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Carlin House

5 51 reviews Little Blue House, 17 Russel St, Western Extension, Benoni, 1501, South Africa

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Located in the heart of Benoni, Carlin House is a culinary gem that has quickly captivated the local scene. Boasting a unique blend of warmth and creativity, the restaurant offers a variety of experiences, from intimate weddings to engaging pasta-making classes. The rave reviews from customers highlight the exceptional service provided by Cheryl and her dedicated team, who seem to put their heart and soul into every event.

Patrons like Ronda Volker describe their experiences as “superb,” particularly praising the hands-on pasta-making sessions where families bond over delicious homemade dishes. Meanwhile, Paige Picot found Carlin House to be the perfect backdrop for her wedding, applauding its décor and quality cuisine. Brian Cuthbertson underscores the restaurant's versatility, offering special themed events that transform ordinary occasions into memorable feasts.

The atmosphere is cheerful, with smiling faces welcoming guests as if they were family. Dishes like homemade pasta and ice cream have received universal acclaim for their outstanding flavors and presentation. Carlin House is not just about food; it’s about creating an unforgettable experience that celebrates the joy of dining together. If you're seeking a delightful culinary adventure or a charming venue for your next event, Carlin House might just be the place you’ve been looking for.

Photos

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Amenities & More

Service options

  • Outdoor seating
  • Dine-in
  • Delivery

Highlights

  • Great coffee
  • Great dessert

Popular for

  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Solo dining

Dining options

  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Dessert
  • Seating
  • Table service

Amenities

  • Restroom

Atmosphere

  • Casual
  • Cozy
  • Trendy

Crowd

  • Groups
Note: Amenity details are aggregated from verified visits, the venue's website and Google. They may change without notice. We recommend confirming key details (pet policy, accessibility, reservations) directly with Carlin House before visiting.

Reviews for Carlin House

5
51 reviews
5
100%
4
4%
3
0%
2
0%
1
0%

Review highlights

Based on 51 reviews

Carlin House is widely praised for its unique and intimate dining experiences, blending high-quality cuisine with a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Reviews highlight the restaurant’s versatility, offering everything from cooking classes and special events to private functions and themed evenings like quiz nights. Customers frequently commend the attentive, personable service and beautifully presented food, particularly the homemade pasta and innovative dishes. The venue’s charming and thoughtfully decorated space enhances the overall experience, making it ideal for celebrations and gatherings. While the restaurant operates on a selective schedule, this approach adds to its exclusivity and appeal, consistently leaving guests impressed and eager to return.

Ronda Volker
Oct 18, 2025

I celebrated my birthday with my family and booked a pasta making course @ Carlin House. The experience was S U P E R B, Cheryl and the Carlin House Team were outstanding in every way, we had the most amazing time being taught how to make our pasta and sauces and then the highlight sitting down to enjoy the food, STUNNING STUNNING STUNNING, i cannot thank Cheryl enough for making my birthday so special and i highly recommend this experience, thank you Cheryl, John and Amber @ Carlin House

Paige Picot
Sep 18, 2025

We booked Carlin House for our small intimate wedding and it was the best venue ever. Beautifully decorated, excellent food and warm and helpful service. Cheryl will make sure your event is everything you wish it to be. Thank you Carlin House for an unforgettable wedding!

Brian Cuthbertson
Aug 24, 2025

Carlin House ...dining experience....what can one say about this little gem....Carlin House is not always open as Cheryl Darby chooses to offer something different....from high teas.... Murder Dinners...Special Occasions....to private functions...and Cookery classes....this out of the ordinary venue provides high calibre food and a relaxed atmosphere in which to enjoy culinary delights ...on special occasions like Christmas ..Mother's day...Father's day.... Bosses' Day....Secretary's day.... or even Valentine's Day...Cheryl creates menus to delight the palate at affordable pricing....there usually are welcome drinks...a hand washing on arrival done so elegantly and beautifully ....palate cleansers...and a meal to satisfy .....if you are wanting to celebrate a special occasion or do not want the burden of cooking on your own special day...give Cheryl Darby a call....she is imaginative ...creative and will provide a dining experience to remember. The ordinary gets a twist to make it extraordinary....support local....support a venue which will make your soul delight....for here soul food is served ...Cheryl will try to accommodate your requirements to the best of her ability. Congratulations Cheryl and team!

Emma Lewarne
Aug 13, 2025

Wow! What an amazing evening. We were greeted warmly by the owners as if we were old friends. The snacks on offer were demolished within minutes and the homemade pasta and homemade ice cream were absolutely delicious and a hit with the whole table. Very well priced, we will definitely be back.

Heather Collin
Jul 25, 2025

I went to Carlin House quiz evening, not knowing what to expect and I was blown away. Their popularity was so evident! They were fully booked and the place was buzzing with excitement at the prospect of hopefully being part of the winning team. The food, service and atmosphere was brilliant as was the quiz itself. Turns out I knew more than I thought I did and The Zens (the team I was part of) definitely did way too much laughing. Thank you for an excellent evening, I will be back Heather

Nicholas Wright
Jul 22, 2025

We recently went to Carlin House and had a Murder Mystery Dinner for a birthday. It was truly an amazing night. Beautiful venue. All the food was homemade and tasted incredible. The hosts were great, from the planning to the end of the event. Would definitely recommend Carlin House to anyone looking to host an event.

Baroque Art (Tanya)
Jul 15, 2025

What a wonderful time we had last night. Went for the first time to the monthly quiz night and will definitely be going regularly from now on. Welcome drink, starter and main course all included, the food was absolutely top notch - homemade chicken liver pate and hummus was devine and the lasagne the best I've ever had. The venue is stunning, the service excellent and the quiz was very well put together. Can't wait for next one. Thank you for an awesome evening.

natisha kalan
Jul 07, 2025

Had our yoga branch there. The breakfast was delicious n the scones is to die for n the cheese cake was so good.

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Quick info

Address
Little Blue House, 17 Russel St, Western Extension, Benoni, 1501, South Africa
Category
Restaurants

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