Truffles on the Park has grown to become a beloved culinary destination, an award-winning restaurant and landmark within Sandton’s only public green space — Mushroom Farm Park. Since launching in 2019, Truffles has served as a culinary haven for families, professionals, and tourists alike, all while playing a meaningful role in the stewardship and upliftment of the park itself.
What began as a visionary partnership between the city and private investors has flourished into a model for how public spaces can be elevated through thoughtful investment, consistent stewardship, and a commitment to local upliftment.
Built on Vision. Sustained by Commitment.
The story began with a lease between the Johannesburg Property Company (JPC) and Aerial Display (the Hyundai Balloon operators since liquidated). When that project changed course, new private hospitality investors stepped in, guided by the original spirit of the agreement — to activate and uplift the public park. With full transparency and consistent engagement with JPC and a commitment to the original lease’s intent, the restaurant was built, opened, and has been trading successfully ever since — paying rent to the city, investing in the park, providing 24/7 public security, and creating over 45 permanent jobs.
During the COVID-19 lockdowns, the Truffles team maintained its commitment to the park and its people — paying staff, security, and rentals, despite great challenges.
Upliftment, Engagement, and Forward Motion
From the beginning, Truffles has embraced its role in the broader park ecosystem. We've actively engaged with City Parks, JPC, and surrounding stakeholders, proposing initiatives to reinvest in the park’s infrastructure, maintain the gardens, and co-host public events that bring families together.
In December 2020, JPC recognized the unique situation — and the value of this investment — and committed to working with Truffles to align the lease terms with the current reality. While a formal deviation of the lease remains pending, we are encouraged by past engagements and hopeful that continued dialogue will yield a long-term solution in the best interest of the public.
We remain fully committed to the park, our role as stewards of the space, and to finding the right path forward — one that supports public interest, local enterprise, and shared civic pride.
Creating Shared Value: Truffles’ Contribution to the Park
In addition to maintaining the restaurant and surrounding grounds, Truffles has made significant recent investments into the park, offered as a donation to the city and its residents:
1 - Electronic Access Control Gate
2 - Giant Outdoor Chess Board: A custom-built outdoor chess set has been installed adjacent to the playground, creating an interactive, multigenerational feature for park visitors. The king is 65cm tall!
3 - Mega Playground Plan: In partnership with JCPZ, Truffles has co-developed a plan to transform the aging play area. This includes the removal of damaged equipment and the installation of a brand-new fenced-in mega playground, swing park, and long slides — all designed to invigorate the space and inspire play for children of all ages. And access for all. Installation scheduled for mid-August 2025
4 - Old Balloon Area Secured: In addition, through help of concerned citizens and the support of the city, Truffles has been able to secure the previously unutilized balloon launch area, unlocking new space for community use and public enjoyment.
5 - New Safe Well-Lit Ablution Facilities with family toilets and mobility access close to the playground area - coming soon
6 - Small Snack, Ice-Cream And Coffee Kiosk: A small public kiosk to serve families and park walkers adjacent to the playground - coming soon
These initiatives will be fully funded by the restaurant with support of JCPZ and intended as a gift to the people of Johannesburg — enhancing the quality of the park and reinforcing its role as a family-friendly destination
Let’s Keep Mushroom Farm Park Thriving — Together
We believe this park can be a model for how public-private partnerships serve our communities: responsibly, transparently, and with heart.
To our loyal patrons, community members, and city partners: thank you for your ongoing support. We believe in the power of transparent partnerships to create lasting impact, and ahead of the G20 we look forward to building the next chapter of this iconic landmark together.