Best Restaurants in South Africa boasts a vibrant culinary scene with numerous restaurants acclaimed for their exceptional cuisine and dining experiences. Here are some of the top establishments:
1
epice
Best Restaurants in South Africa
Part of the La Colombe Group, Epice was crowned the best restaurant in Africa at the 2024 World Culinary Awards.
2
La Colombe
French
3
Le Quartier Francais Hotel Franschhoek
Hotel
This establishment has been recognized as one of the top dining destinations in Africa and the Middle East.
4
Dusk
Best Restaurants in South Africa
A fine dining restaurant in Stellenbosch, Dusk is known for its exceptional culinary offerings.
5
Salsify at the Roundhouse
Molecular Gastronomy
A Cape Town restaurant celebrated for its fine dining experience.
6
La Petite Colombe
French
An acclaimed restaurant in Franschhoek offering exquisite cuisine.
7
Ouzeri
Greek
A notable dining spot in Cape Town known for its culinary excellence.
8
Ëlgr
Best Restaurants in South Africa
A Cape Town restaurant recognized for its unique dining experience.
9
Hemelhuijs
Closed until Tue 9:00 AM
Café
A popular dining destination in Cape Town offering a delightful culinary experience.
Given your location in Phalaborwa, Limpopo, you might consider visiting the Cattle Baron Skukuza Grill & Bistro in the nearby Kruger National Park. It’s one of the few restaurants in the park offering a diverse menu in a unique setting.
Please note that the culinary landscape is dynamic, with new establishments emerging regularly. For the most current recommendations, it’s advisable to consult recent reviews and local guides.
The Very Best South African Cuisine: Top Restaurants to Explore
South African cuisine reflects a melting pot of cultures and flavors, with dishes such as boerewors, biltong, melktert, bobotie, and bunny chow showcasing the country’s rich culinary heritage. From Cape Town to Johannesburg, Durban to the Midlands, the diverse and vibrant food scene is an adventure in itself. Here’s a guide to some of the best restaurants that capture the essence of South Africa’s culinary artistry.
Cape Town: Culinary Excellence in the Mother City
Fyn
Ranked among the world’s top 50 restaurants, Fyn combines the finest South African ingredients with Japanese culinary techniques. Chef Peter Tempelhoff creates dishes that are both delicate and bold, offering a unique fusion of flavors such as ginger, plum, and soy.
La Colombe
Nestled in the Constantia wine region, La Colombe offers a refined fusion of French and Asian cuisine. With dishes like Karoo lamb paired with indigenous spices, this restaurant exemplifies innovation and elegance in every bite.
West Coast: Wolfgat in Paternoster
Wolfgat, a small, intimate restaurant in Paternoster, offers a truly unique dining experience. Chef Kobus van der Merwe crafts a seven-course menu using sustainably sourced, foraged, and local ingredients like bokkom, ocean plants, and free-range springbok. Set within a historical building, Wolfgat is both a culinary and cultural treasure.
Johannesburg: Art Meets Cuisine at Artistry
Artistry in Johannesburg brings together food, wine, and the arts in a three-level venue. Enjoy rooftop dining with city views, a theater experience, or a lounge bar. Signature dishes include flambeed Portuguese pork sausage, grilled lamb chops with mint salsa, and decadent chocolate mousse.
Durban: Meat Lovers’ Haven at Butcher Boys
Florida Road’s Butcher Boys has been a carnivore’s delight for over 20 years. Known for its premium cuts of wet-aged fillets and spare ribs, the restaurant also serves seafood options like prawns and calamari. Their in-house butchery ensures the freshest meat for every dish.
Pretoria: Seasonal Sustainability at Fermier
Fermier emphasizes sustainability with a garden-to-table philosophy. Chef Adriaan Maree’s eight-course tasting menu features seasonal highlights such as crayfish, pork neck with celeriac, and beef fillet with truffle.
KwaZulu-Natal: Hartford House and Tumble Downs
Hartford House (Mooi River)
Nestled in the Midlands, Hartford House is known for its luxurious tasting menus created by Chef Keegan Lock. Guests savor farm-fresh ingredients and wine pairings in a setting steeped in elegance.
Tumble Downs (Howick)
Set in a charming countryside venue, Tumble Downs offers an inventive menu featuring dishes like spiced duck with Malaysian spices and lamb in phyllo baskets. A perfect spot for family dining or romantic evenings.
Port Elizabeth: Coachman on the Bay
With a legacy spanning nearly 50 years, Coachman on the Bay is a staple in Port Elizabeth. Its Greek-inspired menu includes vegetarian black mushrooms, seafood pasta, and tender steaks, all served in a warm, inviting atmosphere.
Bloemfontein: The Terrace at Oliewenhuis
Located in the lush gardens of the Oliewenhuis Art Gallery, The Terrace is perfect for a relaxing meal. Highlights include Mediterranean salads, grilled calamari, and a family-friendly African Carousel dish.
Explore South Africa’s Culinary Diversity
Each of these restaurants offers a unique window into South Africa’s rich and varied food culture. Whether you’re seeking bold spices, fresh farm-to-table ingredients, or innovative fusion dishes, there’s something here for every palate.
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