A Culinary Masterpiece

Discover the art of fine dining at Leo’s at the Castle at Hotel Heinitzburg

Stepping into Leo’s at the Castle at the Hotel Heinitzburg is like entering a realm where culinary artistry and exceptional service converge. This fine-dining establishment offers a world-class experience that leaves a lasting impression, and it never disappoints.

Before you enter the restaurant, you pass by the terrace – a welcoming space where guests gather to unwind and take in the panoramic views. Some stop to savour one of the daily homemade cakes, enjoying a moment of sweetness against the backdrop of sweeping, 180-degree vistas. Others linger with a glass of bubbly or a perfectly crafted cocktail, indulging in the spectacular sunsets that paint the sky. For many, dining on the terrace is an experience in itself, with the views being a big drawcard of this exceptional establishment.

As you leave the terrace behind and step into Leo’s at the Castle, the atmosphere shifts – but only in a way that enhances the sense of elegance. From the moment you arrive, you are enveloped in a space where sophistication reigns. The decor, carefully curated and thoughtful in its details, sets the stage for an unforgettable evening. A personal favourite is the Van Gogh Almond Blossom wallpaper, a recent addition, which adds a beautiful touch to the space.

Every detail, from the carefully arranged table settings to the attentive yet unobtrusive service, reflects a commitment to excellence. The philosophy here celebrates “haute école de cuisine”, ensuring meticulous preparation, elaborate presentation, the highest quality ingredients and the classic general manager ensures that every element of your visit is nothing short of perfection.

The menu at Leo’s is a testament to creativity and innovation – a true celebration of the senses. Overseeing the direction of the menu is chef Tibor Raith, whose passion for crafting extraordinary dishes began at the age of 14. Trained in some of the finest five-star establishments in Germany and Austria, chef Tibor brings a wealth of experience to the restaurant, ensuring each dish reflects his high standards of quality and creativity. While not in the kitchen daily, chef Tibor plays an integral role in guiding the team, overseeing the menu, and ensuring that every dish meets the restaurant’s exacting standards. His guidance is supported by an experienced team of kitchen professionals, all trained under his watch, including house chef Michael Kandume, a valued member of the team for over a decade. Each dish is thoughtfully crafted, resulting in a symphony of flavours that surprise and delight with every bite.

We sampled seven of Leo’s at the Castle’s signature dishes, beginning with exquisite starters that perfectly balanced bold flavours with delicate nuances. The chef’s ability to combine unexpected ingredients created delightful contrasts. The combination of mushroom, Swakopmund asparagus and pumpkin was a standout. The honey and sherry-marinated quail breast came to life on the palate, while the ocean prawn and octopus starter was a pure taste sensation. The pairing of fresh Atlantic octopus, tiger prawns and citrus flavours of grapefruit and orange curry will leave you in awe. This dish is served with a side of prawn mousse, which is a delicacy in its own right.

As we moved on to the main course, the presentation was nothing short of artistry. Each plate was a visual feast. Chef Tibor’s signature dish – springbok loin served atop cacao risotto with broccoli, cherries and a port wine and thyme glaze – was a harmonious blend of flavours that showcased both skill and imagination.

I would be remiss if I did not mention the beetroot risotto, a vegetarian dish that sees beetroot served in croissant form alongside blueberries, oranges, goat cheese and curry-orange foam. It was as outstanding as it was unexpected. The dish not only tantalised the taste buds but also offered a unique textural experience, inviting us to savour every bite.

Another exceptional dish, and a firm favourite among my dining companions, was the salmon, completed with a dill-vermouth sauce and served with edamame beans and sautéed baby corn. I also appreciated that the dishes are built around a love for Namibia, marrying unique specialities with international fine-dining trends, such as the Skeleton Coast secrets or the Oryx carpaccio.

Just when we thought we could not eat another morsel, dessert was served – and suddenly, our appetites returned. A visual display that was even more delicious than it was beautiful, the “Summer Sensation” dessert is a symphony of lemon parfait, honey cream and lemon curd, enhanced with additions like citrus-rosemary crumble and honey caviar.

To complement the meal, the wine pairing was expertly curated, featuring selections from the castle’s impressive wine cellar – the largest collection of carefully selected South African vintages in Namibia. The calibre of some of their wines are unmatched anywhere else in the country, making the pairing an exquisite enhancement to the entire dining experience.

The personal touch at Leo’s is evident, thanks to the collaborative approach of the Raith family. Mrs Beate Raith shares that all decisions are made in partnership with her three sons. With two of her sons – Tibor and Maximillian –being skilled chefs, exceptional cuisine is a natural outcome. Meanwhile, the youngest son, Leopold, who chose a path in medicine, lent his endorsement to the establishment through the name Leo’s at the Castle. This family-run business, alongside general manager, Tiaan Jooste, ensures that every element of your visit is nothing short of perfection.

Leo’s at the Castle is more than just a dining experience; it is a celebration of culinary excellence that deserves every accolade it receives. The restaurant is committed to sourcing the finest ingredients, prioritising locally grown produce where possible, while also ensuring the highest quality from trusted suppliers. This dedication to quality is evident in every bite, where the careful selection of ingredients enhances the flavours and elevates the dining experience.

In a world where fine dining can sometimes feel formulaic, Leo’s at the Castle stands out as a beacon of creativity, quality and exceptional service. For anyone seeking an extraordinary meal that transcends the ordinary, this restaurant is an absolute must-visit.

- Kirsty Watermeyer

Hotel Heinitzburg

The brightest Jewel in the Land of Gems

To book at Leo's at the Castle at Hotel Heinitzburg, call +264 61 249 597 or email heinitzburg@heinitzburg.com