A new cinematic dining experience lands in Joburg

JOHANNESBURG – Imagine a food experience created to mimic the suspense, glitz, and uncertainties of an espionage thriller.

That is what SecretEATS aims to create with Secret Cinema, a brand-new movie experience that will debut in Johannesburg on Saturday, May 17, 2025.

The award-winning underground dining collective is laying the groundwork for a whole new type of "night out".

Created to mimic the suspense, glitz, and uncertainties of an espionage thriller. Picture: Supplied

Known for their signature dining and intimate dining experiences across the country, the company is now adding a visual aspect to the offering through cinema.

Speaking to Eyewitness News, Events Director Darren Meltz of the SecretEATS South Africa said that they wanted to create something that was never done before.

"SecretEATS is most definitely not your usual restaurant dining experience. We like to call it a ‘culinary leap of faith’ as guests put their full trust in us to create a unique and exciting culinary experience at a different venue with a different chef and wine farm each time," said Meltz.

It also won't remain a secret for long, like any good secret. Picture: Supplied

The dining experience will take place at a private cinema in Joburg, with the décor being themed around the chosen film of the night "to make guests feel that they are really part of the world on the silver screen".

According to Meltz, they have partnered with one of the biggest film distributors in the country for exclusive pre-release screenings of some of the most anticipated movie films of the year.

Imagine a quest to enter a story and leave behind the mundane. Picture: Supplied

The cost for Secret Cinema is currently R800pp (the first one is sold out) and the Signature Dinners are priced at R1,900pp for a 4-course fine dining experience with boutique wine pairings, canapés and welcome drinks.