the experience was dreadful. Cant hear yourself speak in there (bad acoustics). The starters were great - took a while but tasted great. We waited for almost an hour for our mains after the

  • Johan van der merwe

I would like the owner of this restaurant to tell me if it is his policy to allow so called "regulars" (4 gentlemen) to sit at the bar in the restaurant for 5 hours, having such a loud shouting conversation that you can barely have a

  • Fei Evans

Palo and Mlungisi were outstanding. Food was so delicious. The special that is currently running is so affordable. Thank you guys for making my hubby's birthday a memorable one and going the extra mile. We will definitely be back.

  • Dale Wesson

Very disappointing...lunch time ...2 tables and we waited 30 mins for our starters. Main course came cold and aweful cuts of meat. Sides were cold as well.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch

  • Nosipho Phewa

the waitress are so nice and polite but I won't say the food but your burgers were horrible too crispy and the onion it like was cooked long time ago aiy hau I was so disappointed …

  • Wayne Burrows

Great place to go for a steak. The steaks are always cooked perfectly. The manager and staff are extremely welcoming and friendly. Highly recommend going here if you enjoy a good steak.

  • Pat Griessel

The staff were welcoming & enthusiastic to make our dining a pleasurable time. Our food was amazing - melt in the mouth experiences - from the starter, to the salad, to the main meal.

  • Angela Kenney

Just ordered 2 breakfasts for delivery. Oh my goodness! Best breakfast we have had in years. Absolutely delicious & great value for money. This is our 'go to' restaurant from now on.

  • Keith Dent

We went there Sunday night for dinner, The restaurant was very clean and the Staff curtious and efficient. The food (Surf and Turf, Apple tart) was delicious. Well recommend …

  • Leon Elijah

Excellent Breakfast Special R60 incl Coffee. 2 x Eggs, 3 x Bacon, 3 x sausages, Mushrooms, Chips, Baked Beans & grilled Cherry tomatoes plus 2 x slices toast. Highly recommend.

  • Shirley Long

Had dinner last night, steak was great came with vegs. A special at the moment for R139 with a glass of wine. Would recommend the restaurant as food and service is good .

  • Munyaradzi Ncube

Loved their R85 breakfast!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
R 50–100
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

  • Paula Davies

Awesome food. Great service.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
R 200–250
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 4

  • charmaine n ndokweni

Lovely food no matter you order. Great service from all their staff from bar tender, to waiter to manager. A great spot for fine dining. Classy but affordable

  • Matthew Sargent

Excellent food. Outstanding service. Restaurant was virtually empty which was odd. I'll definitely be back. Highly recommend trying this place out.

  • Sizamokuhle Nkomonde

Great ambience and really good meal. Place is spacious and well decorated, good service. Dessert needs work though, the baked items are chewy.

  • Markus Smit

Great Tomahawk steak, awesome cocktails Really enjoyed it!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
R 400–450

  • Jason Pastellides

A little pricey but still good food although would have been nice to get a side order or veg with the steak plus the chips...

  • Dave Ferguson

Unfortunately not my cup of tea. Tiled floor. Nicely spaced tables but get that cold feeling. Decided not yo stay for lunch

  • reynhardt van rooyen

Good food. Waiter well trained. Manager also very friendly and professional. Well done keep the 5 stars Reynhardt …

  • Carol Made

Their breakfast is deliciousabsolutely love it
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
R 50–100

  • Neville Watson

Always a scrumptious meal to be had here, a carnivores paradise
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

  • Juliet Naidoo

The restaurant is beautiful, the staff are friendly and welcoming. The food is prepared expertly and tastes amazing.

  • James Naidoo

Great food and service. Very pleasant setting and decor. Steaks are highly recommend, so are their fish and prawns.

  • Graham Mid

One of the best breakfasts. Great food and excellent service
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

  • tisha nameekumar

Had an awesome time there for supper last Sunday ! Such amazing Service & Delicious Food !

  • Dennis Wesley

Great tasting Bfast ! Great value !
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 4

  • Paula Blackler

We had a party of 21 people. Had great service and great food.
Food: 5…
More

  • Nonkululeko Mtimkulu

Girls Night in Tuesdays was amazing loved the service and the love music was grate

  • Ntombi Shangase

The food is delicious and portions are generous. Great experience overall.

  • PHILISIWE ZULU

The service was to the T ...the food was so delicious... …

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