The Hussar Grill Quick-Look: Expect R250–R500 per person for a full meal and drink. The must-try item is the 300g Wet-Aged Fillet or Game Steak (R255–R342). For budget diners, grab The Hussar Burger (R155–R186) or the Tuesday Date Night Special (R499–R599 per couple). Portions are massive and every main includes a free side, but book ahead because peak dinner slots fill fast.
Eating out in Mzansi right now is a minefield. Between shrinking portion sizes, skyrocketing ZAR inflation, and restaurants charging fine-dining prices for meat that tastes like it was cooked over a hairdryer, finding a steakhouse that delivers proper bang for your hard-earned Buck is tough.
When you crave a thick, succulent piece of beef, you don’t want a watered-down tourist trap. You want old-school South African hospitality, dark wood paneling, generous pours, and a kitchen that treats wet-aging like a sacred art. That is precisely why The Hussar Grill has held a special place in local hearts since 1964. But with updated prices across their countrywide branches, does this 60-year-old classic still hold the crown? We hit the floor, paid our own bill, tracked current menu prices, and tasted everything from springbok carpaccio to flame-kissed ribeye.
The Real Cost of Mzansi’s Favorite Cuts
Every main grill at The Hussar Grill comes with a complimentary side—a rare perk in an era where most upscale joints charge you R55+ just for a handful of chips.
| Menu Item / Dish | Average ZAR Price | Portion Size | Flavor & Spice Level | Value-For-Money Rating |
| Classics: Rump or Sirloin | R189 – R227 | 200g / 300g / 500g | Rich, smoky basting; Mild | 5/5 (Top SA Value) |
| Wet-Aged Fillet | R255 – R306 | 200g / 300g | Melt-in-mouth tender; Mild | 4.8/5 |
| Game Steak (Springbok/Kudu) | R249 – R280 | 250g cut | Lean, earthy, herb-infused; Mild | 4.5/5 (Tourist Favorite) |
| Hollandse Biefstuk | R295 – R354 | 200g / 300g Fillet | Pepper, flambéed Brandy; Medium | 4.7/5 (Flavor Bomb) |
| 600g T-Bone on the Bone | R375 – R450 | Massive (Sharing/Solo) | Deep bone-marrow savory; Mild | 4.6/5 |
| Slow-Roasted Lamb Shank | R360 – R432 | 1 Big Shank + Mash | Rich red wine jus, tender; Mild | 4.9/5 (Comfort Food) |
| The Hussar Burger | R155 – R186 | 200g Ground Beef | Flame-broiled perfection; Mild | 5/5 (Best Budget Chow) |
| Cured Springbok Carpaccio | R136 | Starter portion | Savory, tart balsamic, parmesan | 4.4/5 |
| Traditional Malva Pudding | R76 – R91 | Single Dessert | Sweet, buttery caramel sponge | 5/5 (Tastes Like Home) |
Flavor Breakdown: Hit vs. Miss Real-Talk
What Hits the Spot (The Good Stuff)
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The Basting & Aging: Their beef is wet-aged for a minimum of 28 days, producing a tenderness you can cut with a butter knife. The signature dark basting sauce strikes the ideal balance—sweet, savory, and caramelized without overpowering the natural flavor of the meat.
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Complimentary Sides: You aren’t squeezed for extra cash. Whether you choose their legendary cinnamon-infused butternut and creamed spinach, thin-cut slap-style fries, or roasted garlic baby potatoes, your side comes included.
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BYO Wine Policy (Zero Corkage): Unheard of in top-tier dining! You can bring your own vintage bottle of Cape red without paying a single Cent in corkage fees.
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Complimentary Warmers: Walking in and being handed a complimentary cup of warm, savory beef bouillon (and a bowl of sweet-and-sour biltong chips or roasted olives) sets an incredible old-school standard right out of the gate.
What Could Be Better (The Pitfalls)
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Sauce Surcharge: While sides are free, specialty steak sauces like Madagascan Peppercorn, Béarnaise, or Blue Cheese cost an extra R46–R55.
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Seafood is Secondary: The fried calamari strips and grilled salmon are decent, but if you’re looking for a pure ocean feast, joints like Ocean Basket or local harbour spots offer better seafood variety for your Rand. Stick to the meat here.
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Weekend Crowds: Service can slow down slightly during peak Friday and Saturday night slots across busy branches like Kloof Street (CPT), Sandton, Durbanville, or Waterfall.
Insider Savings & Secret Combo Deals
Pro-Tip for Date Night: Never go on a Tuesday without booking the official Hussar Grill Date Night Deal. You get a 2-course meal for R499 per couple or a 3-course meal for R599 per couple, which includes a free bottle of Hussar Grill Premium Red Blend or HER Sauvignon Blanc. That’s easily one of the best value-for-money restaurant specials anywhere in South Africa! Keep an eye out for their seasonal Winter 2-Course Special (R349pp) running between June and August.
Real-World SA Dining Experience
Delivery Performance (Uber Eats / Bolt Food)
Can you order a prime fillet to your couch? Yes, via Uber Eats and Bolt Food across major SA metro hubs. However, steaks continue to cook inside steam-trapped cardboard containers during transport. If you like your meat Medium-Rare, order it Rare on the app so it arrives cooked to perfection. The chips stay surprisingly crisp if you pop them under an air fryer for 60 seconds, but the real Hussar atmosphere—the leather seats, mahogany walls, and sizzling cast-iron plates—can’t be packaged in a delivery bag.
Load-Shedding & Grid Readiness
South Africans know the dread of a sudden blackout ruining dinner plans. Fortunately, virtually every Hussar Grill franchise nationwide operates with backup generators or invertor setups. The gas grills stay fired up, the wine stays chilled, and the ambient dim lighting only gets cozier when the neighborhood grid drops out.
Vibe & Service
The atmosphere feels like an exclusive, gentlemen’s club from a bygone era, yet it remains completely welcoming to families, couples, and tourist groups alike. Waitstaff (your “Service Ambassadors”) know their wine pairings and cut origins inside out, guiding you toward options that fit your palate and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Hussar Grill Halal-certified?
The Hussar Grill is not Halal-certified, as they serve pork dishes (like their popular pork ribs and pork belly) and operate a full alcohol bar. However, select branches source meat from certified Halal suppliers—always confirm directly with your specific location regarding kitchen preparation practices.
Does The Hussar Grill really charge zero corkage fee?
Yes! You can bring your own wine to any branch in South Africa without paying a corkage fee. They do offer an award-winning in-house wine list if you prefer to order at the table, but the zero-corkage policy remains a massive perk for wine lovers.
Are takeaway prices different from dine-in prices?
Base prices for steaks and mains on delivery apps like Uber Eats are slightly higher (typically 10%–15% extra) to cover third-party platform commissions. Dine-in prices remain the most cost-effective way to enjoy their full menu and complimentary side options.
Which Side Dish Do You Pair With Your Steak?
Are you team Creamed Spinach & Cinnamon-Infused Butternut, or do you strictly stick to classic golden Slap Chips? Where is your absolute favorite Hussar Grill branch in Mzansi? Drop your thoughts and favorite cut recommendations in the comments below!
Disclaimer: Menu items, specials, and prices fluctuate based on location and seasonal supply chains. Figures quoted in ZAR (R) reflect real-world tracking and independent local reviews at the time of publication.
Joseph Mathebula is a consumer analyst and market researcher at Prices in South Africa. He specializes in tracking local service costs, retail pricing, and travel budgets, helping everyday shoppers navigate the market to secure the best value.
