The sixties is the design theme at the Radisson Blu’s signature restaurant, which sits on the 13th floor of the gleaming tower in the middle of Sandton. Red vinyl booths line one wall, while funky red plastic light fixtures hover over the buffet table like shredded spaceships. The far-out theme is tempered somewhat by the presence of warm hardwood floors and framed food photos adorning the walls.

Vivace is not a fancy nor well-known place, but as far as hotel restaurants go, you can’t get much better than this. The a la carte menu features starters such as venison carpaccio, twice-baked phyllo, and Asian duck salad, while mains include seafood marinara, grilled salmon with beetroot puree, and grilled black tiger prawns. If you’re not that hungry (or on a budget), the snack menu offers small bites (chicken wings, shrimp rissoles) and burgers. There’s also an impressive selection of wines, beers, and liquors.

If you’re the indecisive type, go for the buffet option, which I chose during my stay. It turned out to be a wise decision, as I don’t think I’ve ever had a hotel buffet food that was so good. The beef with mushroom jus, baked chicken, and goat cheese and rocket salad were tender, juicy and fresh, respectively. There was also a selection of delectable desserts, and a halal option for observant Muslims.

The breakfast was similarly good, offering an array of hot and cold items and made-to-order omelets, plus freshly-baked pastries, juices, fresh fruit and gourmet coffees.

From almost any seat you can see out the windows, which offer a 180-degree view over Sandton. The service is efficient, and the prices not cheap — but I think it is worth it.