As of November 2024, South Africa does not have any restaurants that have been awarded Michelin stars. The Michelin Guide, renowned for its prestigious restaurant ratings, has not yet extended its coverage to the African continent, including South Africa. Consequently, no South African establishments have been evaluated or recognized by this particular guide.
However, South Africa boasts a vibrant and dynamic culinary scene, with numerous restaurants that have garnered international acclaim and would likely be strong contenders for Michelin recognition if the guide were to assess the region. Several South African chefs have achieved Michelin star status while working in restaurants abroad, highlighting the country’s culinary talent on the global stage.
South African Chefs with Michelin Stars Abroad
While no South African restaurants hold Michelin stars, several South African-born chefs have earned this prestigious accolade in international establishments:
- Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen: In 2016, Jan Hendrik became the first South African chef to be awarded a Michelin star for his restaurant, JAN, located in Nice, France. His culinary approach blends South African heritage with French techniques, creating a unique dining experience that has been celebrated internationally.
- Jean Delport: In 2019, Jean Delport received a Michelin star for Restaurant Interlude in Horsham, United Kingdom. His innovative use of local British ingredients, combined with his South African culinary background, has earned him this esteemed recognition.
- Conor Toomey: Originally from South Africa, Conor Toomey was awarded a Michelin star while serving as the head chef at The Latymer in Surrey, UK. His creative and refined dishes have been praised for their exceptional quality.
- Thinus van der Westhuizen: In 2022, Thinus van der Westhuizen became the fourth South African chef to receive a Michelin star for his work at 99 Sushi Bar in Abu Dhabi. His culinary expertise and dedication to excellence have been recognized on an international platform.
- Hylton Espey: In 2023, Hylton Espey joined the ranks of South African chefs with Michelin stars for his restaurant, Culture, in Falmouth, Cornwall, UK. His nature-inspired, modern cuisine has garnered critical acclaim and a Michelin star within less than a year of the restaurant’s opening.
Notable Fine Dining Restaurants in South Africa
Despite the absence of Michelin stars, South Africa is home to numerous fine dining establishments that have received international recognition and are celebrated for their exceptional cuisine, innovative menus, and outstanding service. Here are some of the most notable:
- The Test Kitchen (Cape Town): Founded by chef Luke Dale-Roberts, The Test Kitchen has been a trailblazer in South Africa’s fine dining scene. Known for its innovative tasting menus and creative use of local ingredients, it has been ranked among the world’s best restaurants.
- La Colombe (Cape Town): Situated on the Silvermist Wine Estate, La Colombe offers a refined dining experience with a focus on contemporary French-Asian fusion cuisine. The restaurant has consistently been listed among the top dining establishments globally.
- Wolfgat (Paternoster): This intimate, seaside restaurant gained international acclaim when it was named Restaurant of the Year at the inaugural World Restaurant Awards in 2019. Chef Kobus van der Merwe’s menu emphasizes foraged ingredients and traditional West Coast flavors.
- Fyn (Cape Town): Fyn offers a unique dining experience that blends South African ingredients with Japanese culinary techniques. The restaurant’s minimalist design and open kitchen create an immersive atmosphere for diners.
- Restaurant Mosaic at The Orient (Pretoria): Led by chef Chantel Dartnall, Restaurant Mosaic is renowned for its botanical-inspired dishes and extensive wine cellar. It has received numerous accolades for its innovative cuisine and elegant presentation.
- La Petite Colombe (Franschhoek): As the sister restaurant to La Colombe, La Petite Colombe offers a similarly exquisite dining experience, with a focus on seasonal ingredients and contemporary presentation.
- The Pot Luck Club (Cape Town): Also established by Luke Dale-Roberts, The Pot Luck Club is known for its tapas-style menu that encourages sharing and exploration of diverse flavors. The restaurant offers panoramic views of the city, enhancing the dining experience.
- Greenhouse at The Cellars-Hohenort (Cape Town): This restaurant offers a tasting menu that showcases South African flavors with a modern twist. The elegant setting and meticulously crafted dishes make it a standout in the local dining scene.
- The Shortmarket Club (Cape Town): Known for its sophisticated ambiance and contemporary menu, The Shortmarket Club offers a range of dishes that highlight local ingredients with international influences.
- Camphors at Vergelegen (Somerset West): Set on the historic Vergelegen Wine Estate, Camphors offers a fine dining experience that emphasizes seasonal and locally sourced ingredients, complemented by the estate’s award-winning wines.
The Potential for Michelin Recognition in South Africa
The absence of Michelin-starred restaurants in South Africa is primarily due to the Michelin Guide’s current geographical coverage, which does not include the African continent. However, the country’s rich culinary heritage, diverse flavors, and innovative chefs suggest that South Africa could be a strong candidate for future Michelin star restaurants.
